Brydge's MAX+ Keyboard for 11-Inch iPad Pro Now Available

[MacRumors]

Earlier this year, we took a look at Brydge's top-of-the-line MAX+ keyboard and trackpad combo for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, a fairly close competitor to Apple's pricier Magic Keyboard.

A version of the MAX+ for the 11-inch iPad Pro (all generations) and fourth-generation iPad Air is now available, offering the same experience as its larger sibling but for Apple's smaller tablets. The 11-inch version of the MAX+ is priced at $199.99, which is $100 less than Apple's Magic Keyboard, and it comes in Space Gray, Silver, and White options.

The MAX+ snaps onto the magnetic back of the iPad Air or iPad Pro, but connects over Bluetooth rather than through the Smart Connector used by Apple's Magic Keyboard. This also means the MAX+ can't draw power from the iPad and must be charged separately about every three months, according to Brydge.

Otherwise, you'll get a similar experience to the Magic Keyboard, with backlit keys that feel good under the fingers and a solid amount of travel, as well as a large multi-touch trackpad. The keyboard also includes a row of shortcut keys to give you quick access media controls, brightness, and more.

The Brydge MAX+ for the 11-inch iPad Pro and 10.9-inch iPad Air is available now for $199.99, while the larger version for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is priced at $249.99. Brydge is currently running a discount for past and present members of the military that offers 20% off with the promo code THANKYOU.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Brydge. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Article Link: Brydge's MAX+ Keyboard for 11-Inch iPad Pro Now Available

 

[Simmias]

No smart connector = deal breaker
Thicker & heavier than Magic Keyboard = double deal breaker

 

[TheYayAreaLiving 🎗️]

It's still too expensive just for a keyboard.

 

[matttarantino]

connects over Bluetooth ?

 

[no_idea]

Does any third party vendor use the smart connector? I don’t think I’ve seen one keyboard other than Apples that uses it

 

[AppleInLVX]

connects over Bluetooth ?

Yeah... half the reason the Magic Keyboard is so awesome is because you don't need to think about it at all... it just works, and while it's working, it also feels great to use. I totally balked at the price of it initially, but it's seriously one of the best peripherals I own.

 

[H3LL5P4WN]

Aaron says it's garbage.

 

[unashamedgeek]

Does any third party vendor use the smart connector? I don’t think I’ve seen one keyboard other than Apples that uses it

Logitech makes a keyboard that uses the smart connector.

 

[zone23]

If only Apple made a lightweight laptop..

 

[msackey]

So besides the cheaper price, is there any advantage this keyboard has over the Magic Keyboard for iPad? I don't see any so far.

 

[Mockletoy]

I read elsewhere that they put "special effort" into designing a "special system" that allows the keyboard to stay connected to the iPad via Bluetooth without timing out or using a bunch of extra battery to stay awake. That way you don't have to wait for it to reconnect when you want to use it again.

So ... the Smart Connector was right there doing nothing, but instead of using it they went to extra trouble to try to make BT less crappy.

That's just dumb.

Also, this thing provides zero edge protection for the iPad while it's in use, and it doesn't come into two pieces, so it provides no protection at all when it's not in use. I'm far too clumsy and accident prone to ever use an iPad without a case, so that's a dealbreaker all by itself.

All in all a truly stupid design, top to bottom.

 

[Mockletoy]

Does any third party vendor use the smart connector? I don’t think I’ve seen one keyboard other than Apples that uses it

Several Logitech cases use the Smart Connector.

Edit: Somehow I read right past the other person who'd already answered this. ?

 

[GuruZac]

These look great but are just too late. Not only is the Magic Keyboard a superior option, although it costs more, but the Logitech is a better option as well while similarly priced. Ton bad because these look nice..

 

[GuruZac]

Yeah... half the reason the Magic Keyboard is so awesome is because you don't need to think about it at all... it just works, and while it's working, it also feels great to use. I totally balked at the price of it initially, but it's seriously one of the best peripherals I own.

Same. I have used it since it first came out last year and it works perfect with my M1 12.9 as well. It has held up really nicely as well, and the extra USB-C port is a major bonus to the MK.

 

[ericwn]

In case anyone is interested, I just got a refund for the 12.9” version. For one, it arrived weeks later than originally promised and its hinges broke on both sides after merely two months of light use on table surfaces.

 

[mpolda]

Earlier this year, we took a look at Brydge's top-of-the-line MAX+ keyboard and trackpad combo for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, a fairly close competitor to Apple's pricier Magic Keyboard.

A version of the MAX+ for the 11-inch iPad Pro (all generations) and fourth-generation iPad Air is now available, offering the same experience as its larger sibling but for Apple's smaller tablets. The 11-inch version of the MAX+ is priced at $199.99, which is $100 less than Apple's Magic Keyboard, and it comes in Space Gray, Silver, and White options.

The MAX+ snaps onto the magnetic back of the iPad Air or iPad Pro, but connects over Bluetooth rather than through the Smart Connector used by Apple's Magic Keyboard. This also means the MAX+ can't draw power from the iPad and must be charged separately about every three months, according to Brydge.

