After publishing our review of the Clamcase Pro Keyboard for iPad Air 2, some of our readers suggested that we take a look at other iPad keyboards available in the market. We decided to take MacRumors Based on that reader suggestion, and over the next few weeks, we’ll be looking at several keyboards designed for Apple’s new tablet, the iPad Air 2.
We’re kicking things off with a review of the BrydgeAir keyboard, which is capable of working with both the original iPad Air and the iPad Air 2. Much like the Clamcase Pro we’ve seen before, the all-aluminum BreezeAir is designed to be launched. Turn the iPad into a miniature MacBook.
At $169, the BrydgeAir is one of the most expensive iPad keyboards on the market, but that price point comes with some perks that aren’t available on many cheaper options — quality aluminum construction, a fluid 180-degree hinge, built-in dual stereo speakers, and backlit keys. .
What’s in the box and setup
The BrydgeAir comes in a sleek iPad-style cardboard box that contains the keyboard itself, a black USB to micro-USB cable used for charging, and a set of extra pads designed to make it fit the iPad Air 2.
BryzAir designed the keyboard to be compatible with both the iPad Air and iPad Air 2, and the iPad Air 2 needs extra padding to keep it secure because it’s thinner than the first iPad Air.
Setting it up for the iPad Air 2 involves carefully removing the existing silicone shims, as BriseAir calls them, and replacing them with new ones that are thicker. The instructions said to “make sure there was no residual glue or residue on the hinge blank” after pulling the old glue shims, but there was no way to get the residual glue off the hinge.
We were disappointed that this step was not done by BrydgeAir, as the need to remove the existing set of shims and add a new one seemed to compromise the adhesiveness of the second set of shims. Aligning new beans and placing them is a frustrating process out of the box.
The keyboard pairs with the iPad like any other keyboard. Flick on the power button below, open the settings menu, tap the keyboard pairing button next to the power button and it will automatically detect and pair with a tap. The built-in speakers have to be paired separately by holding down the speaker pairing button next to the power button.
Design
The BrydgeAir is made from a single piece of aluminum and can be ordered in silver, gold or space gray to match the design of the iPad. Rather than a full clamshell case like the ClamCase Pro, it has a keyboard with two hinged silicone-lined tabs to hold the iPad in place.
Each tab aligns with the iPad’s screen and keeps the keyboard secure during use. As mentioned above, the tab lining needs to be swapped out before using the keyboard with the iPad Air 2, but once the thick lining is in place, the iPad fits securely into the tab.
The hinges rotate 180 degrees, which means the iPad can be held in a variety of viewing positions from all the way closed (forward) to tilted flat (backward). Because it closes, the keyboard acts as a cover for the iPad display when it’s closed, but there’s no protection for the back of the tablet. The BrydgeAir is landscape only, like many keyboards for the iPad Air 2.
We traveled with the BrydgeAir in a bag next to an aluminum MacBook, and the hinges got scratched and discolored as a result, but the keyboard’s aluminum itself was fine.
Because the iPad is held in place only with these silicone-lined tabs, it takes seconds to snap the iPad into the BryzAir or remove it without a keyboard case. In some other keyboard cases, removing the iPad can be a chore if you only need the tablet function, but that’s no problem with the BrydgeAir.
Because the keyboard and iPad match so well, the BridgeAir makes the iPad look like a mini MacBook. It’s a heavy keyboard at over a pound (more than the iPad Air 2), but that weight is important because it ensures that the BreezeAir doesn’t shift and move around while you’re using it.
The weight of the keyboard balances out the weight of the iPad, so it never feels like the iPad is in danger of tipping when using the keyboard. It’s stable on a desk or on a lap, making it perfect for typing while watching television, on an airplane, or in other situations where you may not have a hard surface to work with. A quick note — because of the way the iPad fits in the BreezeAir, it’s difficult to swipe up on the screen to access Control Center.
