iPad Pro 10.5 Cases Thread

[kotikcatroz]

I use the ESR iPad Pro 10.5 Case and this is pretty much all I need. A great case and the price is not that high.
I got this one from Amazon: iPad Pro 10.5 Case, ESR Case with Soft TPU Bumper Edge Corner Protection Smart Case Cover Auto Wake Sleep Function for Apple iPad Pro 10.5-inch(Black)

 

[spiderman0616]

Just to add EVEN MORE information to the situation with the Smart Cover/Keyboard Cover compatible version of the Luvvitt TPU case:

I emailed again asking if there was any status on when the updated units would be sent out. Specifically, I asked, "If I ordered another one on Amazon now and got a refund for the one I already have, would I be getting the newly revised corners or the same thing I already have?"

Their response was "The stock that Amazon has is the same thing you got--we are improving the case even though this issue is not bothering most users." They advised me to wait for them to send the revised case rather than get a refund and order another one later.

In other words, Luvvitt is revising this case to fit better on the two corners, but still selling the faulty ones on Amazon, realizing that most people won't notice. I myself didn't notice until someone pointed it out to me. But it really bugs me because this is the closest I've found to a case I can live with (no wonky bumps on the corners on the back, nice feel, not proned to scratching up the iPad, etc.), and my eye goes to those corners every time I pick the iPad up.

 

[baconcow]

Just to add EVEN MORE information to the situation with the Smart Cover/Keyboard Cover compatible version of the Luvvitt TPU case:

I emailed again asking if there was any status on when the updated units would be sent out. Specifically, I asked, "If I ordered another one on Amazon now and got a refund for the one I already have, would I be getting the newly revised corners or the same thing I already have?"

Their response was "The stock that Amazon has is the same thing you got--we are improving the case even though this issue is not bothering most users." They advised me to wait for them to send the revised case rather than get a refund and order another one later.

In other words, Luvvitt is revising this case to fit better on the two corners, but still selling the faulty ones on Amazon, realizing that most people won't notice. I myself didn't notice until someone pointed it out to me. But it really bugs me because this is the closest I've found to a case I can live with (no wonky bumps on the corners on the back, nice feel, not proned to scratching up the iPad, etc.), and my eye goes to those corners every time I pick the iPad up.

I believe Moko did this, as well. After it was well-known that their first stock didn't fit, the price was dropped substantially and Amazon kept selling it well before people mentioned that they had received replacements. It was most likely before Amazon had replacements, too. I even mentioned it to the manufacturer. It is terrible business practice, but seems quite common, these days. Let the customer decide if they're unhappy and deal with them if necessary.

This is mainly why I have decided to just get that overpriced Tech 21 case. It fits like a glove, is flexible without being flimsy, and has a lifetime warranty. Tech 21 has told me they will only require a photo and proof-of-purchase if I have any issues (for example, if the pencil holder loosens up, over time) and they will mail replacements free-of-charge. Added bonus that I get to pick it up with my iPad, right at the Apple Store.

 

[spiderman0616]

I believe Moko did this, as well. After it was well-known that their first stock didn't fit, the price was dropped substantially and Amazon kept selling it well before people mentioned that they had received replacements. It was most likely before Amazon had replacements, too. I even mentioned it to the manufacturer. It is terrible business practice, but seems quite common, these days. Let the customer decide if they're unhappy and deal with them if necessary.

This is mainly why I have decided to just get that overpriced Tech 21 case. It fits like a glove, is flexible without being flimsy, and has a lifetime warranty. Tech 21 has told me they will only require a photo and proof-of-purchase if I have any issues (for example, if the pencil holder loosens up, over time) and they will mail replacements free-of-charge. Added bonus that I get to pick it up with my iPad, right at the Apple Store.

I have a $75 Apple Store gift card burning a hole in my pocket, and every time that Tech 21 case gets mentioned, I'm tempted by it. The fact that it's a hard plastic snap-on variety bugs me though--I've been burned by those in the past as far as them getting stuff caught under them and scratching up the metal.

