Logitech Keyboard Case by ZAGG Review: Innovative Design, Spongy Keys

The Logitech Keyboard Case by ZAGG, originally created for the iPad 2, covers only the front of the tablet when it's closed. The slight increase in thickness of the third-generation iPad is therefore no problem, and the designers didn't need to redo this keyboard cover ($99 as of May 11, 2012) to accommodate Apple's latest slate. However, while the aluminum frame provides solid protection for the front, the case leaves the tablet's back fully exposed. At least it matches the aluminum back of the iPad for a seamless look.

Rubber pieces at each corner, and in a strip behind the keyboard, hold the screen off the keys to protect it when closed. The same padding runs around the inner edge of the case to hold the outside edges of the iPad. Nothing clips or locks into place, but the iPad stays in securely as long as you make sure to press all of the edges down.

The slot behind the keyboard also props the iPad up securely, in either portrait or landscape mode. The slot holds the iPad at only one angle, but luckily it's a good one.

Behind the slot are the on/off switch and connect button, along with LEDs to indicate status and charging. The outside of the textured aluminum case accommodates the Micro-USB charging port on the back right side.

Surprisingly, the thin little trench that the iPad slots into was secure enough to hold the iPad in place while I used the keyboard on my lap in landscape mode, but it was too top-heavy in portrait mode.

I regret to say that the typing experience doesn't match the quality of the rest of the case. The middle of the keyboard deck has a little flex, which seems to contribute to the spongy feel of the keys. Size, spacing, and key travel are all fine, but I can't get past the mushy feedback. And even though I bumped into the edges only when I used the keyboard on my lap, I can't shake the claustrophobic feel of having walls on the sides of the keyboard.

The keyboard does offer lots of helpful iPad shortcut keys along the top row, such as home and search shortcuts, an on-screen keyboard toggle, cut/copy/paste buttons, media playback controls, volume controls, and a lock key.