ZAGG Rugged Messenger - 7 Color Backlit Case and Bluetooth Keyboard for 2017 Apple iPad Pro 10.5" and 2019 iPad Air 10.5" - Black
- Formidable layers of protection guard your iPad against impact and corner damage and feature a durable construction that withstands drops up to 6.6 feet
- Multi-device pairing and toggling allows the rugged Messenger to connect to two devices at a time and lets you instantly switch between them
- With both a keyboard mode and a case mode, the rugged Messenger gives you total versatility when it comes to being productive on the go.Built-In Holder for the Apple Pencil- The built-in holder stores your Apple Pencil and keeps it within reach for when inspiration strikes
- The built-in stand secures your Device at multiple viewing angles when you want to work or just catch up on your favorite show; Battery life: 2 years
- Laptop-style keys provide a comfortable typing experience. Backlit keys, available in seven colors, make typing easy in low-light conditions
Tammy Ranae Meyer
Don’t Hesitate, Don’t look at another case... Buy This Today
This case keyboard is amazing y’all! Now listen... I’ve had a two slim cases that resulted in two bent iPads (one 10.5 and one 9.7). I deduced that it was time to beef it up for this 10.5 as my husband got a Zagg for the 9.7 when it was replaced by apple. He’s been rocking strong with it. This case is just awesome. It’s sturdy, it’s solid and this keyboard is WAY better than the Apple Keyboard I owned for two weeks and paid much more for than this one. Buy this keyboard. I do NOT think you will be disappointed. I am really, really loving it AND counting on it to protect my iPad for any more bends. The multi-colored keyboard was a real treat.
Juanita Lynn
This is what you are looking for.
I had bought an Otterbox cover for my new Ipad Pro 10.5. It appeared adequate to the task of protection, but I knew I could possibly make use of a keyboard. I considered the Apple version, but it appeared to me to be primarily about making the keyboard available and not so much as about protection. I looked at the Logitech verison of a cover and bluetooth keyboard as I use many Logitech products and am quite satisfied with all of them. The reviews on this product were what led me to return the Otterbox and give this a try. I ordered with the thought in mind that I hope it is as good as advertised so that I don't have to return yet another product that wasn't quite what I wanted. I will not be returning this product. I can't imagine how the design could be better. The Ipad Pro magnetically attached just north of the keyboard and easily detaches. The angle of viewing support is adjustable to numerous positions. According to my postage scale, it all weighs 2 lbs. 2.4 ounces, all in. So, featherweight it is not, but featherweight is not at all what I was looking for. The battery life is noted as being a good bit less than the Logitech, but is still measured in years. The packaging, which is excellent, states the battery is rechargeable. I see the connection on the side of the keyboard allowing this to be done. It does not appear that the batteries are accessible or replaceable. If I get 4 to 6 years out of it, I will be pleased. Frankly, the folks that designed this should be assigned to cure the common cold. If they were, I suspect the cold be be a thing of history in six months.
Oulyme Odiug
The best 10.5 Keyboard Available - Protection, Layout, and Weight.. Worth the Money.
First off - I did a ton of research before buying this keyboard. I looked at the following: 1) Apple Keyboard - Do not buy this one. The Apple Keyboard is filled with complaints, and there are even rumors of a class action lawsuit going on about the terrible connectivity issues that the keyboard is having. If you go to Apple’s own website and sort reviews by newest, you will see that it is filled with updated reviews from people that have not owned their Keyboards for a year and are having issues with it. 2) The Chinese keyboards on Amazon - I looked at all of them.. from companies I have never heard of. I saw reports of cracked screens, hinges, connectivity issues, etc.. I was temped by the IE Grow (I think that’s what it’s called... but something about it made me not want to pull the trigger.. partially because I had never even heard of the company) 3) Other Zagg products - none of them really had the reviews that this one did. The Rugged Messenger has by far the best reviews across Amazon. 4) Logitech - When it came down to was price. I picked mine up off of Warehouse deals and there is literally nothing wrong with it. It did not come with a box.. big deal. It was $50.00 cheaper (so I only paid $50.00) for it.. and there’s not a scratch on it. Fits perfect, set it up in less then 2 seconds. The Logitech didn’t have a warehouse deal at the time.. so therefore the Zagg is the one I got. Onto the keyboard itself.. The keyboard is perfectly fine. Honestly it’s probably the best keyboard for a tablet I have ever used. The travel on the keys is a little higher then I am used to, but then again I am coming from a very shallow iMac keyboard which is very flat. The keyboard also has the proper shift keys.. something that I was reading was a problem with some of the Chinese companies on Amazon... the shift key was so narrow and everyone would complain about it.. the keyboard layout of the Zagg is perfect. I have only missed maybe one or two keys while typing this entire review thus far. The backlighting is also really cool, and battery life seems to be pretty good. Overall, if you’re looking for a great keyboard that offers protection for your iPad so you can throw your tablet in your bag instead of your heavier laptop for trips downtown or heading into the city and walking 20-30 blocks without having a bulky laptop in your bag and knowing you can still get work done on your iPad.. this keyboard/case is the one to get. It does not miss a beat.
