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Hands-On With the ClamCase Pro Keyboard Case for iPad Air 2

I bought my wife the mini version of this last autumn and the review here is spot on. Hands down the best keyboard case for iPad I've ever used, and absolutely the best one on the mini where things can get cramped. It does make the device a bit bulkier though, but on the mini it seems less apparent.

I don't think the plastic is flimsy unless they've slimmed it down—and it doesn't sound like they have. I do, however, wish they would make it alumnum top and bottom with a cutout where the Apple logo is, or a black plastic circle. That way at least wifi users could have a nicer looking enclosure as the wifi iPads use the Apple logo for the antenna window. And if they can't do that then they need a black option for the lid.

The keys do feel almost as good as an Apple MacBook keyboard and it looks very similar. It's true—especially when browsing the web—you go to scroll with the non-existent trackpad. It makes me wish Apple would make their own keyboard dock with trackpad that at least supported basic gestures like scrolling, switching apps, etc.

I'm surprised the thing is still so thick. I figured they were taking so long for the iPad Air 2 version so that they could make it thinner. That's disappointing. Have they improved the stiffness of the hinge? It was a little too tight on our mini but not too bad.

They also need to add a backlight for that price. But speaking of price, you can get some decent discounts if you go to sign up with your email on their site but don't buy anything. I got either a 20 or 25% off coupon that way. But it was also around Black Friday so I found an even better one. My wife's mini keyboard ended up costing about $100, but she loves it. She uses Office on it to keep track of small business expenses and edit contracts and do email. It's nice how the keyboard flips around like a stand so you can watch movies on it. I wish the Smart Cover on my iPad Air 2 was more stable for that purpose.
 
macduke said:
I bought my wife the mini version of this last autumn and the review here is spot on. Hands down the best keyboard case for iPad I've ever used, and absolutely the best one on the mini where things can get cramped. It does make the device a bit bulkier though, but on the mini it seems less apparent.

I don't think the plastic is flimsy unless they've slimmed it down—and it doesn't sound like they have. I do, however, wish they would make it alumnum top and bottom with a cutout where the Apple logo is, or a black plastic circle. That way at least wifi users could have a nicer looking enclosure as the wifi iPads use the Apple logo for the antenna window. And if they can't do that then they need a black option for the lid.

The keys do feel almost as good as an Apple MacBook keyboard and it looks very similar. It's true—especially when browsing the web—you go to scroll with the non-existent trackpad. It makes me wish Apple would make their own keyboard dock with trackpad that at least supported basic gestures like scrolling, switching apps, etc.

I'm surprised the thing is still so thick. I figured they were taking so long for the iPad Air 2 version so that they could make it thinner. That's disappointing. Have they improved the stiffness of the hinge? It was a little too tight on our mini but not too bad.

They also need to add a backlight for that price. But speaking of price, you can get some decent discounts if you go to sign up with your email on their site but don't buy anything. I got either a 20 or 25% off coupon that way. But it was also around Black Friday so I found an even better one. My wife's mini keyboard ended up costing about $100, but she loves it. She uses Office on it to keep track of small business expenses and edit contracts and do email. It's nice how the keyboard flips around like a stand so you can watch movies on it. I wish the Smart Cover on my iPad Air 2 was more stable for that purpose.
Click to expand...

I kind of wish it was all aluminum like a MacBook, but that would probably make it too pricy. There's a bit of a disconnect between the plastic casing and the aluminum keyboard -- the latter is much nicer. Still a nice clean look though.

The hinge is still stiff. The first time I went to bend it back into a stand I was sure I was going to break the entire case, but now I'm used to the feel of it. Still takes a good bit of force though. Good tip on signing up for email for a discount.
 
We've finally come full circle with my prediction circa IPad I that third parties are going to do what they can to make the iPad more laptop-like. For Pete's sake, just buy a laptop.
 
I have had 3 ClamCase Pro's on various iPads, all have been bullet proof. The hinge just blows me away, all the while holding my iPad Air #2 securely .
The keyboard is simply fantastic, I will be using it to write my cookbook, as well as my upcoming food blog. Throughly pleased!:cool:
 
Yeah, hopefully they fix the stiffness with future models. I'm surprised it's like that out of the box though. Mine didn't develop that until later. So far so good on my second one, but it's still pretty early.

