For weeks, the Ara Keyboard Grey Combo Touch iPad Air (4th and 5th Gen) keyboard case, model number 920-010269, has been my constant companion. I’ve used it for everything from writing long-form articles to sketching in Procreate, watching movies, and even using it as a makeshift laptop replacement during travel. This review details my extensive experience with this versatile accessory.

The Combo Touch immediately impressed me with its sleek design and robust build quality. The grey color is understated yet stylish, blending well with my iPad Air. The backlit keys are a welcome addition, providing comfortable typing even in low-light conditions. The trackpad, although not as responsive as a dedicated laptop trackpad, is surprisingly accurate and functional for everyday tasks. The smart connector ensures seamless pairing and power management, eliminating the need for Bluetooth pairing each time.

The kickstand is a highlight, offering a wide range of viewing angles, perfect for everything from typing to watching videos. The ability to fold the keyboard away while keeping the case on is a thoughtful design feature, making it incredibly convenient for media consumption. The included keycap puller is also a nice touch, proving helpful for cleaning or potential future key replacements.

Typing on the Combo Touch is a generally pleasant experience. The keys are well-spaced, providing an accurate and comfortable typing experience. The slight travel distance provides satisfying feedback. While not as satisfying as a mechanical keyboard, it is significantly more comfortable than typing directly on the iPad screen. The trackpad responsiveness, as mentioned earlier, was adequate for most tasks but could benefit from improved precision for more demanding applications.

The smart connector is flawless, instantly connecting and powering the keyboard. Battery life exceeded my expectations, easily lasting several weeks on a single charge with regular use. The kickstand is sturdy and provides reliable support even at maximum tilt. However, there is a slight wobble when typing aggressively. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s worth mentioning.

Pros

• Comfortable typing experience
• Backlit keys
• Functional trackpad
• Sturdy kickstand with multiple viewing angles
• Smart connector for easy pairing and power
• Sleek and stylish design
• Excellent battery life

Cons

• Trackpad could be more precise
• Slight wobble in the kickstand when typing forcefully
• Price point might be higher than some alternatives

Overall, the Ara Keyboard Grey Combo Touch keyboard case is a worthy investment for anyone seeking a versatile and functional accessory for their iPad Air (4th and 5th generation). The combination of comfortable typing, a useful trackpad, and a flexible kickstand makes it ideal for productivity and entertainment. While there’s room for improvement in trackpad precision and perhaps a slightly more robust kickstand, the positives heavily outweigh the negatives. I highly recommend it for users who need a complete, integrated solution for their iPad Air.