Typo's iPad Air and iPad Mini cases boast comfy, full-size keys
These keyboard cases are a bit pricey, but make for fast, comfortable typing on your iPad Air or Mini.
LAS VEGAS -- You've got plenty of options when it comes to a keyboard for your iPad (here are a few of our favorite iPad keyboards), but the Typo for iPad Air and iPad Mini accessories I checked out here at the 2015 International CES are shaping up to be strong contenders. They're a bit on the pricey side at $179, but offer comfortable, full-size keys in a compact footprint.
I confess I wasn't especially impressed with the Typo2 for iPhone 6, which attaches a physical keyboard to the iPhone. It's a bit of a niche device, and makes the already large phone a bit unwieldy. A tablet keyboard case, by contrast, makes quite a bit more sense.
The case wraps around your iPad or iPad Mini, while the Bluetooth keyboard flap attaches by way of relatively strong magnets -- it doubles as a cover when you're on the go. A friction hinge unfolds from the back of the case and can prop the tablet up at wide range of angles, holding it securely in place.
The cases I checked out were both preproduction prototypes, so the fit and finish and some functions are likely subject to change. As it stands, the keyboard is a bit shallow for my taste -- as expected for something that's just 5.5mm thick. The spacious, full-size keys are a great touch though.
I made occasional typing errors, particularly on the iPad Mini keyboard, which has a slightly different layout from its larger sibling. But those large keys also meant I could type very quickly. The keys on the iPad Mini case are also full-size. There will be some concessions as you'll need to hold the Function key to access certain features, but I'd call that a worthy trade.
Typo will also be offering a free note-taking app that aims to add some extra functionality to the keyboard. Press the keyboard's Calendar shortcut button, for example, and your calendar will pop up on the lower half of the screen -- potentially great for multitasking. The app also offers an autocorrect dictionary. You can of course opt to skip the app and use whatever you'd like, if the features don't really pique your interest.
That price tag gives me pause, but even in this preproduction state, the Typo for iPad and iPad Mini keyboards are shaping up to be a contender.
(UK and Australian prices weren't announced, but the US price converts to £120 or AU$220.)
See all CNET's coverage of CES 2015 here.