Question about that one--when you take the side pencil holder off, are there jagged edges there where the pencil holder was, or just the holes--like does the case look/feel ok without the pencil holder on the side? I like that it's detachable--kind of the best of both worlds in that situation.

 

[alau0115]

I believe Moko did this, as well. After it was well-known that their first stock didn't fit, the price was dropped substantially and Amazon kept selling it well before people mentioned that they had received replacements. It was most likely before Amazon had replacements, too. I even mentioned it to the manufacturer. It is terrible business practice, but seems quite common, these days. Let the customer decide if they're unhappy and deal with them if necessary.

This is mainly why I have decided to just get that overpriced Tech 21 case. It fits like a glove, is flexible without being flimsy, and has a lifetime warranty. Tech 21 has told me they will only require a photo and proof-of-purchase if I have any issues (for example, if the pencil holder loosens up, over time) and they will mail replacements free-of-charge. Added bonus that I get to pick it up with my iPad, right at the Apple Store.

Since you have the Tech21 case, I wonder do you find the buttons quite stiff and hard to press? I am also interested in this case but haven got the iPad Pro 10.5" yet but I went to an Apple Store to see the case. Without actual iPad, the buttons seem very stiff to me.

Thanks in advance.

 

[HylianKnight]

Just to add EVEN MORE information to the situation with the Smart Cover/Keyboard Cover compatible version of the Luvvitt TPU case:

I emailed again asking if there was any status on when the updated units would be sent out. Specifically, I asked, "If I ordered another one on Amazon now and got a refund for the one I already have, would I be getting the newly revised corners or the same thing I already have?"

Their response was "The stock that Amazon has is the same thing you got--we are improving the case even though this issue is not bothering most users." They advised me to wait for them to send the revised case rather than get a refund and order another one later.

In other words, Luvvitt is revising this case to fit better on the two corners, but still selling the faulty ones on Amazon, realizing that most people won't notice. I myself didn't notice until someone pointed it out to me. But it really bugs me because this is the closest I've found to a case I can live with (no wonky bumps on the corners on the back, nice feel, not proned to scratching up the iPad, etc.), and my eye goes to those corners every time I pick the iPad up.

A company that knows their product is defective and still continues to sell the defective model because "the issue is not bothering most users" is a company I do not want to do business with. Just my opinion.

 

[baconcow]

I have a $75 Apple Store gift card burning a hole in my pocket, and every time that Tech 21 case gets mentioned, I'm tempted by it. The fact that it's a hard plastic snap-on variety bugs me though--I've been burned by those in the past as far as them getting stuff caught under them and scratching up the metal.

Question about that one--when you take the side pencil holder off, are there jagged edges there where the pencil holder was, or just the holes--like does the case look/feel ok without the pencil holder on the side? I like that it's detachable--kind of the best of both worlds in that situation.

I am actually heading out to get my iPad, in a few minutes. I am not sure if it is the type of hard plastic case you may be expecting. For example, the JetTech case, I originally bought, is hard plastic. This case, while more rigid than TPU, is quite flexible. Still, if dirt gets caught under it, it may still scratch. I am hoping that it won't be nearly as bad as a harder case. Silicone is the best for this, but attracts dirt a lot more. I will check the hole, when I get it.

Since you have the Tech21 case, I wonder do you find the buttons quite stiff and hard to press? I am also interested in this case but haven got the iPad Pro 10.5" yet but I went to an Apple Store to see the case. Without actual iPad, the buttons seem very stiff to me.

Thanks in advance.

I will have it soon (unless it is out-of-stock). When I looked at it in-store, I can tell you the volume buttons are a little harder to press, but nothing I found too difficult. There is definitely resistance, but I am assuming, like most materials, this will lessen over time. When you go to the store, just ask to have them put the case on an iPad Pro 10.5. They let me try out this case and the STM Dux Plus (which I found mediocre).

 

[spiderman0616]

A company that knows their product is defective and still continues to sell the defective model because "the issue is not bothering most users" is a company I do not want to do business with. Just my opinion.

