Not many will know who ESR and before some recent purchases neither did I. In this review, I will be taking a closer look at the ESR Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case for the iPad Pro 11 (2022).
Now, i did get a chance to fully test this on one of my recent trips to CES 2023 and I will tell you that it is a well-made keyboard case with a trackpad that finally lets you use the iPad as a kind of laptop with some limitations i hope they address in the near future.
LET’S TAKE A CLOSER LOOK
SPECIFICATIONS
Compatibility
Available for iPad Air 5/4 (2022/2020), iPad Pro 11 (2022/2021/2020/2018), iPad 10th Generation, and iPad Pro 12.9″ (2022/2021/2020/2018)
Quick Set Magnetic Stand
Floating cantilever stand gives you the perfect angle just by opening the case
Quick and Easy Navigation
Precision trackpad with full multi-touch gesture support
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.2
Net Weight  | 26.8 oz (760 g) | Gross Weight | 31.7 oz (900 g) | Length | 10.0″ (255 mm) |
| Width | 0.6″ (16 mm) | Height | 0.5″ (12 mm) |
BUILD QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE:
The build quality has many pros and a few cons.
Pros:
- The overall feel and functionality was great. I love the full computer experience during my entire trip and it did a great job keeping my tablet safe, but more importantly it prevented me from having to carry around a bulky notebook.
- Trackpad: The trackpad was decent. I wouldn’t say its the worse but the ability to have one is definitely a plus, while on the go. I know many say why bother if its a tablet, but it does come in handy while on the go.
- Starting with the keyboard keys, I would have to say they are acceptable but at times a little finicky, and could use some work.
- Apple Pencil Friendly
- I did drop it a few times and it actually did a decent job in keeping my iPad safe. but it did manage to shift a little which made me nervous. I do believe ESR should consider creating a ESR Project Zero Soft Case that could work with it to providing an extra layer of protection.
- The 800mAh battery does a great job and lasted the entire week without me needing to recharge it.
Cons:
- Keyboard: The most important part of any keyboard case is the keys, and I am sad to report that it is a little disappointing. It uses scissor-switch mechanism and unfortunately I did have an issue with sticky keys which happened to me quite a few times during my trip. It wasnt a deal breaker but it needed to be noted.
- I would prefer that the keyboard didn’t require additional charging similar to how Apple’s Smart Keyboard Folio draws power from the iPad so that it charges while the iPad charges.
INSTALLATION:
The installation was a breeze as it is held in using magnets.
Step 1: Align the camera with the case opening and the magnets will do the rest.
Step 2: Enjoy.
Its very simple and does a great job.
CAN THIS HELP REPLACE A LAPTOP?
I would have to say it did for me, but to be honest it only helped as a temporary laptop replacement while I was on a trip and needed something light. As a main PC I would have to pass as it is still a Tablet and just cant keep up.
The right question is whether the ESR Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case makes the iPad a better iPad, and I would have to say YES!.
CONCLUSION
The iPad 11 Pro is by far the most versatile tablet that I own. It’s incredibly portable and with the ESR Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case its now a complete solution. Even with all its issues I do find myself using my iPad even more now, when I’m sitting at my desk, lounging in a chair, watching movies, even my book reading experience has changed. The most useful is using it on my desk for Teams, and Zoom meetings as its now a much better height for it.
With all its faults, the ESR Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case feels like it was designed to make the iPad a more complete solution and not just another tablet. Now apple does have their Magic Keyboard that addresses a few of my issues but it also comes at the hefty price of $299.99 compared to the ESR Rebound at $129.99 for the iPad 11 Pro. Earning the SR Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case both our Recommended Award and Best Value Award.
