Leaf&Core

Moft Snap Float Folio iPad Case Review

Danielle from Leaf and Core
Reading Time: 10 minutes.

Moft Snap Float Folio iPad mini stand with keyboard setup. Stand is in an elevated positionFool me once, shame on me. Fool me twice… well… Moft… didn’t? I hated the first product I reviewed from Moft, their MagSafe wallet. It’s big, bulky, doesn’t hold cards securely, isn’t very strong magnetically, and is all-around just a miserable and disappointing experience. It looked so good on paper and I was so disappointed anyway. I knew I’d never buy a Moft product again.

Despite that, I was ready to be hurt again, so I ordered Moft’s Snap Float Folio iPad case for my iPad mini. It looked like it could bring some cool features that could make using my iPad mini as a tiny laptop during travel or just for watching videos a lot easier. So, I went for it. I knew I’d likely walk away disappointed, but I felt like taking a risk anyway. Maybe Moft’s other products are better than their MagSafe wallet? Or maybe it would just break my heart and wallet at once.

Instead, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by a case that, admittedly, has a few downsides, but has become my most-used iPad mini folio, beating out even one from Apple! So let’s take a look at what I like and don’t like about Moft’s Snap Float Folio so you can decide for yourself if it’s the right case for your iPad.

Specs (iPad mini 6 Version)

Features 9/10

How to Use It

A lot of us in the U.S. got our first taste of any kind of paper folding with paper airplanes. It was more about making something that could fly than any form of art. In a similar fashion, the origami that inspired this case is certainly made to be easy and functional. Though that does make it look impressive.

There are a few different form factors you can fold this into. The first two are pretty standard positions. You pull the case off slightly, insert the cover behind your iPad, and it becomes a triangular shape. You can use that then for pointing it up towards you better as a screen on a desk or as an angled drawing tablet. I found this also works great for typing on the on-screen keyboard.

But then there’s the feature that really makes this case stand out. Or, stand tall, rather. Lift the front cover, push through the middle towards the outer end of it, fold the flap back down onto itself, and prop your iPad up. Now it’s a few inches higher, using the screen cover of the folio for extra height. It’s fantastic design, and can help bring your iPad up to eye level on some surfaces. Looking down at screens is why your neck hurts so much. It can also lead to eye strain and back pain. Elevating your screen could make that slightly better.

With either the more standard triangular fold or the origami-style higher fold, you can use your iPad as a spare monitor, or with a keyboard and pointing device as a workstation. Maybe you don’t like Apple’s Magic Keyboard because you hate those short travel keys? Maybe you need your mechanical keyboard everywhere? Pack a low profile mechanical keyboard, maybe a mouse or trackpad, and your iPad in this case for a portable workstation on the go. It might even be more ergonomic than a Magic Keyboard or even a laptop due to elevating your iPad closer to eye height.

Magnetic Strength and Stability

Apple’s Smart Folio case has magnets all along the back of your iPad. It stays in full contact with the back of your iPad at all times. Moft’s Snap Folio doesn’t get that advantage. In its tallest configuration, you take away some of the space in the middle of the back of the case. That’s why this case weighs twice as much as Apple’s: it needed some serious magnets. Fortunately, it has them. I would like the magnetic strength to be a little stronger, but, for the most part, this is a good fit. My iPad hasn’t fallen from its perch and the folded structure hasn’t broken down as I poked and prodded it in my own little “stress tests.”

I will say it wobbles back and forth in the tallest mode if you poke at it, but it’s not too bad. The magnets can droop a little on one side, I noticed, but never enough to become disconnected, just enough to look ever so slightly uneven. However, it’s never fallen. I wish it leaned back further, to make it easier to view and more stable in this position, as it feels like it could lean forward easier than it could lean backwards, but it’s relatively stable. You might struggle with it on a bumpy car or train ride, but it should be fine in everyday use, especially on a table top.

Ergonomics 7.5/10

I’m kind of obsessed with the idea of a portable workstation that doesn’t just look like another MacBook clone. I saw a Framework Cyberdeck and was blown away. I’ve been thinking of making my own Framework-based desktop for mounting on my wall or under my desk, but let’s not get too distracted here. While it might not look as cool as a custom-built cyberdeck, you can get a lot of what your’re looking for out of a setup like that with just an iPad, keyboard, and maybe a trackpad or trackball. Toss in a USB-C hub, and you’re in business. With this folio, you can make your setup in a variety of ways. It’s more customizable than Apple’s keyboard folio options, but are they any good to actually use?

