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Review: CruxSKUNK iPad keyboard case
If there's one promise I hope I can make to TUAW readers, it's that this will be the last iPad keyboard case review you'll read for a while. We've had quite a few over the past few months, but the subject of this review – the CruxSKUNK (US$179 introductory pricing, $210 regular MSRP) -- has been touted as a contender for the top iPad keyboard case. Let's see how it does compared to the ClamCase Pro, the current recipient of the TUAW iPad keyboard case review crown. Design The CruxSKUNK was funded by a popular Kickstarter project; the project team was requesting $90,000 and the final backing was almost $250,000. What got the backers so excited about YAIKC (yet another iPad keyboard case)? Well, compared to most other cases, it's built like a tank – or more like a MacBook Air. Machined out of aluminum, it's only 19 mm thick. A MacBook Air, by comparison, is 17 mm thick at its widest, and the nearest competing iPad keyboard case – the ClamCase Pro is a bit chunkier than both at 21.6 mm. While the ClamCase Pro uses aluminum only stiffen the keyboard, the entire CruxSKUNK – except for a few pads, the keys, and some inserts – is made of aluminum. The CruxSKUNK case weighs in at 1 lb. 11.6 ounces (.782 kg), while the ClamCase Pro weighs 1 lb. 9 ounces (.709 kg). Those who are looking for a lighter weight case/iPad combo are going to prefer the ClamCase Pro. %Gallery-190687% Unlike the ClamCase Pro, the back of the iPad is unprotected. This is a plus if you want to display the back of your iPad to everyone, a minus if you want to protect your device from possible scratches. Like the ClamCase Pro, the CruxSKUNK has a hinge that allows the iPad to be flipped through a full 360 degrees. The CruxSKUNK has four "bumps" surrounding the keyboard that keeps it from pressing against a table when when the flipped underneath the iPad so it can be used as a tablet. This works great on a hard surface, but you should still consider turning the keyboard off when you flip it underneath the iPad. As for the keyboard itself, the CruxSKUNK uses a traditional layout with just a few variations. First, there's a "keyboard" key next to the leftmost control key that brings up the iPad's virtual keyboard. Next, the top row (above the numbers) consists of keys that control many of the iPad built-in functions without the need to press a "fn" key. From left to right, those keys bring up the iPad homepage, the iPad search page, start the slideshow, allow toggling through different keyboards, a lock key (which is odd, because it looks like a small monitor but acts the same as the lock key I'll mention in a moment), copy and paste keys, play/pause/fast forward/fast reverse keys, volume control/mute keys, and the lock key – which didn't actually function as a lock key when I pressed it (it did nothing). There is a set of arrow keys in the lower right hand side of the keyboard to round out the keys. Going to the controls specific to the CruxSKUNK, there's a recessed power button that glows blue when depressed for a few moments to let you know that the keyboard has been turned on or off. There's also a button that's next to a Bluetooth LED that is used to force pairing with the keyboard. No buttons are located on the sides of the device. The iPad itself – generation 2 through 4 – is held into an aluminum frame with the combination of an aluminum bar at the top fo the screen and a pair of small swivels at the bottom. Since these swivels might not be adjusted properly for your iPad, Crux includes a set of small hex wrenches to adjust them properly, as well as a few extras in case they fall out and are lost. Functionality The CruxSKUNK is certainly sturdy, and if that's what you're looking for in an iPad keyboard case, you've got it. However, I didn't particularly care for the fit and finish of the device compared to the ClamCase Pro. For example, as I type right now I can see through small gaps on the sides of the iPad. With the ClamCase Pro, there are no gaps as the iPad fits tightly into a plastic shell. In addition, I found the edges of the aluminum frame to be uncomfortable when carrying -- which might be the reason that Crux included a free zippered case with the CruxSKUNK. The feel of the keyboad is very good, and all of the keys are exactly where you'd expect them. For a writer, the CruxSKUNK is an excellent keyboard and fast touch-typists are going to love the feel and spacing of the keys. I wasn't particularly happy with the mechanism used to hold the iPad in place in the CruxSKUNK. With the ClamCase Pro, I simply popped the iPad into the plastic shell and went to work. Here, I had to loosen the two small swivels, move them into place, and then tighten them again with the included hex wrenches. During my review, one of the swivels came loose and had to be tightened again. That's an annoyance that CruxSKUNK owners should have to put up with. The hinge mechanism of the CruxSKUNK is much looser than that on the ClamCase Pro, which is both good and bad. It means that it's easier to move the screen around to "tablet mode", but it also means that a slight bump or jolt of the keyboard can knock the iPad out of position. I also found that the top of the case never quite closed all the way -- with many other iPad cases, there's a positive click that gives you feedback the the case is closed. With the CruxSKUNK I just never felt that sure that the case was closed and that my iPad was shut off. Pairing with the CruxSKUNK was quite simple, requiring only that a 4-digit code be entered once to confirm the pairing. Pairing the ClamCase Pro was even easier and didn't require the numeric entry. There were several times during my testing that I wanted to shut the keyboard