Otherwise, you'll get a similar experience to the Magic Keyboard, with backlit keys that feel good under the fingers and a solid amount of travel, as well as a large multi-touch trackpad. The keyboard also includes a row of shortcut keys to give you quick access media controls, brightness, and more.

The Brydge MAX+ for the 11-inch iPad Pro and 10.9-inch iPad Air is available now for $199.99, while the larger version for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is priced at $249.99. Brydge is currently running a discount for past and present members of the military that offers 20% off with the promo code THANKYOU.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Brydge. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Article Link: Brydge's MAX+ Keyboard for 11-Inch iPad Pro Now Available

This concept should be the future of iPads and MacBooks merged. The MacBook could be a dock for the iPad with additional CPU and GPU power, storage, and ports. The connection would be through a smart connector, of course. End result, a touchscreen MacBook.

 

[cnnyy20p]

Looks like only Apple and Logitech use Smart Connector On their products. Probably the license cost?

 

[Bluenose_dave]

In case anyone is interested, I just got a refund for the 12.9” version. For one, it arrived weeks later than originally promised and its hinges broke on both sides after merely two months of light use on table surfaces.

Same problem on my sons one he had it replaced, but the hinges have broke again, also my brother has had the same issues hinges broke and had a replacement sent, they should of kept the hinges the same as the old ones they used

 

[Gameboy70]

No smart connector = deal breaker
Thicker & heavier than Magic Keyboard = double deal breaker

I prefer actual laptops, in large part for their superior weight distribution in the lap—where tablets are precariously inclined to tip forward. This is precisely why I can't stand the cantilevered design of the Magic Keyboard, for all the accolades it gets on tech blogs.

If I were going to use my 11" iPad as my primary computer, I'd go for the Brydge keyboard because of its extra weight, not in spite of it.

 

[ericwn]

Same problem on my sons one he had it replaced, but the hinges have broke again, also my brother has had the same issues hinges broke and had a replacement sent, they should of kept the hinges the same as the old ones they used

I remember others having had issues in the past with the clips/hinges on their older products as well. In fairness to Brydge, I asked for a refund and it wasn’t a problem at all.
I’ve gone back to simple iPad cases as I personally can’t stand the Magic Keyboard or the Logitech offerings.

 

[nick42983]

So besides the cheaper price, is there any advantage this keyboard has over the Magic Keyboard for iPad? I don't see any so far.

It's a traditional laptop design, it has function keys (blocking your camera with your hand during Zoom calls to adjust the volume is annoying, tedious and sloppy design), it has a normal-sized trackpad, not the business-card-tiny one on the Magic Keyboard and the aluminum construction will probably hold up better than Apple's made-to-smudge-and-decay material. I was interested in this keyboard when I first heard about it, but they released the 12.9" first, in the meantime I pulled the trigger on the MK for $220 on sale earlier this year. The function keys and tiny trackpad are really arrogant moves by Apple, intentionally meant to cheapen and differentiate the experience from their MacBooks. Assuming the BT connection is solid, I think this is a better option for most people than the MK, it just looks better too. I have no doubt that Apple has prototypes like this in Cupertino, but they made the conscious decision to not blur the lines between iPads and MacBooks, it would have made it painfully obvious (as if it isn't already) that iPadOS is being intentionally hobbled to keep iPads as supplementary devices, not MacBook replacements.

 

[nick42983]

Aaron says it's garbage.

This video is from August 2020, the 11" Brydge Max+ wasn't even out yet, and the reviews of the 12.9" that I've seen have been positive, stop spreading fake news.

 

[rgwebb]

No smart connector = deal breaker
Thicker & heavier than Magic Keyboard = double deal breaker

Hate it for these guys but they got the elbow’d out of the market by Apple. I really don’t get who finds this to be a more compelling product than what Apple is already offering at checkout with your iPad Pro/Air.

 

[MrMojo1]

Consider the Logitech Combo Keyboard which uses the smart connector.
Got it for the iPad Pro 11" M1 2021 and it's good.
The top acts as a case for the iPad and snaps off from the keyboard via magnets.
You can leave the keyboard separately or attach it behind the top half though it does add some weight.

 

[Simmias]

Same. I have used it since it first came out last year and it works perfect with my M1 12.9 as well. It has held up really nicely as well, and the extra USB-C port is a major bonus to the MK.

I want to love the Magic Keyboard with my 12.9, but I would give it maybe 5/10. My issues:

1) Top heaviness. When it's on my lap and the chair is not super low, the keyboard bounces as I type. I find it really unstable/uncomfortable for lap usage.
2) Weight/thickness. It's thicker and heavier than a MacBook Air, about the same as MacBook Pro. Suddenly my tablet is not so portable.
3) Battery. My 2018 iPad Pro really takes a battery hit with the keyboard. Only get 2-3 hours max when using the keyboard, again negating the battery advantage the iPad used to have over laptops.
4) Reliability. When using certain apps like MS Teams or even on some webpages, the Magic Keyboard flat out stops working. It's not a great experience to be presenting on a call and not be able to type or move the pointer. This has happened to me fairly often and usually at the worst times.
5) Material. This is the least of my issues, but it's just not very pretty or durable for such an expensive device. I have a few big scratches/gouges in the plastic covering even with light usage.

Hope a redesign addresses these.