Apple's Smart Keyboard Folio vs. Third-Party Alternatives

[jagooch]

Many people cite the smart connector as an advantage in Apple’s keyboard, I actually found it very inconvenient, it drains the battery so fast, even during the night when not in use. I documented my experience and have graphs for those who want to see it.

On the other hand, Apple’s keyboard is very loose on the 11 inch, it is slightly stronger on the 12.9 in but it is not protective enough, in the week I had mine my iPad came loose several times and at one instance I got a dent on one corner.

A week was enough for me to return the keyboard. I have a third party I bought on Amazon, it works flawlessly, I can turn it on and off whenever I want, the case is protective and it costed 1/4 of Apples version... and the keys feel better and are backlit!

which one did you get?

I'm experiencing the same battery drain issue that you are with the Apple Smart Folio . Plus type with my ipad on my lap during my on train commute to work. It's really wobbly and often the ipad disconnects from the case, sending my ipad flying onto the train floor.

I'll check if Brydge is out yet, but my second choice is the Logitech kbd case.

Sadly, it's over been a year since I purchased the Apple smart keyboard, so I cannot return it.

 

[willentrekin]

I used a Zagg Slim Book with my iPad Air 2 --

Well. Correction. I used several Zagg Slim Books with my iPad Air 2. I had the iPad for around four years, and I think I went through half a dozen cases. It's a great case with an awesome design. Good keyboard, basically a mini laptop, and the detachable screen part is awesome.

However, I found the detachable screen feature to be a major point of weakness, as great as it was. The hinge's plastic housing cracked, the magnets that held the screen came out still attached to it, the case plastic itself cracked . . . etc.

Still, I loved the case enough that I would simply replace them when they started to give out. It got to be around $50 each toward the end there.

When I upgraded to the 10.5" Pro, I got the Apple Smart Keyboard with a Khomo back cover protector.

It's much better in usage. I find myself using the components as a whole far more frequently, as opposed to detaching the keyboard.

Had I gone with the 11", I'd have gotten Apple's keyboard folio for it. It was wonderful when I tried it in the store.

Usage: I'm a novelist, so I write a lot on them. Usually in either Words or Pages.

 

[playtech1]

I am not keen on the Apple keyboards - no function keys or backlighting and the folding process is a bit fussy. The only problem is that I struggled to find a decent alternative for the 10.5 IPP. Logitech is my go-to for keyboards, but for the 10.5 for some reason they only did a version that was absolutely massive, with a separate kickstand arrangement.

The Brydge keyboard works really well, but it is heavy and I have concerns about the lack of protection and potential for scratches. The cheap off brand keyboard from Amazon is probably the best.

I echo comments about the smart connector not being all that great. I have found the connector to lose connection if not perfectly seated on the keyboard. Also, Bluetooth works so well for keyboards that it doesn't seem worth the extra connectors.

 

[Zaned303]

Alright the ZAGG folio for my 11 inch iPad Pro has officially shut back. Getting a cheaper Bluetooth keyboard until my Brydge keyboard ships next month. The ZAGG was silly bad battery wouldn’t last but a few days with normal use and after a week the back hinges got softer so it would not hold positions. I’d personally stick with Brydge- Logitech- and definitely the Apple Folio or an external option if you need a keyboard and steer clear of the ZAGG option on the IPad Pro line