Brydge Debuts BrydgePro Keyboard for iPad Pro

[MacRumors]

There are few keyboards available for Apple's iPad Pro right now, but companies are slowing releasing new options for the larger-screened tablet. Brydge, a well-known manufacturer of keyboards for Apple's earlier iPads, has announced the debut of the BrydgePro, a keyboard designed for the iPad Pro.

Like prior Brydge keyboards, the BrydgePro is constructed from aluminum to match the aesthetic of Apple products. The BrydgePro is not a full case, instead consisting of a keyboard with two hinges that hold the iPad Pro in place. The hinges are adjustable, allowing the iPad Pro to be positioned into several different viewing angles to meet each user's needs.

With no case, the Brydge doesn't offer protection for the iPad Pro, but that does make it a less bulky solution than many of the other iPad Pro keyboard cases like the Logitech CREATE and the Zagg Slim Book. It's available in Silver, Gold, and Space Gray, to match each of Apple's iPad colors.

The BrydgePro weighs in at 1.54 pounds, so it's essentially doubling the weight of the iPad Pro when attached. It's similar in weight to the Logitech CREATE and lighter than the Zagg Slim Book. It includes Backlit keys and a three-month battery life, connecting to the iPad Pro over Bluetooth rather than through its Smart Connector.

Pre-orders for the BrydgePro will begin on January 4 from the Brydge website. Shipments will begin going out to pre-order customers in April of 2016. Brydge has yet to unveil pricing, but its keyboards have premium price tags - the BrydgeAir for the iPad Air 2 is priced at $150.

Article Link: Brydge Debuts BrydgePro Keyboard for iPad Pro

 

[Bbqthis]

If this doesn't connect via smart connector, I don't see why it's noteworthy. I just want something akin to the Microsoft type cover. A real keyboard, but that only attaches via the connector. I don't want to have to remove my Smart Cover to use a keyboard.

 

[jmh600cbr]

When k saw that I instantly thought it was a MacBook

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

I went to the Apple Store just to play with the iPad Pro and iPhone 6S.

I wasn't expecting it, but I loved both Apple's keyboard and the Apple Pencil. I'm not in the market for an iPad, but if I were, I would certainly consider getting an iPad Pro with those accessories.

 

[Xprmntr]

I'm guessing this'll be 250 at least- don't like the added weight, definitely will give it a try

 

[MobileMikeV]

If this doesn't connect via smart connector, I don't see why it's noteworthy. I just want something akin to the Microsoft type cover. A real keyboard, but that only attaches via the connector. I don't want to have to remove my Smart Cover to use a keyboard.

The Apple keyboard cover is better than you may think. I did a typing test on it while in the store and scored 86WPM. It's pretty comfortable to type on. Try it out.

 

[Bbqthis]

The Apple keyboard cover is better than you may think. I did a typing test on it while in the store and scored 86WPM. It's pretty comfortable to type on. Try it out.

But it requires me to have to switch cases. That's the opposite of what I want. I've typed on it plenty, that's not the issue.

 

[dempson]

If this doesn't connect via smart connector, I don't see why it's noteworthy. I just want something akin to the Microsoft type cover. A real keyboard, but that only attaches via the connector. I don't want to have to remove my Smart Cover to use a keyboard.

The Smart Cover blocks the connector. For anything else to use that connector, you would have to remove the Smart Cover.

Some time ago a friend gave me an Apple Wireless Keyboard in an Incase case that folds into a stand for the iPad, but I can't find the product on their web site so I expect it has been discontinued. Works well for my occasional keyboard use on the iPad, so I haven't seriously considered a Smart Keyboard yet.

 

[Bbqthis]

The Smart Cover blocks the connector. For anything else to use that connector, you would have to remove the Smart Cover.

Some time ago a friend gave me an Apple Wireless Keyboard in an Incase case that folds into a stand for the iPad, but I can't find the product on their web site so I expect it has been discontinued. Works well for my occasional keyboard use on the iPad, so I haven't seriously considered a Smart Keyboard yet.

I should clarify. I use a MoKo Smart Cover clone, which doesn't cover the port. It was 11 dollars and I love it. I use an old Apple bluetooth keyboard with my iPP whenever I need a keyboard, but I would love (like I said earlier) a Type Cover like keyboard that would just snap on when I need it and go in a drawer when I don't. I just don't see the benefit of having my iPad hard docked to my keyboard when I only use the keyboard 40% of the time.

 

[sentiblue]

I don't get it...

Apple has already perfected the requirement with the SmartCover...
Does this company think it can make a keyboard better than Apple?

The previous version of their KB is $150. I get that because there was no true KB integration with previous iPads.
But now that the perfectly integrated KB from Apple is selling for $169... I wonder to see how this KB will make a profit.

 

[Jhawkfan]

This keyboard looks amazing, but they killed it by using Bluetooth over the new smart connector. Guess my journey for finding a great iPad Pro keyboard continues...