Underneath the BrydgeAir keyboard, there are four rubber feet to ensure stability on a desk and two rubber bumpers on the front to prevent the iPad screen from touching the aluminum. There are also two built-in speaker openings on the rear edge near the hinge, while buttons for turning the keyboard on and off, activating Bluetooth, and turning on the case’s speakers are included.
what
The keys on the BrydgeAir feel similar to the keys on the MacBook and are very comparable to the keys on the ClamCase Pro, but when comparing to a MacBook, it’s important to note that the spacing isn’t quite the same.
The BrydgeAir is more compact than a MacBook keyboard so the keys are a bit closer together. Adjusting to the smaller spacing isn’t too difficult, however, and our typing speeds on the BreezeAir were similar to typing speeds on similar keyboards for the iPad. The BrydgeAir doesn’t have the same key travel as the keys on the MacBook Air or MacBook Pro so it’s not as “clicky” as a MacBook keyboard, but the keys still feel nice and springy under the fingers.
One of the best things about the BrydgeAir’s keys is the backlighting. The bottom of the keyboard has an LED panel that illuminates the keys, making it one of the best iPad keyboards for use in the dark. The lights are controlled by a key on the keyboard and have three different brightness settings for multiple lighting conditions Many cheap keyboards don’t offer backlighting, and even some more expensive options like the ClamCase Pro don’t have that feature.
Like many keyboards for the iPad, the BridgeAir’s keyboard has a row of keys at the top that control functions specific to Apple’s tablet. There are buttons to go directly to the home screen, lock the iPad, change screen brightness, open search, activate the on-screen keyboard, change the keyboard language, control volume, and control media.
other features
A unique feature of the BrydgeAir keyboard is its built-in speaker, which can be used instead of the iPad’s speaker. Pairing the speaker and keyboard at the same time via Bluetooth drains a decent amount of battery life, and the value the speakers add to the iPad’s own built-in speakers is questionable.
The BryceAir’s speakers are louder than the iPad’s built-in speakers, but there doesn’t seem to be any noticeable difference in sound quality. The speakers are located behind the keyboard so sound is still directed away from the user, which doesn’t seem like much of an improvement over the iPad’s own use of sound.
When not in use to conserve battery, the speakers can be turned off by pressing the speaker button on the bottom of the keyboard for four seconds. Turn them on again in the same way.
With the speakers and backlighting on, the BreezeAir’s battery lasts about two weeks of regular use, but it should last longer without the speakers and backlighting. The BrydgeAir website says the battery lasts three months. There’s no way to tell unless the battery level is low, which is a bit of a negative. If low, the backslash key will flash blue.
Who is it for?
If you’re looking for an iPad keyboard that lets you type as fast as you can on a MacBook Air or Pro, the BridgeAir is a good option. It has a solid build quality that surpasses other iPad keyboards on the market, but remember — this is a heavy keyboard
The BrydgeAir is going to add a pound of weight to your iPad, so it’s not the best option for frequent trips. Unfortunately, the speakers feel more like a gimmick than a truly useful feature, but the backlit keys and overall design of the keyboard make up for it. For those who don’t mind weight, the BrydgeAir is a keyboard that looks and feels worth its premium price tag. If you’re looking for a keyboard that’s versatile, easy to use, easy to move, and has MacBook-style qualities, you can’t go wrong with the BrydgeAir.
Benefits:
- Solid construction
- balanced weight
- Hinges for multiple viewing angles
- What is the backlight?
- MacBook-style key spacing and feel
Disadvantages:
- It’s heavier than the iPad and not great for travel
- The speaker is actually more gimmicky than useful
- Setting it up for the iPad Air 2 is a hassle
- expensive
How to buy
BridgeAir for iPad Air and iPad Air 2 can be purchased from the BridgeAir website for $169. The site also sells iPad keyboards for older versions of the iPad, and it offers several accessories for the BreezeAir, including a sleeve and a protective shell for the iPad.
Update: Starting in mid-April, all BrydgeAir keyboards will be ready for the iPad Air 2, rather than the iPad Air. The default shims included with the keyboard will be for the iPad Air 2 Optional iPad Air shims will also be included in the box
