I’ve spent six months using the 2018 iPad Pro with Apple’s Smart Keyboard Folio and a collection of external USB and Bluetooth mechanical keyboards. The Smart Keyboard Folio has been a solid traveling companion, and it’s a major improvement over the old thick two-layer Smart Keyboard, but I’ve missed what I had on the older iPad Pro, namely the laptop-style keyboard from Brydge that let me convert my iPad into a laptop shape when I needed it.
Six months into the life of the iPad Pro, Brydge’s new iPad Pro keyboards are finally starting to arrive. Back in December I briefly got my hands on a preproduction model, and two weeks ago I received one of the first $170 12.9-inch units off the production line and have been using it on and off since then. (There’s also a $150 11-inch version, which I haven’t used.)
While it’s taken me some time to adapt to some of the changes Brydge has made, I’m happy to report that this is still the best option for people who want the full laptop typing experience on an iPad Pro.
Why not get a laptop?
The Smart Keyboard Folio for 12.9-inch iPad Pro is a full-size keyboard when you need it to be, provides elegant front and back protection when you don’t, and allows for convenient viewing angles. And with no charging or pairing required, just attach the keyboard and start typing. The Apple Keyboard is a keyboard designed by Apple Inc. First for the Apple line, then the Macintosh line of computers. Dozens of models have been released over time, including the Apple Extended Keyboard.Currently, Apple offers only three keyboards via Bluetooth: Magic Keyboard (silver only), and Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad (silver or space gray).
When I write about iPad keyboards, the question I get most often is, “Why turn your iPad into a laptop instead of getting a laptop?” If you want my answer, check out the “Why not get a laptop?” section in my December 2018 story about the Brydge Pro keyboard.
Open-faced sandwich
As I wrote back in December, a laptop is a sandwich1, and Apple’s redesign of the iPad Pro means that Brydge had to redesign the Brydge Pro to match. They’ve done a good job. When the iPad is closed against the keyboard, the two sides meet harmoniously, looking like a curvy new Apple laptop. As on previous Brydge keyboards, the anodized aluminum of the keyboard has been matched to the color of the iPad (space gray or silver finishes are available).
To attach the iPad to the Brydge 12.9 Pro, you slide it into two hinged clips covered with rubber padding. As with previous models, it takes a little practice to get the feel right. The clips are much smaller than on previous models (owing to the reduced bezels on the iPad Pro itself), making them a bit harder to fold in and out by hand. But they’re able to hold the iPad securely and it’s still easy to slide the iPad and and out of the clips, so you can convert the iPad from a laptop to a tablet and back again in a few seconds.
Like a good laptop, the Brydge 12.9 Pro comes with a slight indentation at the bottom of the wrist-rest space (below where a trackpad would be, if it had a trackpad). This creates a natural lifting point to open the combined “laptop”, which was sometimes tricky on the previous models.
As with previous Brydge keyboards, the hinge is all the way at the back of the keyboard, just like it would be on a laptop. When you open up the iPad, the bottom edge of the clips pivot to slightly below the flat bottom of the keyboard case. This will make the keyboard slope up slightly on a flat surface—and if it’s on your lap, you’ll notice those clips resting on your legs, though I found that it doesn’t affect in-lap stability.
The Apple Pencil charging area sits at the top of the iPad when it’s in laptop configuration, so you can dock your Pencil there while you work. When you close the laptop, the pencil can remain attached and charging.
The reduced dimensions of the iPad Pro mean that the Brydge Pro weighs less than previous generation models. This model weighs 707g (1.56 pounds), slightly heavier than the iPad itself. When joined with the iPad, you’ve got a 2.95-pound 13-inch laptop—slightly lighter than the 13-inch MacBook Pro.
The Brydge 12.9 Pro charges via a USB-C plug, matching the iPad Pro. Apple xls viewer. I tend not to use backlighting and didn’t get a chance to test battery life on this model, but in general I’ve found that Brydge’s keyboards last a very long time between charges. Occasionally I remember to charge my keyboard, and it never runs down.
In a twist, Brydge has added protection for the iPad Pro’s back surface via a magnetic cover that snaps to the magnets Apple included on the iPad Pro. It’s a simple way to improve the look and feel of the device, and made my iPad look more like a laptop from some mysterious new company (there’s a Brydge logo on the cover) rather than an iPad with a sideways Apple logo.
Like the iPad Pro itself, these new Brydge keyboards are more expensive than their predecessors, in this case by $20. But they’re still cheaper than the equivalent Apple Smart Keyboard Folios, believe it or not.
How does it type?
