Updated 6/15/2018:
Yekbee contacted me shortly after my purchase and offered to send me an updated version of the keyboard to test, and of course I accepted.
The updated version is a fixed clamshell "mini laptop" design with a greatly improved keyboard. This new version is not intended to be used as a tablet, so I am reviewing it solely as a mini laptop design as that intent should be obvious to anyone looking at the keyboard and case.
The updated keyboard feels like the keys have better spacing, though physically it appears to be the same size. Touch typing on it is easier than the old version, but most importantly the arrow keys have been move down so that the up arrow no longer shares space with the right shift key. This one simple change has removed 90-95% of my typing errors while using the keyboard, and the remaining errors that I make are mostly due to my large hands not really fitting an iPad-sized keyboard properly (which is not a fault of the product).
There is no longer an assembly/disassembly issue (or magnets) as the new keyboard turns your iPad into a hinged mini laptop. Since a hinged mini laptop is clearly not intended to be used in tablet mode, I also no longer consider that an issue for this product, but it is something to be aware of if you're considering a purchase.
To summarize the update, Yekbee has made major design improvements along with a shift to a dedicated mini laptop style keyboard, and the new product is a huge improvement over the old one for those looking for a mini laptop style keyboard. Since I was looking for a mini laptop, the new product gets 5 stars from me.
Original review:
In many ways this is a great product, but there are niggling usability issues that prevent it from getting a better rating.
The good:
* The keyboard has very good feel for a portable. I find it better than the A1843 wireless Apple "Magic Keyboard", for example.
* The overall quality of workmanship is excellent and the materials have a high quality feel to them.
* The magnets used to attach the keyboard are plenty strong to hold the keyboard in place when combined with the texture of the materials.
* The keyboard backlighting is both subtle and bright enough to be visible.
The bad:
* You have to re-assemble/disassemble the keyboard setup every time you open or close the case. The keyboard must be moved once the case flaps have been opened so that the iPad can then be folded into place as the "laptop" screen. The keyboard must then be moved back into "storage" position into order to fold everything back up into closed/carrying mode.
* There's no good way to use the case in tablet mode - it simply isn't designed to be used that way because the keyboard is exposed (and constantly activated) by whatever hand you're using to hold the iPad while in tablet mode.
* The keyboard is small and fairly cramped for my hands, though admittedly my hands are large. Someone with small hands likely wouldn't have any problem using the keyboard, though if you have normal-sized hands you might want to try it before you buy it. I basically have to switch to 2-finger typing to use this keyboard when I'm normally a high wpm touch typist. That's still better (for me) than trying to type on the iPad screen itself, though, so I'm happy to have the keyboard.
* The right Shift key is split in half to make room for Pg Up and the up arrow key, but that means I constantly hit Pg Up when I meant to hit right Shift when I'm attempting to touch type.
Summary:
If what you really want is a tiny laptop, then this case and keyboard will work very well for you (other than the assembling/disassembling issue). It is high quality and sturdy, has a professional look, and has a good feel to the keyboard. But if you need a dual-mode tablet/laptop case then I recommend looking elsewhere, as the tablet functionality of this case is minimal at best.
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Customer Review: Compact and Effective Keyboard for IPad 6th Gen
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Customer Review: Disrespectful and dishonorable
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Product Description
TYPE. BROWSE. PROTECT. – ALL YOUR IPAD NEEDS IN ONE TOOL
The Folio Case takes mobile computing to a new level. Now you can enjoy laptop-like typing anywhere you take your iPad. Its slim design and backlit keys make it a joy to use anywhere, anytime, all the while keeping your iPad safe from bumps, scratches and spills.
THREE VERSATILE MODES
A protective cover and real, quiet keyboard support 3 use modes - Typing, Viewing, Reading - giving you amazing versatility.
FIND YOUR BEST ANGLE
There’s a right angle for every situation – and it’s not always 90 degrees. Our patented design ensures that the Folio Case stays in place once you’ve got that perfect setting.
DESIGNED FOR OPTIMAL TYPING
Edge-to-edge layout of well-spaced keys helps ensure familiar laptop-like typing. Mechanical scissor keys are tuned for productivity with 1.5mm key travel – an optimal depth for comfortable and responsive typing.
IPAD CONTROLS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
A full row of iOS shortcut keys put iPad controls at your fingertips – change volume, language and more – all without leaving the keyboard.
