Belkin QODE Ultimate Wireless Keyboard and Case for iPad Air (iPad 5) (White)..
GET Belkin QODE Ultimate Wireless Keyboard and Case for iPad Air (iPad 5) (White) By BELKIN
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106 of 111 people found the following review helpful.
By RichardB
I decided that for my birthday I would get myself an iPad keyboard to facilitate my typing/writing. After considerable research (mostly on Amazon), it came down to the LOGITECH ULTRATHIN KEYBOARD FOLIO ($80) and the BELKIN QODE ULTIMATE KEYBOARD CASE ($106). True, they are not the same price but I decided, given how much I use my iPad (a lot, with hopes of using it even more post-keyboard) that the difference in cost would even out over time and that I wanted the best quality and qualities I could get for around $100 or less. In general, I've had good luck with products from both companies.
(If you've previously read this review, note the additional FOLLOWUP COMMENTS added at the bottom! Thanks.)
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So, let's start with the LOGITECH keyboard. First impression: Pretty nicely made.
Fairly easy to get iPad in. Gotta push a bit to slide it in but then it fits tight. (Gotta work harder to slide it back out though)
Oddly, the (minimalist) instructions indicate you should push it straight down to snap it in place. ?? Makes no sense. The upper corners are rigid and you'd just be risking snapping the plastic. (Read numerous complaints about the upper left one breaking a lot. Maybe because people were trying to fit it in the "Logitech" way. ?)
Outside casing is some kind of dense rubber-like substance. Not crazy about the feel of it. Very solid though. Bit bulkier than the Belkin.
The angle of the screen is fairly severe (upright) and not adjustable. iPad stayed in elevated position quite well. Screen bounces a bit when touching it, which, fortunately you don't have to do too much with the various helper keys on the keyboard.
Keys are big and keyspacing is excellent, tho the proximity of the keyboard to the screen is a bit too tight as I keep touching the screen as I move up the keyboard.
The rounded keys look cool but I don't think that helps. Feels/looks a little kids' keyboard-like.
I love having cursor positioning keys! (both models feature them) Having to "finger" the exact position in a word with just your digit on the iPad screen is tricky at times, yah?
Keyboard is almost "too hard" a surface to type on. Hard to explain. Just my impression.
Bit tricky getting used to the far left column of keys. It's where I expect the Tab, Cap Locks, etc. The functions are there but only as alternates to the letter keys which are normally one column in from the edge.
There is quite a bit of debate about the unusual rearrangement of the keys (they had to do to keep full-size keys). I can see why. Definitely slowed me down vs the Belkin. Probably could get used to it? If this were the only keyboard you were using. Might be more of a challenge if you're switching back and forth with a regular keyboard.
The Logitech case did not turn off the iPad when closed. Even pushing the power button on the iPad with case closed did not turn off iPad. Had to open case, then press iPad power button. Also needed to turn off the keyboard switch, it appears.
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OK, now onto the BELKIN. Also a quality build. Very easy to get into case. Just snaps down in. Also, almost as easy to get out.
You can tell they're slightly smaller keys but the placement is just the same as a regular keyboard, and the key shape and feel is more familiar. I can tell I'm typing faster already.
Not accidentally hitting the screen as much. Barely bounces at all when I touch it unlike the Logitech.
I like the action on the keys here more but the space bar is a little noisy. Fairly loud clack everytime I hit it. Of course, I may just be hitting it harder than necessary. Sounds a little plastic-y but feels very solid.
Still though, the Belkin action is overall a a bit quieter.
The keyboard is much more like the Apple keyboard on my iMac and MBAir.
Belkin has a dedicated Siri button below the Left Shift key, which I may have to be careful of, or not. Still hard not to occasionally accidentally touch the screen, although, the three angles available are much better than the sole one on the Logitech. And man, once in position, it stays in position. Serious magnets.
With the iPad in the furthest away slot (and most upright), there's little risk of accidentally touching the screen, which speeds me up, and that angle is no more severe than the Logitech.
