dodocool [MFi Certified] Smart Keyboard for 10.5-inch iPad Pro with Smart Connector Slim Shell Protective Case Backlit Keys Shortcuts Auto Sleep/Wake, Built-in Holder for Apple Pencil

TL;DREverything works as you would expect, it’s not going to blow you away, but if you’re looking for a budget keyboard case that registers every keystroke, has backlighting and comes close to mimicking a laptop form factor, this is a good choice. The fact that it costs a fraction of the competition is what makes it easy to recommend.While I ordinarily would have gone for the Apple offering I was trying to be more budget conscious with this new iPad. In a device, I was looking for a keyboard case that covers the device entirely, Apple pencil slot, a smart connector and ideally a backlit/tactile keyboard. In a perfect world this would be a clamshell design like the Brydge (but cheaper) that turns the iPad into a convertible MacBook that completely folds like a Yoga laptop, but until such a product exists, this Dodocool keyboard case is the best execution I have seen yet. More importantly for a dedicated accessory that will likely not be compatible with future iPads, this comes in at a great price.The FolioWhile I am not ordinarily a fan of the "folio" design for device cases, it's a logical execution for what is needed in this design without adding the complications of a hinge. The material that surrounds it reminds me of a textbook wrapper mixed with basketball skin, plastic "micro-bumps" that add just enough texture to make it easier to grip and still look professional. Of course, to work with the smart connector the bottom of the iPad needs to be exposed. To address this, the top of the iPad slides into plastic edges to secure the corners while the bottom rests in the slot making contact with the smart connectors, resting at realistically about a 60-degree angle, which feels fine typing on a desk/table as well as in bed. This setup works for its intended purpose but is a bit unruly when converting it to and from it’s “stowed” state. This “stowed” state which secures the iPad while not in keyboard mode, works via a hard plastic tab that you must snap the iPad into to secure it. This all works fine once you get the hang of it, but because the plastic edges do not secure it during this transition, you will likely be sliding the case or your iPad during the transition to make sure it’s remaining flush with the top edges. I do not have a better idea of how this could work for this design, but just a note that the edges of your iPad will be sliding and making frequent snapping of hard plastic while using this case. While in the stowed state the Pencil Slot acts as a catch for the back of the case allowing you to fold the keyboard underneath so that the whole back of the case sits flush (keys exposed) which is a nice attention to detail that allows the iPad function significantly better in this form as a tablet than if nothing was there to stop the keyboard letting it slide around in your hands. In this mode about an inch and a quarter of fabric is exposed on the left side of the iPad while in portrait mode that acts as a grip-able bezel which comes off as a smart design element given the reduced side bezels of the 10.5 in iPad. While I’d still just slip the iPad out of the case for long reading sessions, due to the overall added weight, it works in a pinch.The Pencil SlotThe Apple Pencil slot is effective, it has enough resistance that I trust the Pencil won't fall out. The obvious con is that it protrudes from the back and is not removable if you don't need it. I usually have a pen grip on my pencil that I obviously can’t use with this slot, shy of a simple loop, most pencil holders wouldn’t be able to accommodate such a setup and I appreciate that this one protects the pencil tip in the hard plastic sheath.The KeyboardThe keyboard is typeable without too much of a learning curve for being an undersized keyboard. The keys are all noticeably smaller, but I still hit them all without fail the majority of the time with the more problematic edge keys like backspace and L-Ctrl. It performs better than some Griffin and Logitech keyboards I've had, but doesn't quite hit the mark of Microsoft and Apple keyboards as far as feel. The resistance and travel feel like a mid-tier Windows laptop, akin to a several-year-old Dell with a bit more spring. Usable, no fuss, but nothing spectacular.Double tapping the home button to bring up apps and functions is significantly easier than double tapping the home button on the iPad itself. The remaining function keys, (search, brightness, keyboard brightness, virtual keyboard, RW, Play/Pause, FF, Volume, Lock) all function flawlessly and make sense.The keyboard backlighting has three levels and looks great, it illuminates better and more evenly than my Surface Book 2. On the lowest light setting it seems to dim a bit in sleep mode and the turn off completely, but in the brightest mode