off so that I could use the iPad in "tablet mode." To do this, I pressed the power button for a short amount of time until the Bluetooth indicator disappeared. Bringing the keyboard back on line required the same little press-and-hold movement. While this works, I found the plainly marked "on-off" switch on the left side of the ClamCase Pro to be a much better indicator of whether the keyboard was on or off. One thing I really liked about the CruxSKUNK was that when it was in a typing position, there's a full-width rubber strip on the front bottom of the keyboard that keeps the entire setup from moving across a slick table. In terms of the looks of the CruxSKUNK, I'm not impressed. Having the back open and surrounded by the aluminum frame gives it a kind of "unfinished" look. Sure, I can see the Apple logo on the bottom of my iPad, but the back of the CruxSKUNK just looks odd. That open back also leaves the iPad open to bumps and scratches, which is probably yet another reason why Crux includes a zippered bag with the CruxSKUNK. Conclusion While the CruxSKUNK offers a good typing feel, excellent battery life, and sturdy metal construction, there were several points that kept me from putting it at the top of my personal list of iPad keyboard case favorites. The CruxSKUNK is a bit more expensive than its nearest competitor (the ClamCase Pro), and its open back, while exposing the Apple logo on the back of the iPad, also leaves it open to possible damage. The lock key didn't seem to have any function, not working as it should on an iPad keyboard. In terms of looks (which are definitely a subjective review factor), I just prefer the smoother looks of the ClamCase Pro to the CruxSKUNK – your mileage, and opinons, may vary. Pros Definitely a typist's keyboard, with a good feel, properly spaced and positioned keys, and positive feedback Hinge mechanism makes it easy to move the iPad "display" into any position, although it's somewhat looser than on competing keyboard cases The aluminum structure will put up with a lot of wear and tear It's the thinnest iPad keyboard case out there, only a hair thicker than a MacBook Air Cons The manufacturer doesn't provide any numbers on battery life, leading me to wonder how it compares to competing products that do provide exact durations The open back design leaves the iPad open to possible damage The "swivels" used to lock the iPad into place at the bottom of the "screen" of the CruxSKUNK tend to loosen during use and require tightening with a tool. The company provides extra swivels, which makes me believe that they expect users to lose several during the life of the case While competing keyboard cases provide a very positive indication of closure, I was never quite sure that the CruxSKUNK was "closed" and that my iPad had turned off Price is higher than competing keyboard cases Who is it for? Fans of Jony Ive's favorite material, "aluminium", who need an iPad keyboard case
Crux360 keyboard case for the new iPad ships May 12th, preorder now for $150
Looking to grab a keyboard case for those heavy typing duties on your new iPad? CruxCase has revealed the latest version of its Crux360 built for the most recent Apple slate with some new features to boot. First, the clamshell now features a snap in front design that allows for quick access when the case isn't needed. There is also a "window cover" that now fully protects the rear panel of the iPad; however, if you really want to show off that Apple logo, the cover can easily be removed to do so. Connecting should be quick and easy too, as this model's power and Bluetooth buttons are one touch instead of the usual press-and-hold type deal. Magnets keep the folding kit shut -- preventing the case from opening up and exposing that precious Retina display to potential hazards. Keep in mind: the Crux360 features a hinge that allows you to rotate your slate all the way back on the keyboard for regular ol' tablet mode and everything in between. Need a bit more info before dropping your $150 on one? Hit the source link below, where you can preorder a unit for before the May 12th ship date. [Thanks, Brian]
Crux360 iPad 2 keyboard case review
Aluminum Keyboard Buddy Case cloaks your iPad 2 in a MacBook Air duvet Crux Loaded case almost turns your iPad into a laptop for $250 MacBook Air review (mid 2011) Yeah... we know. At this point you're probably clutching your funds tightly, eagerly anticipating the release of the iPad 3. But for those of you who recently purchased version 2.0, or perhaps just discovered your need for a Bluetooth keyboard, allow us to shed some light on the Crux360. Sure this isn't the first one of these we've seen, but the full range of motion in the hinge makes this a nice accessory for your Apple slate. We spent a couple weeks putting it through the wringer, so read on past the break to see what we discovered. %Gallery-131743%
Crux360 raises the bar for iPad 2 Bluetooth keyboard cases