I would be the same way if the case weren't so cheap. I have had a lot of Luvvitt cases in the past and all have fit perfectly and have been very durable. I don't get why it's so hard for them to get this particular one right. Heck, at first they were selling it as compatible with the Smart Cover even when it didn't have the cutout. People were actually receiving them with no way to attach the covers. It's ridiculous.

I would much rather these companies take the time to get the fit right before putting these things on the market and forcing people to do a zillion returns in order to get something they're happy with.
[doublepost=1501092324][/doublepost]

I am actually heading out to get my iPad, in a few minutes. I am not sure if it is the type of hard plastic case you may be expecting. For example, the JetTech case, I originally bought, is hard plastic. This case, while more rigid than TPU, is quite flexible. Still, if dirt gets caught under it, it may still scratch. I am hoping that it won't be nearly as bad as a harder case. Silicone is the best for this, but attracts dirt a lot more. I will check the hole, when I get it.



I will have it soon (unless it is out-of-stock). When I looked at it in-store, I can tell you the volume buttons are a little harder to press, but nothing I found too difficult. There is definitely resistance, but I am assuming, like most materials, this will lessen over time. When you go to the store, just ask to have them put the case on an iPad Pro 10.5. They let me try out this case and the STM Dux Plus (which I found mediocre).

What's the inside of the case like as far as texture? The Khomo case I tried out had felt lining on a lot of the inside back area, but had these other areas where it was really hard plastic (like around the camera cutout) and I will NOT put that on my iPad.

 

[alau0115]

I am actually heading out to get my iPad, in a few minutes. I am not sure if it is the type of hard plastic case you may be expecting. For example, the JetTech case, I originally bought, is hard plastic. This case, while more rigid than TPU, is quite flexible. Still, if dirt gets caught under it, it may still scratch. I am hoping that it won't be nearly as bad as a harder case. Silicone is the best for this, but attracts dirt a lot more. I will check the hole, when I get it.



I will have it soon (unless it is out-of-stock). When I looked at it in-store, I can tell you the volume buttons are a little harder to press, but nothing I found too difficult. There is definitely resistance, but I am assuming, like most materials, this will lessen over time. When you go to the store, just ask to have them put the case on an iPad Pro 10.5. They let me try out this case and the STM Dux Plus (which I found mediocre).

Thanks for your suggestion. I will ask for a test fit. The problem I had at that Apple Store is they only have the iPad 5th Gen Tech21 case on display. That case is closely similar except the cutouts and the lack of the Apple Pencil holder.

I am sure they have the Tech21 case for iPad Pro 10.5" at the back of the store since it shows it is in stock for that particular location.

 

[baconcow]

Since you have the Tech21 case, I wonder do you find the buttons quite stiff and hard to press? I am also interested in this case but haven got the iPad Pro 10.5" yet but I went to an Apple Store to see the case. Without actual iPad, the buttons seem very stiff to me.

Thanks in advance.

Thanks for your suggestion. I will ask for a test fit. The problem I had at that Apple Store is they only have the iPad 5th Gen Tech21 case on display. That case is closely similar except the cutouts and the lack of the Apple Pencil holder.

I am sure they have the Tech21 case for iPad Pro 10.5" at the back of the store since it shows it is in stock for that particular location.

The iPad Pro 10.5 Tech 21 case has no markings on it identifying it as 10.5. Just has a small 2017 on the back of the case. It doesn't even show up on Tech 21's site, yet. One of the store reps didn't even know it was for the 10.5. Another rep came and said they had it. There were many of them on the shelf. Also, if they put it on, make sure to play around with it. When I tried the STM Dux Plus, the rep wanted to handle it, at first. With the Tech 21, the rep let us set it up with an Apple Smart Cover (leather) and test the pencil holder with one of their Apple Pencils and also use the stand and such.

What's the inside of the case like as far as texture? The Khomo case I tried out had felt lining on a lot of the inside back area, but had these other areas where it was really hard plastic (like around the camera cutout) and I will NOT put that on my iPad.

Come to think of it, I only really remember the outside. I will get back to you with this. There is no lining but the plastic is not as hard like on most Amazon cases.

