Today I am testing out a new keyboard case for the iPad 2 by Padacs, the Rubata 2 Bluetooth Keyboard Case ($79.95). Some users think such a case is pointless with the on-screen virtual keyboard, while others rush to such cases and find them necessary for their content creation. I personally find myself somewhere in the middle. Many have emailed me about such cases though, and thanks to the folks at Padacs who were generous enough to supply one to me for this review, I can bring information about this particular case to you today.

There is a lot to like about the Rubata 2 Bluetooth Keyboard Case, and a few things to be aware of before purchasing it.

First, it’s a very nice synthetic leather enclosure. It adds a little weight to the device but since there is a keyboard and battery in there I wouldn’t expect otherwise. The iPad itself slides into the sleeve part of the case very easily and removes just as simple…which I love, as it means I don’t feel trapped into using the case at all times, and can take it out as wanted. I have access to all ports of need on the device itself, although the speaker in the back can be muted by the case when not propped up in a “keying” position, when it is angling in the keying position it allows for the speaker to be open as normal…which again is a great bonus.

The bluetooth keyboard is about the size of a netbook keyboard, and has a full keyboard layout with alphabetic keys, number keys as well as tab, caps, shift etc. There is a built-in .com key and then a row of iPad specific keys across the top. There is a home button key, brightness, spotlight, photo slideshow, cut, copy, paste, music controls, and volume, as well as a lock screen key. All in all, there are 83 keys–plenty to control the iPad from the keyboard itself, which after getting used to is very convenient. My only gripe about the bluetooth keyboard is the sound of the keys. Perhaps I’m just used the virtual iPad keyboard, but the keys felt a bit loud to me, nothing horrendous by any stretch, but I wish they were a little bit quieter, however after a few days I didn’t hear them as much, and so far no bluetooth keyboard for the iPad has given me near silent keying, so I can’t fault Padacs here much either.  The battery life is pretty great. They state the battery lasts about 90 hours on a full charge, which feels about right from my tests as well, however I have to admit I didn’t “time” it or anything. Once I gave it a full charge and started using it I didn’t feel as if I was having to constantly charge it, and again, their 90 hour claim feels about right.

The case has a flap that wraps around the front of the case when shut which completely closes the case, and also sort of serves as a wrist rest when using the keyboard, while I appreciated it when using it on a table, it felt a little awkward when using it on my lap. I eventually got used to it, but wish it was a little smaller. My first fault with the case.  The second and only other fault I found was that the slots to help prop up the iPad itself in the keying position didn’t’ have any “locking” in mechanism. When sitting on a table or desk, this was not an issue at all. However, just as I stated with the flap before, when on my lap it made it a little difficult to use. I got used to it, but wish it was a little more stable in these slots for use when not on a flat surface.

All in all the Rubata 2 case is very good, and as far as bluetooth keyboard cases for the iPad go, it’s a great alternative to the others I’ve tried. I loved that the iPad could be removed easily, and enjoy the use of a full keyboard and extra iPad keys to help with productivity. I really didn’t find anything to knock down the the Rubata 2 too much, all the things that irked me ended up not being an issue after a few days of use and getting used to…so as I stated in the beginning, they are more “be aware of” than “I hated this”, which I really feel the need to clarify.

Hurry if you plan to order, as right now they have free shipping to US buyers.