will stay illuminated even when you walk away from the machine.I was initially worried about the bump at the bottom edge of the keyboard and whether or not resting my palm on a surface at a lower elevation than the keyboard would be an issue, but I don’t really notice it while I’m typing.It's a bit odd that the brightness keys are switched (left is brighter/right is dimmer) where the rest have the traditional (left is lower/right is higher) layout, probably wouldn’t have noticed it if I wasn’t scrutinizing.ProtectionI have an iCarez [Anti-Glare] Matte Screen Protector for Apple 10.5-inch iPad Pro (2017) Premium Easy Install with Lifetime Replacement Warranty Pack of 2 on my iPad so I am less worried about scratching, but the tiny rubber nibs on the corners that protect the iPad from resting on the keys may be a bit shallow if you’re more reckless with your iPad. Rugged is not a word I would use to describe the level of protection you’ll get from this case. There is no magnet or latch that keeps the iPad and keyboard portion from staying together. I still baby the iPad when I’m carrying it around, but feel fine putting it snugly in my messenger bag. The edges of the case jut out around a quarter inch on all sides, making the iPad and keyboard feel protected like the pages of a hard-bound book. I wouldn’t recommend dropping it, but if you did and it hit the edge, it seems like it may survive it. I knew this wasn't going to be a rugged case, I just wanted something to protect the iPad from scratches and survive in a bag and I feel confident it will.Size, WeightYes, it more than triples the width of the iPad from folio-side to folio-side and 5Xs it if you include the Pencil Slot, and probably more than doubles the weight, but it’s still the lightest and thinnest laptop equivalent I’ve ever owned with a case on it. More importantly, when I just want to bask in the industrial design marvel that is the iPad Pro 10.5, it's easy to remove from this case.ConclusionOverall this keyboard case makes my iPad feel significantly more usable as an all-around device. If I HAD to use this as a laptop replacement, I could, but it would be hard to recommend this form factor over a full-sized laptop keyboard if you expect to be doing a significant amount of typing. This keyboard seems perfect for the classroom, taking notes at a meeting, on your lap on the couch or generally some use case where you’ll be using it for short bursts. The biggest issue for me is still the lack of a trackpad or mouse option for editing text, but no keyboard case can solve that issue.This product deserves 5 stars not because it is the best keyboard case on the market, though it certainly holds it’s own, but at half to a third of the price of the higher-end options, it provides solutions to multiple issues that Apple’s own Smart Keyboard cover fails to address (backlight, chiclet keys, back of iPad protection) while maintaining a solid build quality.

I bought this keyboard primarily because it has back lighting, and costs less than half what the Apple one costs.I've been using it for more than a week now, mainly to respond to emails on my iPad, I'm happy with it, and I’m planning on using it mainly as a physical keyboard for my iPad when I need to type something.Overall, the keyboard feels good and durable, it fulfills what it's supposed to do, and meets my expectations. Below are my pros and cons for this keyboard to help you decide if it's suitable for you.Pros:- Backlighting of keys is a major advantage, at least for me, since I sometimes use it in areas with dim lighting, and this keyboard is perfect for such situations.- The function keys at the top of the keyboard are surprisingly perfect, and work as intended. Very similar to what you will find on the function keys on a Mac.- The quality of material used feels good and durable. The exterior material feels like fabric, and the keyboard is very rigid, unlike Apply Keyboard which has some flexibility.- The built-in Apple Pencil holder is very useful, and holds it tightly in place. I was worried of dropping my Pencil, but it’s perfect.Cons:- If you use more than one language in your iPad, the Caps-Lock key won’t work as intended, it’ll switch the language instead of turning on the caps-lock.- The case and keyboard is bulky and add substantial weight to your iPad, it even feels heavier than the iPad itself, which is something to keep in mind if this would bother you.- The iPad slides into the top part (which might scratch it over time), and held at the bottom (where the keyboard connector is) with a plastic piece. When connecting the iPad to the keyboard, the bottom plastic holder is removed in order to connect it. When disconnecting the iPad , the magnet that holds it in place is strong enough to slide the iPad off the case, which is frustrating.- The angle at which the iPad is set when connected to the keyboard is very high, closer to almost 90 degrees, which is uncomfortable.