I would like to see them use aluminum at the top too. The stuff they're using is very thin though.

Can you use the Belkin one on your lap? That's the huge benefit here.
 
Clam Case

Two quick points as at Sat Jan 24 2015:

Firstly, it is curious to see that Clam Case are now offering an adapter for earphones on CC2. They flatly refused to supply one for each of the CC1 versions I bought. Dropped nearly $500 Australian on two cases and could not use my third party headphones - and they are work critical. They basically told me to p*** off when I made a request. They are the rudest, most arrogant most greedy hardware company I have dealt with in many a long year.

That brings me to my second point -

I hope they die a million deaths when the Macbook Air 12 inch arrives. You sure as hell don't need this package of pain if you have an Apple Laptop that is only a smidgin larger and will do everything.

I'm a writer so folks like me who need a light, capable computer are already looking at the MBA 12" leaks that are appearing more and more frequently.
 
jclo said:
My guess is for versatility. It's nice to be able to use the iPad for serious writing in this form or snap it out of the case for a super portable tablet.
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It sounds like its not that easy to remove from the keyboard. I think having a macbook and an iPad (or an iPhone 6+) offers more versatility. Having used macbooks for a while now I'd get frustrated at not having the awesome trackpad and instead having to touch the screen. It's a regression in the UI.
 
nick42983 said:
It sounds like its not that easy to remove from the keyboard. I think having a macbook and an iPad (or an iPhone 6+) offers more versatility. Having used macbooks for a while now I'd get frustrated at not having the awesome trackpad and instead having to touch the screen. It's a regression in the UI.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I definitely miss the trackpad when I'm using just an iPad + keyboard, but I think that's just because I'm so accustomed to using one. After an hour or so with the iPad and a keyboard, I get a little faster swapping between typing and touching the screen when necessary because it starts to feel a little more natural.

I'm without a smaller MacBook right now (just have a 15-inch RMBP) so I've been going the iPad-only route a bit more often when traveling. Definitely feels more and more like a viable computer alternative with each successive iPad release and with accessories like this.

Some people may also go the iPad + keyboard route because they can't afford/won't make use of a MacBook.

Btw, it's a bit irritating getting the iPad out of the ClamCase, but by no means hard. Just takes a couple of seconds.
 
Or, for $120 less...

I was very tempted to get one of those Clam cases, so I understand the attraction of them. But ultimately I ordered an Anker "Ultra-thin keyboard cover," and saved myself about 120 bucks in the process. The Anker is very nice, feels like it'll last, is good to type on, and allows me to instantly remove the iPad from it without having to wrestle it out of a cover. It differs from the Clam in that it uses a magnetic hinge to hold the iPad to the keyboard when in closed mode, and a magnetized slot and pop-up kickstand when open for business. I'm a touch typist, and don't feel I'm missing a thing with the Anker; it's a great typing keyboard. The keyboard's back side is aluminum, so when hinged closed, it looks much like a MacBook Air. Fit, finish, design, all very nice. I don't know how they can charge so little for them. So there you go, FWIW!
 
Blue Fox said:
Not to sound critical or negative, but I still don't understand why people try to transform their iPad into a laptop, when they can just go out and get a good laptop for roughly the same price anyway. All these "transform iPad into laptop" solutions just make it cumbersome versus just getting a laptop to begin with. For example, an 11" MacBook Air comes to mind.
Click to expand...

Totally agree. Alas, I'm one of the iPad modifiers. If I had it to do again, I'm not sure I wouldn't go with a simple Macbook Air. My reasoning at the time was a "best of both worlds" scenario wherein I could use it for writing when I needed to, and for the kind of casual consumption that iPads are awesome for the rest of the time. The other factor was the retina screen. As of now, you still can't get a retina screen on a device as light and small as an iPad+keyboard cover. Nothing comes close to the portability and weight of my iPad attached to a Logitech keyboard cover and gives me an excellent screen. I'm now to the point where I think I'm spoiled enough that I won't ever buy a new system that isn't both retina and solid state storage equipped.

