The Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet is a productivity workhorse when combined with the Sony BKB50 Bluetooth Keyboard. They keyboard itself is reasonably expensive when purchased alone, but several regions bundled the BKB50 Bluetooth Keyboard free of charge with the tablet. The tablet slots into the BKB50 keyboard’s hinge, transforming it into a quasi-laptop. Once docked, the tablet also reveals a special quick access launcher including a list of recent apps.
There’s no denying that both devices work well together, but given the price of the Xperia Z4 Tablet, there has not been an easy way to protect your investment from bumps and scrapes. Yes, you could stick the tablet + keyboard combo into a larger laptop sleeve, but the tablet is still exposed when actually using the device. Step forward the Noreve Xperia Z4 Tablet and Keyboard leather case – this is the first case we have come across that accommodates both the Xperia Z4 Tablet and official BKB50 Bluetooth Keyboard for day-to-day use. Click through for our full impressions.
The Noreve Xperia Z4 Tablet and Keyboard leather case comes in a swanky box and drawstring bag, as befits a premium accessory. We have a Black case for review, although Noreve has various colours to choose from. This includes a wide choice on the type of leather to be used.
This particular case is to be used with the Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet and BKB50 Bluetooth Keyboard combined. The tablet fits to the right shell, whilst the BKB50 keyboard sits on the left side.
The Noreve case uses a soft interior with embossed ‘Noreve’ logo. This ensures that the tablet and keyboard does not get scratched.
The picture below shows the case with tablet and keyboard installed. The case has been designed to accommodate both devices very well, with a perfect fit.
The case includes a perfect cut-out for the camera lens. It is nice to see a case that covers pretty much all sides of the tablet and most of the keyboard.
The only exposed parts of the tablet + keyboard combo is the keyboard hinge, which the tablet docks into. The left and right sides of this hinge are left exposed by the case.
What’s really impressive about the case is how lightweight it is and the fact it adds very little heft to both devices when docked.
The headphone port and microSD memory card flap are left exposed by the case.
The left side of the case has the power button and volume rocker exposed.
The right side of the case has the micro USB port open for easy charging.
The Xperia Z4 Tablet and BKB0 Bluetooth Keyboard is shown open inside the case. As you can see, the case has a very minimal profile and you hardly notice it when working on the tablet.
The joining piece of the tablet and keyboard gives enough flex to allow the hinge to fully extend the tablet.
The tablet is held in place by the use of clips along the top and side. Once clicked into place, the tablet is very secure with little chance of falling out.
The BKB50 Bluetooth Keyboard is held into place by two clips on each side of the keyboard.
The case covers the corners of the tablet just in case you suffer a small knock.
The front edge of the keyboard remains exposed, but there is easy access to the power button and Bluetooth pairing button on the side.
Overall thoughts
The Noreve Xperia Z4 Tablet and Keyboard case works surprisingly well in our usage. It gave us great confidence in using our tablet/keyboard combination outdoors, it meant we didn’t have to worry about sticking it into a rucksack or it suffering from small knocks. Noreve is a premium mobile accessory manufacturer, so the Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet and Keyboard leather case is not cheap (€100.00 with free worldwide shipping). However, given the high price of the Xperia Z4 Tablet, we think the price of the case is justified for some extra peace of mind, especially if you use the tablet a lot on the road.
Positives
– Keeps a very slim profile despite covering both tablet and keyboard
– Gives peace of mind to owner against small bumps and knocks
– High quality leather used in handcrafted construction
– A solid case with the tablet and keyboard held securely
– Free access to all ports on both the tablet and keyboard
– Case does not restrict BKB50 hinge; allows tablet to be used at all angles
– One of the very few cases on the market that protects Xperia Z4 Tablet and BKB50 Bluetooth Keyboard together
Negatives
– The case is not cheap, although we’d argue it’s worth the money given the protection it provides
Thanks to Noreve for sending us the Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet and Keyboard leather case to review!
