At first glance, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re looking at some kind of ultra-small MacBook Air on the right, next to my MBA 11. It’s actually my iPad Air 2 in the ClamCase Pro keyboard case that combines all-round protection with a near-laptop-quality keyboard.
I’m testing here the case for the iPad Air 2, but there are other models for the iPad 2/3/4, previous iPad Air and iPad mini …
Look & feel
Aesthetically, the ClamCase Pro is a slightly odd mix. The keyboard itself is clearly closely modelled on a MacBook keyboard, chiclet keyboard with black keys set into an anodised aluminum base. The recessed ‘tray’ in which the keys sit is made from white plastic, in place of the all-aluminum MacBook casing, but is otherwise almost a clone.
The wedge shape of the keyboard also closely mimics the look of a MacBook Air, especially with the laptop-style rear hinge.
The outside of the case, however, is white plastic. Top:
And bottom:
ClamCase doesn’t have too much choice about the material: the way the iPad Air 2 snaps into the top shell means that it has to be flexible, ruling out aluminum–even if the cost didn’t. And making it silver, as a kind of fake aluminum would, I think, look cheap against the real thing. But it does give the case a slightly schizophrenic look: MacBook quality from the front and side, and a cheaper look from behind and when closed.
Personally, I’d prefer black to white, but that will come as no surprise to anyone who knows me.
Portability
The ClamCase Pro is impressively thin, at just 0.74-inches deep. This makes it about three times the thickness of the naked iPad, which is extremely impressive for a keyboard case.
The aluminum base does mean it weighs 1.2lbs, more than doubling the weight of the iPad alone, but for me this is a price worth paying for the quality.
Inserting & removing the iPad
The first time you insert and remove the iPad, it does feel a little scary, bending back the stiff plastic of the top shell with what feels like a fair degree of force. But once you are confident it isn’t brittle enough to crack, you’ll find yourself snapping the iPad in and out of the case in a second or two.
Bluetooth pairing is simple, and reconnecting was flawless in my experience. The case switches off automatically when closed, but was always instantly ready for use every time.
In use
I’m British, and therefore not normally prone to hyperbole, but I love, love, love using this keyboard case. Unlike some keyboard cases, where the iPad sits some way toward you, the clamshell design places the screen right at the back, exactly like a laptop.
The quality of the hinge is excellent. In laptop mode, the case is held very securely at an angle I find equally comfortable on my lap and on my desk, and feels rock-solid.
The keyboard quality isn’t quite up to the standard of a MacBook, but it’s close–very close. It’s easily the best keyboard case I’ve ever used when it comes to the typing experience. My one complaint is that it isn’t backlit. It’s not something I need often, but from time to time backlighting would be very handy.
As usual with iPad keyboards, there are dedicated keys at the top for things like copying and pasting, as well as volume and music/video controls.
The hinge mechanism has a clever three-position design which allows you to use it as a laptop, as a stand and folded right flat against the back of the iPad to give you a rather thick tablet. Personally, the ease with which you can snap the iPad in and out means that if I want to use the iPad without the keyboard, I’ll just remove it and put the case back in my bag, but some may find this useful.
In stand mode, it has a soft-stop rather than a click-stop, so is slightly springy when touching the iPad. This doesn’t bother me as I only use stand mode when passively viewing video, but might be slightly annoying in active use.
Price & conclusions
Usually, I’d just use a ‘Conclusions’ heading here and mention the price at the end. But in this case, the price is sufficiently … noteworthy … to get at least half a heading to itself.
Sitting down? Okay. The recommended retail price for the case is $169. Yep, that’s a third the price of the cheapest iPad Air 2 model, and adds 20% to the price of even the most expensive 128GB cellular model. It’s a pretty frightening price for a keyboard case.
Worse, while you can usually find better deals on Amazon for most gadgets, I wasn’t able to do so for this–other than used models. If you want this case, you’re going to have to take a deep breath and tell your credit card to brace itself.
Is it worth it? For me, it depends how you use your iPad. My iPad goes almost everywhere with me, and I do a lot of typing on it. I use it for emails, even lengthy ones sometimes. I use it to write articles. I even use it to work on a novel. So for me, a high-quality keyboard is a necessity rather than a luxury.