That said, I admit that the combination is somehow lacking. It gets the job done, it just doesn't do it as well. Your 'cumbersome' adjective is correct. I expect that's the space the new MacBook Air will fill later this year.
 
I made the stupid mistake of buying a 1st gen ClamCase based on reviews a few years back. Total waste of $100+ dollars. It was utter junk. Impossible to type on, heavy, unbalanced, useless.

I will never again give them a dime of my business for that one ripoff even if they start making a good product. I have a Logitech keyboard for my iPad mini and an apple bluetooth keyboard for my Air. Both are great. Each cost less than half what ClamCase charges for their cr@p.
 
Massive problem I see with this:

What the hell are those keys above the left and right arrow keys? I don't care. They shouldn't be there. That space should be flat and empty as it is on every Apple keyboard.
 
ArtOfWarfare said:
Massive problem I see with this:

What the hell are those keys above the left and right arrow keys? I don't care. They shouldn't be there. That space should be flat and empty as it is on every Apple keyboard.
Click to expand...

They are battery and bluetooth keys. They merged those with the the option and command keys on the Mini version, but they've otherwise have had it next to the arrows on the bigger versions. I agree with you, you never use them very much anyway.
 
FieldingMellish said:
We've finally come full circle with my prediction circa IPad I that third parties are going to do what they can to make the iPad more laptop-like. For Pete's sake, just buy a laptop.
Click to expand...
Since many 3rd party companies make keyboards for the iPad and they are very popular, it is clear that (A) there is a significant need and, (B) that you don't understand what that need is.

There are quite a few benefits to using a physical keyboard with the iPad.

As for the ClamCase Pro, it seems like something that is more or less a permanent configuration than frequent switching. That's a good thing if that's the expectation. I prefer something that is easier to swap on and off, like the Logitech Ultrathin keyboard cover.
 
dsuden said:
I was very tempted to get one of those Clam cases, so I understand the attraction of them. But ultimately I ordered an Anker "Ultra-thin keyboard cover," and saved myself about 120 bucks in the process. The Anker is very nice, feels like it'll last, is good to type on, and allows me to instantly remove the iPad from it without having to wrestle it out of a cover. It differs from the Clam in that it uses a magnetic hinge to hold the iPad to the keyboard when in closed mode, and a magnetized slot and pop-up kickstand when open for business. I'm a touch typist, and don't feel I'm missing a thing with the Anker; it's a great typing keyboard. The keyboard's back side is aluminum, so when hinged closed, it looks much like a MacBook Air. Fit, finish, design, all very nice. I don't know how they can charge so little for them. So there you go, FWIW!
Click to expand...

Not surprised. Anker makes some excellent stuff and their price point is usually lower than the name brands. I've bought several external batteries from them and they're all outstanding quality.
 
I have the belkin version which is fine despite the bluetooth on/off hassel. Frankly, since I received the iPhone 6P I seldom if ever use my iPad Air anymore. The larger screen now makes it a lot easier to use. I do see the value in the upcoming 12-inch fanless MacBook so I'm holding off.
 
Really how hard would it have been for them to add a backlit keyboard. Every single time since the very first clam design this has been a draw back.

I say just use a 11 inch macbook air!
 
hmm

No, fail.
Does the lightening to USB adaptor fit? It certainly does not on the iPad Air's case. Good for them to include the earphone jack adaptor. I still disclide the rubber circle pads, ew, could be more subtle / classier there for sure. Also dislike very much the excess buttons for batter and bluetooth, shouldn't that be self explanitory? Those should be dedicated brightness keys then, sheeesh!!! Duh!

To those who keep saying they'd "rather just use the MacBook Air 11", I say bleh... Sacrifice the retina resolution for backlit keyboard?
 
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Jessica Lares said:
It's expensive, but they have good customer service. I just got mine replaced with no questions asked.

Everyone complains about the bulk with these things. Who cares? It's still thinner than the classic MacBook Pro nobody had an issue with a few years ago. You're aiming for the best typing experience anyway.

And yes, the keys are nice and pretty spacey, even on the Mini version.
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Unless you're working for this company, 120 day warranty is not a good customer service. With ridiculous amount of money you are paying for this case. It should be a no question ask for replacement, because you paid extra $120 for your 120 day warranty. I still don't see any reason why the price of this case same as the price of a chromebook.
 