Diosdado Gabas
FANTASTIC QUALITY and This the only Zagg Keyboard for 5th & 6th Generation 9.7 iPad
I bought a new 6th Generation (2018) iPad and found that there are not many keyboards that fit this new thicker model. After a lot of research and watching many YouTube Video’s on keyboards, I ordered this Zagg Rugged Messenger since I wanted to stick with Zagg since the keyboard part of their product is the best I’ve ever owned. Some of Zagg’s cases and hinges need to be redesigned though. I have had 2 Ultra Thin Keyboards for my old iPad replaced twice. At least Zagg will replace them even though I bought here on Amazon. This Rugged Messenger doesn’t have a hinge and it works with magnets, I knew I wouldn’t have a hinge to deal with. It has 3 different angles that also works with magnet connectors to position the iPad. They are strong magnets and work well. This product and keyboard is so well made, durable and very high quality in every way. I did have to get used to dealing with a magnets though. It’s not great if your typing on your lap, but I have found with a little adjustment, it’s still possible. It’s a bit heavier but that’s part of the amazing quality. Also this keyboard has a normal “right hand size Shift Key” and does not share that spot with the Page Up key. The touch and feel of this keyboard is the best Zagg has ever made. It has the backlit keyboard and a 2 year battery life. It’s worth the extra money that you will pay compared to other keyboards.
Crystal Jae Rains
Exceeded expectations!
Owned a Belkin, it was okay but i worked it hard and wore it out. Ordered a Logitech and it just wasn’t substantial enough and my newer IPAd would not fully seat safely for use seperatly This Zagg is sturdy, user friendly and serves all needs—choice of backscreen colors nice—emoji key and other excellent keyboard options make this a great buy at 2/3’s cost of others—I am a heavy user and rough on the equipment, but this holds up.
Deanne Robichaud
Perfect for my needs
For comparison I also have the Zagg Slim Book Keyboard case for my 12.9 iPad Pro. I use my iPads 75% or more as tablets, but I also wanted a decent keyboard as these are very nearly laptop replacements. The Slim Book is a really nice keyboard with an okay/poor case. It’s cheap plastic. Slippery in the hand, and very brittle. At the time it was the best case I could find that had a ‘tablet mode’ and ‘laptop mode’ without popping it in and out of a case. When I moved to the 10.5” I was hoping there was something better. I really like the idea of the Apple Smart Keyboard but by the time you add a case you’re looking at $200 for a basic, floppy, non backlit keyboard. And you still have nowhere to put your pencil. This case is perfect. It feels and looks like a regular iPad case in tablet mode. Flexible, rubbery corners, easy to hold in the hand. Solid slot for the pencil. Easy to swap over to keyboard mode, just drop it in the middle of the keyboard case. Yes- it’s kinda thick when you have the whole thing sandwiched up, that’s the trade off but I’ll take it if it means I have a solid backlit keyboard. Typing this review on the keyboard, sitting on my lap, reclined in a chair. Perfect.
Brian Mackenzie
Overall, the design, functionality, and response are fantastic and very nice.
Pros - Sturdy and rugged design - I love the way this felt feels on my palms while typing. It is very solid and will prevent any damage as described. One subtle thing that I found cool and interesting was the Volume Button. It has two separate buttons for volume up and volume down as to be expected. However, the volume up has jagged lines that provide a course feel on your finger, allowing you to sense and feel the correct button the first time, as opposed to trial and error and prevent those embarrassing moments where the volume is raised too loud for all to hear. :) Backlit keys - this was the number one thing I was looking for. The keyboard had to have this and I actually really enjoy the multiple color options. I thought it sounded gimmicky, but the colors are very nice. Being able to adjust the level of light is a necessity as well. Bluetooth - multiple sources with easy access to switch in between. I do not use this option much, but it does work flawlessly. Magnet - strong connection and no issues while in lap. I travel a lot for work and this device allows me to work on the plane much easier than my laptop. The only issue I would see is if someone were to lay down and want to hoist this up by resting on the stomach...it can be a little tricky to get that right, but it’s definitely possible, but you’ll have to use your legs up for support. 2 piece - I love the flexibility of having this keyboard as a separate option, while having the iPad safe and sound in a hardback case. The functionality of both is ideal and well thought out. You can use your iPad as you typically would with just the case and when you are ready to type, just pull out the keyboard and let the magnets connect and you’re ready to go. Quick recognition - I know there are some keyboards out there that claim they are instant connect and are not connected via Bluetooth and they hype it as a benefit; well, this keyboard is connected with Bluetooth and has very little, if any lag. There may be a time it goes to sleep (after 30 seconds) and you will hit a key when ready to type again and it doesn’t recognize, but that is very rare. Typically I will hit a key just to make sure it is on and get to work. Very intuitive and easy to manage. Typing - is easy, though the keyboard is definitely smaller than a standard keyboard (duh). The extended felt is comfortable to rest the palms/wrist and does not provide any pain points for me. My hands are not small, but I’m also not 6’8”, where I could see a potential for issues, but that’s to be expected. Short keys - At the top there are options for volume, keyboard, task view, web, and more. Cons - Weight (but you should know this going into it, so it shouldn’t be a shock) - I am only listing this as con to point it out, but I do not find the weight to be an issue or concern. I do not mind it at all. Number pad - not that it’s entirely necessary, but it would be nice to have. The problem would become that it would be too bulky and wide. No stylus - it would be nice to have a stylus. I think that would be an easy addition, as I believe it comes with the “pro” model. Overall, the design, functionality, and response are fantastic and very nice. I would highly recommend this device to anyone who travels or uses their iPad to type.