As a Desktop/Screen

I typed portions of this review with a keyboard and my trackball mouse hooked up to my iPad. Thanks to this case, it sits high enough above even my mechanical keyboard that nothing is in the way of the screen. It’s a surprisingly great way to have a portable workstation. However, I do have a few complaints. The biggest issue is the angle. The tallest setup barely leans the iPad back. As a result, it’s almost completely upright. That wouldn’t be so bad if it was putting my iPad a foot into the air, but it’s only a few inches. I have to look down at my screen. I’d have to do this for an iPad Air in a folio case or a MacBook Pro, but in both those cases, the screen would at least point at my face. The Moft folio forces me to look down at the screen at an angle. This dims the screen and makes it a little harder to read. You might find yourself hunching down as well. That defeats the purpose of a more ergonomic height!

However, it is interesting. Even for the smaller iPad mini, the bottom of my iPad mini in this case is higher than the bottom of my larger iPad Air in the Magic Keyboard folio. If I was testing this for the iPad Air, I’d have something that is at least a little closer to my head’s height. However, I’d have to be about a foot shorter to make this angle work.

If you put the Moft snap folio in the drawing mode, and stand it up, the viewing angle is a little better. However, now the case is putting your iPad right on your table. As a result, you have to look down a lot more. You also may have to block part of the screen with your keyboard. The taller origami orientation is definitely preferable here. I almost prefer the Magic Keyboard here. It’s definitely shorter, but at least I can angle it towards my face.

Drawing and Writing

When laying your iPad on a table, especially an iPad mini, you need some kind of a case. This is because Apple designers have their heads up their asses. Sorry, that’s the only rational explanation for it. The iPad has a protruding camera that makes the entire iPad rock back and forth on a table. Apple could try a different design, make a camera-free version, go back to using thinner cameras, put a bump on both sides, anything. Instead, they have a single huge camera bump on the back corner of the iPad mini, which makes it rock around on a surface. My only explanation for such a silly design is Apple just doesn’t care enough to make things right anymore. They know people will buy the iPad anyway (guilty as charged).

So, when writing with your iPad flat on a table, you’re going to use a case. The Moft Snap Float Folio adds about 4.45mm. Apple’s adds 3.87mm. It’s a difference of less than a millimeter, and, seeing as it’s necessary to use your device on a hard surface, not something you’ll notice over the standard iPad. You will have to pull the front flap around and pull it tight, otherwise it’ll create an angled writing surface. Still, the magnets will hold this position in place.

If you’re using the 20º orientation for drawing and writing, you’ll find an experience much like Apple’s, but it’s actually more stable. It’s the same 20º angle as Apple’s folio, but doesn’t have the folding triangle that can shift around under your iPad. There’s more rigidity on the Moft case once you get it into position. This is because the screen cover tucks behind the iPad to make this shape. It’s a bit more stable, and gives you the same position you’d be used to if you’ve used Apple’s folio.

As a Clipboard

This isn’t a way I use the iPad. For me, it’s mostly for taking notes on my desk, maybe some video watching or writing on the go. However, some people walk and write on their iPads constantly. They’re never putting the device down on a flat surface. For those people, who use an iPad like a modern-day clipboard, this case might not be the right choice. It’s weightier than Apple’s folio, without adding grip. The felt lining of Apple’s folio adds more grip, and it’s lighter too. However, if you use an iPad like this, you’re better off with some kind of rear grip. Something you can hold or slide your hand through. This isn’t the style of case that would work for you. However, there are cases with built-in straps on the back as well as stick-on handles you can use.

Look and Feel 10/10

The outside of this case is a faux leather. It’s a rubbery plastic that actually feels really nice. In fact, it reminds me a bit of the texture of sports equipment. While it doesn’t have the dots of a basketball, it does have that kind of grippy rubber feel of a basketball. I like it a lot, actually. Moft used a “faux leather” in their first MagSafe wallet for the iPhone, and I absolutely hated it. It felt like cheap rubberized cardboard, and degraded quickly, falling apart in my pocket. This isn’t like that. It’s been durable and actually feels high-end.

The color choices are a bit limited. This seems like something they could easily remedy, but maybe Moft is waiting to see if the product is popular enough to start production on a larger lineup. I went with the white case, which has a Stormtrooper look, contrasting with the black inside. The bad guys always do have the better fashion sense, don’t they? The black-on-white looks good. I do wish the inside was felt, but I have a suspicion that they chose this material because it could stick together better. Or maybe it was just cheaper? Either way, the black inside on this white case was a nice touch that furthers the high-end look. I just wish there were more color options.

Protection 6.5/10

One key reason I could see myself using this instead of Apple’s is that it feels far more protective. The case itself is thicker, has an extra millimeter on each side around the case as well, providing a little extra protection. The surrounding on the camera is a lot tighter than on Apple’s, which could get in the way of the flash at certain angles. However, you likely aren’t using your iPad for photography, let alone flash photography, so… is that even a problem?