Hands-On With the ClamCase Pro Keyboard Case for iPad Air 2

joueboy said:
Unless you're working for this company, 120 day warranty is not a good customer service. With ridiculous amount of money you are paying for this case. It should be a no question ask for replacement, because you paid extra $120 for your 120 day warranty. I still don't see any reason why the price of this case same as the price of a chromebook.
Click to expand...


When I asked for a replacement it was a little more than a month out of their warrenty. I'm sure that they actually don't mind if it's a little bit out of the period, but they don't want people to use it as an excuse to get a replacement for normal wear and tear.

No, I don't work for them.

I don't have a use for a Chromebook. I like the iPad I bought in 2012, and I have no desire to replace it until it dies on me. At the point where it does die on me, people will still be going on about how their fifth $200 Chromebook was still a better deal. I like using Procreate, Pixelmator, 1Password, Soulver, GoodReader, all my games, MFi controller, Safari - especially the reading list and the shared links feature I use for RSS.

Add a physical keyboard and it becomes a great writing tool, a nice stand so I can play a game with my controller/watch a movie/whatever, without introducing another computer I have to figure out where to keep when I'm not using it, have to REMEMBER I even have, and deal with finding alternatives for everything - I can't even use a stylus on it to jot down an idea I get then and there.

It's not a computer replacement, it's a device I use alongside my existing computer.

I don't want another computer, and when I do, I'm still going to favor the iPad as the device I walk out the door with.
 
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Blue Fox said:
Not to sound critical or negative, but I still don't understand why people try to transform their iPad into a laptop, when they can just go out and get a good laptop for roughly the same price anyway. All these "transform iPad into laptop" solutions just make it cumbersome versus just getting a laptop to begin with. For example, an 11" MacBook Air comes to mind.
Click to expand...

An iPad offers a lot of different types of usage that are impossible or much more cumbersome with a laptop. Just try to play any games that rely on motion controllers with a laptop. Keyboard iPad cases don't compete with laptops, they compete with owning/carrying both an iPad and a laptop.
 
joueboy said:
Unless you're working for this company, 120 day warranty is not a good customer service. With ridiculous amount of money you are paying for this case. It should be a no question ask for replacement, because you paid extra $120 for your 120 day warranty. I still don't see any reason why the price of this case same as the price of a chromebook.
Click to expand...

The ClamCase website lists a 120 day warranty, but I too thought this was a bit short so I spoke to them while writing this post and they confirmed there was an unspoken year long warranty and they're more than happy to replace any cases that have a manufacturing defect.

I have a Chromebook, which sees very little use. Your money is much better spent on this case, in my opinion. I'd rather have a keyboard that enhances my iOS experience any day over the Chromebook... you just can't compare the two when you have access to the full iOS ecosystem/apps with an iPad/keyboard combo and none of that with the Chromebook.
 
rubber pads

also.. the rubber pads leave permanent marks on the screen. the plastic cover is really brittle - my sister's case already started cracking apart like eggshell cracks here and there on the sides above and around the earphone hole.

keyboard is really cheep with a characters raised like stickers on the keys. for the price it should be very premium but it is just junk.
 
To those who are wondering why we would need such a product, and why not to take an 11" macbook air, I can say that I often travel with both my 11" MBA and my iPad, and greatly appreciate to have a keyboard case on the iPad.

Why ?

Because, on the plane, and given that I am about 6"4', and almost always travel economy, I usually hardly have enough space to open my MBA (ironically, I can do it on short flights when the seats do not recline, but on long haul flights, when the passenger before me reclines, I cannot use any laptop at all ---not enough space to open it enough for me to see the screen and to put my hands on the keyboard!). In the other hand, the iPad does it, and also has a much better battery life (on a recent flight, I used it for about 9 hours; the MBA would not have done it).

And there many more situations where I do not feel like opening the MBA, but the iPad just works: in trains, buses, restaurants, etc.

As soon as I get back to the hotel or the office, the MBA will take over for sure, but on transportation, the iPad+keyboard case really helps me be a lot more productive.
 
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