Kensington KeyFolio Exact, Executive Plus and Pro Reviews (iPad Air)
Kensington KeyFolio Exact, Executive Plus and Pro Reviews (iPad Air)
Company: Kensington
Product: Bluetooth Keyboard and Case
Reviewer: James Wright & Tony Smith
Reviewer Date: May 2014
Kensington are known for their high quality Apple products and Impulse Gamer were recently given the opportunity to check out three of their KeyFolio keyboard folio cases for the iPad Air (aka iPad 5). Although each folio case is slightly different, they do share a similar Bluetooth keyboard which definitely transforms the way you use the iPad Air. The great aspect about the keyboard for all three units is that they mirror a full size keyboard extremely well, especially with the locations of the buttons and more importantly, they have that traditional keyboard click which makes it feel like you are using a real keyboard. Each of the products also boast 65GB of Google Drive storage for one year that is a great offer to those interested in purchasing either of these folio cases.
Pairing the keyboard to your iPad Air for all three products is via Bluetooth and is very easy to setup. Once setup, your device will remember this connection so no further pairing is required. Another highlight of each of the keyboards is that it offers iPad Air specific keys which definitely increases your overall performance of each product. On the top right of the keyboard, there are some LED’s to display Caps Lock, Bluetooth, Battery, Power and a button to turn the keyboard on and off. The top row of keys are specifically designed for the iPad Air that contains buttons such as Home, Search, Play/Pause and brightness for example. There are a total of 14 iPad Air “function” keys. Compared to an Apple keyboard, Kensington have done a great job at emulating the official Apple product as it feels extremely similar.
Then you have the backlighting of the KeyFolio Executive Plus which boasts seven different colours that are enabled via the FN button. The backlighting of the keyboard is ideal for when you have poor lighting such as being on an aeroplane or in bed for example. Charging of the folios is done through the included micro USB cable. In terms of battery life, both the KeyFolio Exact and Pro have a 380mAh battery which boasts 960 hours of working time or 180 days of standby time. The Executive Plus has a 1500 mAh battery which lasts around 60 days of working time or 540 days of standby. That’s very impressive!
KeyFolio™ Exact – Thin Folio with Keyboard for iPad® Air
My favourite aspect about the KeyFolio Exact was the size of the case which is quite streamlined and the material used to create the product feels quite sturdy. This also adds additional protection to your iPad should you accidentally drop it. Installation of the iPad Air into this folio is quite easy and it simply snaps into the holder which in essence almost turns your tablet into an Apple Mac Book Air.
It also allows for multiple viewing angles. When the folio is closed, it puts your iPad Air into standby mode and when opened, it awakes your tablet. There is also a magnetic strip to keep the folio closed and although the magnetic didn’t appear that strong, users may need to be careful when carrying it. For people who enjoy using a stylus with their iPad Air, this folio also contains a holder for it plus a wrist rest.
Definitely my favourite out of the three.
Score 4.3/5
KeyFolio™ Exact – Thin Folio with Keyboard for iPad® Air Features
Ultra-thin and compact design
Form-fitting basket holds iPad securely in place while maintaining thin form factor
Removable keyboard enables multiple viewing angles
Keyboard works well on lap for continuous productivity
Removable Bluetooth® keyboard with 6 rows of keys for high performance
Bluetooth keyboard pairs with any Bluetooth enabled device
Magnetic clasp secures when folio is closed
Soft folio interior offers a gentle surface for your wrist to rest
Bezel protects corners of iPad
KeyFolio Pro™ – Folio with Keyboard for iPad® Air
This KeyFolio from Kensington definitely feels like a business person’s product due to the high quality sheepskin feel and texture. In terms of installing your iPad Air into this product, it simply slides into the holder. Once installed, it allows for multiple viewer angles and once again turns your iPad Air into a Mac Book Air. When closed the magnets hold the folio securely closed and if you should accidentally drop your iPad Air, this folio will keep your product protected. When opened, the folio also holds a stylus holder and once again you have full access to all ports and features of the iPad, even the camera on the back.
Score 4.2/5
KeyFolio Pro™ – Folio with Keyboard for iPad® Air Features
- Premium fabricated sheepskin for rich feel and long-lasting durability
- Microfiber interior protects iPad from scratches
- Form-fitting basket holds iPad securely in place while maintaining thin form factor
- Removable keyboard enables multiple viewing angles
- Keyboard works well on lap for continuous productivity
- Removable Bluetooth® keyboard with 6 rows and short-cut keys for high performance
- Bluetooth keyboard pairs with any Bluetooth enabled device
- Magnetic clasp secures when folio is closed
- Integrated stylus loop (stylus not included, see Kensington.com for Virtuoso™ stylus)
- Easy access to i/O ports, speakers, front and back cameras
KeyFolio Executive™ Plus- Zipper Folio with Keyboard for iPad® Air
The KeyFolio Executive is ideal for people who need to carry more than just their tablet and this product boasts a great business card holder system. Like the previous folios, it allows for multiple viewing angles and uses a zipper to securely ensure that the folio/case is closed. It is also made from premium leather and feels extremely sturdy and offers the best protection for your iPad Air out of all three products.
To install your iPad Air, this product uses microsuction to hold your Apple tablet in place. Once again it supports a stylus holder but overall, I felt this folio was a little too bulky and definitely feels more like a traditional laptop in size, although considerably lighter.
Score 4/5
KeyFolio Executive™ Plus- Zipper Folio with Keyboard for iPad® Air Features
- Premium fabricated sheepskin for rich feel and long-lasting durability
- Removable folio lets you slim down to just the essentials for modularity
- Microsuction technology for a secure attachment with no adhesives or residue
- Removable keyboard enables multiple viewing angles
- Keyboard works well on lap for continuous productivity
- Backlit keyboard with 7 selectable colors for productivity in dark environments
- Bluetooth keyboard pairs with any Bluetooth enabled device
- Executive folio look with zippered closure to protect iPad Air and keyboard
- Stay organized with a removable business card holder
- Integrated stylus loop (stylus not included, see Kensington.com for Virtuoso™ stylus)
Final Thoughts?
All three KeyFolio products from Kensington definitely target a certain demographic and if you’re looking for a Bluetooth keyboard/folio case than we could happily recommend these products.
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