The keyboard on an iMac or MacBook is awesome. The island keys have enough separation to make striking the right key simple. They are shallow enough to make typing fast while having enough play to prevent frequent mistyping. They also tend to get REALLY dirty. I mean, my iMac keyboard gets trashed in daily use. Add to that the danger of spilling a Diet Coke on it and rendering it entirely useless (yes, we’re talking to you Ms. Lipsett), and the keyboard is calling out for some protection. Fortunately, iSkin has you covered with a nice variety of keyboard protectors made specifically for Apple keyboards.

iSkin was kind enough to send some to Judie, Dan and Larry. Let’s take a look… and give a couple away.

iSkins entire line-up of Apple keyboard protectors are made from high-grade silicone. It is designed to cover each key individually in order to ensure smooth and easy use of the keyboard while also placing it beneath a protective layer. By covering each key individually, iSkin also makes tying more comfortable- the keys now have a soft feel- while not significantly impacting speed and accuracy while typing. In addition, each keyboard protector is embedded with Microban® antimicrobial produce.

ProTouch Classic For Apple Keyboard

The ProTouch Classic is the simplest of the keyboard protectors. The version for the Aluminum Wired keyboard comes in Arctic (Clear Frosted), Sonic (Translucent Blue), Blush (Translucent Pink) and Eclipse (Black). The version for the Aluminum Wireless keyboard comes in Arctic, Sonic and Majestic (Translucent Purple). The version for the MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air comes only in Arctic.

Each provides nice protection while being understated or, in the case of the Arctic covers, all but invisible.

In some cases it took a bit of use before the cover fully settled onto the keyboard and wrapped each key individually. It wasn’t a problem mind you but I did find that by making sure the protector was seated properly on each and every key I was able to experience the least impact of the cover on my actual typing. Moreover, had I not taken the time to seat each key properly I suspect I would have found the keyboard less appealing and more of a barrier to typing with any speed or accuracy.

The ProTouch Classic is available from the manufacturer and other retailers.

MSRP: $24.99-$29.99

ProTouch FX for Apple Keyboard

The ProTouch FX adds both style and functionality to the Classic.

The version for the stand-alone keyboards is now a legacy model. It has a subtle lip that wraps under the edge of the keyboard. It takes a little longer to put on but once it is in places the lip holds it there rather securely.

The current notebook version is designed to let the LED backlight from a Mac’s keyboard (MacBook Pro and MacBook Air) show through. I love this feature as one of my favorite aspects of my MacBook Pro is the illuminated keyboard. In addition, the FX  features a glow-in-the-dark pigment. When it is dark the space between the keys glows blue. It is a cool effect but, more importantly, it is quite helpful when typing at night.

iSkin ProTouch FX in Sonic with iSkin Apple Mouse cover

The ProTouch FX offers a variety of colors– Red+Glow White, Purple+Glow White, Black+Glow White.

The ProTouch FX is available from the manufacturer and other retailers.

MSRP: $34.99

ProTouch Vibes for MacBook/Air/Pro

I was sent the vividly polka-dotted ProTouch Vibes in green, and from the moment I removed the keyboard cover from the box I was impressed by three things – how thin it was, how perfectly it fit, and how colorful it made my 17″ MBP.

Confession time: As Dan said, it is true that I can be a total klutz; I’ve been known to spill a drink or two on a laptop in my time. That’s one reason why I was so intrigued by the idea of using a keyboard cover such as this. The other reason is because I am terrible about eating snacks at my keyboard as well…and sometimes things can get a little messy. :hangs head in shame:

The only negative that I could find when using the keyboard cover is that my fingers don’t slip and slide across my macs keytops anymore; I have to enter data with a little more care than usual. I’m going to blame this on the fact that I am not a touch-typist, and my fingers are never in a correct typing position, anyway. In any case, the trade-off of having such perfectly fitted and colorful protection versus worrying about messes is well worth it.

After showing my keyboard cover to Kevin, we’ve decided that we need to get one for his last gen MacBook Pro 15″ as well. Not because he is a klutz, mind you, but because we sit right next to each other and I am just as likely to spill on his keyboard as I am my own.

Oh don’t act like you haven’t done it, too!

The ProTouch Vibes for MacBook/Air/Pro is available from the manufacturer and other retailers.

MSRP: $34.99 USD

What I Like: Great protection from spills and other hazards, Adds nice style to a plain jane keyboard, keeps keyboard from getting stained etc…, dampens keys and reduces fatigue

What Needs Improvement: Makes typing a bit harder than on a naked keyboard

To Give Away:

ProTouch FX for Apple Keyboard with number pad- Arctic

ProTouch FX for Apple Keyboard with number pad– Sonic

ProTouch Classic for Apple Keyboard no number pad– Arctic

ProTouch Mighty Mouse cover  – green

Most have been opened for review purposes.

To win, just tell us your worst keyboard disaster story and which you would like.

We will close the give-away on Sunday (November 20) at midnight ET, and we’ll announce winners shortly after.

US only please.

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