In a week of heavy usage, I’ve found the ClamCase Pro so good that I’ve stuck to my iPad even in situations where I would otherwise have switched to my MacBook Air. For me, the keyboard is that good–and justifies the price. Your mileage may vary. All I can say is that, after trying this, I don’t ever expect to use anything else.
The ClamCase Pro range of keyboard cases for iPad 2/3/4, iPad Air and iPad Air 2 cost $169. For the iPad mini, they cost $129.
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It has bad reviews on Amazon, could you read some of the reviews and counter argue them? My wife uses her iPad as a Laptop replacement and I was thinking about getting her this one. However the Amazon reviews have given me pause.
ZAGG makes an iPad keyboard nearly identical to this one, except all black – for $100. ZAGG has a pretty good track record for quality products and it’s much cheaper than this thing.
http://www.zagg.com/keyboard/folio-ipad-air-2-keyboard-case/9484
The biggest difference is the hinge; ZAGG is only 135 degree (laptop angle) while the ClamCase can do 270 (stand/viewing mode) to 360 (tablet without removing from case).
I got the Zagg 11/2014 and the hinge just broke. I take care of my items and it has never dropped, but for it to just fall apart is upsetting. I’m now looking for a new case. Zagg reviews are worse and I wish I had seen them before buying Zagg.
What were the concerns?
I am on my second Clam Case Pro for the iPad Air. The first developed a crack where the tablet is held by the case. I was able to get it replaced, paying for shipping the defective one back to the company. I received the replacement about two months ago and noticed today that the new case also has cracked. I am extremely unhappy with this along with the fact that only one of three Apple-brand cables I have fit all the way through the hole in the case. I took some measurements and the hole is too small by only a couple of thousandths of an inch…surely the manufacturer could have prevented this issue. I do not recommend anyone buying this case if they plan on ever removing the iPad, even for charging the unit. I have taken my iPad out only a few times. Even though I really like the other qualities of the case, the design defects coupled with the cost of shipping override the other attributes. It is too bad the company messed up so much. Caveat emptor…buyer beware!!!!!
Several keys are very sticky. It often looses Bluetooth connection and then you have to jump through some hoops to get it back. Not very sturdily made – a slight drop and the keyboard cover became separated and won’t go back into a locked firm position.
Cant imagine to do much typing on iPad, however, it looks neat.
Nice review.
Is it just me, or does the side of the keyboard appear somewhat warped?
It appears to have a unintentional curve in the plastic. Is that just some weird angle, or is the plastic shell slightly warped?
I’m not seeing a warp. The edges of the casing are curved.
Thanks for the reply. Thrid photo from the top of the article: the edge appears to me to be a bit “not straight”. :)
Ah, I see what you mean. Just checked now and seems straight.
This is fairly brilliant as keyboard cases go, but I can’t help wondering why people buy keyboard cases in the first place. A MacBook Air is lighter, thinner, and more powerful and it serves the same purpose. It can even be a cheaper solution overall than doing this. Why not just get a laptop?
For me, it’s a mix of: greater portability (smaller and thinner than MacBook Air); longer battery-life (real-life 10+ hours vs real-life 5-6 hours; built-in 4G vs tethering, which kills the iPhone battery).
I think you may have a point if you need to tether, but not really the other stuff you mention.
I have an Air laptop as well, but it doesn’t have 4G. That alone is the reason I carry an iPad, because I can use it in the car (not while driving of course!) for navigation, emails, business etc.
Ben,
How would you compare the ClamCase Pro with the Brydge Keyboard for iPad Air 2?
Both of them are the high-end kind of keyboard I’m looking for but can’t decide between the two of them.
I don’t think of the ClamCase Pro’s overall protection necessarily as an advantage since I believe I would just put the iPad when I need to type and remove it afterwards, but I’m not even sure about that.
Anyway, what does your experience with both of them left you thinking?
Thanks!