Both have similar additional function keys, tho the Belkin has three mystery (optional) function keys on the numbers 2, 3 and 4. Will have to go to website to explore. (OK, they are music related: "Play more like this", "Never play again", "Add to iTunes Wish List". Feh.)
I'm liking this Belkin quite a bit. Mostly because typing feels more natural on this and that's the primary function of a keyboard, no? Feels very solid.
I like the (real?) leather feel of the back side of the case when closed. The aluminum front panel feels very solid also. Feels lighter than the Belkin, though in its packaging, I thought it would be heavier.
The Belkin case did turn off the iPad when closed. I assume the keyboard shuts off too (as it's supposed to) but I can see no external light/indicator addressing this. Also no way to gauge the specific battery level. Amber light comes on when charging and off when full, or so they say.
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Both came charged already, with identical USB/microUSB charging cords. No idea at this point of the actual life of the batteries, but it'll likely not be an issue (I would hope not, at least).
Virtually no documentation with either case, except how to place the iPad into them, and turn on BlueTooth. Both paired up quickly.
Going bsck noew to try out the Logitech keybosrd sgsion. (thst'd how weell I did coming bsck from the Belkin. Not so grest!)
Just switched back to the Belkin and this is e typing at my usual speed. With any typos (1). Definitely faster immediately on the Belkin.
FINAL DECISION after 90 minutes of testing:
Going with the BELKIN!!
Goodbye, LOGITECH, nice try.
Hope this helps others decide.
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Thought a FOLLOWUP was in order as I had such a strong opinion when I first started using it.
I discovered there IS a little blue light on the side that later indicated a BT hookup, which went out right after connection was made.
One particular downside to the Belkin is that the symbol on the keys (letters, numbers, etc) kinda look like shiny decals, so depending on the light, they can have a bit of a glare to them.
2/11/14
OK, haven't used the keyboard a lot in the last few days but yesterday when I went to type something I noticed it wasn't responding. BT was on, had just charged both iPad and keyboard but nothing. Had other things to do so I just checked it now. Still inert. Restarted the iPad and it came right back. I realize now that I DIDN'T TRY PRESSING THE "PAIR" KEY up on the "=" key. That may have brought it back to life, although in Settings/BT, it showed the keyboard as CONNECTED. Hmmm...
(another shortcoming-no indicator light on the Caps Lock key. Beware!)
2/15/14
Haven't had that previous problem reoccur. Although, sometimes when I first start to use it, and trying to sign into a network, the password doesn't take. No characters appear. I can copy & paste it from another app, but thats still odd behavior, tho not tragic.
One thing which would make this thing totally great would be illuminated keys. If you tilt the screen to its most vertical position, you do get a fair amount of light from the screen, but not much from the other positions.
Still, this thing is pretty damn solid.
The touching-the-screen-accidentally has become less of a problem. If you keep your fingers over the keys like a proper typist, it's not a problem. I'm not that proper. It's also a bit too easy to hit the SIRI/mic key, as it's just left of the short Command and Alt/Option keys, before the Function key. Again, not a biggie but a bit of annoyance.
02/18/14
Overall though, despite the shortcomings of a narrower keyboard and a bit of occasional contentious key action, having what is close to a real keyboard for the iPad truly turns it into a mini laptop, with an increased sense of productivity. Me, I wouldn't give up my MacBook Air for it permanently, but since I can (and chose to) take the damn iPad with me virtually everywhere I go anyway, the added bulk is compensated for by the enhanced utility gained.
Any future comments of notes, I'll put them here. (Update posted 03/29/14)
50 of 53 people found the following review helpful.
By Kendall Giles
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R62QUID1XN5Z I had previously thought I had found my favorite iPad Air keyboard/case, but after testing this Belkin product, I've changed my mind.
I go into a lot more detail in my video review, but here are the main features I like about this keyboard/case:
* The keyboard base is made from aluminum, making the resulting keyboard and case very sturdy yet also very light
* The case comes with super strong magnets to hold the iPad Air at three different viewing angles
* This keyboard/case reliably shuts off the iPad Air when the case is closed, and turns the tablet on when the case is opened
* The keyboard has a long battery life -- I'm still on my first charge, but Belkin says you can get up to 6 months of keyboard use
* The keyboard folds away so you can use just the tablet, if you want to.
