As a disclaimer, I received this product free from the manufacturer as I've been a good customer of their products in the past. I only choose to post a review here though if I deem this a good product and worth sharing.
There are a few alternatives when it comes to iPad Pro keyboard cases and most follow one of two styles - the clip on front cover type that leaves the back of the iPad exposed and the leather folio type that open up to a fixed position for typing. This keyboard case from EC Technology falls into the latter category.
Included in the package are the keyboard case, micro USB charge cable and user manual. On initial inspection, the case is made from plastic as opposed to leather which at this price point is no surprise. Thankfully, the quality of construction is good and it doesn't look or feel cheap. The iPad is held in place by a form fitting back section that it clips into. This secures the iPad well and I have no concerns over things slipping. As secure as this is, It was also surprisingly how quick it was to remove the iPad and put back in again making this a good option for those who like to work with a naked iPad from time to time. You have full access to all parts of your iPad and the respective cut outs are perfectly aligned. The keyboard cover is secured by magnetic clips that hold it firmly closed when not in use. This is also a smart cover and will turn wake and sleep the iPad when opened or closed if you have this option enabled under settings.
The Bluetooth keyboard is obviously around the same dimensions as the iPad Pro and the keys have a good range of movement given how slim it is and respond well. It feels very reminiscent of the newer Macbook keyboards in use with regards to key travel and feel, perhaps a little tighter though and not as smooth when depressing a key. Power is supplied by the built in rechargeable battery and while I haven't had a chance to calculate a run time, I have used this for around 5 - 6 hours typing time since I have received it including writing this article and I have yet to charge it up. The battery capacity is 250mAh and rated for approx. 100 hours of use or 800 hours standby between charges.
The case front cover with the keyboard closed up offers a solid wall of protection to the iPad's screen although with the keys in close proximity, I would be wary of storing this in places where pressure could be applied pushing the keys into the screen when not in use. I personally always have a screen protector fitted when using these types of cases to avoid screen marks. It may not be an issue but I prefer to err on the side of caution.
The right edge of the keyboard houses the micro USB port which allows you to charge it up even when closed up in the case. Indicator LEDs on the top right keep you informed of the status of the device such as power, charging, Bluetooth pairing, caps lock etc. The one thing obvious by its omission is a lack of a power button. To turn the keyboard on, you simply open it up to a typing position and a magnetic connection both holds the iPad in the correct orientation but also powers on the keyboard. This is a
clever design that means the keyboard only gets powered on when in use. There are two magnetic strips embedded above the keyboard offering two iPad angles for typing.
Pairing is achieved by simply turning on the keyboard and holding down the function and C keys - the led will flash blue when available for pairing. No pass code is required and this is a onetime setup. Once paired, the keyboard subsequently connects automatically when powered on provided the iPad Bluetooth is enabled. When typing, there was absolutely no lag and performance was great. The keyboard felt surprisingly good to type on considering the very slim chassis. Function keys also worked
with iOS functions so you can, for instance, change volume directly from the keyboard.
The keyboard is properly localised and this one in the UK comes with a UK layout with the correct mappings for the likes of the £ sign. It isn't full size but that is dictated by the size of the iPad Pro and matches what the keyboard cover from Apple provides. I think EC Technology have made the most of the available space and it is definitely preferable over the onscreen keyboard for any extended amount of typing - being both larger and offering true tactile feedback. I would probably still opt to use a full sized keyboard when at home for lengthy typing but on the go, this is a great package. The fact it is a fully encompassing case providing all round protection makes this a great choice.
There are a few alternatives when it comes to iPad Pro keyboard cases and most follow one of two styles - the clip on front cover type that leaves the back of the iPad exposed and the leather folio type that open up to a fixed position for typing. This keyboard case from EC Technology falls into the latter category.
Included in the package are the keyboard case, micro USB charge cable and user manual. On initial inspection, the case is made from plastic as opposed to leather which at this price point is no surprise. Thankfully, the quality of construction is good and it doesn't look or feel cheap. The iPad is held in place by a form fitting back section that it clips into. This secures the iPad well and I have no concerns over things slipping. As secure as this is, It was also surprisingly how quick it was to remove the iPad and put back in again making this a good option for those who like to work with a naked iPad from time to time. You have full access to all parts of your iPad and the respective cut outs are perfectly aligned. The keyboard cover is secured by magnetic clips that hold it firmly closed when not in use. This is also a smart cover and will turn wake and sleep the iPad when opened or closed if you have this option enabled under settings.
The Bluetooth keyboard is obviously around the same dimensions as the iPad Pro and the keys have a good range of movement given how slim it is and respond well. It feels very reminiscent of the newer Macbook keyboards in use with regards to key travel and feel, perhaps a little tighter though and not as smooth when depressing a key. Power is supplied by the built in rechargeable battery and while I haven't had a chance to calculate a run time, I have used this for around 5 - 6 hours typing time since I have received it including writing this article and I have yet to charge it up. The battery capacity is 250mAh and rated for approx. 100 hours of use or 800 hours standby between charges.
The case front cover with the keyboard closed up offers a solid wall of protection to the iPad's screen although with the keys in close proximity, I would be wary of storing this in places where pressure could be applied pushing the keys into the screen when not in use. I personally always have a screen protector fitted when using these types of cases to avoid screen marks. It may not be an issue but I prefer to err on the side of caution.
The right edge of the keyboard houses the micro USB port which allows you to charge it up even when closed up in the case. Indicator LEDs on the top right keep you informed of the status of the device such as power, charging, Bluetooth pairing, caps lock etc. The one thing obvious by its omission is a lack of a power button. To turn the keyboard on, you simply open it up to a typing position and a magnetic connection both holds the iPad in the correct orientation but also powers on the keyboard. This is a
clever design that means the keyboard only gets powered on when in use. There are two magnetic strips embedded above the keyboard offering two iPad angles for typing.
Pairing is achieved by simply turning on the keyboard and holding down the function and C keys - the led will flash blue when available for pairing. No pass code is required and this is a onetime setup. Once paired, the keyboard subsequently connects automatically when powered on provided the iPad Bluetooth is enabled. When typing, there was absolutely no lag and performance was great. The keyboard felt surprisingly good to type on considering the very slim chassis. Function keys also worked
with iOS functions so you can, for instance, change volume directly from the keyboard.
The keyboard is properly localised and this one in the UK comes with a UK layout with the correct mappings for the likes of the £ sign. It isn't full size but that is dictated by the size of the iPad Pro and matches what the keyboard cover from Apple provides. I think EC Technology have made the most of the available space and it is definitely preferable over the onscreen keyboard for any extended amount of typing - being both larger and offering true tactile feedback. I would probably still opt to use a full sized keyboard when at home for lengthy typing but on the go, this is a great package. The fact it is a fully encompassing case providing all round protection makes this a great choice.