I haven’t tried the Brydge, but will try to get hold of one to compare
I’ve had my BrydgeAir for about 2 weeks now and love it. (Pre-Ordered in April; but had to wait for a slate-grey unit) The backlit keys (missing from the ClamCase Pro) are a major plus. I appreciate the fact that you can toggle the backlit brightness level between Low / Med/ High & Off to conserve power as needed. The backlight also changes colors when charging to indicate whether or not the keyboard is fully charged.
They keyboard feels as good as any current Apple Laptop’s and includes plenty of helpful shortcut/function keys for volume, brightness (of both keyboard and iPad), home button , Play/Pause, Keyboard selection (emoji, etc) and lock) The speakers are also a step-up from the standard iPad units.
Overall, for the same price, I can’t see why I would choose the ClamCase over the BrydgeAir. The only feature that I see on the ClamCase that is not in the BrydgeAir is the protective cover for the back side of the iPad. This has both good and bad aspects. I can remove my iPad from the BrydgeAir in just a couple of seconds (Grab a corner and pull out of the rubber friction clamps.). I’m not sure how easy it is to insert/remove the iPad from the ClamCase.
This is all my personal preference / opinion and others might disagree; but I hope it assists you with your own decision.
Thanks for your comments, what you mentioned is practically what I’ve been thinking about, however, real personal experience always helps to decide.
One last thing that should not be forgotten, how do you feel the Brydge’s hinge, is it sturdy enough to keep the iPad still while typing on your lap? That’s some useful piece of information, seeing the Brydge has those small clamps makes me wonder if they would sort of “break in” and loosen with time, which would then suck for lap typing.
Expecting your comments regarding this.
Many thanks!
The hinges hold the iPad quite steady. I ordered mine well before the iPad Air 2 had even been announced; with the anticipation that the expected shipping date would be relatively close to when an updated iPad would be released. I was already using the original Brydge (a KickStarter Backeer) on an aging iPad 3. Based upon prior experience with the company selling this keyboard; I felt confident that they would release shims to adjust the hinge thickness to accomodate any new model (This assumed that the next iPad would not deviate too far on height/width measurements). Sure enough, every BrydgeAir unit shiped with a set of thicker replacement shis to accomodate the thinner iPad Air2 body). The way the hinges function; there is little chance that the iPad will ever separate from the keyboard unintentionally. It takes a little force (but not excessive) to slide the tablet out of the hinges. This is a well designed and machined product and you can feel the quality when you use it. (prior to my iPad Air2 upgrade; my original Brydge met an untimely death, when my dog ran through the room, caught the charging cable along it’s path and sent the keyboard, sans ipad, flying across the room. In the interim I tried to use a Kensington keyboard that my Mother had received as a gift & decided not to use. I quickly came to understand why she quite literally dumped the Kensington keyboard on me. It felt clunky & non responsive compared to the Brydge.) I had also become spoiled with the high quality of the Brydge’s hinges. I’m thrilled to have them back (& improved) for my new Air2.
Thanks! Very useful information, will probably be getting a Brydge Air for my iPad Air 2.
I have the BrydgeAir for iPad Air 2 and you fail to mention that while the BrydgeAir for iPad Air 1 turned off the iPad when closed, the BrydgeAir for iPad Air 2 does NOT. This is because they’re both exactly the same product. Brydge just supply thicker shims for iPad Air 2 users. Apple moved the magnets in the iPad Air 2 so cases (and keyboard cases) have to be redesigned to automatically turn it off. While it’s a great keyboard, I miss this feature.
I stopped using that feature very early on, as I found with the original Apple smart cover it could easily switch itself on and off in a bag, especially a cycle bag.
Hi there,
Don’t know if you are still looking. I bought the ClamCase Pro due to the fact that it covered (and therefore did not expose) the back of the iPad. Although for $60US you can get a clear shell protector, but that seems like an afterthought. The Brydge does have the backlit keyboard.
What sold it for me was a video review on YouTube showing the user attempting to lift the brydge by the iPad and it coming free of it’s friction hinges as well as having to replace the hindges if they get old or are the wrong size.
Although I haven’t had the ClamCase for long and it took me 10 minutes to get use to the keyboard size difference I find it fantastic to use. It is heavier than a straight iPad but then again it probably has to be so that it can stand up.
