While the iPad has fulfilled its promise to magically revolutionize the computer industry, the typing experience on its touch screen can leave some owners looking for physical keyboards that are compatible with Apple’s tablet.
For doctors on the go utilizing electronic medical records from locations ranging from the bedside to the clinic room, the ability to type quickly and accurately is immensely valuable.
Therefore, many top accessory manufacturers have risen to the challenge, coming up with a dizzying number of options and alternatives, all with steep price tags and grand promises.
Our stylus comparison review has proven to be one of the most popular articles on the site because the large amount of options that can lead to confusion as to which products are the best, and which features are worth paying for.
With keyboards ranging from $79 to $149, iMedicalApps.com has come to the rescue with a thorough run-down and comparison review of nine iPad 2 keyboard cases on the market.
Specifications and General Thoughts
Comparison Table of Features/Pricing of All Nine Keyboard Cases
Each of the 9 keyboard cases we will be reviewing all share many features in common. First off, I am happy to report that every single keyboard used plastic keys rather than their error-prone rubber counterparts commonly found in the first iteration of iPad keyboards.
Furthermore, they all feature special shortcut keys that trigger iPad-specific shortcuts such as bringing up the keyboard, pressing the home button, skipping music tracks, and volume adjustment. Lastly, they all sync via Bluetooth using an intuitive, simple process detailed in the settings menu.
Also, Apple has incorporated support for many keyboard shortcuts and keys that are not typically accessible using the on-screen keyboard. For example, direction keys (Up, Down, Left, Right) and hot keys such as Cut, Copy, and Paste (Cmd-X,C,V) are fully supported. Before we start, here’s a full listing of the cases we’ll be reviewing:
Portfolio Keyboard Cases:
- Adonit Writer 2
- Belkin Keyboard Folio
- Kensington Keyfolio Pro
- PADACS Rubat a 2
- Targus Versavu
Clamshell Keyboard Cases:
- ClamCase for iPad 2
- Crux360 Gamma
Alternative Keyboard Cases:
- Logitech Keyboard Case for iPad 2 by Zagg
- Logitech Fold-Up Keyboard
The Five Folio Keyboard Cases Compared. (Top left, clockwise: Belkin Keyboard Folio, Kensington Keyfolio Pro, iPad 2, Adonit Writer 2, Targus Versavu, PADACS Rubata 2)
