Best 10.5inch keyboard for lap typing?

[Knowimagination]

I would guess because it’s a wired thing to plug in and bring with you separately. Bluetooth keyboards are so much better than they used to be—who needs more cables? Kind of defeats the purpose for me.

I did used to do what you’re doing back in the day though. Every Bluetooth keyboard I tried was terrible so I gave up and started using a desktop keyboard attached via the connection kit.

Yeah I get that wireless would be nice but it is hard to find a high quality bluetooth mechanical keyboard. I have backed this one https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thevankeyboards/kumo-a-compact-mechanical-keyboard/description and I am planning on it being my portable/IPP keyboard with a small coiled cable, but if I could find something bluetooth that would be sweet too.

 

[eyeseeyou]

I have to say—in reference to my posts above—I have been using this Zagg Rugged Messenger all weekend and I am obsessed with it. I can’t believe more people don’t talk about this particular case. It does add bulk and weight when you’re carrying it around fully assembled, but it’s so well designed and built you don’t mind that much. And when you detach the iPad to use as a tablet only, it’s so thin and light and pleasant to handle. My ASK plus back cover setup feels really janky compared to this. And I don’t say that lightly—I have been an ASK lover since they came out. Side benefit—it really freshens up my iPad. (I like to try new cases during generations that I’m not upgrading.)

Just purchased the rugged messenger and feel the same way. The pros way outweigh the cons imo.

They’re about equal as far as stability goes on laptop typing although there is a lot less to 0 amount of flex on the messenger keyboard compared to the ASK.

Will be putting my ASK on sale soon and could probably make some money since the messenger set up is less than used 10.5 ASK.

Key pros:
- Multiple viewing angles
- Multimedia keys
- Able to switch between 2 different devices
- Backlit keys
- High quality build
- Drop Protection

Mentionable Cons
- Adds bulk
- Adds some weight

So far this is the closest I’ve seen to the Belkin Qode Pro that I used with the IPad Air 2 but maybe slightly heavier.

With IOS 12 and more PRO apps finally being produced(Afiinity Photo/Designer, Luma Fusion + Cloud Storage workflow) I’m getting closer and closer to needing my macbook.

 

[spiderman0616]

Just purchased the rugged messenger and feel the same way. The pros way outweigh the cons imo.

They’re about equal as far as stability goes on laptop typing although there is a lot less to 0 amount of flex on the messenger keyboard compared to the ASK.

Will be putting my ASK on sale soon and could probably make some money since the messenger set up is less than used 10.5 ASK.

Key pros:
- Multiple viewing angles
- Multimedia keys
- Able to switch between 2 different devices
- Backlit keys
- High quality build
- Drop Protection

Mentionable Cons
- Adds bulk
- Adds some weight

So far this is the closest I’ve seen to the Belkin Qode Pro that I used with the IPad Air 2 but maybe slightly heavier.

With IOS 12 and more PRO apps finally being produced(Afiinity Photo/Designer, Luma Fusion + Cloud Storage workflow) I’m getting closer and closer to needing my macbook.

As silly as this might sound--for me, an added pro to the list is just the way the case feels when carrying the thing around. The Pencil is snug up against the side and kind of blends in to the spine, rather than adding a bunch of width. And I don't have to worry about where the "hump" is like I did with the ASK. It's just a solid, uniform feeling in the hand when you have the whole thing assembled and folded up. Kind of like carrying around a hard back book.

It's a bit heavier and bulkier than what I'm used to, but not nearly as much as the Logitech and not nearly as awkward to use either. I actually like the 0 flex on the keyboard itself and the deeper key travel, though those aren't important features to me in the long run.

I do love all the extra media keys that the ASK doesn't have too. Like volume, pause/play, brightness, etc.

 

[eyeseeyou]

I do love all the extra media keys that the ASK doesn't have too. Like volume, pause/play, brightness, etc.

Honestly the lack of media keys was most of the motivation to look at other options. Considering the battery life of the keyboard is about 2 years the slimness of the ASK is the only pro over the messenger set up IMO.

yeah... with the messenger set up it’s about as thick as my macbook now..

 

[GuruZac]

I have considered moving from the 10.5 to a refurb 12.9 with the Logitech SLIM COMBO as a laptop replacement, but when I think about what that would cost vs keeping my 10.5 with the case I’m just not sure that makes much sense. I get extra screen real estate but no additional functionality or power. After reading some of the reviews on the Zagg case, I’m wondering if I should send the Logitech back and try out the Zagg. The pictures I’ve seen of the Zagg online do look much nicer than the Logitech, but the keyboard is really nice on the Logitech and the magnetic connection is really nice as well.