I use my iPad a lot in meetings with the OneNote app as well as RDP sessions back to work (I will admit I have a jailbroken iPad with Mouse support). For these tasks and many others, it is great.
Hey Ben,
Quick question…one of the reviews on Amazon states that the iPad can’t be charged while it is in the keyboard case. Is this true? I had planned on keeping the iPad with the case and it would be a hassle to have to keep popping it in and out. Especially for the price.
Thanks!
It can be charged in the case with a genuine Apple cable – some third-party ones might not work.
Yes it can Ben. I’m doing it right now. The charger goes into the slot just like it does without the case. The cable comes with the case, as does a headphone adapter which you just plug into the other side to use your headphones.
I’ve just received mine and plugged it into the charger. My iPadAir2 snapped into the case easily and without excessive force. Felt very natural. The case charged up in about 45 minutes, so I’m guessing the factory put a basic charge into it already.
Pairing was simple and straightforward. So far so excellent.
Typing is such a breeze! The keys feel firm but natural. They’re reasonably close but not enough to cause errors. I’m a touch typist from way back and I find using this keyboard easy and far far better than the digital one. I use the keyboard quite a lot when I’m travelling, especially for Facebook, emails, notes, and other business, so I was very eager for this and so far it’s justified its cost and then some already.
I love the fact that you can balance it properly on your knees whilst waiting in the departure lounge, so you have a decent typing position, then if you want to read a book or watch a video, you just flip the hinge and the stand position takes over and you are able to read without having to hold the iPad constantly. It’s wonderfully stable in this mode and so much better than the thin wobbly little cover I used to have which is now in the bin.
The only thing is that you get so used to treating it as a laptop you forget you have to touch the screen to accomplish most things and then wonder why nothing is sending etc.
Can’t see anything wrong with it yet. I wonder what all the gripes are.
I’ve had the Clamcase Pro for my iPad mini since mid-December now – so around 2 months. I am a moderate user, have looked after it (no drops). Unfortunately it is developing cracks on each corner on the top of where the iPad slots on. One of the cracks seems to be getting longer and is heading towards the hole for the camera lens. See pic here: https://twitter.com/Kunal_Pandya/status/567609926072430592
Fortunately, the above tweet was picked up by Clamcase customer service very rapidly and they are sending a replacement. I’m hoping this isn’t a design flaw, but time will tell.
The other issue (for me personally) seems to be the headphone socket. Unless you have a long, straight 3.5mm headphone plug, the plug won’t reach the socket. Unfortunately I can’t use my $150 ear plugs while the iPad is in the case. Hopefully this is rectified in a future version.
Apart from the above niggles, this is THE BEST iPad keyboard case on the market – by far. The feel of the product from packaging to design to touch of the aluminium is world class and will certainly have onlookers wondering where you bought your mini mini macbook from! This is a premium product at a premium price, but fortunately it seems you receive the level of customer support in line with the price.
I have had my ClamCase since August of 2014. It has been falling apart for the last couple of months and several attempts to contact the company have not been successful.
The metal top is separating from the rest of the unit.
Warranty is too short and quality is not there for long term usage.
I do apologize that you experienced issues getting in contact with ClamCase Customer Support.
Please contact ClamCase at support@clamcase.com or call 888-882-4440 (9am-6pm EST Monday-Friday) and we would be more than happy to assist you with this issue. All customer service request are answered within 24 hours.
I was so excited when I got my Clamcase Pro–so elegant, so versatile. For just about the length of the warranty and a few days. Then it started to do what I’d seen people complaining about. The plastic started to crack around the hinges. It got harder and harder to open and close. And one day, the lid just broke. That expensive case lasted me only a month or two past the warranty. And what really ticks me off is that I ignored the warnings. It looked so great, I didn’t want to believe it was a defective design. But it is. You’ve been warned.
My first ClamCase began to crack at the hinge after only one year, so I replaced it with a ClamCase Pro. At about 14 months, the ClamCase Pro fell apart at the hinge. The case cracked and the hinge came completely out. Two ClamCases in two years, both broke at the hinge. I contacted ClamCase about this, as I believe they should replace it. I have never heard back. My next case will be the Belkin Qode.