Nomad's leather iPad Pro cases review: High-quality leather for a premium tablet

There are a lot of exceptional leather goods in Nomad's lineup, but most are smaller. The iPad Pro cases — especially that 12.9-inch model — are some of the biggest leather goods that the company makes.

Nomad makes two different iPad Pro covers, the Modern Leather Case and Modern Leather Folio. Each is available in either black or Rustic Brown.

Though these two styles offer unique features, there are many shared characteristics.

Each has a precision cutout around the camera module. The case is thick enough so that when its back is against a surface, the camera won't make contact. Now that the camera bump has grown on iPads, they need additional protection.

The leather goes just to the edge of the camera bump, outlined by a ring of the inner TPU material.

The cases also support Apple Pencil with a recession on the side that easily allows the stylus to snap into place for charging.

This does leave Apple Pencil vulnerable, though, as it's still fairly easy to knock your Apple Pencil off while holding it or tucking it in a bag.

We've seen other cases that put a clip on the side to hold the stylus in place, but those can be annoying and get in the way. We think the slim design of Nomad's case is worth it, even if the Apple Pencil isn't more protected.

On the inside of the case is a soft, microfiber-like lining that protects your iPad from rubbing against the inside of the case. It's also where the only Nomad logo is located. The outside of both cases is completely clean, with no logo in sight.

One downside is that the case is rather stiff. Pressing the buttons isn't as tactile as pressing them sans-case.

It'd be better if Nomad had some free-moving metal buttons embedded in the case to provide better feedback.

When we try to turn the iPad off or adjust the volume, we'll sometimes have to look at the edge to make sure we've found the buttons. The stiffness impacts usability just a bit.

Folio style for added protection

Like Apple's iPad Pro Smart Cover, Nomad has its own folio-style cover. That cover protects both the iPad's front and back when closed.

An integrated magnet will turn on the iPad when you open the folio, locking the tablet when it is closed. Also, like Apple's, the front cover can roll up and turn convert to a stand.

When propped up as a stand, it isn't all that sturdy. It is excellent for on your desk, watching a movie, or as a secondary display for your Mac, but will probably fall over if on an uneven or soft surface.

Alternatively, it can be flipped around into an easel. This is great for drawing or sketching, or even typing.

Keep it simple

If you don't need the benefits of the folio — more protection and display modes — then you may prefer the simple Modern Case from Nomad. This one only ensconces the back of your iPad, leaving the front unobstructed.

We found that the folio, in particular, added quite a bit of weight to our 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and the Modern Case sheds some of those precious ounces.

The Modern Case still wraps around the edges of the iPad, giving a bit of a lip on the front. Even though the front isn't covered, it's still quite protective in a fall.

Should you buy Nomad's cases for iPad Pro?

Nomad has created plenty of excellent cases, and its new line for iPad Pro is terrific. The leather is top-notch and ages beautifully over time, like its iPhone cases.

Holding the 12.9-inch iPad Pro with the folio can be tiresome over long periods, but you can also prop it up and not hold it if you have a flat surface in front of you. Both of the styles are great. It just depends on which iPad you have and what kind of protection you're looking for.

Pros

• Great, modern design
• High quality leather
• Black and brown colorways
• Two styles for different uses
• Very protective
• Ages well

Cons

• Folio in particular adds a lot of weight
• Buttons aren't very tactile

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Where to buy

If you're interested in Nomad's new leather iPad Pro cases, you can find them on Nomad's site. The Modern Case starts off at $99 for the 11-inch iPad Pro or 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Then the folio starts at $149 and comes in both sizes.