 

[spiderman0616]

I have considered moving from the 10.5 to a refurb 12.9 with the Logitech SLIM COMBO as a laptop replacement, but when I think about what that would cost vs keeping my 10.5 with the case I’m just not sure that makes much sense. I get extra screen real estate but no additional functionality or power. After reading some of the reviews on the Zagg case, I’m wondering if I should send the Logitech back and try out the Zagg. The pictures I’ve seen of the Zagg online do look much nicer than the Logitech, but the keyboard is really nice on the Logitech and the magnetic connection is really nice as well.

I find the Zagg keyboard action to be just as nice as the Logitech. As for the magnet, I had trouble with the Logitech magnet constantly popping off. It was very finicky.

 

[GuruZac]

I find the Zagg keyboard action to be just as nice as the Logitech. As for the magnet, I had trouble with the Logitech magnet constantly popping off. It was very finicky.

Interesting because I have no issues with the magnetic connection. It doesn’t take a lot of force to remove the magnetic connected keyboard, but it also does require some effort. My only real gripe with the Logitech is the insecure case closure. They could have done a better job with that part, but otherwise, it is nice.

 

[davidbf1]

Just purchased the rugged messenger and feel the same way. The pros way outweigh the cons imo.


So far this is the closest I’ve seen to the Belkin Qode Pro that I used with the IPad Air 2 but maybe slightly heavier.

With IOS 12 and more PRO apps finally being produced(Afiinity Photo/Designer, Luma Fusion + Cloud Storage workflow) I’m getting closer and closer to needing my macbook.

I’ve been searching for something as good functionality wise as the Belkin Pro Qode Pro for ages for my 10.5. I used the Qode Pro with my Air 2 and then Pro 9.7.

Can you stand the 10.5 “portrait” with the rugged messenger case like you can with the Qode Pro?

 

[eyeseeyou]

I’ve been searching for something as good functionality wise as the Belkin Pro Qode Pro for ages for my 10.5. I used the Qode Pro with my Air 2 and then Pro 9.7.

Can you stand the 10.5 “portrait” with the rugged messenger case like you can with the Qode Pro?

No you cannot. Unfortunately nothing exists that has the feature list the Belkin Qode pro did. I suppose you can put it on a stand in portrait and still type.

The messenger is missing:
- Portrait mode
- Auto on/off for the keyboard power
- A case that redirects sound forward
- Auto on when flipping the flap underneath to use keyboard separately

 

[davidbf1]

Thanks for your detailed response highlighting what the messenger keyboard is “missing”.
Frustrates me that any contact with Belkin simply yields a “ check our website for latest product news...” or “we don’t know what is planned” - the website lacks any sort of “roadmap” for developments and how can Belkin staff not know what is planned?

Always seemed to me that they were intentionally skipping keyboard/case developments for the 10.5, knowing (?) that it would be relatively short-lived and replaced with a smaller-bezel/larger screen device as rumours suggest.
Huge shame, that keyboard was feature-packed and extremely versatile.

 

[spiderman0616]

No you cannot. Unfortunately nothing exists that has the feature list the Belkin Qode pro did. I suppose you can put it on a stand in portrait and still type.

The messenger is missing:
- Portrait mode
- Auto on/off for the keyboard power
- A case that redirects sound forward
- Auto on when flipping the flap underneath to use keyboard separately

The Messenger does redirect the sound forward. The speaker grills are fully covered and the sound is vented forward. It’s quite nice actually.
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Thanks for your detailed response highlighting what the messenger keyboard is “missing”.
Frustrates me that any contact with Belkin simply yields a “ check our website for latest product news...” or “we don’t know what is planned” - the website lacks any sort of “roadmap” for developments and how can Belkin staff not know what is planned?

Always seemed to me that they were intentionally skipping keyboard/case developments for the 10.5, knowing (?) that it would be relatively short-lived and replaced with a smaller-bezel/larger screen device as rumours suggest.
Huge shame, that keyboard was feature-packed and extremely versatile.

I don’t think that’s why. I think Belkin is gradually getting out of the case business. I was always a big fan of their cases and they seem to be phasing a lot of stuff out.

 

[eyeseeyou]

The Messenger does redirect the sound forward. The speaker grills are fully covered and the sound is vented forward. It’s quite nice actually.

Wow you’re right.

This set up keeps getting better and better lol.