All About Cases, Part Two

Revised March 8, 2023

This page still contains useful information, but it has been replaced by How to Identify an iPad Case, which contains information about more than 400 different iPad cases!  Please check there for the latest.

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In  All About Cases, Part One, we discussed the two types of cases in general and the different ways Keyguard AT uses to attach the keyguards to the case.  In this part, we'll cover the specifics of the most popular cases pertaining to the attachment of keyguards.  More cases will be added to this page as time permits.  Be sure to check here before ordering your next case to be used with a keyguard!

AMDI iAdapter

This is a high-quality case with lots of functionality.  It has a deep plastic bezel closely surrounding the screen, so room for a keyguard is limited.  Suction cups and suction tape are not suitable for this case because of the limited room.  Attached straps hold the keyguard up off the screen.  Flush-mounted straps can be used with a spacer to lower the keyguard close to the screen.

The iAdapter is ideal for mounting a keyguard with the Velcro or magnetic attachment.  Velcro can be used to provide the simplest and quickest removal and replacement of the keyguard.  This is great for users who utilize more than one app and need to change the keyguard frequently.  Magnets ensure that the case is exactly positioned correctly every time.

The snap-in attachment is great on the iAdapter for a semi-permanent installation.  You need to loosen the screws to install the keyguard with the snap-in attachment, so it is not good if you need to remove and replace the keyguard often.

Because of the limited height available in this case, if you are using TouchChat or LAMP Words for Life, you must turn on the Keyguard Inset setting in the software and order the keyguard with that setting. If you don't turn it on, we will have to add a vertical reinforcement bar in the middle of the speech display, and we will not guarantee the keyguard against breakage. Keyguard Inset is not available on some older iPad models.

For apps like Proloquo2Go with a large message window right at the top edge, we will have to add vertical reinforcement bars in the message window.

Armorbox Kido, AVAWO Kids Case, Bolete Kids Shock Proof, BuddiBox EVA Series, Cooper Dynamo, eTopxizu Tablet Case, Fintie Kiddie, HDE Shock Proof Classic, KaysCase KidBox, Monoprice Kidz Cover, NEWSTYLE Shock Proof Light Weight, Pure Sense Buddy, RJ Cooper Ultimate II, Roocase KidArmor, Travellor Kido

This case is marketed in more or less the same form under several brand names.  It is a foam case with a built-in handle.  Variations include things like the shoulder strap available on the RJ Cooper version.  

In landscape mode, there is barely sufficient room at the right and left edges to allow for mounting with suction cups. However, you will have to struggle to get the suction cups under the edge of the foam case, and the edges of the suction cups will obscure some of the information on the screen.  Suction tape works well with these cases.

Straps work well with these cases and will hold the keyguard 1/8" off the screen.  Flush-mounted straps can be used with a spacer to hold the keyguard flush against the screen.

The snap-in attachment is ideal for this case, providing a semi-permanent installation, yet still being easy enough to change.  

The Velcro and magnetic attachments will not work on this case.

This case has gone through several revisions over the years, and not all brands have released the revisions at the same time.  Further, resellers like Amazon and ebay may be selling a different version of this case than the pictures on their website show.  There are several ways to tell the versions apart, like whether the iPad is inserted from the front, or through a slot in the back, whether the home button is covered with a round foam tab, and the dimensions of the screen opening.  When choosing one of these case on our website, you may need to measure the opening on your case so you can tell us which version you have.

Big Grips Frame, Big Grips Lift, Big Grips Slim, Big Grips Tweener

The Big Grips cases are thick, padded foam cases that come in a variety of kid-friendly colors.  All four models offer similar suitability for keyguards.  The major differences concerning what we can do are more related to which iPad the Big Grips is made for than the model of the Big Grips.

The Mini cases don't have a very tall opening in landscape mode, limiting the amount of room we have to make the keyguard strong.  Always turn on the Keyguard Inset setting in TouchChat and Lamp Words for life.  For apps like Proloquo2Go with a large message window right at the top edge, we usually have to add vertical reinforcement bars in the message window.  The Big Grips cases for the iPad Air and Pro models have a little more room, but still cause a little concern for those message windows.  The cases for the original iPad 2, 3 and 4 have plenty of room, resulting in strong keyguards with no design compromises.

These Big Grips cases all provide plenty of room at the ends to attach with suction tape, and minimum room for suction cups, especially on the Mini.  The suction cups will need to extend under the lip of the case a little bit, making them a little awkward to install, but holding great once in place.  The suction cups will extend onto the visible part of the screen a little bit, meaning they will obscure some of the openings on many keyguards.  They're clear, so the screen can be viewed through them, but they may make it harder to get a finger in a very small opening.

