Arteck iPad 9.7-inch Keyboard, Ultra-Thin Bluetooth Keyboard with Folio Full Protection Case for iPad 9.7, 130 Degree Swivel Rotating

Used to only buy Zagg keyboards/cases for my 6th generation iPad, but sadly they are no longer in production. Have bought probably a half-dozen other keyboards/cases from Amazon and three-month's life was the most I could get out of any of them (keys started throwing up odd characters or didn't work). Was skeptical this one wouldn't be any different given it was priced less. What a surprise! Very sturdy, no "chiclet" keys to pop off, has a light that illuminates (just like your laptop) when the CapLock is on which is nice, holds a charge well, and easy Bluetooth pairing. Have only had it a month, but so far, no issues and given it's of a much sturdier construction, I would expect it will outlast/outperform the others. However, will update this review if it doesn't. So far, very good buy for the money!

I have used this product since early March 2019. I'm writing this in late May 2022. I have replaced it twice now, for different reasons. The first time I replaced it was for wear-and-tear reasons after two years: the case had gotten pretty beat up from being dragged around a college campus and travelling with me everywhere I go. The second time was just recently, when I had what I believe to be a fluke issue with wiring that broke several keys and made them nonfunctional (including the space bar, unfortunately).I emailed Arteck support and got a response within the day. A couple of emails back and forth resulted in me getting a free replacement as it had malfunctioned within the 24 month warranty. I was also told that the warranty continues to apply to my replacement, which is impressive and demonstrates the manufacturer's trust in their product— a trust that, in my opinion, is very much justified. Customer support was incredibly helpful and nice about the whole situation.Here's a more thorough breakdown of what I've found in three years with this keyboard:CHARGEThis keyboard's ability to hold charge is astounding. I will forget to charge my keyboard for a month, probably more, and it'll still hold a strong charge. I use it very often and for extended periods of time, and yet it has never fully run out of battery. It has an indicator light to let you know what charge it has (0/25/50/75/100) if you hit fn+left command.I believe the charger is a standard microUSB or something along those lines; each keyboard I've received comes with its own charging cable (USB to microUSB).EFFECT ON IPAD CHARGEI don't have many comments on any effects it may have had on my iPad charge as I've been using one of these keyboards more or less since getting this iPad. My iPad is several years old and holds a charge very well despite constant usage and constant bluetooth pairing.STURDINESS/DURABILITYFair warning, this will add some heft to your iPad. That’s to be expected with the hard plastic case.I haven't done a true drop test, but I have dropped this in a sandy, dusty, gravelly place on my college campus when it fell out of my bag. The screen protector on my device has been incredibly useful. I highly recommend getting one to extend the longevity of both products!The joint of the case can get looser over time, but I think that's unavoidable. However, it stays in place very well and won't give you any trouble, even if the keyboard is pretty worn out.TYPINGI don't know if it's just me or if it's a result of the keyboard options I use on my device, but when I type out certain symbols (' " ^ and so on) followed by a vowel without hitting the spacebar first, I'm left with a different version of the vowel (á ë î and so on). There is a trick to figuring out quotations and such (I'm a student, so I have to use them a lot for papers), but the main trick is just using the spacebar.The quotations might show up slightly differently depending on your font; I think because their function to autogenerate symbols will default them to arial or something, but there's another trick to that too— moving your cursor to where specifically you want your quotation to end/start, hitting the correct key for it, and then moving it to the end of the quote before hitting space.CONNECTIONIt stays connected basically all the time unless it's asleep or you've chosen to disconnect it by turning off your bluetooth connection to it from your iPad.Most of the time, your digital keyboard (on-screen) won't show up. If it does, either your keyboard is asleep and it'll wake up as soon as you use it (I haven't noticed a significant lag) or you hit the keyboard key on the bluetooth keyboard. If you want to switch from on-screen to bluetooth keyboard, you just have to hit any key on your bluetooth keyboard.Apple has a built in function on the screen for keyboard options and dictation that can get in the way of what you're typing, unfortunately. I understand why it's useful but I do find it frustrating from time to time (mostly on messaging apps as it gets in the way of the send button). However, this is an Apple feature, and not an Arteck feature.IN CLOSING,Overall, I’m very happy with this product, and I will continue to use it for as long as I have a compatible model. I highly recommend it for anyone who’s happy to have a “mini computer”.

8-23-21 UPDATE: As promised, my new Arteck keyboard arrived today, replacing one that started out so great, but then sadly, malfunctioned. I am ecstatic! This is the greatest tablet keyboard ever created, I’m not kidding. The keys are the best I’ve ever used. The unit goes for long periods before needing a recharge. In fact, unlike other company’s keyboards, this one does not need batteries! Also, the tablet side of the unit is not static like Logitech Slim Folios which I paid a kingly sum for in the past, only to be disappointed by their design. This one moves back and forth which is essential for conversing on Facetime or Zoom… AND for taking photographs or video with the tablet seated on a flat surface. All of which I do a lot!My most favorite feature however is the keyboard itself. I was formerly sucked in by other keyboards that are backlit and that sounded so terrific… at first. But when I got their keyboard delivered I was stunned to realize that the backlit feature (which gives you a choice of six or seven possible colors) is just an attractive gimmick, but NOT an asset! In fact that keyboard was a nightmare. I guess maybe it might be useful if the room was pitch black, but otherwise, the keys were very difficult to read. With Arteck’s better designed and slightly larger keyboard, the actual keys are more responsive and are (or at least, seem) bigger. But even more exciting are these two features: 1. The keys are black with white lettering and are perfectly readable, even in dim light, and 2. THEY HAVE AN ACTUAL DELETE BUTTON! Yes, now I can forward delete on this iPad for the first time ever! Yahoo! (It’s located in the top right-hand corner, just above the Backspace key.). Compare THAT feature to the competition!I want to thank the folks at Arteck for replacing my former unit and thus making me both joyful and productive! While currently attached to a ventilator in a respiratory center, nonetheless I am a writer, historian and former stand-up comedian… and one who relies on her computer/tablet more than most! And of course I am now playing catch-up as I have much to write. My new keyboard has allowed me to resume my work.I am very grateful for your kindness and generosity… and for making the best tablet keyboard ever! <3 ~ Jersey Tomato***8-19-21 UPDATE: THE KIND FOLKS AT ARTECK ARE SENDING ME A REPLACEMENT KEYBOARD AT NO CHARGE. I CANNOT WAIT TO RECEIVE IT ON MONDAY! SORRY THE ORIGINAL ONE HAS STOPPED WORKING, BUT WHEN I WAS ABLE TO USE IT, IT WAS THE ABSOLUTE BEST!***I did ask about returning this keyboard shortly after receiving it a month ago, but decided to keep it because it was MOSTLY working and I could figure out how to get it working again when it malfunctioned. But now, on August 15th, it has failed completely and I cannot get it to function again. I just checked and the window of opportunity to return it closed YESTERDAY, Aug. 14th!I am confined to a respiratory/nursing home (here since May 15, 2020) and have zero income because this facility takes all my monthly social security retirement income. In addition, I am dependent on a ventilator and have been since suffering a debilitating stroke on April 3, 2020. Writing and corresponding using my iPad is my everything. I’m writing this using my iPad’s touchscreen keyboard and it is very awkward.Can you please see your way clear to exchanging this keyboard for a new, working model? Thank you in advance if the answer is yes. ~ Jersey Tomato