Belkin Connect Pro Keyboard Case — iPad Pro 12.9 and iPad Air 13, QWERTZ
Backlit QWERTZTrackpadMagnetic standBluetoothApple Pencil holder
The Belkin Connect Pro BBZ003DE-V1 is the large-format case: a backlit QWERTZ keyboard with a click-anywhere trackpad, folio cover and magnetic floating stand, cut for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and the 13-inch iPad Air. On a screen this size the keyboard is close to full width, which is where these cases stop being a compromise.
The keyboard is German QWERTZ — that is what the “de” in the part number means. Belkin sells the identical case with US QWERTY (“tt”) and UK QWERTY (“uk”) part numbers, so check the layout code before ordering if your users expect a different keyboard.
Compatibility — check before buying:
Fits the iPad Air 13-inch (M2), iPad Air 13-inch (M3, 7th generation), and the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th generation. Note that the supplier description for this part mentions only the 12.9-inch iPad Pro — Belkin’s own product name includes the 13-inch iPad Air as well, so the case covers more models than the short title suggests. For 11-inch iPads use BBZ002DE-V1 or -V2 depending on generation.
Best For
✓Turning an iPad into a genuine writing and email machine rather than a tablet with a keyboard bolted on
✓Users who work in low light and want backlit keys
✓Anyone who wants a trackpad, so iPadOS behaves more like a laptop and less like a touchscreen
Key Features
Backlit keys and a click-anywhere trackpad
Full backlighting for low-light work, plus a large trackpad that clicks anywhere on its surface and supports iPadOS multi-touch gestures — three-finger swipes between apps, pinch to zoom, the lot.
Floating cantilever magnetic stand
The iPad floats above the keyboard on a magnetic cantilever rather than sitting in a tray, so you can set the viewing angle and still fold the whole thing flat. Landscape orientation.
Bluetooth, not Smart Connector
It pairs over Bluetooth and carries its own 600 mAh battery, quoted by Belkin at up to 365–540 days of standby. That means it works independently of the iPad’s Smart Connector pins.
Apple Pencil storage built in
A magnetic space holds an Apple Pencil on the case. Note this is storage only — the Pencil is not included and the case does not charge it.
Technical Specifications
| Product |
| Belkin Part Number |
BBZ003DE-V1 |
| Official Name |
Connect Pro Keyboard Case with Magnetic Stand for iPad Air 13 (M2) / iPad Pro 12.9 / iPad Air 13 (M3/M4), QWERTZ |
| Type |
Keyboard case with folio cover and magnetic stand |
| Keyboard Layout |
QWERTZ, German |
| Colour |
Black — the only colour Belkin offers |
| Compatible iPad Models |
| iPad Air 13-inch |
M2, M3 (7th generation) |
| iPad Pro 12.9-inch |
3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th generation |
| Not Compatible |
11-inch iPads — use BBZ002DE-V1 or BBZ002DE-V2 |
| Note |
Several supplier feeds list only the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Belkin’s own product name includes the 13-inch iPad Air |
| Keyboard & Trackpad |
| Backlight |
Yes — Belkin does not publish the number of levels |
| Trackpad |
Large click-anywhere trackpad with iPadOS multi-touch gesture support |
| Key Travel |
Not published by Belkin |
| Connection |
Bluetooth |
| Power |
| Battery |
600 mAh lithium |
| Standby Life |
Belkin quotes 365 to 540 days |
| Battery Life in Use |
Not published by Belkin |
| Charging Port |
Not published by Belkin |
| Physical & Protection |
| Dimensions |
285 x 230 x 17.2 mm |
| Weight |
0.74 kg (Belkin’s product page says 0.66 kg, but that is the 11-inch case’s figure; the FAQ and product article both say 0.74 kg) |
| Orientation |
Landscape only — floating cantilever magnetic attachment |
| Apple Pencil |
Magnetic storage space; Pencil not included and not charged by the case |
| Drop Rating |
None published. Belkin claims protection from accidental drops and bumps without citing a standard |
| In the Box |
Case only |
| Warranty |
| Warranty |
1-Year Warranty (Singular) |
| Manufacturer Term |
Belkin publishes a 2-year warranty on this range |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it fit the 13-inch iPad Air as well as the 12.9-inch Pro?
Yes. Belkin’s own product name for this part covers the iPad Air 13-inch M2 and M3 alongside the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd to 6th generation. Short distributor titles often mention only the Pro.
Is it Bluetooth or Smart Connector?
Bluetooth. The case has its own 600 mAh battery and pairs wirelessly, so it does not depend on the iPad’s Smart Connector.
Does it hold and charge an Apple Pencil?
It holds one magnetically. It does not charge it, and no Pencil is included.
Is the keyboard German QWERTZ?
Yes. The “de” in the part number is the layout code — QWERTZ German. Belkin sells the same case with US QWERTY as a “tt” part number and UK QWERTY as “uk”.
How many backlight levels does it have, and how long does the battery last in use?
Belkin does not publish either figure, so we are not going to invent one. What Belkin does publish is a 600 mAh battery and standby life quoted at 365 to 540 days.
Is it drop rated?
Belkin says it protects against accidental drops and bumps but publishes no drop-test standard or rating. Treat it as everyday protection, not a rugged case.
Singular Expert Insight
Belkin publishes two different weights for this case — 0.66 kg on the product page and 0.74 kg in its FAQ and product article. 0.66 kg is the figure for the smaller 11-inch case, so it looks like a copy-paste error and 0.74 kg is almost certainly the real one. We list 0.74 kg and are telling you why rather than quietly picking the lighter number.
Buyer's Guide
Buy it if
Buy this if you have a 12.9-inch iPad Pro or a 13-inch iPad Air and want a near-full-width backlit German keyboard with a trackpad.
Skip it if
Skip it if your iPad is 11 inch (take BBZ002DE-V1 or -V2), or if you need a QWERTY rather than QWERTZ layout.
Also consider
Also worth a look: the rest of the Belkin Connect Pro keyboard case range for other iPad sizes, and our wider
accessories lineup.