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Types of iPad Cases – A guide to Popular iPad Case and Cover Styles

Bhushan Lele

Tablet Cases

Mar 11, 2020

Table of Contents

So, you’ve gone and got yourself an iPad. Great job!

The Apple iPad is the original tablet, arguably the easiest and best to use, and the most popular tablet in the world by a good margin.

Now you have your new iPad — be it an iPad Air, iPad Pro, iPad Mini, or another version — should you put a case or cover on it?

Some people like the unique feel of the metal of the iPad, and they choose to keep it caseless. Some only use their iPad on the couch, or somewhere it’s going to be in a relatively protected environment. They may be able to argue that they don’t usually need a waterproof case or additional drop protection.

However most people want to bring their iPad into a variety of settings, taking advantage of its portability. We’re talking about places where some protection is needed.

A case or a cover can help protect your new purchase from the bumps, drops, and potential for scratches and perhaps worse, that are involved in the day-to-day use of an Apple iPad on the go.

iPad cases can also be chosen to enhance the functionality of the iPad. Examples include tablet cases that fold to make a stand, covers that incorporate secure handholds to help keep control of an iPad if using it while standing, and more.Think about when and how and where and what your iPad will be used for, how it may be in danger (or not) in the situations you will use it in, and then consider anyspecial features you may want. From there, you can start deciding between the best iPad case types for your needs.

Here, we have a list of the most popular styles of iPad case that will help to protect your iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad Mini, or whichever model you prefer.

All of these types of iPad cases offer distinct benefits and drawbacks, so be sure to note which are most important to you as you make your decision.

A woman uses an iPad case including a stand and keyboard at her desk.

Hard iPad Cases

Hard iPadcases are usually made from polycarbonate (plastic) — hopefully high-quality polycarbonate — for an especially secure experience.

These hard iPad cases essentially add a lightweight 1-3mm hard shell around the iPad, allowing it to withstand bumps and scratches by protecting the back and sides of the tablet.

These cases have openings and holes for all the buttons and speakers, therefore not changing the functionality or form factor of the iPad. They come in a range of colors or can be clear, and may have a matte or gloss finish. Hard cases are easily customized also, as the hard material is easy to print on.

Pros

Hard iPad cases for iPad Pro, iPad Air, and other types of iPads are ideal for people who want to protect their device from bumps and scratches, but still maintain the form factor of the iPad as it is, out of the box. The case is lightweight and will protect from bumps and scratches.

Cons

Hard cases generally don’t have a stand, and won’t protect the front (screen) of the iPad. It may also crack if dropped. For this reason, we suggest that if you do choose a hard iPad case, that you add a tempered glass screen protector to it. This will protect the screen from scratches.

Gel iPad Cases

Gel iPad cases are similar to hard types of iPad cases in their form factor. They add a slim layer of protection to the back and sides of the iPad, keeping it safe from bumps and scratches.

Gel iPad cases are usually made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). TPU is softer than hard plastic, and generally has properties of elasticity. Such casesare generally a little less slippery than a hard case canbe. Gel casescome usually in a range of colors and are popular in clear tinted gloss finished colors.

Pros

Gel iPad cases are fantastic as they offer a bit more protection than hard cases, and they won’t be susceptible to cracking if dropped.

Cons

This case doesn’t have a stand, nor does it protect the front of the iPad. For this reason, a tempered glass screen protector is key for total protection.

An iPad in a leather case sits on a white bedsheet

Leather iPad Cases

Leather cases are a popular style of case for the iPad. They are typically a total iPad cover, protecting the front and back of the iPad. These cases come in a range of styles.. They can include an inner plastic shell, or with a handle or holding strap madefrom the leather itself.

These cases usually have a range of added functionalities, such as a smart wake/sleep or a viewing stand and typing stand.n. They also include ports for the camera, buttons, and speakers, allowing easy access.

Leather cases for iPad Pros, iPad Airs, and other versions of this tablet can come in real or faux (PU/Vegan) leather and in a range of finishes. That includes smooth leather, leather grain, or vintage leather. Colors can vary as well, and these cases can also be branded with logos or designs, either printed or embossed, which are perfect for company or corporate settings.

Pros

Leather cases protect the whole iPad, front and back, while also beingstylish. Leather is also a durable fabric that will last and can be cleaned easily. These cases add functionality by including stands, and come in a range of colors.

Cons

Leather can be seen as too formal in some situations, perhaps. But overall, they are one of the most popular styles of iPad case for good reason.

Folio iPad Cases

Folio iPad cases are similar to Leather types of iPad cases in their form, functionality,features, and customizability. Historically, folios for notepads came with a non-folding front cover, whichcould be fastened or secured.

Folio iPad cases can have a non-folding front cover, or folding front covers, depending on the manufacturer. They are really just an iteration on the leather case and may be made from leather or another material. They may also have an inner pocket for cards.

Pros

Functionality and features, colors, brandability, and style.

Cons

They can potentially be a little heavy or bulky, depending on the manufacturer and material.

Executive iPad Cases

Executive iPad cases are another iteration on the leather iPad case, with all the same features, functions and customizations available.

As an example, the executive cases that we sell have an inner hand strap, and cardholders, which can be especially useful and help busy executives who may be using such as device for important presentations, or in meetings where they need to show the screen to other people.

Pros

A stylish and portable case for executive and corporate/business use.

