Before determining what the best Bluetooth iPad keyboard is, it is important to establish why exactly a keyboard is necessary for the iPad, especially since the device already has a touch screen keyboard.
Well, the first point to establish is that the touch screen keyboard is a fantastic function. By making use of the tablet’s screen for typing purposes, the iPad is kept very compact and portable which is what makes the device so popular for use on the go. The fact that the keyboard is not physically there is undoubtedly what separates the tablet from a laptop, which are inevitably far heavier and bulkier objects to carry round with you.
So if the touch screen keyboard is so great, why would you even consider a Bluetooth iPad keyboard? Well, the answer to this question lies in the substantial flaw with the tablet’s on-screen keys.
For the purpose of typing out a few quick emails and the occasional Facebook post, the touch screen keys are absolutely fine and easy to access. However, a major issue occurs when you plan on stepping up your writing to the next level. If you’re trying to type at a fluent speed and in a large quantity, the touch screen just cannot keep up. The situations where this problem may arise could be when a university student wants to use their tablet to take down the fast-paced dictated notes in a lecture, or where an office worker is having to send multiple lengthy and elaborate emails to coworkers in a tight lunch hour.
The main issue is that the faster you type, the more inaccurate you become in your keystrokes. Since the touch screen is a flat, smooth surface, there is no way for you to feel that you have hit the right key which results in a lot of accidental fluffed strokes. Combine this “guesswork” typing with the reduced level of touchscreen responsiveness that fast typing induces and you have yourself a recipe for spelling mistakes, randomly auto-corrected words and the occasional omitted letter.
Therefore, the frustrating result of this rather sketchy typing method is that you will have to spend a good amount of time proof reading what you have just written in order to ensure its cohesion. Ultimately, since the iPad is meant to be a time-saving device, this can really contradict its primary selling point and double up the amount of time you take.
This is the reason why many users, including myself, have turned to Bluetooth iPad keyboards in order to return that accurate text quality you can expect from a genuine, physical set of keys.
Now, you may say that this defeats the object of using a tablet and I would have to agree, but typing is just one aspect of your iPad’s functions so it isn’t as if you are obliged to keep the wireless iPad keyboard attached to the tablet at all times like a laptop. Instead, you can simply connect the physical keyboard up to your iPad whenever you are about to perform some serious typing, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
So I have clarified why I’m a fan of them, but which exactly is the best Bluetooth iPad keyboard?
I’ve done a lot of searching and tried a couple of these wireless iPad keyboards out, but ultimately I have decided to settle down with the D-Lux black leather iPad case. Now, in an effort not to confuse you, let me clarify that this is a case that incorporates a physical keyboard into its lining.
So what exactly is so special about the D-Lux leather iPad case’s keyboard that puts it at the top of my list?
Well, the main difference is the fact that the keys are constructed from a solid plastic material as opposed to the cheaper silicone option that many wireless iPad keyboard cases opt for. What this means is that the keys will feel familiar to you after growing accustomed to using your PC or Mac over the years. This means that your overall efficiency and speed will be as fast as you are already capable of without all those irritating mistakes accustomed to the touch screen keys.
What makes these keys even better is the fact that they are incorporated into a strong, protective leather iPad case that will keep your device pristine and safe from those unsightly hairline scratches. Since the keyboard also forms the opposing panel of the case when folded out, you can easily transition from using your touch screen menu to carrying out some brisk typing without any hassle.
Once again, the keys stand out as exceptional in my mind because of the addition of some specialist shortcuts which will save you time when you’re jumping between documents. By including dedicated keys for “select all”, “copy”, “cut”, “paste” and “slide show” to name a few, you will be able to take full control over your document editing with ease.
A further reason why this case and keyboard combination worked so well for my typing habits was the fact that the case could stand the tablet up horizontally and essentially act as a screen while I typed. This meant that I was no longer having to crane my neck and keep my body leaning forward in order to look over my hands when using the flat touchscreen keys. Instead, I could sit back and relax whilst writing my articles, blog posts and emails.
The addition of the sturdy leather iPad case also meant that typing on public transport was much easier, especially on the train. I could easily set up my full physical keyboard setup on the fold down table and get a head start on my writing for the day without having to lean my head against the seat in front in an effort to even see what I was typing.
So all in all, I couldn’t recommend the D-Lux leather iPad case more thanks to its excellent wireless Bluetooth iPad keyboard allowing for such versatility in my tablet use. One minute I could be playing a mean game of Angry Birds and the next I could be drafting out my 10 page report and all the while my investment would be fully protected from any marks or scratching.
So, ultimately, this is the best Bluetooth iPad keyboard and leather iPad case combination on the market by a long shot.
