Review: Excellent Keyboard - Very Nice But Not A Perfect '5'
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 10, 2014
If you have a need for a keyboard on your Kindle, this is a great one.  The case fits either the Kindle Fire HD 7", or the Kindle Fire HDX 7".  I have the latter model.I use the 7" tablet because it is so versatile while also being small and convenient.  The beauty of the Belkin QODE is it adds the functionality of a keyboard, while also serving as a protective case, and manages to keep the Kindle lightweight in doing so.The QODE is a combination of a nice case and a very thin, highly functional keyboard.  Although new for Kindles, Belkin has similar product lines for iPads already in stores.The box include the case/keyboard combo, a micro-to-USB charging cable, and a user manual.  The manual is basically a card and contains little information.The exterior is a synthetic leather-looking material.  It seems to be of good quality and durable.  The case folds over the front of the Kindle, while the tablet sits in the case with the back fully covered.  The case uses a magnetic closure, which is different from its bigger brother, which fits the 8.9" Kindle (that model has an elastic strap which secures the case when closed).The case interior is covered with a soft material.  The easel which holds the Kindle is plastic. The QODE can be positioned at two viewing angles.  And yes, you can still use the tablet in portrait mode (the keyboard is landscape only, of course).  The keys are large enough to type without difficulty.  I am a man with good-size hands but don't have any issues typing, or hitting keys accidentally due to keyboard size.  It is a smaller keyboard though, as it has to fit the Kindle.The keyboard is super thin so kudos to Belkin on making a Bluetooth keyboard product which adds such functionality, but doesn't increase bulk much at all.The case pairs easily to the Kindle.  All Kindle buttons and ports are accessible in the case.  The keyboard is well thought out, and has a couple of nice features such as a microphone key and a browser key.  It also has a Home key, which can double as a Lock key when used with the Function key.  Other keys are Save, Cut, Paste, up/down/let/right, and volume up/down.  Basically, it's a nice way to type on the Kindle, but still use tablet tap commands.Charging the battery is done through the included USB charging cable (no AC adapter included).  The charge is separate from the Kindle, so you can leave the keyboard off and turn it on only when you need it, if you like.  The case will put the Kindle to sleep and wake it up when closed/oepened.This is Bluetooth, so you can pair it with other devices.  Just keep in mind it is made specifically for the 7" Kindle, so, for example, you can certainly pair it with something else, but you'd be able to use it only as a freestanding keyboard, not a case.Overall, this is a nice case.  I have a couple of minor gripes with it, which keep it from being a `5'.  I would have preferred that the case interior not become part of the bottom of the stand when in viewing mode.  This, to me, seems like it will accumulate dirt over time, and since it's the case interior.....eh.I also am not crazy about the way it folds when closed.  It does not close like a portfolio, but more like a tri-fold wallet.  I realize this was necessary as a concession to the keyboard, but I am concerned that the keyboard could come in contact with the Kindle screen.Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoy the QODE.  I just think it's "very nice" as opposed to perfect.