Cons

If you don’t want to use a hand strap in a case or have business card holders, they won’t provide much value.. We always recommend that you pare back additions if they’re not required.

Tough iPad Cases

Tough cases are subjective in that the “tough” can be searched for by people who intend to use them in outdoor conditions, on building sites, or who just want a case that’s especially durable.

Most cases that have a front and back cover typically qualify as a tough case, but it really depends on the use case. One main other feature to look for is that the case will protect the corners well, because these are the first things to get dented if the iPad should be dropped.Tough cases sometimes resemble tough phone cases, in that they have an extra durable hard shell built to withstand big drops. And sometimes this type of iPad case will include an extra tough case and front cover.

Pros

Can withstand big impacts, protects the corners and iPad overall very well, resists water potentially, and offers access to all ports.

Cons

These cases can be a bit ugly, as they value function over form. This type of iPad case can also be very bulky and heavy, which really can change the experienc of using an iPad in day-to-day use.

An iPad case with built-in keyboard, along with a stylus, sit on a wooden desk.

iPad Keyboard Cases

Keyboard cases are popular among the many types of iPad cases, especially for those looking to turn their iPad into a productivity powerhouse.

One of the limitations with tablets is that typing on their screens can get tedious and difficult. Viewing and usinghe keyboard on the screen can also remove valuable real estate and make it difficult to see other information.

Typing on an external keyboard allows you to use a more traditional approach to digital interactions, while also positioning the iPad in a comfortable and useful fashion.

Typically, iPad keyboard cases come for all versions of the iPad, including iPad Air, iPad Pro, and iPad Mini, and can be quite similar. As they’re used mostly in corporate or business settings, they usually come in a black PU/Vegan leather.
They can be branded with logos as well, on the front or back, or both.

Pros

Makes it much easier and quicker to type large amounts of text. Looks great, and can be branded.

Cons

While keyboard cases add to productivity, they will also add bulk and weight to the iPad, more so than more traditional types of cases and covers. However, if you need to type and like portability, these cases can can prove to be lighter and more portable than carrying a laptop around.

Children’s Shockproof iPad Cases

Children’s Shockproof tablet cases are typically associated with a bulky case that is made from a material known as EVA.

EVA is a rubber/foam with the official name ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer foam.

It offers a low weight overall while still protecting the iPad from the wear and tear that a small child may inflict on it..

EVA is a safe material and makes the iPad case lightweight. They typically come in a range of similar styles, including manyf bright colors. They usually also have easy handles to hold the case and device by, making it easy to use. Some of them have a folding handle that doubles as a stand.

Pros

Can withstand a lot of bumps, is quite light for its size, offers a fun visual for children.

Cons

Adds quite a bit of bulk. Doesn’t protect the screen, so we do recommend you use a tempered glass screen protector if you use this style of case.

iPad Skins

iPad skins have their place.hile not a case, they can provide an easy and cost-effective way to customize or personalize an iPad. Typically made from vinyl, and coming in gloss and matte finishes, they stick to the device quite easily, and will cover the back and the front of the iPad.

Pros

Extremely light, and cost-effective, they will protect the device from scratches and allow great customization options.

Cons

They won’t protect the front or back of the device from more than scratches, so perhaps use a tempered glass screen protector in conjunction with the skin. A clear gel case would allow the skin to still be seen, but at the same time protect the device a bit more.

iPad Sleeves

Sleeves, as we cover in a few other articles, are a fantastic way to protect devices during transit, but then allow the device to be used in its original form factor. With the iPad, that’s quite a nice experience.

iPad sleeves come usually in neoprene or leather (Vegan/PU or real), and both are quite protective. They come in a range of colors and sizes, for most iPad versions.

Pros

Protective for transport, light and good looking, allowing the device to be removed and used easily and quickly.

Cons

They don’t add any further functionality or stands to the iPad, and the iPad is still susceptible to being damaged when out of the sleeve — an issue that doesn’t arise with most cases.

The End

Hopefully, we’ve helped to outline some of the popular styles of cases and covers available for the iPad.

At CustomLogoCases, we make custom cases and covers for the iPad, with low minimums and customizable with any logo or design.

We offer a wide range of materials, finishes, colors, and more. If you’d like to find out more, please get in touch! We’re always happy to provide a bit of advice, obligation-free and with a smile.

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Happy Holi From Everyone At CustomLogoCases.com! ❤️🩷🧡💛💚💙🩵💜🕉🇮🇳

Happy Holi From Everyone At CustomLogoCases.com! ❤️🩷🧡💛💚💙🩵💜🕉🇮🇳 ... See MoreSee Less

Throw Back Thursday! We ❤️ seeing our custom creations featured on social media. Here is a gem from The Bethany School, UK a few years back. #Laptopsleeve #ChromebookCase #NeopreneZipSleeve #computersleeve💻😁🤩🇬🇧🇬🇧

Throw Back Thursday! We ❤️ seeing our custom creations featured on social media. Here is a gem from The Bethany School, UK a few years back. #LaptopSleeve #chromebookcase #neoprenezipsleeve #computersleeve💻😁🤩🇬🇧🇬🇧#repost from @bethany_compsci

Our lucky Year 7 and 8 pupils getting new laptops in September will also get one of these brand new Bethany laptop sleeves!

Fingers crossed for a staff version too 😍
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