A felt lining would prevent scratches better, by trapping any dirt or dust so it doesn’t slide around on your screen. However, the more rubber-like interior provides a bit extra grip on your iPad. It likely helps the case hold on to it as a stand better. If you’re writing on your iPad often, you may want to get a Paperlike screen protector anyway. Otherwise, a normal screen protector would be fine.

Obviously, the sides aren’t very well protected here. Three sides are completely exposed. There’s a little more overhang from Moft’s folio than on Apple’s, but not by enough to actually provide much protection in the case of a fall or drop.

Sustainability 4/10

The folio itself is constructed of durable, but essentially plastic material. One day it’ll be waste. However, it did at least ship in an all-cardboard package. One thing I will note is that mine shipped from China directly. I’d rather see some local warehouses, but I also understand that what’s important is efficiently shipping items in bulk. If they couldn’t ship enough around the world for warehouses, it’s their best option. Overall, it seems like they’re doing the best they could, considering the product is for tech and the materials aren’t recyclable.

Value 9.5/10

Depending on the size of your iPad, this can be a bit pricey, but they cost less than Apple’s smart folio cases. Moft’s iPad mini folio is $39.99, which Apple charges $59.00 for. Moft’s iPad folio for the 11-inch iPad Pro is $59.99, while Apple’s is $79.99. Meanwhile Apple’s folio for the 12.9-inch iPad is $99, while Moft’s is just $69.99. At every step, Moft saves you money over Apple’s own cases, all while giving you better quality and more features for that price. The cases aren’t cheap, but they’re definitely a good value, and a better one than Apple’s case, for sure.

Other Stuff!

Shipping did take quite a while for this. I saw Moft had a listing on Amazon, but it seemed to be out of date. The color choices were named differently than Moft’s listing on their own website. On top of that, it seemed as though Moft improved the magnets in the case after an earlier version of the folio, so I suspect the Amazon items may be older. After I ordered, I had to wait 1.5 weeks for the folio to arrive. Not nearly as fast as I had hoped.

There’s also a bit of an elephant in the room, isn’t there? There’s a split down the middle of this case! It’s there so you can split the case yourself to set it up in the taller mode. You’re probably wondering if this is a problem. It’s really not. You won’t even think about it too much. Yes, there’s a split there. Something could even slide between it to get to your screen’s face. But I really don’t see that as an issue. The truth is, I don’t even think about it at all. I almost didn’t mention it, then realized it might be a concern for someone who never used this folio.

Overall 9/10

I think the thing that has surprised me most of all is Moft didn’t burn me again. Their wallet was so bad I was convinced I was making the dumbest decision imaginable with my money. And yet, a few months of use later, and I can declare it my favorite iPad mini folio. How did this happen? Moft took everything that was wrong with their MagSafe wallet and improved it. Stronger magnets, a better feeling, more durable material, good protection, and a useful design. I think, for most people, this is far better than Apple’s Smart Folio. The Moft Snap Stand Folio has more uses, is more protective, feels better, and it’s even cheaper than Apple’s folio case. It’s a tiny amount thicker, and about twice as heavy, but these are small considerations for most people.

I think that, due to the angle of the screen in the elevated position, you wouldn’t want to use this to make your iPad a laptop replacement. The fact that the screen almost points straight forward means you’ll have to sit with your desk practically at chin height to avoid hunching over. That’s my biggest and perhaps only real complaint about this folio: it’s tough to use on a normal desk or table due to that bad angle.

If you already have the Apple Smart Folio, you’ll have to decide for yourself if it’s worth the upgrade to Moft’s folio. On one hand, it’s a better folio in nearly every way. On the other hand, is it better enough? If you frequently find yourself wishing your iPad was just a bit taller on your desk, perhaps it is a good buy. I, personally, am glad I got it because, despite having the Apple folio, I now know I have a folio case that I really love. For me, it was worth it to make the upgrade. If the iPad is one of the most important pieces of tech in your life, as it is for me, then having the best gear for it is essential. I’ve tried a number of magnetic smart folios and cases over the year, for iPads and even the Kindle. This is the first one I’ve felt as though I had to write about. Moft did an excellent job here, and what they made might just be the best iPad folio case you can buy.

You can find the Moft Snap Float Folio on their website, starting at $39.99 for the iPad mini version. If you’re looking to outfit an 11-inch or 12.9-inch iPad Pro or iPad Air, you can also grab a folio and case bundle that adds edge protection for $99.99.

Exit mobile version