 

[spiderman0616]

The iPad Pro 10.5 Tech 21 case has no markings on it identifying it as 10.5. Just has a small 2017 on the back of the case. It doesn't even show up on Tech 21's site, yet. One of the store reps didn't even know it was for the 10.5. Another rep came and said they had it. There were many of them on the shelf. Also, if they put it on, make sure to play around with it. When I tried the STM Dux Plus, the rep wanted to handle it, at first. With the Tech 21, the rep let us set it up with an Apple Smart Cover (leather) and test the pencil holder with one of their Apple Pencils and also use the stand and such.



Come to think of it, I only really remember the outside. I will get back to you with this. There is no lining but the plastic is not as hard like on most Amazon cases.

Yes, please do if you remember. If this ends up being a winner, I might just go grab one from the Apple Store. I'm tired of fiddling around with cases and just want to get back to my regular iPad-ing.

 

[Eric5273]

I purchased the Tech 21 case last week, but ended up returning it because I preferred the Modal case I found at Best Buy. But I can confirm the Tech 21 case is some kind of soft plastic that is somewhere in between TPU and Polycarbonate. It's not quite as soft as TPU, but can bend without breaking. But it also doesn't have that stickiness that is common with clear TPU. It's really a very nice material, and I don't think it will scratch the iPad. It also seemed very protective if you were to drop the iPad.

My main reason for returning it had more to do with the cost. The Modal case I found at Best Buy had a better and more sturdy stand function, and was $45, compared to a total cost of $120 for the Tech 21 case and Apple Smart Cover.

As for the STM Dux, I looked at that one at the store, and the stand function seemed extremely flimsy. Other than that, it seemed like a very well made case. But that design feature with the two tabs on the back to tuck the front cover into seemed to not work very well. With the Modal case, when in stand/viewing mode, no matter how hard you tap on the screen, the iPad does not move. With most of these other cases, the iPad will fall over. Even the Apple Smart Cover is nowhere near as sturdy as the Modal case when in stand mode.

 

[spiderman0616]

I purchased the Tech 21 case last week, but ended up returning it because I preferred the Modal case I found at Best Buy. But I can confirm the Tech 21 case is some kind of soft plastic that is somewhere in between TPU and Polycarbonate. It's not quite as soft as TPU, but can bend without breaking. But it also doesn't have that stickiness that is common with clear TPU. It's really a very nice material, and I don't think it will scratch the iPad. It also seemed very protective if you were to drop the iPad.

My main reason for returning it had more to do with the cost. The Modal case I found at Best Buy had a better and more sturdy stand function, and was $45, compared to a total cost of $120 for the Tech 21 case and Apple Smart Cover.

As for the STM Dux, I looked at that one at the store, and the stand function seemed extremely flimsy. Other than that, it seemed like a very well made case. But that design feature with the two tabs on the back to tuck the front cover into seemed to not work very well. With the Modal case, when in stand/viewing mode, no matter how hard you tap on the screen, the iPad does not move. With most of these other cases, the iPad will fall over. Even the Apple Smart Cover is nowhere near as sturdy as the Modal case when in stand mode.

What was the case like with the Pencil holder off--were there any obnoxious seams or notches in that spot? I know there are holes there, but do they blend in pretty seamlessly?

 

[baconcow]

I would be the same way if the case weren't so cheap. I have had a lot of Luvvitt cases in the past and all have fit perfectly and have been very durable. I don't get why it's so hard for them to get this particular one right. Heck, at first they were selling it as compatible with the Smart Cover even when it didn't have the cutout. People were actually receiving them with no way to attach the covers. It's ridiculous.

I would much rather these companies take the time to get the fit right before putting these things on the market and forcing people to do a zillion returns in order to get something they're happy with.
[doublepost=1501092324][/doublepost]

I purchased the Tech 21 case last week, but ended up returning it because I preferred the Modal case I found at Best Buy. But I can confirm the Tech 21 case is some kind of soft plastic that is somewhere in between TPU and Polycarbonate. It's not quite as soft as TPU, but can bend without breaking. But it also doesn't have that stickiness that is common with clear TPU. It's really a very nice material, and I don't think it will scratch the iPad. It also seemed very protective if you were to drop the iPad.

