ZAGG Rugged Messenger Detachable Case and Keyboard for iPad 9.7" (5th & 6th Gen), Adjustable Kickstand, Multi-Device Bluetooth Pairing, Backlit Keyboard, Durable

This great accessory combines the safe-keeping of a full case, and a great removable back-cover.[ Back cover protection ]On it's own, this back cover provides great protection, which is completely unavailable from the smart keyboard offering from Apple. For a musician (like myself) this makes this a great option as you have a suitalbe and removable option from the main case that still provides protection, but can be easily seated in any of the current holsters for reading music.[ Keyboard Cradle ]The primary use of this is to get the keyboard functionality, which is at worst pretty good. I've used many many keyboards over the years going back as far as early Apple II computers, and Northern Telecom Displayphone keyboards which in some ways were reminiscent of the chicklet style keyboards we are often presented with today. The one on this case has both a clean touch, and clean feel which for me provides a fast, and accurate typing experience. As a long time thinkpad fan I can say that this does not dissapoint, and is way better than I expected out of this product.As far as keyboard color, you can easily switch it to show the seven different color options, each with three intensity levels (or fully disabled). The only negative here might be that once you hold the function key to modulate the color or intensity, the keyboard also sends the regular key function at the same time, so you will unintentionally reposition your cursor as you change those settings.[ Viewing Angle ]I have put this as a separate section since I have not read any review where the owner has described the flexability of the case to provide multiple display angles. Unlike the Logitech case, this one does not have a frame that allows an infinitley adjustable angle at the hindge. Instead, this has a fold-over flap like many of the existing cases, but for this unit the outmost edge of the cover locks into the back cover magnetically - offering five discreet positions by sliding the flap up, or down on the main casing behind the screen, or if you fold it inwards, a nearly upright position.So the main consideration here is that you need a relatively flat support for the case to use that magnetic screen positining with good results, but I would say the use of soft and comfotable materials here eaisily make it worth it.

First off - I did a ton of research before buying this keyboard. I looked at the following:1) Apple Keyboard - Do not buy this one. The Apple Keyboard is filled with complaints, and there are even rumors of a class action lawsuit going on about the terrible connectivity issues that the keyboard is having. If you go to Apple’s own website and sort reviews by newest, you will see that it is filled with updated reviews from people that have not owned their Keyboards for a year and are having issues with it.2) The Chinese keyboards on Amazon - I looked at all of them.. from companies I have never heard of. I saw reports of cracked screens, hinges, connectivity issues, etc.. I was temped by the IE Grow (I think that’s what it’s called... but something about it made me not want to pull the trigger.. partially because I had never even heard of the company)3) Other Zagg products - none of them really had the reviews that this one did. The Rugged Messenger has by far the best reviews across Amazon.4) Logitech - When it came down to was price. I picked mine up off of Warehouse deals and there is literally nothing wrong with it. It did not come with a box.. big deal. It was $50.00 cheaper (so I only paid $50.00) for it.. and there’s not a scratch on it. Fits perfect, set it up in less then 2 seconds. The Logitech didn’t have a warehouse deal at the time.. so therefore the Zagg is the one I got.Onto the keyboard itself..The keyboard is perfectly fine. Honestly it’s probably the best keyboard for a tablet I have ever used. The travel on the keys is a little higher then I am used to, but then again I am coming from a very shallow iMac keyboard which is very flat. The keyboard also has the proper shift keys.. something that I was reading was a problem with some of the Chinese companies on Amazon... the shift key was so narrow and everyone would complain about it.. the keyboard layout of the Zagg is perfect. I have only missed maybe one or two keys while typing this entire review thus far.The backlighting is also really cool, and battery life seems to be pretty good.Overall, if you’re looking for a great keyboard that offers protection for your iPad so you can throw your tablet in your bag instead of your heavier laptop for trips downtown or heading into the city and walking 20-30 blocks without having a bulky laptop in your bag and knowing you can still get work done on your iPad.. this keyboard/case is the one to get. It does not miss a beat.

This is a hard review to write because I want to like this product. The design, layout and feel are great. The issue is with the keyboard. It would “type” on its own and put random characters on the screen. We verified the issue against multiple devices to ensure the issue was not with the ipad itself. It was not. We contacted Zagg support, who allowed us to send back the keyboard under warranty. We had to pay $10 to ship it back. We have now received a second keyboard, and this keyboard is “typing” a single character " ] " by itself; repeatedly. The keyboard is not usable. I do not want to go through the hassle/process of sending back another keyboard at my own expense, so I can no longer recommend Zagg products…