Kensington KeyFolio Bluetooth Keyboard Case for iPad

Kensington's KeyFolio Bluetooth Keyboard case for iPad features a spill-proof keyboard and a leather case that provides good protection for your tablet. However, the rubber-style keyboard makes typing a chore and the case itself is bulkier than many alternatives.

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Kensington describes the KeyFolio Bluetooth Keyboard Case for iPad as "compact" but we would beg to differ. It adds rather significant bulk to the iPad when closed. The plus side to the extra girth is significant protection. The leather surface protects the iPad as well as any other case we've seen, with the added bonus of a keyboard inside. However, we would have appreciated a band or magnet to keep the case closed when on the move.

Like the Kensington KeyFolio Pro 2 case, the KeyFolio Bluetooth Keyboard Case is very business looking and a little bland. It is made from leather-style synthetic material and features cut outs for all the iPad's ports in addition to the front and rear cameras, the lock button and volume keys. Unlike some other cases on the market, the Bluetooth Keyboard Case doesn't automatically enable the iPad's wake and sleep modes when opened and closed.

Once placed inside the case, the iPad can be positioned at various viewing angles thanks to raised, plastic grooves at the top of the keyboard, or a large slot further at the top. The keyboard isn't detachable and the case isn't as comfortable as we expected to use on your lap. We found it easily toppled over with slightly leg movement, so you'll have to keep pretty still if you plan to do any typing in this manner.

Connecting the Kensington KeyFolio Bluetooth Keyboard Case to your iPad is a simple process. Simply turn it on, press the connect button in the top right corner of the keyboard and go to the Bluetooth settings menu on your iPad to connect it. The iPad will prompt you to enter a four digit code using the keyboard to finalise the connection. The keyboard charges via USB and Kensington includes a USB to micro-USB charging cable in the box. Small LEDs to denote a Bluetooth connection, charging and power are a nice touch, though the on/off switch is a little small. Kensington says the battery will last for up to 90 hours with 45 days of standby time, so you shouldn't need to charge it too often.

The best feature of the KeyFolio Bluetooth Keyboard Case is the fact its keyboard is spill-proof, so it's resistant to coffee, soft drink and water accidents. However, in making the keys spill-proof Kensington has sacrificed something far more important: a pleasant typing experience. The keys have too much travel, feel far too sticky and sponge-like and are simply difficult to type on. We found ourselves regularly miss hitting keys, while the space bar in particular required a real firm press to register.

On a positive note, we like the row of iOS function keys that sit on the top row of the keyboard. Kensington has made these keys media playback controls, mute, volume, search and home shortcuts accessible without using the function key. However, the keyboard is missing a right shift key and the quote button has been moved to the bottom row alongside the arrow keys in the right corner.

Overall, the Kensington KeyFolio Keyboard Case for iPad provides good protection, but adds significant bulk and offers a poor typing experience.