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| Customer Reviews |
2,815
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16,528
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779
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4,968
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| Price | — | $64.99 | — | — | — |
| Backlit Keyboard | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Backlight Colors | 7 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Case Colors | Black, Blue, Rose Gold, Gold | Black, Blue, Silver, Rose Gold, Violet, Green, Gray | Black, Blue, Rose Gold, SIlver | Black, Silver, Rose Gold, Gold | Black, Space Gray, Rose Gold |
| Keyboard Style | Detachable | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed | Detachable |
| Hinge Style | N/A | 360° | 135° | 360° | 135° |
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rechargeable | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Special Feature | Detachable keyboard with special modes for iOS, Android & Windows | Color-changing backlight, 360° rotatable on 2 axes | Lightest hinged case for iPad | 360° rotatable on 2 axes | Detach keyboard with press of a button |
| Compatibility | iPad 2018 (6th Gen) - iPad 2017 (5th Gen) - iPad Pro 9.7 - iPad Air 2 & 1 | iPad 2018 (6th Gen) - iPad 2017 (5th Gen) - iPad Pro 9.7 - iPad Air 2 & 1 | iPad 2018 (6th Gen) - iPad 2017 (5th Gen) - iPad Pro 9.7 - iPad Air 2 & 1 | iPad 2018 (6th Gen) - iPad 2017 (5th Gen) - iPad Pro 9.7 - iPad Air 2 & 1 | iPad 2018 (6th Gen) - iPad 2017 (5th Gen) - iPad Pro 9.7 - iPad Air 2 & 1 |
| MSRP | 129.99 | 174.99 | 139.99 | 174.99 | 149.99 |
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This Item  YEKBEE Keyboard Case Compatible with iPad Pro 9.7 |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | Currently unavailable. | -5% $39.98 List: $41.97 | -40% $23.98 List: $39.99 | -17% $33.98 List: $40.99 | $38.99 | $22.99 |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
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| Sturdiness | ||||||
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| Sold By | — | GreenLawUS | FUWANG | SUPERIOR_USA | Boriyuan | BOBOLEE Corp. |
| connectivity tech | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth, USB | Bluetooth | Micro USB |
| number of keys | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | — | 78 |
| hardware interface | bluetooth | bluetooth | bluetooth | bluetooth | bluetooth | — |
| compatible devices | compatible with iPad 6th Generation (2018), compatible with iPad 5th Generation (2017),compatible with iPad Pro 9.7 (2016), compatible with iPad Air 2 (2014),compatible with iPad Air 1 (2013) | iPad 6th generation 2018: A1893、A1954, iPad 5th generation 2017: A1822、A1823, iPad Pro 9.7 inch 2016: A1673、A1674、A1675, iPad Air 2nd Generation 2014: A1566、A1567 | iPad 9th Generation 2021 Released 10.2 inch (Model: A2602/ A2603/ A2604/ A2605), iPad 8th Generation 2020 (Model: A2270/ A2428/ A2429/ A2430), iPad 7th Generation 2019 (Model: A2197/ A2198/ A2200), iPad Air 3rd Generation 10.5 inch 2019 (Model: A2154/A2123/ A2152/ A2153), iPad Pro 10.5 inch 2017 (Model: A1701/ A1709/A1852) | iPad 8th Generation 2020 Released-A2430/A2270/A2428/A2429, iPad 7th Generation 2019 Released-A2197/A2198/A2200, iPad Pro 10.5 inch 2017 Released-A1701/A1709/A1852, iPad Air 10.5 inch 2019 Released(Air 3th Generation)-A2154/2152/2153/2123, iPad 9th Generation 2021 Released- A2602/A2603/A2604/A2605 | Tablet | For iPad 9.7 inch 6th generation 2018 Released - A1893/A1954, For iPad 9.7 inch 5th generation 2017 Released - A1822/A1823, For iPad 9.7 inch Air 2nd Gen. 2014 Released - A1566/A1567 |
| keyboard description | Multi Functional | iPad 9.7 inch Keyboard Case | Backlit Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard | Backlit | Multi Functional | USB |
| operating system | iOS, iPadOS | iOS | ipad | Android, iOS, Windows | Ios | Ios |
Reviews with images
Case fold joint design flaw, PLUS REVIEW UPDATE
I have given this keyboard case a mediocre evaluation for one SIMPLE issue— the location of the fold joint in the case. Rather than being 1/2 way from the edge of case, a position that would allow one to fold the case back onto itself, so that the attached keyboard is protected UNDERNEATH the iPad when using it as a tablet, INSTEAD the fold is 1/3 of the way from the edge, which offsets the case when compacted. The case can be folded in a different manner, but this leaves the keyboard facing the bottom, exposed.Keyboard case would also benefit from having an ApplePencil holder. Otherwise, the keyboard works well...****REVIEW UPDATE: I received an unsolicited contacted from a representative from Yekbee who wanted to sure that I had a good experience with their product. In fact, they even sent me one of their OTHER keyboards to check out as an alternative, the Yekbee 360 Hard Case. I have to confess, although this was NOT the set up I had intended (a folio case with a removable Bluetooth keyboard), it IS a better one, especially if someone intends to use the iPad as a substitute laptop! Whereas the Folio Case was flimsy and difficult to balance on your lap, the 360 hard case is hinged like a laptop, and balances well on one’s lap. Furthermore, it rotates 360 degrees, allowing one to fold it back onto itself hiding the keyboard, and facilitating the iPad being used as a tablet. Like the Folio’s keyboard, the 360 Hard Case is back lit, and automatically connects by Bluetooth once initially paired. The keyboard is not removable, but then it does not need to be in this setup. Not sure about the ultimate durability of the hard plastic case and hinge, but it seems reasonable for the price. I would not expect it to survive repeated dropping without sustaining major damage.So there you have it. A 3 star rating for the Yekbee Folio Case, but a 5 star rating for customer service, and a 5 star rating for the Yekbee 360 Hard case!