Straps aren't a good choice for the Big Grips, because it's foam is so thick the straps hold the keyguard too far off the screen.  Flush-mounted straps are better, holding the keyguard closer to the screen, but still not "flush".  It's possible to attach the straps to the iPad first, then insert the whole assembly into the case, but that's not officially supported by Keyguard AT, and you're on your own if you want to try it.  We don't recommend straps on a Big Grips.

The snap-in attachment is our favorite choice on the Big Grips.  It holds securely, yet is still easy to take in and out.  It's not as permanent installation as it is with some other cases.

The Velcro and magnetic attachments are not available for any model of the Big Grips.

BRAECN Rugged Cover w/ Kickstand, BRAECN Triple Layer w/ Swivel Stand, EUG Compatible, TSQ Heavy Duty, ZenCase Rotatable Kickstand

This case, sold under a variety of weird names, has become popular among budget-conscious schools recently for no apparent reason.  Well, one apparent reason.  It's cheap.  It's one of the few cases that has a handle, a strap, and a stand, but don't be fooled.  The handle is this gimmicky and uncomfortable thing that rotates 360 degrees, the stand is so tiny and weak that it will tip over or collapse with the slightest push, and the strap is what you'd expect for what you paid.

As for the case itself, it has the thinnest polycarbonate shell we've ever seen.  You can pull it apart with your pinky nail, so it's easy for kids to remove the iPad with just one hand.

If you already own one of these things, we can defintely make a keyguard for it.  The snap-in attachment is the only one we would recommend.  Normally we don't like the snap-in attachment as much if you need to take the keyguard on and off frequently, but this case is so flimsy that taking it apart is not a problem.

If you need to change the keyguard frequently, the Velcro attachment will work, but there's only room for the velcro near the center of the two ends, so it's not very stable.

Because of the limited height available in this case, if you are using TouchChat or LAMP Words for Life, you must turn on the Keyguard Inset setting in the software and order the keyguard with that setting. If you don't turn it on, we will have to add a vertical reinforcement bar in the middle of the speech display, and we will not guarantee the keyguard against breakage. Keyguard Inset is not available on some older iPad models.

For apps like Proloquo2Go with a large message window right at the top edge, we will have to add vertical reinforcement bars in the message window.

GoNow Rugged

The GoNow Rugged, and its older sibling the GoNow Sleek, is an excellent case manufactured by Attainment Company of Verona, WI. It has a hard, screw-together case with sound chambers to enhance the iPad's speaker output and a padded handle. It has a deep plastic bezel closely surrounding the screen, so room for a keyguard is limited. Suction cups and suction tape are not suitable for this case because of the limited room. Attached straps hold the keyguard up off the screen. Flush-mounted straps can be used with a spacer to lower the keyguard close to the screen.

The GoNow is ideal for mounting a keyguard with the Velcro or magnetic attachment. Velcro can be used to provide the simplest and quickest removal and replacement of the keyguard. This is great for users who utilize more than one app and need to change keyguards frequently.  Magnets ensure that the case is exactly positioned correctly every time. 

The snap-in attachment is great on the GoNow for a semi-permanent installation. You need to loosen the screws to install the keyguard with the snap-in attachment, so it is not good if you need to remove and replace the keyguard often.

Because of the limited height available in this case, if you are using TouchChat or LAMP Words for Life, you must turn on the Keyguard Inset setting in the software and order the keyguard with that setting. If you don't turn it on, we will have to add a vertical reinforcement bar in the middle of the speech display, and we will not guarantee the keyguard against breakage. Keyguard Inset is not available on some older iPad models.

For apps like Proloquo2Go with a large message window right at the top edge, we will have to add vertical reinforcement bars in the message window.

Griffin Survivor All-Terrain, Slim, Custom

Griffin has sold many variations of this case under different names, but the important thing as far as keyguards are concerned is the size of the screen opening, which is consistent across all these models. It comes with a flimsy little stand that is easy to lose. 

The case has a hard plastic bezel that doesn't allow any extra room outside the viewable part of the screen, which affects both the available attachments and the strength of the keyguard. As a result, there's not enough room for suction cups or suction tape. Straps are a very good solution across all models. 

The snap-in attachment is great on this case for a semi-permanent installation. You need to take the case completely apart to install the keyguard with the snap-in attachment, so it is not a good choice if you need to remove and replace the keyguard often. The first time you install the snap-in attachment, you'll need to break the seal on two edges of the screen protector, which is easy to do with a finger. You can leave the other two edges attached.

