Some questions about cases with built-in keyboards

By Kelsey Nicolay, 20 November, 2016

Forum
Apple Hardware and Compatible Accessories

Hello, I am really trying to master typing on my ipad but I am having difficulty with visualizing the keybooard. I have two braille displays, but if I am out and about, I don't want to have to carry an extra device with me. Therefore, I am considering a case with a build-in keyboard. Has anyone ever used one of these? If so, how well does it work? Can I still use my braille display if I decide I want to use braille? Also, are there cases like this available for the iphone as well or just the ipad? I would probably get the iphone 6s. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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Comments

By Maldalain on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 - 20:38

Well, I have two cases for my iPad 4, and they come with a built-in keyboard. The keyboard works just fine, you can attach your braille display while using the keyboard. The keyboard lets you type faster, navigate more efficiently. But one thing to note that it adds up to the weight of your iPad. For me with backache problem the weight does matter. I heard that there're cases for the iPhone with keyboards, maybe someone can list brands here, but one sounds like BoxWave or something very similar to it.

By John Farina on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 - 20:38

Hi folks,
If you are considering a case with a keyboard, I would suggest going to a place where you can get some hands on. Each keyboard is a bit different and it might be a good idea to have some hands on before you buy. One of my students has a case with a keyboard and we found unfortunately there is not an escape key on it. We found this after the fact and the school won't change it I am sure.

By Siobhan on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 - 20:38

Hi. Keep in mind that not only will the weight of your device go up with the keyboard, also there are differences. so you might not be able to find the caps lock, or control and option keys to navigate Voice over effectively. Someone's right, you should go test them out to see what works for you. remember the iPhone case, the keys are probably going to be very small, so if you hate keys close together this might not be for you. I bought the Apple Bluetooth keyboard, before it changed to the magic keyboard or something. It was sixty bucks, expensive yes, but it's so thin, you won't know it's in your bag, purse etc. It's very light, I don't know the weight exactly. true, this is another device to have with you, so you would probably not want to bring a Braille display with you if you have this. Hope some of this helped.

By Jake on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 - 20:38

In reply to by John Farina

Hi, if your keyboard has an accent key (to the left of the number 1 on U.S keyboards usually) you can do VO-accent to mimic the escape key if you need it.

By Siobhan on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 - 20:38

Hi, I forgot to mention that you can get a glass screen protector, with dots on them to help you type faster. That doesn't make your phone heavier or bigger at all.

By Jessica Diaz on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 - 20:38

I am interested in keyboard cases for the iPad as well. Box Wave really has gone down hill so I would really not use this company. The stuff does not work and you can back up what I am saying by visiting the better business bureau and seeing all of the cases filed again them. I had to do this as well and it was just not good.