Belkin QODE Ultimate Keyboard Case for iPad Air (Black)

I purchased the Logitech Utrathin Keyboard Case first. Frankly, that device was terrific until the latch broke, which turns out to be a common complaint. I replaced it with the same model Logitech. It too broke in the same location. After some consideration, and research, I bought this Belkin device. It has been working as advertised.A comparison between the two.1. Logitech broke twice. Belkin has not.2. Surprisingly, the Belkin feels less bulky. Not sure, but I thought the Belkin was heavier. If so, it doesn't feel that way because of the very trim design. Aluminum shell feels very nice. The shell has a blue tint to it. I suppose pure black aluminum is difficult to manufacture.3. Magnets worked very well on both the Logitech and the Belkin. I had the first generation of the Belkin QODE for my iPad 4. That device had a single magnet in the middle of the bezel. It was not strong enough and twisted loose easily. It was my chief complaint with the previous Belkin QODE model. Belkin solved this problem with the new iPad Air version. The Belkin has two magnets, one on each corner, and a few more angles to view than the Logitech, which is a nice feature. They both resist twisting.4. Key layout is subjective. I prefer the Belkin layout because I use the tab key a lot. Logitech requires a shift for the tab key. Colon and semicolon placement on the Belkin is a little odd. Because of the small size of these devices, one must make some compromises when laying out the keyboard. For keyboard enthusiasts, I am told the Zagg is very nice, though it cannot be used in portrait mode easily, and is a fair bit heavier. The key size on the Belkin is smaller than the Logitech. Both felt very nice to my fingers.5. Belkin appears to disconnect a bit more frequently, and is a slight bit less reliable in reconnecting exhibiting problems about 1 in 10 attempts versus about 1 in 20 attempts with the Logitech. Sometimes it takes a second for the onscreen keyboard to disappear. Logitech has an advantage here, though slight.So, if Logitech fixes the cracking hinge epidemic, they are very much on par with each other. Just a matter of preference. Keyboard layout and aesthetics would be the deciding factor. Until then, buy the Belkin and don't frustrate yourself with the Logitech, whose latch design, in my opinion, is faulty. I read an internet rumor that Logitech is already working on a solution and it will resemble the Belkin. If true, it makes my recommendation all the more sensible.

I purchased this keyboard case as a replacement to a Folio case that was starting to have problems recognizing key strokes. I purchased this particular item because, unlike the Folio, the keyboard could be put behind the ipad when I was consuming content rather than producing it. Generally it works the way that it should.Pros:1. The keys have a nice tactile feel to them when pressed. Similar to that of an Imac wireless keyboard. They produce a nice click when pressed unlike other keyboard cases that I have used in the past.2. The aluminum house is quite nice. It gives the case a solid feel without being too heavy.3. The price is pretty good compared to alternatives. Considering the alternatives that I have used have been made of hard plastic and/or some sort of plasticy sued like material, I would consider the aluminum case a plus.4. Connectivity was extremely simply. If you can look at pictures and have just a basic knowledge of your ipad you will have no problem connecting this to your Ipad.5. The three level magnets are very strong and will hold your ipad in the location where you put it.Cons:1. Fit and were ok but not great. The hole for the forward facing camera is off by about 2 mm which means that you get a nice black part of your camera when you are using the rear facing camera for face time. Since very few people take photos with their Ipads (i mean it is just weird looking), this should now affect you too much for general picture taking.2. The three position screen is a bit gimmicky. While I certainly like the flexibility I am not sure that you would use any bot the one that put the screen at the greatest angle.3. While the keyboard can be folded behind the screen, it is connected to the aluminum body by some sort of man made material that is very flimsy. I would think that connecting the keyboard to the screen with some sort of 360 degree hinge would work better or if there was a magnet on the back of the keyboard that held it in place when it wasn't in use. It isn't bad, but it is a bit awkward. I can imagine if I gave my ipad to my 2 year old on an airplane that this would present a problem.All in all, this was exactly what I was looking for. A relatively cheap keyboard for my ipad that can be tucked away when watching movies. While not perfect, it does what I need it to do and the price is just about right.

I got this keyboard folio for my iPad Air purely for work purposes, i also travel frequently and use it mainly for emails, google drive, numbers (excel), and key note (PowerPoint) on the move. After a considerable amount of research, and in store visits I decided to go with the BlackBelkin folio for the following reasons:-Very solid built (aluminum alloy) - iPad is protected well-Fine finish and design (leather feels and looks great + matt finishing is very similar to the iPad finishing)-Battery life is fantastic (I can go up to weeks without charging)-iPad fits perfectly, and is covered very well (unlike the Logitech FabricSkin Keyboard Folio)-Intelligent battery consumption (keyboard turns off when not used)-Keyboard folds very nice when not needed, or for browsing-3 viewing angles is avery useful-Typing is very easy, feels natural and isn’t very noisy (compared to other keyboards)-Good shortcut functions (home screen, copy, paste, cut, voice, etc…)-Fast response time (no lag)-Very good space between keys for comfortable typing (minimal errors)What could have been done better:-Make it a bit lighter-Add back lit keys-Separate the special function buttons (although you get used to it after a week or so)-Add one more viewing angle (when laying down in bed!)-Don’t merge keys (colon and semi colon)Overall, from a design, functionality and built perspective this folio is by far the best in market.