In the “clips” category are those tablet cases which include clips and/or hinges to enclose the device. Most clips are spinoff designs of such locks seen on everything from briefcases to old-fashioned lunchboxes, and are thus notable in their general simplicity and familiarity.

Clips are mostly seen on rugged cases for reasons of tight-locking security. These locks are almost exclusively made of plastic or metal and seen on tablet cases of like material.

Few locks can offer the tight seal of a plastic/metal clip, and most are also designed with impacts and protection in mind. One further advantage of clip lock cases – particularly in rugged and other highly protective cases – is that these locks need no special assembly. Typically, greater protection in the rugged case means greater complexity in terms of assembly and locks. Clip lock tablet cases eliminate the need for any tools and increase convenience of use.