Kindle Keyboard covers – best leather cases for Kindle Keyboard reader
With the Kindle Keyboard, Amazon managed to put together an amazing device, perhaps the best ebook digital reader available right now on the market. The new Kindle is not a revolution, but an evolution of the previous generation. Its producers managed to make it better than before by adding a couple of interesting features, redesigning it and making it more affordable.
You can read more about this reader in my Kindle Keyboard review post, also here on this site. We’re not going to get into too many details about the device in this post, because we’re going to talk about Kindle Keyboard covers, cases and protection accessories.
Proper protection is a must for your Kindle Keyboard
First, you should know that, if you were a Kindle reader owner before and owned a case for the first or the second generation, you won’t be able to use those on the 3rd generation. Since this one is now redesigned and both thinner and more compact than before, those covers will be loose for the new device.
So, you will need some proper Kindle Keyboard covers. Of course, the best picks are those Kindle Keyboard leather cases, which are stylish enough to match the fancy looks of the reader and also allow decent protection. However, if you plan using it in rougher conditions, like when traveling into the wild or during trips, you might want something tougher: perhaps a silicone casing, a neoprene sleeve or even some waterproof Kindle Keyboard covers, great when going to the pool or at the beach.
Below you’ll find a couple of details about all these protection accessories, with recommendations on the best options available in stores these days.
Leather Kindle Keyboard covers and cases
Like I’ve said, leather cases should be your first choice. This is in fact what I had on my old Kindle (the first generation) and what I plan getting for this 3rd version, which I absolutely love and plan to buy.
Official Kindle Keyboard leather cover
There are a couple of different options for high quality leather cases for the Kindle Keyboard. Of course, most of you will go for the official Kindle Keyboard case, sold by Amazon together with the product. Notice however than it doesn’t come included with the reader, you will have to pay extra for it.
Pebble-granined leather Official Amazon Kindle Keyboard cover
This one is made from pebble-grain leather and is available in 7 different colors. It perfectly firs the device and it’s very easy to attach the Kindle reader and the cover together. As you can see in the pictures, this case is a leather folio, with a flippable front screen cover that folds on the back when you want to use the device. Interior is padded with a smoother material to keep the device safe from scratches and i particularly like the grip on that grained leather.
What’s also cool with this case is that you can get it with an integrated and retractable night-light, which connects to the Kindle and drains its power for it. An accessory you’ll absolutely need if you plan reading during the night or in poorer light conditions, although I’m not sure on its impact on autonomy.
The case itself sells for $34.99 , which ain’t cheap, but considering the quality, is a fair price. More details are available via this link, along with more pics and reviews from buyers.
If you want the version with that integrated night-light, it sells for $59.99. That’s pricey, but i know from my experience with my old Kindle that a night-light accessory is very useful, as you can read without having to have the light ON in the room. For instance, you can read while in bed with your better half, while he/she sleeps and without bothering it.
You can see this combo in action via this link, and also get more details, pics and the option to buy it.
And the option with a built-in light
Other leather cases
The new Kindle Keyboard Cole Haan case ain’t as good as before, although kept its amazing design
At the moment there aren’t any other leather covers for the Kindle Keyboard worth mentioning available on the market, as this product is yet so new. However, for the previous generation there were some amazing products, including leather folios with stands, so I expect those to become available for the new Kindle as well.
What really bothers me is that one of the best covers for the previous device, the one made by Cole Haan, is not so great on its new version.
Quality is the same and the leather used for it looks and feel amazing. However, the new cover is somewhat floppy and just too big for the Kindle Keyboard. Looks like producers didn’t actually consider the reduced size of the new reader when designing it. You can find more about the case via this link, but the common believe of reviewers is that, while the Cole Haan for Kindle Keyboard looks good, is just not worth paying $99 for it (which is nearly 3 time more expensive than the standard case).
For other options, just look for updates of this post in the next weeks.
