The smart keyboard is okay to type on. I wish they would change materials. I don't like the feel of it that much.
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Apple May Release Backlit Smart Keyboard With Scissor Switches Alongside 2020 iPads [Updated]
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Not that anyone is asking, but I have found the 2018 iPad Pro setup to be very effective for my work, which is largely comprised of:
Regarding the Keyboard, having been a user of this type of design since iPad Pro Gen 1, I've become a fan. Note: I've always been using the 12.9". I find the key travel fine, the durability good and I'm about as accurate a typist on it as I am on my das mechanical (not saying I enjoy the feel as much, of course).
I have frequently considered alternatives -- namely the Brydge. But the slimness and ease of use of the Smart Keyboard has proven compelling enough. But if I could snap my fingers and get exactly the accessory developments I want, they would be:
- Browsing
- PDF review and markups (via Notability)
- Microsoft Word editing
- Occasional Microsoft Excel editing
Regarding the Keyboard, having been a user of this type of design since iPad Pro Gen 1, I've become a fan. Note: I've always been using the 12.9". I find the key travel fine, the durability good and I'm about as accurate a typist on it as I am on my das mechanical (not saying I enjoy the feel as much, of course).
I have frequently considered alternatives -- namely the Brydge. But the slimness and ease of use of the Smart Keyboard has proven compelling enough. But if I could snap my fingers and get exactly the accessory developments I want, they would be:
- Keyboard
- Function keys -- particularly on the 12.9", just seems silly not to have a row of slim keys
- Backlighting
- Lower price
- I'm intrigued by the trackpad concept, but having messed with a mouse on iPad OS, it's not a must have -- yet
- Pencil
- A softer in hand feel
- Buttons to trigger functions (e.g., hold down for eraser / undo)
- More function cycling (not just toggling between two modes, but more if I so desire)
Admittedly I’m weird, I prefer the scissor keys on my 2015 MBP. However, I really enjoy the feel of typing Apple Smart Keyboard. the only thing I don’t like about the ASK is the material on the outside hasn’t held up great for me. But that‘s probably on the me not being the most careful with it.
i would enjoy a ASK that has a backlit key option.
i would enjoy a ASK that has a backlit key option.
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Concur. The third party competition just doesn’t match Apples keyboard (Logitech is one of the better third party keyboards), Apples keyboard is excellent with the fabric- like-softness, tactile feedback and reliability for every day use. If there was one accessory I would recommend for the iPad, it would definitely be the smart keyboard simply for how well executed it is.
Oh...I enjoyed the one I had, it simply didn‘t last and the two other people I know that had them had similar experiences. The connnection to the iPad would fail, resulting in having to remove the keyboard and reconnect, often several times. Finally it just fails.
Subjectively speaking of course. To me, the best keyboard for ANY mobile device is the Surface Signature Type Cover for Surface Pro devices. Typing on them is the way typing on a keyboard should be. And they are backlit as well.
I have mechanical keyboards on all of my desktops and several in my closet. Most with custom keysets. That said, I use the Smart Keyboard daily and really enjoy using it I will take a function row though, that would be helpful.
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Command-H. Not a single key but easy enough.
All I want is backlight. The current design is good enough to be usable during the day, but fails miserably once it gets dark. Is that too much to ask for?
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You forgot the <sarcasm>!
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You forgot the <sarcasm>!
Agree but sadly I know what Apple is going to do.
SmartKeybord Pro (with Scissors keys) $299.00 for iPad Pro
Will be interesting to see what they make and if it also includes a trackpad....
I'm also a fan of the Smart Keyboard and presumably they would still make that because some people will want an ultra-light, portable solution which is where the current rubbery keyboards excel.
I'm also a fan of the Smart Keyboard and presumably they would still make that because some people will want an ultra-light, portable solution which is where the current rubbery keyboards excel.
If you are talking about the one for the 2017 10.5-inch iPad Pro then I agree with you. But the one for the newer 11-inch 2018 iPad Pro kinda sucks when you fold it behind the iPad to hold the iPad as a tablet because the keys stick out.
The older one (the one that works with the current iPad Air and 10.2 iPad) with its origami folding style is so much better. It can be a stand or fold the keys behind and you don't feel them or be a keyboard -- so versatile. Its one of the reasons I do not want to upgrade to a newer iPad Pro. If I do upgrade to the 2020 iPad Pro and they don't give it an origami folding keyboard then I probably just won't buy the keyboard.
Yes to this. Who doesn't want to protect their screen? The origami style keeps the harder keys and any debris away from the soft glass.
Please make it last longer than the current one for iPad Pro 11. It was a step back in durability and after a few months, the letters/numbers on the keys wear out and the back cover looks horrible. Had mine replaced and within two months same thing happened again. Inexcusable for $150 keyboard. Otherwise like it.