Linda Swiger
LOVE THIS KEYBOARD with the iPad Pro 10.5
Love this case! It is easy to remove the iPad from the keyboard and easy to apply (the magnet grabs it). The pencil holder makes it easy to slide the pencil in and out. I put it in from the right side and I don’t push it in too far or it will cover the volume up/down buttons. It adds a little bit of weight to the iPad, but I don’t worry as much about dropping it. The Smart Keyboard felt as though the back of the iPad was not safe. Also, when I remove the iPad from the keyboard, the iPad feels safe since it is in it’s own case. The stand is easy to assemble and disassemble. I use it on my lap often and it does not fold up. I use it in the car as a passenger and use the stand also. When my arms get tired from reaching for the iPad, I use the pencil as an extension. I REALLY like this keyboard. I take the iPad everywhere instead of my laptop. The keyboard is also very easy to type with. If the keyboard is not active, just type a key and then the Bluetooth will connect to the iPad immediately and then you can begin typing.
James Henry Wilkey
Zagg Is Simply the Best!!!
Wow!! I have returned two keyboards purchased from Amazon, so this is my third!! Thank you, Zagg. The two previous were actually identical except with a different name. Zagg's case/keyboard is excellent and I am sure I won't be seeing paint scratching off an aluminum base after a few days of use. I am not sure what the case is actually made of, but it sure does not slip off the side of my couch. Also, on this Zagg, the little shift key on my right is positioned so much better. On the others, my pinkie kept on finding different keys. I love that I can easily detach from the keyboard case by simply lifting the ipad from the magnetic attachment (the case stays on). Pairing was excellent. The lighted keyboard is nice. I really feel that I can take this keyboard case/ipad anywhere and enjoy the peace of mind that it will be protected. Multiple viewing angles make it so that I can use this keyboard while in many different scenarios. This is a keyboard that makes you fall in love with your ipad. There was one review on the internet that talked about the top of the case not laying flat (See Foto taken off the internet). In the first day of my having this keyboard, the case did indeed buckle a little bit. Now that I have had it for only two days, it does lay flat. Even if it did not totally lay flat, the keyboard and iPad is totally protected.
Libby Bougere
This great accessory combines the safe-keeping of a backing case with a very capable keyboard
This great accessory combines the safe-keeping of a full case, and a great removable back-cover. [ Back cover protection ] On it's own, this back cover provides great protection, which is completely unavailable from the smart keyboard offering from Apple. For a musician (like myself) this makes this a great option as you have a suitalbe and removable option from the main case that still provides protection, but can be easily seated in any of the current holsters for reading music. [ Keyboard Cradle ] The primary use of this is to get the keyboard functionality, which is at worst pretty good. I've used many many keyboards over the years going back as far as early Apple II computers, and Northern Telecom Displayphone keyboards which in some ways were reminiscent of the chicklet style keyboards we are often presented with today. The one on this case has both a clean touch, and clean feel which for me provides a fast, and accurate typing experience. As a long time thinkpad fan I can say that this does not dissapoint, and is way better than I expected out of this product. As far as keyboard color, you can easily switch it to show the seven different color options, each with three intensity levels (or fully disabled). The only negative here might be that once you hold the function key to modulate the color or intensity, the keyboard also sends the regular key function at the same time, so you will unintentionally reposition your cursor as you change those settings. [ Viewing Angle ] I have put this as a separate section since I have not read any review where the owner has described the flexability of the case to provide multiple display angles. Unlike the Logitech case, this one does not have a frame that allows an infinitley adjustable angle at the hindge. Instead, this has a fold-over flap like many of the existing cases, but for this unit the outmost edge of the cover locks into the back cover magnetically - offering five discreet positions by sliding the flap up, or down on the main casing behind the screen, or if you fold it inwards, a nearly upright position. So the main consideration here is that you need a relatively flat support for the case to use that magnetic screen positining with good results, but I would say the use of soft and comfotable materials here eaisily make it worth it.