Kindle Keyboard sleeves and envelopes
While those leather covers above do look stylish, they don’t actually provide the protection the device would need when traveling. Thus, I do recommend also getting a tougher Kindle Keyboard sleeve and that’s exactly what we have here. Like in the case above, there aren’t too many to choose from yet, but there are a couple of impressive versions, based on features, build quality and reviews scored with those whom already bought them.
Timbuk2 nylon envelope
This is a very simple case, an envelope that holds snug you Kindle Keyboard in place, protecting it from scratches and shocks when traveling. Exterior is made from nylon, hence reliable and easy to clean, while the interior is padded with a smooth material to prevent any damage to your gadget.
Since this is an envelope, it will only protect the Kindle when not using it, as you’ll have to get it out when you plan to read or something. But that’s how it was a designed: a solid sleeve, not too big and not to bulky, that could hold properly the device inside. Thus, you can feel safe trow it inside your bag when going to school or to work, your Kindle will be completely safe inside this Timbuk2 envelope.
It’s cool that you can get it in a couple of different colors and is quite affordable, at $25 with Shipping Included.
Timbuk2 Kindle Keyboard envelope
Belkin Kindle Keyboard Grip Sleeve
Belkin Grip Sleeve
This is a reliable sleeve from Belkin, one of the biggest producers of cases and accessories for electronic devices. And that kind of says it all.
Made from neoprene and silicone, this one is even better at keeping the Kindle Safe from shocks and drops than the one before. The gadget is kept inside safely by the zipper enclosure and interior is covered with a softer lining to keep away any potential scratches.Also, this sleeve comes with a harder and textured area on the exterior, that allows better grip.
And that’s about it with the available Sleeves right now, but more will be added in further updates.
Other Kindle Keyboard cases
There are some other interesting covers for the Kindle Keyboard that can’t really be part of the categories above.
For instance, LeSportsac has a nice case, for those looking for more funky protection accessories, with weird designs. In terms of design, they are in fact identical to the official Kindle casing, with the same folio layout. However, exterior is not made from leather, but from more durable nylon, easier to clean. Prices are around $35 and you can see more details via this link.
LeSportsac nylon Kindle Cover with stylish designs
Also, if you’re looking for a way to protect the display on your Kindle, there are some cheap and overall good quality screen protectors, like this pack from BoxWave, that goes for only 3 bucks a piece.
I’m also looking to add some waterproof covers like I promised, but there aren’t any available yet. Plus some rougher silicone bodies for everyday use. Those and others will come in further updates, as I reckon they should get in stores in the next weeks.
Final words
Don’t know what you think, but I for one consider proper protection a must for every electronic device i own. In this case, the Kindle might not be very expensive, but still, why not keep it safe and in proper condition? Especially since a good case will only cost you around 30-40 bucks?
Right now I’m leaning towards that official Burgundy Red leather cover with integrated night-light. It is quite expensive, but based on the reviews available at Amazon’s site, all from those who already own one, seems like a good investment. I might change my mind in time though, as other Kindle Keyboard covers enter the market.
Like most my posts, this is not a top, but a list of products i consider worthy, based on my experience with them, features and mainly reviews from regular users like me and you, who bought them and posted their opinions online. Prices and availability might vary in time, so be sure to check those links on each accessory for up to date details at the moment you’re reading this post.
Now, stay tuned for updates, and as always, comments and feedback is greatly appreciated, so don’t hesitate to share your views via the form below.
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Owners of the Kindle 3 are having problems with the the covers that have the metal clips that insert into the Kindle. In my case, as in others, the Kindle freezes and reboots without warning frequently and you lose your place in the book you are reading. So, that leaves you with the only option to buy a case like the Belkin (which I have), but it really is not a satisfactory solution to protecting the Kindle as you have to remove the Kindle for reading — I find it rather inconvenient and restrictive. For example, what do you do with the case or cover when you are using your Kindle while waiting for your car to serviced.
I just got my kindle 3 case in the mail. I ordered Amazon’s official case with a built in light. Though the price may be pushing the limits, it is worth it! There are some pros and cons. Pros: Solid protection, good looks, good light. Cons: slightly loose when clasped into the case, light is a little hard to take out and put back in