* The keys on the keyboard feel good and provide for responsive typing. Note that while this is not the same fullsize keyboard like on your laptop, and some of the keys might be slightly shifted from their normal positions, it still provides for fast and accurate typing once you get used to the layout.
* This is elegantly designed--there is no on/off switch and no bluetooth pairing switch--everything is handled automatically.
So that's it for a look at the Belkin Ultimate Wireless Keyboard and Case for the iPad Air. The case protects your iPad Air, and the keyboard elevates your productivity when using your tablet. It's a great product.
44 of 52 people found the following review helpful.
By Barry O'Toole
Four stars for the case, one star for Belkin service and support. I'll explain.
In addition, although I don't wish to write a Users Manual for Belkin, I've tried to list all things that are not mentioned on the Belkin website, as there's no User Manual. Also, I've got the keyboard case only today, so I'll update if I discover anything additional.
Before I review the case, I must tell you about my experience of buying it directly from Belkin.
First their web site is very user-UNfriendly, and incomplete. There is no link to send email to tech support and the number provided at 'Contact Us' has a long wait time, often more than 30 minutes.
Then, the customer service reps were as unfriendly and as evasive as ever. It took me a long time to get them to understand that the I didn't like the silver case I'd ordered and received, and would like to exchange it for a black one instead. Ultimately, I had to return the Silver one and order a Black one. I've received the black one today, but not yet the refund on the silver one.
In addition, there is a 'Live Chat' link, hidden under a FAQ answer, but it doesn't work - not on the iPad, anyway. Also, touching the FAQs doesn't take you to the answer - although it appears to be a 'link'; you've to scroll down.
There is no User Guide on their website, just some FAQs linked to knowledge articles. It seems like an half-a**ed effort. For example, there's no mention of the use of keys 3, 4 and 5 when used with Fn key, or the 'lock' sign.
I hope that my case works and I don't have to ask for service or replacement. This is the first time I've bought directly from Belkin, and it's the last. Maybe Amazon's customer service and support has spoiled me.
On to the review.
BUILT:
CASE: Belkin claims it's made of aircraft grade aluminum, and it shows. It's light, well-made, and looks slick. The keyboard is aluminum, the keys and the cover for the iPad plastic. The color of the plastic cover kind of matches the aluminum, and has a faux leather portion that helps angle the iPad - it also provides a good feel when carrying the iPad. I wish the keyboard was true black, with keys the color of the KB - grayish black.
There are cutouts for camera, volume, and speakers. The cutout for speakers supposedly has a 'lip' that amplifies the sound. Also, you can charge the iPad without taking it out of the case. The cutout for the microphone, however, is a little off, so that it seems partially covered. Also, the volume buttons are exposed, and not 'protected', as in many other iPad cases.
I'd rate it 4*s, and if the cover for iPad was also aluminum, all the slots were in place, and didn't have the Belkin logo stamped on, I'd have given it 5*s.
KEYBOARD: It's not a full size keyboard, so it will feel cramped to some. However, the key strike and travel is very good, and they're well spaced. Belkin has combined some keys, obviously to have less keys and so increase the key size. Once you get used to it, it feels great. I've had small notebooks, and this is similar to many. 4*s, but if the keys were as good as the Apple keyboard, I'd give it 5*s.
FUNCTION
There are some limitations. Mostly these are limits of a physical keyboard, but become glaring if you've used the SW KB on the iPad for a while.
* Multiple functions can't be accessed, like currency signs or the 'DOT' available on the SW KB while pressing and holding the '-' key.
* Auto-correct/complete/suggest functions are lost. So, 'fand' doesn't automatically become 'find', ipad doesn't change to iPad, 'keyb' doesn't suggest' 'keyboarde', and 'doesnt' doesn't automatically insert the apostrophe between 'n' and 't' unless you do. Also, there is no self-capitalization, a 'period' by clicking the space bar twice, or correcting the misspellings.
