If you’re in the market for an iPad Air keyboard that offers the ultimate in style and performance, look no further than the new QODE Ultimate Keyboard Case from Belkin. This top of the line Bluetooth powered keyboard features a full QWERTY keypad and solid protection for iPad Air. Check out my complete review of the new QODE Ultimate case from Belkin below.
Specs:
- Anodized aluminum unibody cover
- Well spaced TruType keyboard
- Dual neodymium magnets for multiple angle viewing
- Smart sensing technology turns keyboard on or off
- 264 hours of active battery life and 4,300 hours of standby
- Autowake magnets with smartcover feature
- Bluetooth connectivity
- .91 pounds (413 gm)
Design:
First off, this is thing is super light and thin and maches the overall style of the new iPad Air really well. The fact is the iPad Air looks so good already and is incredibly slim, owners may not want to cover up all that beauty. With the QODE Ultimate you keyboard case you get a case that beautifully matches the iPad Air in terms of style and class. The QODE ultimate keyboard’s base is made of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, which makes it both lightweight and durable. This is not one of those cheap flimsy keyboard cases. This thing feels like it was forged out of “adamantium” fit for Wolverine.
Features:
This new iPad Air keyboard case from Belkin essentially turns your iPad Air into a full laptop replacement. This is thanks to the well spaced TruType keypad and support for multiple viewing angles. The QODE Ultimate also offers an automatic on and off function with smart sensing, which automatically turns the keyboard on and off in a similar fashion as Apple smartcovers do. This does help the iPad Air preserve battery when the tablet is not in use. Speaking of battery, the QODE should get up to 264 hours battery life on its non-replaceable Li-Ion battery.
The Belkin QODE Ultimate Keyboard Case is designed specifically for the iPad Air, and offers a perfect secure fit. The case gives you all the appropriate cutouts for the camera, charging port, power button and access to the headphone jack. One thing to note is that the keyboard controls the volume, as the volume rocker is fully covered.
Connectivity:
Bluetooth pairing was a breeze on the QODE Ultimate as it paired in about 10 seconds. Although the case does feature a “pair” button in the upper right corner, I paired it through the iPad settings. Just head to settings>Bluetooth and select “Belkin Premium V2 Bluetooth Keyboard”. The unit should pair in a matter of seconds with the iPad Air. If that does not work, try key “FN” and the “pair” button located in the upper right corner.
Battery Life:
The keyboard has a rechargeable battery and comes with a USB to micro-USB charging cable. Belkin claims the battery on the QODE Ultimate can last up to 264 hours of continual use with 4300 hours of standby on a full charge. The “smartcover” feature along with the big battery lasted me over a week with heavy use throughout my review period.
Price and Availability:
The Belkin QODE Ultimate represents the top of the line in terms of tablet keyboards. For $129 you get a fantastically built keyboard and case that provides all-day battery life. The case can be purchased through many online retailers like Amazon, BestBuy and B&H Photo, but can also be purchased directly from Belkin. At this price point you still have other options such as the Logitech Ultrathin or the ZAGGkeys Cover for $99, but they do not offer the same level of protection as the QODE.
Conclusion:
For all the iPad Air owners looking to transform their tablet to a full-blown laptop, the QODE Ultimate is for you. With an unsurpassed quality and feature set the expensive $129 price point feels worth it after a week of heavy use. The aluminum finish offers great protection and style while the magnetic angle adjustments make it both versatile and sturdy. If $129 does seem a bit steep for you, check out the Belkin QODE Slim Style case that is priced at $50 less at $79. If you happen to try both of them like I have, the $50 increase for the Ultimate just feels so worth it at the end of the day.
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