Review: Nillkin Magnetic Bumper Link Backlit Keyboard Case for iPad Pro

Review sample provided by Nillkin

The Nillkin Magnetic Bumper Link Backlit Keyboard Case for iPad Pro (and other iPad models) is a rugged style keyboard case priced around USD 119.

The keyboard case comes with case and a detachable keyboard cover. There's also one magnetic ring attachment included.

This magnetic ring attachment can be sticked onto a wall, fridge, or any surface where you may want to attach the iPad to.

On the product page, there's also an option to purchase a magnetic stand for USD 40 as part of a bundle. That looks like a good stand is worth considering because it can elevate the iPad to a more ergonomic height. And the stand looks beautiful. Just note the magnetic stand is only compatible with this Nillkin magnetic keyboard case.

Back of the bumper case is transparent and the Apple logo appears inside a circle which is the magnet. There's also a moveable camera lens cover.

This is how the back looks with the keyboard cover attached.

Exterior texture of the keyboard case is matte textured and when you look close...

You can see physical hexagons and the texture came from those. The only area where the display is exposed is that small area where the on-off switch is.

This whole case is gonna make the tablet much thicker and heavier, just like other keyboard cases actually. Weight of the keyboard cover is 555g and the case 315g. Total weight is 870g. FYI, the Apple Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro 13 is 662g.

There are cutouts for the speakers, USB-C port and power button. The volume buttons are covered.

The case comes with a pen holder for the Apple Pencil, and the pen can be pushed out from the back.

The keyboard cover comes with a kickstand and can deploy the tablet down to around 45 degrees.

The design looks good to me. If you fold the flap of the pen back, the keyboard base will wobble.

This is is a full-sized keyboard, at least for the 12.9-inch tablets. The number and letter keys have almost standard width but the height is shorter, so the keys look rectangular. The modifier and spacebar have the correct height.

There are 17 keys on the function row, three more than the Apple Magic Keyboard. There are shortcuts for Select All, Copy and Paste.

Palm rest has the PU leather texture.

Touchpad is big enough and has firm click. The touchpad is probably the only area that feels plasticky.

Typing experience is excellent. Keys have good travel and feedback. There's no flex to the keyboard at all. And there's backlight, with seven colours to choose from.

The keyboard uses Bluetooth for connection. Company mentions battery life of 100hr without backlight, and 14hr with backlight. The Bluetooth connection does not provide battery life information, but you can check battery life by pressing keyboard shortcut Fn + Right Cmd.

Battery life indicator lights:

• Red lights 1x: 0 - 25% battery life left
• Red lights 2x: 25 - 50% battery life left
• Red lights 3x: 50 - 75% battery life left
• Red lights 4x: 75 - 100% battery life left

One quirk I discovered with the keyboard is when you Alt+Tab, you can't use the left and right arrow keys to move around.

I actually use my iPad Pro on a tablet stand and I would always have a standalone keyboard in front. While the Nillkin keyboard cover can be used as standalone keyboard away from the tablet, just know that folding the magnetic flap over will cause the keyboard to wobble when typing on it. That's one downside to having the kickstart attached to the keyboard instead of to the case.

Conclusion

This is a well made keyboard case that provides good protection for the tablet. Typing experience is excellent. Pricing seems reasonable. As for the look and design, the keyboard cover side looks good, the protective case side looks a bit too busy for my liking,. but that's just personal preference.

Pros and cons at a glance
+ Provides good all-around protection
+ Has pen holder
+ Excellent typing experience
+ Keyboard has backlight
+ Touchpad works well
+ Compatible with Nillkin magnetic tablet stand (sold separately)
+ Pricing is reasonable
- Makes tablet heavier and thicker
- Arrows cannot be used with Alt + Tab
- Keyboard design is not ideal for use as standalone keyboard due to the flaps

Availability

To get this keyboard case, just visit the Nillkin online store. Consider getting the magnetic tablet stand too.