As iPads become more integral to academic life, many students are finding that these versatile devices can seamlessly take the place of traditional notebooks and laptops. But to get the most out of an iPad as a device for coursework, a bit of careful planning when it comes to accessories — especially keyboard cases — is necessary. Most students have limited budgets and need to balance protection and functionality in a small, portable package, while keeping the price reasonable. With daily commutes between classes, study sessions huddled in crowded cafes, and the occasional slip of a hand, students require options that endure the challenges of campus living while keeping them productive. In this guide, we discuss what to look for when shopping for an iPad Air 13-inch case with keyboard and how to navigate some options while getting the best features at an affordable price. We’ll look at how to get your best possible coverage for your investment at a reasonable price with smart shopping strategies and available student discounts.
Why Students Need a Dedicated iPad Air 13-Inch Keyboard Case
Student life is such a mobile one that it needs tech accessories that can withstand movement and heavy use. Pop in a dedicated keyboard case and the iPad Air becomes a full-fledged academic powerhouse you can seamlessly transition from typing lecture notes to essay drafts to discussion threads. Whereas generic case keyboards or separate keyboards just won’t do, an integrated keyboard case provides a happy balance of protection and functionality that students can rely on for healthy success.
Portability cannot be overlooked — toting a thin, single device means less weight in already heavy backpacks and being able to set up an effective workspace anywhere on campus. From studying in the library, participating in study groups or completing tasks in an overcrowded café, students can stay productive without having to give up their device security.
Although low-budget means might lead students to leave behind a great keyboard case, this can actually cause higher costs in the future. A good keyboard case is both protective equipment and productivity tool, since drops and spills which would cost hundreds of dollars to repair are prevented and the iPad is enabled to do a lot more work for school. Most quality keyboard cases will pay for themselves over time, extending the life of the iPad and eliminating the need for standalone accessories. The intention should always be to use it as a major force behind their success as a student as opposed to buying one and it lying idle in a closet or rarely being used deeming it unnecessary to your studies.
Key Features to Look for in an iPad Air 13-Inch Keyboard Case
Durability and Protection
Keyboards with reinforced corners and raised edges to protect them from the inevitable drop are important when choosing a keyboard case. Seek out cases built with military-grade materials such as polycarbonate shells and shock-absorbing TPU bumpers. Look for a secure closure system, which will prevent the iPad from accidentally opening while it is being carried around. Both styles usually come with water-resistant materials, giving added protection from coffee spills and rain, equally common in student life.
Keyboard Functionality
An ideal keyboard is going to have overall well-placed, responsive keys with an ample travel distance to make long periods of study more bearable. Preesh for the backlighting that makes late-night work easier on the eyes, as well as function keys that help you adjust brightness, volume, and media controls without a hassle. At least one month of regular use would ensure that charging interrupts do not occur frequently. Look for stable Bluetooth connectivity along with quick pairing for easy switching between tasks.
Affordability Without Compromise
Look for cases that provide just the necessary protection and typing functionality without extra features that raise the price. Many mid-range offerings provide similar levels of durability as pricier brands such as Gaming!a and have just as good of a keyboard performance. Look into cases that have replaceable components, as buying a new keyboard is cheaper than a new case. Look for variations that add student-friendly touches and you don’t have to pay through the nose for features like pencil holders and multiple viewing angles.
Top Affordable iPad Air 13-Inch Keyboard Cases for Students
Of these options, the Logitech Slim Folio is well known for being an affordable keyboard case, as it provides adequate protection and a comfortable typing experience at a fraction of the cost. Four-Cell, Non-removable Backup Battery (LTP059C) Its rugged build and long battery life are perfect for daily outdoor use on campus but there’s no backlighting. Students are especially fans of its stable lap typing experience and dedicated shortcut keys for common iPad functions.
Then there is the ZAGG Rugged Book Go for those whose needs require maximum protection, despite its military-grade drop protection it’s surprisingly slim. Its detachable keyboard is a lifesaver for group study sessions, and frequent sales make it a regular in student-friendly pricing territory. The sole compromise is a slight weight penalty vs. lighter alternatives.
Students on a budget looking to replace their busted keyboard should consider ESRTech’s newest range of keyboard cases, which offer gorgeous features, from backlit keys to pairing with multiple devices for only a fraction of the cost of premium brands. It won’t provide military-grade protection, but the case will protect the device from typical student wear-and-tear. Look for bundle deals that also include screen protectors or cleaning kits, which add some value.
The ESRTech Rebound series is a great middle ground, offering the protection required to stop your device from breaking yet has a removable keyboard with Apple Pencil support. Purposeful functioning without extra bells and whistles combined with a highly competitive price point and regular promotional discounts make it a great option for students. The case is particularly good at offering multiple viewing angles for both typing and tablet use.
How to Find the Best iPad Keyboard Case Discounts
There are so many different iPad keyboard cases to choose from, and smart shopping means timing your purchase around major retail events. Black Friday and Cyber Monday always deliver the biggest discounts, with premium cases available for 30-40% off. The back-to-school period is rich in student-specific offers, many retailers will give educational pricing with valid student ID. And retailer-specific events like Amazon Prime Day offer even more chances to save big.
Get your savings to the fullest by using a price monitoring service such as CamelCamelCamel or Honey to track price movements and get alerts when the case you’ve been eyeing finally reaches your target price level. Several manufacturers run direct-to-student programs that you can access through your university bookstore that offer discounts not found with regular retail outlets. Sign up for manufacturers’ newsletters and follow their social media accounts for sneak peeks of flash sales and promotional codes.
Look for refurbished options from authorized retailers, which often include warranties and significant savings. Bundle savings that include keyboard cases with screen protectors or other accessories are often a better value than buying items individually. Do check student discount sites such as UNiDAYS and Student Beans which work with leading manufacturers to offer verified student price plans year-round.
Maintaining Your iPad Keyboard Case for Longevity
If you want to look after your iPad keyboard case, you should start with regular cleaning using compressed air to remove the debris stuck between keys, as well as microfiber cloths, to clean the external surfaces. Never apply liquid cleaner directly onto the keyboard – use a slightly damp cloth for stubborn marks instead. Make sure to close the case fully when putting it away as this will protect the iPad screen & keyboard from dust.
To avoid premature wear, treat the case hinges with care, only changing viewing angles gently and to an appropriate distance, and do not exceed the limited range of each hinge. Avoid exposing your case to extreme heat or cold, direct sunlight or moist locations. (When carrying your iPad in a backpack, keep it upright, with the hinge side on top, to minimize pressure on the joint points in the case.)
Look for early signs of wear such as loose keys or weakening magnetic closures and deal with them before they can do any more damage. Most keyboard cases have extra rubber feet included somewhere — replace them as they get worn out so the case does not slide around. By adhering to these care practices, students will be able to prolong the life of their keyboard case, safeguarding their investment as they study throughout their academic career.
Maximizing Your Investment in an iPad Keyboard Case
Choosing the best iPad Air keyboard case is an important step to your academic success. Students may be tempted to choose cheaper options due to budgetary constraints, but the protection and productivity combinations offered by quality keyboard cases provide better value in the long run. You will be left with an academic tool that effectively increases your iPad’s functionality for your education and lasts for as long as you follow the tactics provided in finding discounts, comparing essential features, and taking care of your case. Keep in mind, the best keyboard case isn’t always the most expensive, but simply what has the perfect compromise between durability, functionality, and cost for you to get along as a student. Use student deals, seasonal sales and good maintenance habits to get the most from your spend, and your iPad’s potential as a high-tech learning tool.