 

[MacJunkie92]

I would say that the BrydgePro Keyboard is a good investment if you want a serious productivity suite out of your iPad. The best combo I would get is the BrydgePro Keyboard and Lumiy Lightine Desk Lamp.

There are few keyboards available for Apple's iPad Pro right now, but companies are slowing releasing new options for the larger-screened tablet. Brydge, a well-known manufacturer of keyboards for Apple's earlier iPads, has announced the debut of the BrydgePro, a keyboard designed for the iPad Pro.

Like prior Brydge keyboards, the BrydgePro is constructed from aluminum to match the aesthetic of Apple products. The BrydgePro is not a full case, instead consisting of a keyboard with two hinges that hold the iPad Pro in place. The hinges are adjustable, allowing the iPad Pro to be positioned into several different viewing angles to meet each user's needs.

With no case, the Brydge doesn't offer protection for the iPad Pro, but that does make it a less bulky solution than many of the other iPad Pro keyboard cases like the Logitech CREATE and the Zagg Slim Book. It's available in Silver, Gold, and Space Gray, to match each of Apple's iPad colors.

The BrydgePro weighs in at 1.54 pounds, so it's essentially doubling the weight of the iPad Pro when attached. It's similar in weight to the Logitech CREATE and lighter than the Zagg Slim Book. It includes Backlit keys and a three-month battery life, connecting to the iPad Pro over Bluetooth rather than through its Smart Connector.

Pre-orders for the BrydgePro will begin on January 4 from the Brydge website. Shipments will begin going out to pre-order customers in April of 2016. Brydge has yet to unveil pricing, but its keyboards have premium price tags - the BrydgeAir for the iPad Air 2 is priced at $150.

Article Link: Brydge Debuts BrydgePro Keyboard for iPad Pro

 

[Dj64Mk7]

The Smart Cover blocks the connector. For anything else to use that connector, you would have to remove the Smart Cover.

When you have the Smart Keyboard, there's no reason to use a Smart Cover. Just get the Smart Keyboard, with the Silicone Case (http://goo.gl/23BRfg) for front and back protection without compromises.

 

[Cape Dave]

For almost $200 Apple could not be bothered to backlight their keyboard? That is an insult and a joke. Almost any third party that is decent and backlit will be better.

 

[teslo]

even now ~months later, i keep half expecting to see OSX on these product shots.. nope - a 5x4 grid of those 'lickable' phone icons. sigh. /mini-rant

still i'm really looking forward to trying it out - some of my cintiq-focused friends have had great things to say about the whole package including the smart keyboard. i'd have a hard time believing a backlight makes up for the added weight and bulk. might be worth it as a second keyboard kept on your desk if you really need that click-y feedback and metal finish.. what would have done it for me would be a slot for the apple pencil to slide unobtrusively into. i mean, at that thickness, why not?

 

[sracer]

I don't get it...

Apple has already perfected the requirement with the SmartCover...
Does this company think it can make a keyboard better than Apple?

The previous version of their KB is $150. I get that because there was no true KB integration with previous iPads.
But now that the perfectly integrated KB from Apple is selling for $169... I wonder to see how this KB will make a profit.

The Apple smart keyboard cover is FAR from perfect. The Brydge keyboard cover offers multiple viewing angles. The Apple keyboard cover only offers one.

The Brydge keyboard cover has real keys, not cloth-covered.

The Brydge keyboard cover has dedicated iPad function keys, Apple's keyboard does not.

Note: I'm not saying that the Brydge keyboard is perfect, far from it, but it does offer something significantly different from Apple.

This keyboard looks amazing, but they killed it by using Bluetooth over the new smart connector. Guess my journey for finding a great iPad Pro keyboard continues...

I suspect that it will be impossible to offer a keyboard cover that has multiple viewing angles that uses the smart connector. My bet is that Logitech will be the first to attempt it.

 

[MacBergin]

I have the Brydge for my iPad Air 2. I love the keyboard but wish it was just a little better. The bluetooth takes a few key strokes to kick in and the "L" button always ads 2 extra "L"s when typing. If I was to get the iPad Pro I would not buy any keyboard that did not use the smart connector. Brydge go back to the drawing board with this one.

 

[beq]

Thanks Juli for all the keyboard reviews.

I've never tried Brydge before, a few questions:

- Can a Brydge pair to more than 1 device and switch between them (like Zagg and other BT keyboards)?

- Will the BrydgePro do away with the BrydgeAir's gimmicky speakers (considering the iPad Pro already has 4 good speakers)?

- Will the BrydgePro have a space/slot for the Apple Pencil?

- Will the company also sell a clear polycarbonate rear shell for the iPad Pro, which has cutouts for the BrydgePro hinges? They already sell versions for the iPad Airs and Minis for $30...


BTW when using the BrydgeAir with the iPad Air *1* shims, will it fit the iPad Air 2 with an attached rear case (such as the Apple silicone case)?