Logitech Ultra Thin Keyboard-4

Perhaps you’ve got an iPad on your holiday wish list. Maybe like me, you’ve owned one for awhile and have a need for typing on the road (without the virtual keyboard). Either way, I decided it was time to check out an integrated keyboard cover and case.

Logitech Ultra Thin Keyboard-3

Through research (and looking for the nicely-designed ones), I came across Logitech’s Ultrathin Keyboard Cover in white. And while this product’s been on the market for awhile now, it’s been recently launched in white – and even more recently, in red.

As well, I wanted to wait for the latest unveiling in the iPad series to make sure that any case I’d be reviewing would fit the most current iPad on the market.

Admittedly, I ordered the cover in white for its clean design and good looks. Logitech has been around for a long time and I’ve owned a variety of their products over the years.

Logitech Ultra Thin Keyboard-6

The first thing I noticed out of the box is how compact and lightweight the unit is. What comes with the cover? A micro-USB charging cable, a cleaning cloth, and user manual/warranty information.

My unit was ready to go without the need for a charge. I did try charging it via my laptop and a full charge took less than 20 minutes. Pretty fast, considering that this Bluetooth-paired device will last six months on a single charge (with average use of two hours per day).

Dimensions

– 7.47″ (189.85mm) high; 9.5″ (24.120mm) wide; .39″ (9.96mm) deep
– Weighs .87 pounds (355 grams)
– Bluetooth range of up to 10 meters/32 feet

Logitech Ultra Thin Keyboard-2

Key design features

– The lip formed between iPad and Ultrathin Keyboard Cover mimics the shape of Mac laptops.
– A magnetic strip senses the iPad, automatically gripping it when in the correct orientation.
– Glossy white surface and matte keys combine nicely together aesthetically.
– The keys have a slightly textural feel that are easy to use.
– The grey strip where the iPad connects to the keyboard forms a nice accent colour to the white.
– The back of the iPad and the cover’s design mimic one another to make it look like an integrated baby laptop.

Ultrathin keyboard

A word of warning

Beware when opening the iPad using the case: the cover will separate from the tablet. It’s meant to do so for attaching into the groove, but if you’ve used an iPad case that’s firmly clicked into a tablet, this is something to get used to. I tried to lift the case while attached to the iPad.

Sometimes it’s strong enough to hold up on its own, other times not. Be wary of the company’s video that shows its purported strength. I didn’t experience any problems with it separating from the iPad, so that’s a win.

Typing

I have an Apple extended keyboard that’s connected to a Macbook Pro, so I can’t really compare the size of the keys with that of a laptop’s in terms of daily use. I have pretty average size hands, and after a few moments of typing on the Logitech keyboard, my fingers felt comfortable while typing and not too cramped.

Logitech Ultra Thin Keyboard-5

The Function keys will allow for basic operations such as getting to the iPad’s home screen, switching languages, selecting left, right, copy, cut and paste, as well as volume up, down, and mute.

The status light on the side will indicate if the cover’s battery is charging, is charged, is low on power, and whether or not it’s Bluetooth-paired with the iPad.

Logitech Ultra Thin Keyboard-1

The iPad rests in the keyboard slot, providing one viewing angle. It’s pretty easy to see the screen that that angle. Although it can sit in portrait mode, the iPad does sit better when in landscape mode, its intended orientation for working with the keyboard.

Logitech Ultra Thin Keyboard-9

The case also has an auto-wake function that wakes the iPad whenever you open the case. There’s a rounded white button on the side that turns the keyboard off when not using to conserve battery power.

Pros and Cons

The only drawback I can see is the lack of protection on the back of the iPad. This keyboard case is a front-attaching unit only. If you travel a lot and want to avoid scratches, I’d recommend using a bag with a protected area or sleeve for the entire setup.

Logitech Ultra Thin Keyboard-7

As mentioned earlier, this cover will fit all versions of the iPad from the 2 going forward.

Logitech Ultra Thin Keyboard-8

The Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover has a three year limited hardware warranty and retails for $99.99. The black model is widely available at places such as London Drugs while the white (and newer red) versions are available online and can be shipped to Canada.

1 Comment

  • Comment by Tazim — December 16, 2012 @ 12:22 pm

    I like the look of this – and the thinness. I think the red one would looks great with my black iPad2!

RSS feed for comments on this post.

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.