The Brydge Pro’s keys are backlit, full-sized and offer a good amount of travel, slightly less than on a classic MacBook keyboard but quite a bit more than on the current Apple laptops. The keys are full sized, offer a full function row (with dedicated keys for Home, Lock, backlighting adjustment, show/hide keyboard, media control, and more), and the arrow keys come in a familiar inverted-T design. I really missed that row of function keys on Apple’s Smart Folio, and it’s a pleasure to once again be able to quickly adjust screen brightness or music volume without taking my hands off the keyboard.
The typing feel of the new keyboard is definitely different than the previous model. The keys themselves have a textured feel, rather than the smooth keycaps of old. (I prefer the smoother feel, if I’m being honest.) While it’s not a perfect comparison, I’d say that the new keyboard feels a little more like typing on Apple’s Magic Keyboard, while the older model felt like a clone of the keyboard on my old 11-inch MacBook Air.
Regardless, I was able to type at full speed on the Brydge keyboard, up to 120 words per minute, without any problems. Adapting from using the Smart Keyboard Folio took some time, however—that keyboard is so thin that I had to train myself to reduce the amount of force I was using to press down keys—so when I started with the Brydge keyboard, I was failing to depress keys properly! After a couple of days I was back in the swing of things, typing like a laptop user instead of an iPad user. This is more my speed, anyway.
Timing is everything
If I’ve got a complaint about this keyboard, it’s about the fact that we’ve had to wait six months for it to arrive. Anyone who has been using an iPad Pro for writing the past six months has had to find another solution in the interim. The good news is, I’d imagine that the iPad Pro’s size and shape probably won’t change again for a little while, so this product can have a long life as a good option for iPad Pro users.
There’s just one little wrinkle: Federico Viticci’s tidbit that iOS 13 may add support for external pointing devices. This gives me pause, because the one thing that would be a better partner for my iPad than than the Brydge Pro would be a newer model of Brydge Pro that included a trackpad, like the company’s Surface Pro keyboards. If I’m going to occasionally make my iPad behave like a laptop, why not go all the way? On the other hand, I don’t want to wait another six months.
It’s all in how you use it
Whether the Brydge 12.9 Pro keyboard will be the right choice of accessories to pair with your iPad Pro’s naked robotic core really depends on how you plan on using it. I have spent a couple of decades writing on laptops, and expect a stable laptop-style typing surface that can sit in my lap or on a desk or table.
While the Smart Keyboard Folio is more stable in a lap than its predecessor, it’s not as stable as the Brydge 12.9 Pro, nor is it as enjoyable to type on. It’s lighter, I’ll grant you, and if I needed to carry an iPad keyboard everywhere I went, I’d probably give the Smart Keyboard Folio strong consideration.
The Logitech Slim Folio Pro, on the other hand, might offer a slightly nicer keyboard than the Brydge, but it’s a part of a quite bulky case with a not-quite-laptop design that requires you to laboriously insert and remove your iPad Pro. The beauty of the Brydge keyboard is that you can turn your iPad into a laptop and transform it back into a tablet in moments. To me, that’s the perfect combination, and that’s why I think the Brydge Pro keyboard is the right choice for people who want to get some serious typing done on the iPad Pro while on the go.
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A keyboard case has long been one of my favorite accessories for iPad. Apart from making typing a smooth sailing, the case also offers multiple viewing angles. To ensure my tablet has additional security, I choose the cover that can resist impact as well. Having browsed through a number of options and closely taken a look at their pros and cons, I have listed out the best 9.7-inch iPad keyboard cases.
If you are planning to use your new iPad 2018 as a handy laptop, you should give these top cases a serious consideration. They pair flawlessly with the tablet and feature highly responsive keys. Plus, many of them come in several color variants!
#1. Favormates
Favormates is undoubtedly one of the most appreciable keyboard cases for the 9.7-inch iPad. Sporting a compact design and very responsive keys, this is precisely what you would want to transform your tablet into a smartphone notebook.
Thanks to the 130-degree rotating clamshell cover, you have multiple viewing angles. Therefore, both your movie time and typing will have improved experience.
There are seven backlight colors and three brightness settings to ensure you don’t have any trouble while typing in low-lit environments. On top of all, Favormates comes in five hot colors: black, silver, gold, rose gold and the evergreen space gray! Apple movie maker for windows.
USP: 130-degree rotating clamshell cover Check out on Amazon
#2. ZAGG
If money is not a problem and you can travel some distance for a premium keyboard case, ZAGG has to be a great option. It features tactile keys, which can be enormously helpful in improving your typing speed.
The built-in battery lasts up to two years after being fully charged up. With the rugged construction, it’s able to offer the necessary protection to the iPad. And yes, there is also stand functionality to bolster your media watching and typing experience.
