The SwitchEasy Origami Protective Case folds into three different styles of iPad stand, giving you a range of options for typing, reading and browsing.

I tested this clever folio case with my own iPad. There’s plenty to like here. (Update: The case is currently on sale at 30% off in the Cult of Mac Store.)

SwitchEasy Origami Protective Case review

Every iPad needs a case and a stand. And an iPad case with a stand is even better. The SwitchEasy Origami Protective Case tops that — its cover folds three different ways to give you multiple stand alternatives. That includes portrait and landscape options.

The case covers all the sides and corners of your precious tablet when you’re on the go, and the built-in stand makes it useful when you’re working or relaxing.

There are versions for every iPadOS model currently in production: 12.9- and 11-inch iPad Pro, iPad Air, 10.2-inch iPad and iPad mini.

• Fits the bill as an iPad protective case
• An iPad case with a built-in stand
• Also an iPad case with Apple Pencil holder
• SwitchEasy Origami Protective Case final thoughts
• Pricing

Fits the bill as an iPad protective case

SwitchEasy’s Origami Protective Case starts with an internal plastic hard case that covers the back, two sides and every corner of the iPad. An integrated folio case wraps around this to protect the tablet’s front and screen.

There are openings for the cameras, speakers, USB-C/Lightning port and the power button. The volume controls are behind button covers that don’t interfere with their use.

When you’re carrying your iPad around, it’s almost completely enclosed in the Origami case, which effectively shields the device from scratches and casual bumps and blows. Just note that SwitchEasy makes no specific claims about drop protection — this is not a truly rugged case.

But it’s a lot thinner and lighter than such cases. The exact dimensions depend on the version, of course, but I’m testing the one for the 12.9-inch iPad, and it’s 11.25 inches by 8.9 inches by 0.7 inches. That’s just a bit bigger than the iPad alone, though it is noticeably thicker. The case weighs 1 pound. That’s fairly thin and lightweight for something that provides nearly full-body protection.

The inside of the flip cover is lined with a microfiber material that won’t scratch the iPad’s screen.

An iPad case with a built-in stand

When you’re ready to use your iPad, simply fold the Origami case’s flip cover out of the way behind the tablet. You can leave it there when you’re using the computer on the go or on the couch.

But the SwitchEasy Origami Protective Case really shines when you want a kickstand for your iPad. Its cover folds into three different stands that give you a trio of ways to prop up your iPad — two landscape and one portrait.

One of the landscape options gives you a viewing angle of 130 degrees. That’s a good angle for typing, watching videos or scrolling through web pages.

Or you can roll the cover flap into a pyramid and it’ll solidly support one edge of the iPad. This leans the tablet back at 170 degrees so you can rest your hand on its screen and draw.

Another of the options makes a good stand with the iPad in portrait mode. The tablet screen sits at 135 degrees in this arrangement.

All the stand configurations offered by the Origami Protective Case feel surprisingly stable. I can tap the screen and they won’t budge. Or I can whack the side of the iPad and it still won’t fall over. That said, only the one with the cover flap folded into a pyramid can support the weight of my arm.

Also an iPad case with an Apple Pencil holder

For many artists and students, an iPad isn’t complete without an Apple Pencil or another stylus. SwitchEasy thought of that.

For most Apple tablets, you can put the Pencil onto its built-in charger and a side flap built into the Origami case will wrap over it, securing the stylus in place. For the 10.2-inch iPad, just put the non-magnetic stylus beside the tablet and the flap will hold it.

This flap does double duty, also holding the folio closed where you’re on the go.

SwitchEasy Origami Protective Case final thoughts

Put your iPad in the SwitchEasy Origami Protective Case and you’ll always have a stand for your tablet, wherever you go.

The case fits my needs well. My iPad Pro is my primary computer — much of the time I’m using it, I need it propped up so I can see the screen while I’m typing. This case provides that option.

Pricing

The price for the SwitchEasy Origami Protective Case varies slightly by model. The one for the basic iPad costs $39.99, while the version for the largest iPad Pro runs $44.99. (Update: All SwitchEasy iPad cases are currently on sale in the Cult of Mac Store.)

Buy from: Cult of Mac Store or Amazon

SwitchEasy provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out more in-depth reviews of Apple-related items. We originally published this review on April 28, 2022. We updated it with sale info.