My main reason for returning it had more to do with the cost. The Modal case I found at Best Buy had a better and more sturdy stand function, and was $45, compared to a total cost of $120 for the Tech 21 case and Apple Smart Cover.

As for the STM Dux, I looked at that one at the store, and the stand function seemed extremely flimsy. Other than that, it seemed like a very well made case. But that design feature with the two tabs on the back to tuck the front cover into seemed to not work very well. With the Modal case, when in stand/viewing mode, no matter how hard you tap on the screen, the iPad does not move. With most of these other cases, the iPad will fall over. Even the Apple Smart Cover is nowhere near as sturdy as the Modal case when in stand mode.

I looked at the Modal, the other day (being one of the few cases at our Canadian Best Buy's). Unfortunately, with nearly all of the sides opened having only the 4 corners to hold the case, I don't trust it enough to protect the iPad Pro. I wish the Tech 21 + Smart Cover was only $120 here. In our monopoly money currency, it is $150 (Silicone) or $180 (Leather) plus our horrible 15% tax. You're right about the Apple Cover not being a super sturdy stand. I do like being able to take off the cover. However, it can be knocked over with a push. The STM Dux Plus was much worse, though.

 

[seb1230]

I just received my Pad & Quill Contega Thin case. It's gorgeous and appears well-made. It's incredibly lightweight. My iPad fits perfectly and it's a little larger on the outside to protect the corners. It is exactly like the video on the Pad & Quill website. I have my ASK in it, too and it definitely works. However, it does make the case protrude a bit, so I'm not sure if I'll leave it there all the time.

 

[Eric5273]

What was the case like with the Pencil holder off--were there any obnoxious seams or notches in that spot? I know there are holes there, but do they blend in pretty seamlessly?

There are 3 small keyhole shaped holes. I didn't think that was much of an issue, and I don't have the pencil so I would have used it like that without the pencil holder. I suppose it's actually a nice feature to have in case you get a pencil in the future. I don't know of any other case that has a removable pencil holder.
[doublepost=1501115162][/doublepost]

I looked at the Modal, the other day (being one of the few cases at our Canadian Best Buy's). Unfortunately, with nearly all of the sides opened having only the 4 corners to hold the case, I don't trust it enough to protect the iPad Pro. I wish the Tech 21 + Smart Cover was only $120 here. In our monopoly money currency, it is $150 (Silicone) or $180 (Leather) plus our horrible 15% tax. You're right about the Apple Cover not being a super sturdy stand. I do like being able to take off the cover. However, it can be knocked over with a push. The STM Dux Plus was much worse, though.

You are right about the sides being open. It's not really a protective case at all. But it does hold the iPad in place very well with those 4 corner pieces, and the camera and microphone cutouts are perfect. And most important for me, the stand function, when the cover is folded in a triangle, is super sturdy. Since I use my iPad mostly at my desk with a Bluetooth keyboard, that was most important for me. I did not want to have to use a separate stand as well as a case.

 

[spiderman0616]

There are 3 small keyhole shaped holes. I didn't think that was much of an issue, and I don't have the pencil so I would have used it like that without the pencil holder. I suppose it's actually a nice feature to have in case you get a pencil in the future. I don't know of any other case that has a removable pencil holder.
[doublepost=1501115162][/doublepost]

You are right about the sides being open. It's not really a protective case at all. But it does hold the iPad in place very well with those 4 corner pieces, and the camera and microphone cutouts are perfect. And most important for me, the stand function, when the cover is folded in a triangle, is super sturdy. Since I use my iPad mostly at my desk with a Bluetooth keyboard, that was most important for me. I did not want to have to use a separate stand as well as a case.

I do have the Pencil and sometimes I want it with me and sometimes I don't. The problem with the cases with the Pencil holder attached is that it always wakes up the Pencil and the battery drains much more quickly. So the Tech21 case looks like it's kind of the best of both worlds, but the thought of spending $75 of my HomePod money makes me a little queasy. Still debating.