There's just enough room for a Velcro or magnetic attachment on most models, though you'll need to use pretty small pieces of Velcro or small magnets (provided) to secure it.  The magnetic attachment will not work on the Survivor for the original iPad 2/3/4.

Because of the limited height available in this case, if you are using TouchChat or LAMP Words for Life, you must turn on the Keyguard Inset setting in the software and order the keyguard with that setting. If you don't turn it on, we will have to add a vertical reinforcement bar in the middle of the speech display, and we will not guarantee the keyguard against breakage. Keyguard Inset is not available on some older iPad models.

For apps like Proloquo2Go with a large message window right at the top edge, we will have to add vertical reinforcement bars in the message window.

Gripcase

We can make keyguards for the Gripcase Shield and the Gripcase Scribe, but by far the most popular is the flagship model, simply called the Gripcase.  It is a foam case with handles on all four sides that serve as bumpers and offer excellent protection.  As of this writing, there's no Gripcase for the iPad Pro 12.9".

The Gripcase is one of the easiest to install or remove your iPad.  It doesn't require so much force you think you're going to crack your screen just getting it into the case!  Best of all, the Gripcase allows plenty of room for us to make strong keyguards, and we can use all our attachment methods other than the Velcro or magnetic attachments.

The extra room allows suction cups or suction tape to be used to attach the keyguard. Straps are a good solution, though the thickness of the foam bezel holds the straps a little higher off the screen.  Use the flush-mounted straps if you want the keyguard to rest right on the screen. 

The snap-in attachment is great on this case.  It pops in and out easily and holds the keyguard flush against the screen.  In time the foam develops a memory and the snap-in keyguard can be changed in a heartbeat.

The Velcro and magnetic attachments are not available on the Gripcase, since there's no flat bezel on which to mount it.

Gumdrop Drop Tech, Hideaway

These two cases are very similar in design and appearance across most iPad models.  For some models the only significant difference is that the Hideaway has a built-in stand.  They can be considered together when choosing a case for a keyguard.

These cases have a hard plastic shell covered with an elastic skin, and are very well made.  They usually have a screen protector which attaches to the case with a plastic frame bezel.

The Drop Tech and Hideaway don't allow enough room for suction cups or suction tape.  All models work great with straps.

To use a snap-in attachment with these cases, you must take the case apart, position the keyguard in the frame, and reassemble the case. With some of the older models, you remove the screen protector frame and set it aside, and the keyguard fits in its place.  On the newer models, you need to break the seal on two edges of the screen protector (easy to do with a finger).  You can leave the other two edges attached to the frame.  Insert the keyguard and reassemble the case.  It's a tight fit and can be a struggle the first couple times you try it, so the snap-in attachment isn't a good option with this case if you need to change the keyguard frequently.

The Velcro and magnetic attachments are not available for the Gumdrop cases.

Because of the limited height available in this case, if you are using TouchChat or LAMP Words for Life, you must turn on the Keyguard Inset setting in the software and order the keyguard with that setting. If you don't turn it on, we will have to add a vertical reinforcement bar in the middle of the speech display, and we will not guarantee the keyguard against breakage. Keyguard Inset is not available on some older iPad models.

For apps like Proloquo2Go with a large message window right at the top edge, we will likely have to add vertical reinforcement bars in the message window, especially if you order medium or small toolbar height.

Gumdrop FoamTech

The FoamTech is a high-quality foam case in kid-friendly colors with a folding handle that serves as a stand.  The iPad is inserted from the front of the case.  It's one of our favorite cases for making keyguards because its large screen opening allows plenty of room for attachments and strong keyguards.

Suction cups can be used to attach the keyguard, though they will need to extend partially under the edge of the foam bezel and may obscure some keyguard openings.  There's plenty of room to attach with suction tape.  Straps are a good choice of attachment on this case.

The snap-in attachment works great on the FoamTech, and is our first choice.  It's also the least expensive attachment option.  The Velcro and magnetic attachments are not supported.

LifeProof FRĒ, LifeProof NÜÜD

The NÜÜD case is easily identifiable by its distinctive arch around the home key. The FRĒ case is similar, though without the arch.  They claim to be waterproof, and even come with a fake plastic iPad so you can water test them without risking your actual iPad.  Still, we can't imagine ever intentionally submerging a perfectly good iPad. However, it's a great option when your iPad is at risk for water damage (like heavy saliva or bad behavior in the bathroom).

Suction cups can be used to attach the keyguard on the FRĒ, though they will obscure some keyguard openings.  There's no room for suction cups on the NÜÜD. There's plenty of room to attach with suction tape on the FRĒ, and barely enough on the NÜÜD. Straps work great on both cases.

