Best Keyboard case for 9.7 iPad Pro

[macfanrutler]

I am looking for a keyboard case for the 9.7" iPad Pro but don't seem to see many options. I don't like the Smart Keyboard because it doesn't cover the back of the iPad. I have a great one from Logitech for my iPad Air 2 that is a great keyboard and case in one but it won't work for the Pro because some of the parts of the case cover the speakers. Logitech makes a good looking one for the 12" Pro.

What is everyone using?

 

[Wackery]

You can't beat OEM equipment, Apple Smart Keyboard all the way

 

[hovscorpion12]

With the Apple Smart Keyboard I bought the silicone case which covers the back and matches the color of the Smart keyboard. Its not a bad keyboard but it does have its flaws. software functions such as going back to the home screen is CMD-H but will make you press the home button to switch apps. Changing the volume requires you to access control center. Logitech's Create Keyboard is by far the best with a built in back-lit, Power, lock, volume controls on the top row of the keyboard.

 

[oftheheavens]

apples kb is amazing imo. If i had to give it an assigned flaw it would be that the "viewing" angle doesn't make me very comfortable that the iPad won't face plant with the slight bump or gust of wind. I suppose also it I could add that is has weight, which a lot of people have whined about, I suppose it could be better if it was made of air and completely weightless. Perhaps our kids will be able to type on air and have it able to give input to a device...
[doublepost=1460512547][/doublepost]

With the Apple Smart Keyboard I bought the silicone case which covers the back and matches the color of the Smart keyboard. Its not a bad keyboard but it does have its flaws. software functions such as going back to the home screen is CMD-H but will make you press the home button to switch apps. Changing the volume requires you to access control center. Logitech's Create Keyboard is by far the best with a built in back-lit, Power, lock, volume controls on the top row of the keyboard.

CMD tab lets you switch apps and there is volume buttons on the iPad.

 

[DougFNJ]

I went with the Smart Keyboard, silicon case, and a Smart Cover when I want to keep it light.

You can also look for the Dodocase Bookback for rear protection. I went with the silicon case to keep the camera from protruding.

 

[bigdog5142]

I'll be going with a Smart Keyboard, but I have an iCarbons skin on the back of my iPad Pro. The skin protects against scratches...don't feel the need for drop protection.

 

[iregret]

I just wish there was a place to store the fricken pencil!

 

[oftheheavens]

I just wish there was a place to store the fricken pencil!

I wish they just molded in little tiny "cups" that made the sound from the speakers bounce forward. If you just cup your hand behind 1 of the 4 speakers it is super loud and you can actually tell how amazing the sound is for such a small package. Though as it sits, the speakers blast towards everyone at a 180 degree POV from the one holding it. This is about the silicon case though not the kb lol

 

[Leo90]

Why do people pay 55 pounds for an Apple case? I mean, I bought one myself and I just returned one day after. The material is nice an all, but 55 pounds for a case, really? 39 pounds for a Smart Cover? 129 pounds for a keyboard? The keyboard may be worth it, but the case is just plain absurd

 

[Nhwhazup]

I'll be going with a Smart Keyboard, but I have an iCarbons skin on the back of my iPad Pro. The skin protects against scratches...don't feel the need for drop protection.

I'm also loving the Smart Keyboard and a skin on the back but I have the BSE matte skin. I love the flexibility of being able to just pull the iPad off the keyboard and go. I want to keep it simple with the minimum protection. I did the same thing with my old iPad but used a Logitech ultra thin keyboard cover and also a carbon skin on the back. I'm happy with my similar set up this time around.

 

[iregret]

Why do people pay 55 pounds for an Apple case? I mean, I bought one myself and I just returned one day after. The material is nice an all, but 55 pounds for a case, really? 39 pounds for a Smart Cover? 129 pounds for a keyboard? The keyboard may be worth it, but the case is just plain absurd

I guess it's the price you pay as an early adopter when there is not third party options.

I agree, it is completely stupid. I'm using a $10 BS case until some solid options come out. I wonder how long until the Logitech keyboard launches? There's a teaser on their site. I would have never thought I'd actually want a keyboard for an iPad, but Microsoft did such a great job with Word, that I'm seriously considering it!

 

[Nhwhazup]

Why do people pay 55 pounds for an Apple case? I mean, I bought one myself and I just returned one day after. The material is nice an all, but 55 pounds for a case, really? 39 pounds for a Smart Cover? 129 pounds for a keyboard? The keyboard may be worth it, but the case is just plain absurd

I guess, I may be sounding silly but it's all about what the market will bear. If people are buying the cases at Apple's crazy price, they'll keep selling them at the crazy price. I bought the Smart keyboard with its high price but I really like it. I like the feel of it. My previous iPad had the ultra thin Logitech keyboard and that was a super keyboard. But unfortunately it doesn't work with my new IPP.

 

[Leo90]

I guess, I may be sounding silly but it's all about what the market will bear. If people are buying the cases at Apple's crazy price, they'll keep selling them at the crazy price. I bought the Smart keyboard with its high price but I really like it. I like the feel of it. My previous iPad had the ultra thin Logitech keyboard and that was a super keyboard. But unfortunately it doesn't work with my new IPP.

I understand Apple's business logic behind it, I dont understand the consumer perspective. In the end of the day, it is all about perceived value, and if people keep buying it at 55 pounds price point, they would be naive to make it cheaper.