Just yesterday, I reviewed the Qmadix Portfolio case for iPad 2 and was favorably impressed. It's too bad I didn't wait a day, because I could have done a smackdown between it and the new Crux360 (US$149). Both keyboard cases are a sign that manufacturers are doing their homework, listening to consumers, and producing innovative new designs to protect and enhance the iPad 2. Design The Crux360 comes in an attractive box that when opened, reveals the case wrapped in a reusable monofiber drawstring bag. Power is provided to the keyboard's lithium-ion polymer battery through a standard micro-USB to USB connector that can be plugged into an iPad 2 power brick or any Mac or PC USB port for charging. While charging, a bright red LED just above the keyboard glows; it's helpful, but you can't tell when charging is done if you have the lid of the case down. The Crux360 is a hard shell keyboard case, not a soft leather portfolio like the Qmadix. It can be used in four different modes: laptop mode, where the keyboard and iPad work together as a mini-laptop; movie mode, propping the screen up in landscape orientation for easy video viewing; tablet mode, where you're using the iPad in its native mode; and carry mode, in which the case is closed and protecting the iPad from scratches and dings. The hard shell of the case has a soft-touch finish, meaning that it is easy to grip and not likely to slip out of your hand. The hinge that connects the "screen" portion of the case with the keyboard is the namesake of the Crux360, as it will rotate through a full 360°. This hinge is very stiff, which allows the case to hold your iPad in the assorted modes without the various props and velcro tabs that you see on so many other cases. %Gallery-129584% Inserting an iPad 2 into the case is a cinch -- the top of the case is in two parts, so you just pop the iPad 2 in, press the two parts together until they click. This takes a little force, but you will feel confident that the iPad isn't going to fall out of the case. What's interesting about the design is that the keyboard has four "feet", one in each corner. Sure enough, when you're using the Crux360 in movie mode or have it flat on a table in tablet mode, those feet keep the keys from being accidentally depressed. Of course, you'll probably want to turn off the keyboard if you're using the Crux360 and iPad in your lap. The Crux360 keyboard has a power-saving mode that makes the most of the 510 mAh battery by switching to a low power setting after two minutes of non-use. Touching any key brings the keyboard back to full life. As with the Qmadix keyboard yesterday, the Crux360 has replaced function keys with a bunch of iPad-specific keys. There are 17 altogether on the Crux360, six of which provide the same music-related track/play/volume functions. The copy and paste buttons are accompanied by select all and cut buttons, and there's a special button for changing the language on the iPad. Finally, the Crux360 works like the Apple Smart Cover, automatically turning on your iPad 2 when the case is opened and turning it off when it's closed. Functionality How did the Crux360 do in my tests? Very well, thank you. As with the similarly-priced Qmadix keyboard case, the Crux360 has a very high-quality feel to it. While I'm not sure how long a "normal" charge takes, I was able to charge up the Crux360's battery in about 90 minutes prior to testing. Turning on the keyboard just takes a five-second press on the dished On button. The red power light glows for a second, letting you know that the keyboard is on. To pair the keyboard with an iPad 2, there's a small button that makes up part of the power light. Pressing it for several seconds puts the keyboard in discoverable mode, at which point pairing with the iPad is done quickly. The hinge on the Crux360 is almost infinitely adjustable and holds the iPad in place in a variety of positions. Crux Case says that the hinge is good for up to 10,000 open/close cycles, so it should outlast most iPads. The keyboard has a good feel, but is a bit loud in operation. One thing I didn't like was the size of the delete button -- on the Qmadix Portfolio, the delete button was almost normal sized. Here, it was the size of any of the regular letter or number keys. In addition, there were three command keys, as well as two shift keys on the right side of the keyboard. Right next to the Enter / Return key is another Enter key. There's nothing wrong with the extra keys, but the placement and number of the keys just seems ... odd. Putting the case onto an iPad 2 is really quite simple, as everything slides into place. Pulling the iPad 2 back out of the case was another matter -- I had to enlist my wife's help in holding onto the keyboard side of the case while I pulled the iPad out with the other. Crux Case notes that you may need "extra hands" available when removing the case, and they certainly weren't kidding. The Bottom Line The Crux360 is a very versatile and well-made keyboard case for the iPad 2. The solidity of the case is excellent, and the price is not out of line with other keyboard cases. Other than the odd placement of several keys on the keyboard, I was able to quickly start touch-typing on it. As an iPad stand, the Crux360 also does a good job although it doesn't work in portrait orientation. If you're considering using your iPad 2 as a laptop replacement, you might want to wait for a few months. Crux Case is coming out with a new case called the Crux Loaded that will feature a Bluetooth trackpad for actually controlling the cursor on the iPad screen. Crux plans on charging a steep $249 for the Crux Loaded, which means that the total price tag for a mid-range iPad 2 and the keyboard case would start getting into the range of an entry level MacBook Air. For a student or commuter who wants to protect an iPad 2 while having a Bluetooth keyboard on hand for fast typing, the Crux360 is perfect.
Crux 360 case converts your iPad into a netbook for $149 (video)
Hello, trend. The Crux 360 is the third such device that we've seen in the past two months, and if we had to guess, we'd say it probably won't be the last. That said, it's easily the best looking of the bunch, and it's available to pre-order beginning today. For all intents and purposes, this case transforms your iPad into a netbook (at least, a netbook sans a bona fide operating system), but it's also capable of flipping back in order to become a kickstand. A Bluetooth keyboard is built right into the "lid," and if you're in need of little visual explanation, a video is waiting just after the break. $149 and she's yours... someday.