The snap-in attachment works on the LifeProof cases, though you need to take the case apart each time you install it. You also need to break the seal on the screen protector the first time you install it, making it no longer waterproof and voiding your warranty.

 The Velcro and magnetic attachments are not supported on the LifeProof cases.

Because of the limited height available in this case, if you are using TouchChat or LAMP Words for Life, you must turn on the Keyguard Inset setting in the software and order the keyguard with that setting. If you don't turn it on, we will have to add a vertical reinforcement bar in the middle of the speech display, and we will not guarantee the keyguard against breakage. Keyguard Inset is not available on some older iPad models.

For apps like Proloquo2Go with a large message window right at the top edge, we will have to add vertical reinforcement bars in the message window.

No Case

It's possible to use a keyguard on an iPad that's not in a case. However, it changes the attachment options somewhat.  Without a case, there's nothing to hold our snap-in attachment in place, so that can't be used.  Without a case covering part of the screen glass, there's plenty of room for using suction cups or suction tape.

Straps work just fine on an iPad without a case.

To mount a keyguard with Velcro to an iPad without a case, just order it drilled for straps and apply sticky-back velcro to both ends of the keyguard.  The keyguard will float above the screen the thickness of the Velcro.  This method requires you to mount one side of the Velcro to the screen glass, though (or to the screen protector).

The Velcro attachment allows room for the Velcro so the keyguard sits flat on the screen.  However, it still requires you to mount one side of the Velcro to the screen glass, though (or to the screen protector).

Otterbox Defender

One of the best made cases out there is the Defender, though we question a couple of it's features. It comes with a flaky stand for holding the iPad upright, but it's too tippy to be much use that way for anything but watching a movie. It has a built-in screen protector that requires a heavy touch, so you might want to remove it and use a "glass" screen protector that sticks to the iPad's front glass.

The Defender's screen opening doesn't leave a lot of room around the edges, so it's not suitable for using suction cups or suction tape to attach the keyguard. It works great with straps, either the regular straps which hold the keyguard off the screen, or the flush-mounted straps that hold it close against the screen.

The snap-in attachment is great on the Defender for a semi-permanent installation. You need to take the case completely apart to install the keyguard with the snap-in attachment, so it is not a good choice if you need to remove and replace the keyguard often. The first time you install the snap-in attachment, you'll need to break the seal on two edges of the screen protector, which is easy to do with a finger. You can leave the other two edges attached.

There's just enough room for the Velcro attachment on this case. The Velcro attachment is the best choice when a user has to change keyguards frequently.

Because of the limited height available in this case, if you are using TouchChat or LAMP Words for Life, you must turn on the Keyguard Inset setting in the software and order the keyguard with that setting. If you don't turn it on, we will have to add a vertical reinforcement bar in the middle of the speech display, and we will not guarantee the keyguard against breakage. Keyguard Inset is not available on some older iPad models.

For apps like Proloquo2Go with a large message window right at the top edge, we will have to add vertical reinforcement bars in the message window.

Unicorn Beetle, Beetle Pro

The Unicorn Beetle is one of our favorite cases.  It has a hard shell with an elastic skin that offers good protection, and the Pro version comes with a built-in screen protector.  It has an adjustable stand that is very solid.  Among the hard shell cases, the Beetle is one of the easiest to take the iPad in and out.

The Beetle's screen opening doesn't leave a lot of room around the edges, but it leaves a little more than most of the hard shell cases, which helps us to make the keyguards a little stronger. It's not suitable for using suction cups or suction tape to attach the keyguard. It works great with straps, either the regular straps which hold the keyguard off the screen, or the flush-mounted straps that hold it close against the screen.

The snap-in attachment is great on the Beetle for a semi-permanent installation. You need to take the case completely apart to install the keyguard with the snap-in attachment, so it is not a good choice if you need to remove and replace the keyguard often. The first time you install the snap-in attachment, you'll need to break or cut the seal on two edges of the screen protector. You can leave the other two edges attached.

There's also enough room for the Velcro attachment on this case. The Velcro attachment is the best choice when a user has to change keyguards frequently.

Because of the limited height available in this case, if you are using TouchChat or LAMP Words for Life, you must turn on the Keyguard Inset setting in the software and order the keyguard with that setting. If you don't turn it on, we will have to add a vertical reinforcement bar in the middle of the speech display, and we will not guarantee the keyguard against breakage. Keyguard Inset is not available on some older iPad models.

For apps like Proloquo2Go with a large message window right at the top edge, we will have to add vertical reinforcement bars in the message window.