 

[anthorumor]

I just received my Pad & Quill Contega Thin case.

Cool! I received my Oxford case from Pad and Quill and will do a review of it when I arrive home after work. Pretty fast shipping considering I ordered from Sydney, Australia.

 

[bwhinnen]

I just received I’ve my Oxford case from Pad & Quill today too. It is a gorgeous case. I got it in Whiskey.

- Stitching is fantastic and even.
- Single piece of very good quality leather for the outside.
- Inside is made from a single piece as well, not as thick.
- Pocket is tight; but you could fit a few documents in there.
- I don’t have the pencil yet, but the holder is well attached and should hold it well.
- The elastic strap works well and is not too cumbersome.
- The magnet is not strong on the cover, but enough to switch on and off the screen.
- The camera and flash hole is substantial and does not cause vignettes on the image.
- The 3M strips hold the iPad really well. It will be interesting to see how well they hold up.

Everything is very stiff at the moment but I expect that will loosen up with use. Overall I’m pleased with the fit and quality, and that real leather smell is divine!

 

[HylianKnight]

I would be the same way if the case weren't so cheap. I have had a lot of Luvvitt cases in the past and all have fit perfectly and have been very durable. I don't get why it's so hard for them to get this particular one right. Heck, at first they were selling it as compatible with the Smart Cover even when it didn't have the cutout. People were actually receiving them with no way to attach the covers. It's ridiculous.

I would much rather these companies take the time to get the fit right before putting these things on the market and forcing people to do a zillion returns in order to get something they're happy with.

I suppose since the price is so low that it makes it lesser of a grievance. Despite the case having a relatively low price I suspect manufacturing costs for these are many times lower. I suspect the cost is ~$3 per case. This is a total guess.

 

[Eric5273]

I just received I’ve my Oxford case from Pad & Quill today too. It is a gorgeous case. I got it in Whiskey.

- Stitching is fantastic and even.
- Single piece of very good quality leather for the outside.
- Inside is made from a single piece as well, not as thick.
- Pocket is tight; but you could fit a few documents in there.
- I don’t have the pencil yet, but the holder is well attached and should hold it well.
- The elastic strap works well and is not too cumbersome.
- The magnet is not strong on the cover, but enough to switch on and off the screen.
- The camera and flash hole is substantial and does not cause vignettes on the image.
- The 3M strips hold the iPad really well. It will be interesting to see how well they hold up.

Everything is very stiff at the moment but I expect that will loosen up with use. Overall I’m pleased with the fit and quality, and that real leather smell is divine!

View attachment 710336 View attachment 710337 View attachment 710338 View attachment 710339 View attachment 710340

How sturdy is it when put in stand mode? If you tap on the screen a lot will it fall over like an apple Smart Cover or is it very sturdy?

 

[willmtaylor]

Still very happy with my Khomo case.

 

[baconcow]

I suppose since the price is so low that it makes it lesser of a grievance. Despite the case having a relatively low price I suspect manufacturing costs for these are many times lower. I suspect the cost is ~$3 per case. This is a total guess.

Likely under $0.50 a piece, at bulk (maybe much lower). See here, for an example. You can buy these iPad Pro TPU cases for as low low as $0.10 each. Marketing, packaging, and shipping would cost more, but these things cost peanuts to make.

 

[bwhinnen]

How sturdy is it when put in stand mode? If you tap on the screen a lot will it fall over like an apple Smart Cover or is it very sturdy?

I will have to break it in first. Once I have I’ll let you know.

 

[HylianKnight]

Likely under $0.50 a piece, at bulk (maybe much lower). See here, for an example. You can buy these iPad Pro TPU cases for as low low as $0.10 each. Marketing, packaging, and shipping would cost more, but these things cost peanuts to make.

Yeah, I figured my estimate was high, but I think my point was still made. It's like when you get the bill after a dinner out and are slapped in the face by the $40 bottle of wine that you just drank that retails for $10. Markups on so many things are crazy! Let's not get started on the markups for iPads and iPhones.