 

[MrGimper]

I wish they just molded in little tiny "cups" that made the sound from the speakers bounce forward. If you just cup your hand behind 1 of the 4 speakers it is super loud and you can actually tell how amazing the sound is for such a small package. Though as it sits, the speakers blast towards everyone at a 180 degree POV from the one holding it. This is about the silicon case though not the kb lol

I have had KHOMO cases in the past and they are great quality. This is for the Mini 4, but seems to have a speaker mod as you describe.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/iPad-Mini-Case-Lightweight-Protection/dp/B012DG035A

 

[oftheheavens]

I have had KHOMO cases in the past and they are great quality. This is for the Mini 4, but seems to have a speaker mod as you describe.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/iPad-Mini-Case-Lightweight-Protection/dp/B012DG035A

That is close to what I am talking about, but it doesn't have to go all the way across the bottom. Im thinking a think silicon (or whatever the case is made of) "slits" that just surround the speakers. doesn't have to be huge, just takes a tiny protrusion of case. Anyways good link as it is very close to my idea.

 

[LCPepper]

I was looking at the Smart Keyboard today in the Apple Store, and noticed that not only lacking all the media keys, it also doesn't have a home button...

It's really bizarre that they would omit this.

 

[bigdog5142]

I have an Incase neoprene sleeve in which I carry my iPad Pro 9.7 128 wifi, a Logitech Keys To Go, a Twelve South Compass ($20 on woot), and my Apple Pencil. I'm waiting to see what Logitech does with a keyboard case, but the Keys To Go works for me. The Apple Smart Keyboard is just not worth the extra weight and the keyboard is cramped, IMO.

 

[Aluminum213]

I went with the Smart Keyboard, silicon case, and a Smart Cover when I want to keep it light.

You can also look for the Dodocase Bookback for rear protection. I went with the silicon case to keep the camera from protruding.

Adding a keyboard to the iPad doesn't keep it light

 

[iregret]

I broke down and bought all apple stuff today. The silicone half case and the keyboard for my 9.7 iPad Pro.

First off, the quality is awesome. $200 awesome? I don't think so. I really enjoy the keyboard more than I thought I would though. Partly because Microsoft did such an amazing job with Word. The keyboard is surprisingly nice to type on. Seriously. I was shocked. The other thing, it adds more weight to the entire setup than I thought it would. Now it feels "normal" instead of light. It's weird and not necessarily a bad thing, just different.

I hadn't intended on getting a keyboard at all really. I'll try it out for the next 2 weeks. If Logitech launches a keyboard I'll give it a try and decide. I do wish apples keyboard had the media shortcuts or even a function key that would enable a 10 key in the middle of the keyboard. Something. The way it sits, the keyboard feels like it's really good at what it does, it just feels like it could have done more.

I don't feel supe great about the keyboard purchase, but I don't feel bad either. It works well, it really does. I would have never thought that I would end up wanting to type on a 10" screen, but it's surprisingly doable!

Now what to do about the pencil....

 

[DougFNJ]

Adding a keyboard to the iPad doesn't keep it light

True. That's why I said I bought the Smart Keyboard, silicon case.....AND the Smart Cover to keep it light.

I use the Smart Keyboard when I know I'll be doing a lot of typing, and the Smart Cover when I want to keep it light, particularly more consumption purposes.

 

[yngrshr]

Here's my dilemma. I want to use the iPad Pro for typing on the train. The smart keyboard seems like it would involve me keeping my legs very tight together to be able to type on it. And it doesn't look like it would be sturdy typing in a lap at all.

Are there ANY keyboard out that are compatible with the Apple silicone case that would enable solid lap typing? The Belkin Ultimate unfortunately requires you to use the ugly case for it to function properly (as per their tech support). The Zagg Folio case doesn't have speaker cutouts (I mean, come on).

Anyone have any idea if this Logitech magnetic keyboard could function and play nice with the Apple silicone case? I'm guessing no.

Basically, would love to just use the Apple silicone case with a magnetic keyboard since I don't feel like the Smart Keyboard will hold up for lap typing.
[doublepost=1461271365][/doublepost]I'm almost tempted to try the Belkin Ultimate QODE Pro. I think you could use a few of the magnetic plates sold for iPhone car mounting systems (like this). I wouldn't put them on the iPhone itself, but put a thin back protector on the iPhone and put the magnetic stickers on it. They also make ones without stickers that I've used with Apple silicone cases on my phones. The case holds it stable so the magnet never moves around. Would think that, properly positioned, this would give the iPad the capability to function with that Belkin keyboard.

 

[yngrshr]

Officially ordered the metal magnet mount plates, Apple case, and Belkin QODE to see if I can Jerry rig this to work. If I can't, it's a few bucks out of pocket for shipping (Prime).

Update: This is a no-go. The magnet on the Belkin is far too weak to hold onto the metallic plates underneath the case. It would work if you put the metallic plates on the back of the case, I think. Oh well!

 

[tgara]

I was looking at the Smart Keyboard today in the Apple Store, and noticed that not only lacking all the media keys, it also doesn't have a home button...

It's really bizarre that they would omit this.

Keyboard shortcuts offer a lot of the missing functions. For example, command H is the home button.

 

[Nhwhazup]

Keyboard shortcuts offer a lot of the missing functions. For example, command H is the home button.

I really like the Smart Keyboard and am just getting used to using the Command Key for functions. Once I become more familiar with them, I'll be cruising along.

 

[tgara]

I really like the Smart Keyboard and am just getting used to using the Command Key for functions. Once I become more familiar with them, I'll be cruising along.

Yes, absolutely. Here is Apple's support page for the Smart Keyboard in case you have not seen it.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205237

It doesn't say much, but the important thing to remember is that pressing the Command key will display a set of keyboard shortcuts for whatever app you are using. I found this to be tremendously helpful for learning.

If you use Word, this page may also be helpful. I have not verified if all these shortcuts work with the Smart Keyboard.

https://support.office.com/en-us/ar...84c-9c77-d2438e836ee1?ui=en-US&rs=en-US&ad=US