USP: Long battery life Check out on Amazon
Keyboard 2018 Android
#3. NokBabo
NOKBABO looks so refined and fits spotlessly on the iPad! Blessed with 130-degrees rotating clamshell cover; the case ideally meets your viewing and typing demands. Keys are very smooth and make typing plain sailing.
The seven colors LED backlit comes in very handy in the dimly lit environments. Besides, you also have the option to fine-tune brightness.
Apple Keyboard Review 2018 Ipad
There is a special cutout on the back to let the Apple logo shine through. You can select this stylish keyboard case in three colors: black, rose gold and silver. Moreover, NokBabo is backed by a two-year warranty.
USP: Form-fitting profile Check out on Amazon
#4. KVAGO
KVAGO’s compact design is worthy of attention! The case snaps on immaculately on the iPad and also defends it against both scratch and bumps. Call of duty apple tv. All the keys are extremely responsive and offer crisp feedback that makes typing a pleasing experience.
Depending on your need, you can also adjust the backlight colors and brightness to continue to work on your project at nights. The 130-degree rotation is just fine for having hassle-free viewing angles. Additionally, KVAGO is available in three colors: black, silver and gold.
USP: Tactile keys Check out on Amazon
#5. Alpatronix KX130
Alpatronix KX130 is right on the money when it comes to being handy keyboard case for the iPad. With the low-profile design, it looks formal on the tablet.
ABS keys have a nice feel and make typing easy-going. Therefore, you won’t have trouble while writing a note or making a quick project. Synthetic leather exterior offers better hold and also keeps away abrasion. KX130 lasts more than 120 hours after being fully juiced up. Lastly, the keyboard is supported by two-year limited warranty.
Best Ipad Pro 2018 Keyboard
USP: More than 120 hours work time Check out on Amazon
#6. YEKBEE
Yekbee’s iPad keyboard case is one of the best selling accessories. This wireless keyboard case is a perfect accessory if you have to make presentations in and out of your office. You can rotate the screen effortlessly to 360 degrees to showcase your work or presentation.
Yekbee provides a stylish finish to its keyboard case; at the same time, the brand has taken enough care of excellent grip and business-grade protection. The backlit seven colors enhance your typing experience at night.
USP: Seven backlit colors Check out on Amazon
#7. COO
To give extra comfort to your body and reduce eye strain, COO provides multi-viewing angles. While you are working on your iPad, you don’t need to adjust your chair; simply adjust iPad’s viewing position and set your eye’s level.
This keyboard case comes with auto sleep/wake function. When you open the case, your iPad wakes up and when you shut the lid, your device is put to sleep. This feature saves the battery of your iPad.
USP: Auto sleep/wake Check out on Amazon
#8. Fintie
This super slim keyboard case adds maximum protection with minimal bulk. The adjustable stand securely holds your iPad in landscape mode. Further, the durable PU leather exterior and anti-slip rubber-lined interior safeguard against drops and scratches.
It supports auto sleep/wake function with the Case Only mode. The Bluetooth range is about 10 meters, and the spring mechanism underneath each key ensures a tactile response with every stroke. this helps you type faster with fewer errors than on a touchscreen. Best of all, this case comes in a range of color options to match your preferences.
USP: Sleek look Check out on Amazon
#9. SENGBIRCH
I have chosen SENGBIRCH for one appreciable feature– the 360-degree rotation that allows you to conveniently adjust your iPad to have better viewing and typing angles. If you are willing to have unrestricted viewing positions, this one is the way to go.
It also lets you customize backlight to keep your typing in fast lane even in dark environment. Due to the built-in magnetic, it turns on the iPad screen when you open the lid and turn off the screen when you close the lid. Despite having a slim form-factor, it can endure minor drops. Lastly, SENGBIRCH comes in three colors: black, gold and rose gold.
USP: 360-degree rotation Check out on Amazon
#10. Logitech
Logitech, one of the prominent accessory brands, manufactures high-quality keyboard cases for iPad Pro. This one is specially made for 9.7-inch iPad. Well-spaced keys and adjustable backlights are the highlights of this keyboard case.
You would love to type long texts with full-size keys, 19mm key pitch, and 1.3mm key travel. You can store your Apple Pencil in the built-in fabric pencil holder for easy reach.
USP: Well-spaced keys Check out on Amazon
That’s all, folks!
You pick?
Now that you have navigated through the above cases let me know which one is timed for your specific needs. And also tell us the qualities you have found admirable in that particular cover.
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The founder of iGeeksBlog, Dhvanesh, is an Apple aficionado, who cannot stand even a slight innuendo about Apple products. He dons the cap of editor-in-chief to make sure that articles match the quality standard before they are published.