* Right of the keyboard, there's a key with a 'Globe' to access International keyboards you've activated on your iPad. However, since the layout of this keyboard is English, it doesn't do any good unless you memorize which International character is represented by which English key. I can't, maybe you can.
* The KB shuts off when you close the case. To turn the iPad off, you'll have to use the key left of the '1' key - having a 'lock' symbol, with 'Fn'.
Nevertheless, there are a lot of 'goods' that go with the 'bads'.
* In other older models, Belkin had an extra set of keys above the number keys; these have now been placed with the number keys, and their use can be accessed by pushing the 'Fn' key first. There are player and volume control keys that are self-explanatory. Below, I'll mentions keys that are not self-evident, and their explanation not found on the Belkin website.
- The key left of '1' has two functions. Pressing it returns you to 'Home', and with Fn, turns the iPad off. There's no 'ESC' key, but this is kind of like it.
- The functions on the 3, 4, and 5 keys to be used with the 'Fn' key are to be used when playing iTunes Radio. These functions are available on the screen by touching the '*' below album art on the iPad screen. They are, from 3 to 5: * = Play More Like This; x = Never Play This Song; + = Add to iTunes Wish List.
* Some keys are displaced. The '~' symbol has is now on the "/' key, to be used with 'Fn'. The :/; is placed right of the spacebar. The '/' and '?' keys are placed, side-by-side, next to the 'm' key, both requiring use of SHIFT, and sharing with the '<' and '>' functions, accessible with the 'Fn' key.
* the BEST feature, and live-savers of this keyboard are the 'arrow' signs, on the bottom right corner. Pushing them will take the cursor in the direction of the 'arrow'. In the absence of auto-correct/complete, these are indispensable to do corrections/completions without having to erase all the characters you've already typed. In addition, used with 'Fn", three of these 'arrow' keys let you SELECT a word, sentence or all of the text to cut, copy, paste, define and replace.
* Although there is no auto-correct/complete/suggest, you can use the keyboard shortcuts you've created in iPad 'Settings'. I don't know if it'll work with TextExpander; I don't use it.
PERSONAL OPINION/USE
I've got the case today. I've been using Apple's Wireless Keyboard, so this does feel a bit cramped. However, I'm becoming used to it quickly - I'm typing this review on it, and hope to achieve the same speed pretty quickly.
I find the keys large enough, responsive, with good travel and feedback. It does feel like a regular hard keyboard. There are some limitations over a SW KB, as I've illustrated above, but all-in-all my experience has been very good.
Nothing's perfect, and while this KB Case is excellent, I'd like Belkin to improve the following:
* First, improve the customer service and support, and have a 'Instant Chat' link that works on the iPad as well as a link to email customer and tech support.
* Then assemble a User's Manual. Hopefully you'd want to sell your product to the general public, and not exclusively to geeks and professionals who are used to a HW KB.
* The case of the iPad is made of plastic, but I'd like if it was aluminum instead. I bet it won't add much to the weight, but maybe the price - which I'd be willing to pay. I would have got the ClamCase for $40 extra, but it only comes in Silver, and I'd rather have black.
* Even though this performs as well as a HW KB, some SW KB functions can be added. For example, a period on double-tap of SPACEBAR, auto-correct/complete/suggest, etc. This would make typing much faster.
* There are two SHIFT keys, just as in a regular HW KB. Lose the SHIFT key on the right, and there'll be space to put two more keys.
* For using an International Keyboard, small stickers (displaying characters of the language selected) that can be pasted to keys, will help. Maybe a third party can make those.
* Have a way to make letters BOLD. I don't know if it's possible; it may be a SW limitation of the app you're working on.
This is the second KB Case I've owned; the first was from Logitech for my iPad 2. This case is head and shoulders above my first, and as I read reviews of their latest iteration for the iPad Air, I think Logitech rushed to be the first and made quite a few bungles.
I would highly recommend this KB Case, but DON'T buy it directly from Belkin. I'd also recommend you use a stylus. The best ones I've had are from Bamboo and LYNCtec, though I favor the latter.
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