Hands-On With Brydge's 12.9-Inch iPad Pro Keyboard With Trackpad

[DocNo]

This is the most likely path that I think Apple will take.

But will they be successful? That's the real question 🙃

Oh well - I'm still really happy with macOS. Thankfully I have no strong opinions one way or the other. There are aspects of both platforms I really enjoy, so anything they do that closes the gap is a good thing. Unfortunately execution with their software has been more miss than hit the last few years.

 

[rumz]

i watched another video from 9to5mac — and guess what — the reviewer didn’t say the new Brydge Pro Max comparable to the scrolling experience of the Magic Keyboard. he said it’s more similar to… guess what… you’ll never believe it……………………………

he compares it to the old brydge. can you believe it?

If he's referring to the "old brydge" (Pro+) with the new firmware (released in the last couple weeks following the release of iPad OS 14.5), then this wouldn't be surprising-- I imagine there's very little, if any, difference between how the two devices perform aside from the physical size of the newer one's trackpad size. (I guess there are those who did test this firmware earlier this year-- it required running the 14.5 beta though, so I opted not to, and this month has been my first experience with the new firmware).

But I feel like it bears repeating-- even if it's not up to the level of the Magic Keyboard.... scrolling is worlds better with the new 2021 firmware than it was last year. It was horrendous, regardless of any of last year's firmware updates.)

It is unfortunate that this new Brydge keyboard is still just bluetooth only.

 

[jazz1]

Wobbly? Bluetooth? I'll stick with my Magic Keyboard. Yeah, the price is kinda ridiculous, but it's an absolutely top notch product.

In fact I ordered a silver iPP thinking it would look great (traditional laptop like) to use with this product. But, the report of a wobbling screen just does not work for me. I found no such issues with my 2020 MK, especially when using it on a "lap board" while on the couch. My guess is that there would be less wobble on a sturdy desk, but I rarely park my iPad on a table or desk. This is too bad, it looked like a great product, with a large trackpad (another plus).

Does anyone else have one or will have one that can do followup commentary on the stability of this great looking product?

Update: I just watched the video again, even though the commentator says typing on the keyboard does make the display wobble much, I saw it wobbling while he hit the BT key, on the keyboard. I'll have to be fair and compare this with my MK and 2018 iPP (my 2021 iPP has yet to arrive).

This really is to bad, as that large trackpad was really calling to me!

 

[ericwn]

Well that settles it - if there are other third party companies using the smart connector I will NEVER be buying a bluetooth keyboard again. The lag when you have to wake the keyboard up is beyond annoying. I'd love to be able to set the sleep time to an hour even if it impacts the battery life - there is nothing more annoying than tapping on the keyboard to control something and nothing happens for seconds

It’s interesting that this lag differs so much between keyboard products. The Logitech type case for example pairs reliably quick once you open the lid.

 

[Cuesca]

I would love a magnetic version of the Logitech Combo Touch.

 

[darngooddesign]

I would love a magnetic version of the Logitech Combo Touch.

Take a look at the Zagg Pro-Keys case. I had the non-trackpad version and it was pretty good.