iPad Pro Is the apple folio keyboard case good?

[revyaanshu]

Hi, so I recently bought the ipad pro 12.9 2018 256gb as my main computer. Currently I am using it with a generic case and a Logitech bluetooth keyboard. I am a heavy user with lots of typing!

My question is, is spending another $250 worth for the keyboard folio? ( Yes it costs 250 in my country!). I had one for my 9.7 pro but it wore out and stopped working in just 1.5 years owing to my heavy use. So not a great experience there. Are the keys any different for the older ones?

It's not like I am unhappy with my current setup, it's a little cumbersome for carrying around the keyboard separately. Plus there are no other legitimate alternatives. Logitech one is still not out! And brydge doesn't launch their stuff here...

Appreciate the help!

 

[chfilm]

I say yes, go get it.

 

[Flintheart_Glomgold]

I use my quite a bit for programming over a ssh connection. The material on many of my keys is already worn looking. I have the Brydge keyboard pre-ordered to replace it.

 

[revyaanshu]

I say yes, go get it.

Is there any difference between the old one and this in case you have used both? How has been your experience?

 

[revyaanshu]

I use my quite a bit for programming over a ssh connection. The material on many of my keys is already worn looking. I have the Brydge keyboard pre-ordered to replace it.

Oh. In that case, it seems nothing much has changed in the materials and build of the keyboard. Mine too wore out pretty soon. But the old smart connector was the biggest let down... Used to not get a connection. Any such issues in this version?

 

[EugW]

Well, for one thing the Apple Smart Keyboard for the 12.9” for has true full-size 19 mm key spacing.

Overall it’s decent but not amazing.

 

[tps3443]

Anyone know if the keyboard works in games too? I would love to play grid, and be able to drive with the WASD keys. That would be great, and many other normal keyboard uses too.

 

[TomOSeven]

Pretty much any other bluetooth keyboard, including Apple's own "Magic" keyboards, works better and is a lot cheaper.

 

[chfilm]

Is there any difference between the old one and this in case you have used both? How has been your experience?

Yea I had the one for the 10.5” and now the new one. The new one definitely is more sturdy! The old one felt better in the hand when holding the device. What I still hate about the new one is the inability to fold the keyboard behind the screen when watching movies. But overall it’s just super convenient.

 

[haruhiko]

The Smart Keyboard is one of the main reason I bought the iPad Pro. Very good, no complains.

 

[jmgregory1]

Ive had mine for less than a week and I would say that it’s ok. It’s a bit heavy for what it is, but I like the key travel and fabric cover. I’ll see how it performs over time.

 

[Donfor39]

Does 11" Smart Keyboard continue from 10.5 and use smart connector.
Only asking as I was on 3rd ask before trading in 10.5
Never established if it was keyboards failing or fault with 10.5 smart connection.
11" ask to be ordered when in stock once again.

 

[EugW]

Pretty much any other bluetooth keyboard, including Apple's own "Magic" keyboards, works better and is a lot cheaper.

The feel on the Apple Magic keyboard is way better.

However, it’s a big device, and it’s completely separate. I never wanted to carry it around. Furthermore, pairing can sometimes be finicky.

With the iPad Pro Smart Keyboard, it doubles as a cover, and there is no pairing involved at all. I much prefer having that to the Magic Keyboard.

Does 11" Smart Keyboard continue from 10.5 and use smart connector.
Only asking as I was on 3rd ask before trading in 10.5
Never established if it was keyboards failing or fault with 10.5 smart connection.
11" ask to be ordered when in stock once again.

11” also uses the Smart Connector, and the keyboard layout and feel is almost identical to the one for the 10” Pro. The main difference is the location of the Smart Connector, the presence of two viewing positions on the 11” model instead of one on the 10.5”, and the way it folds up.

 

[revyaanshu]

Yea I had the one for the 10.5” and now the new one. The new one definitely is more sturdy! The old one felt better in the hand when holding the device. What I still hate about the new one is the inability to fold the keyboard behind the screen when watching movies. But overall it’s just super convenient.

OK. You mean the stability while using. My question or rather my concern is with the typing experience. A few minutes at the store isn't giving me a good enough idea of typing is any better that the previous version.

 

[revyaanshu]

The Smart Keyboard is one of the main reason I bought the iPad Pro. Very good, no complains.

You liked the typing experience? Typing long emails / documents? And does the lack of function keys bother you?

 

[revyaanshu]

Well, for one thing the Apple Smart Keyboard for the 12.9” for has true full-size 19 mm key spacing.

Overall it’s decent but not amazing.

Worth 250 in your opinion?

 

[revyaanshu]

Anyone know if the keyboard works in games too? I would love to play grid, and be able to drive with the WASD keys. That would be great, and many other normal keyboard uses too.

I don't think it does... Atlst did not work on my old 9.7 pro and the smart keyboard. Not sure if anything changed in the new one.

 

[revyaanshu]

Pretty much any other bluetooth keyboard, including Apple's own "Magic" keyboards, works better and is a lot cheaper.

Agree.. Thats what I am doing now... Much better typing experience. But the problem or rather inconvenience is to carry it separately in the bag.

 

[plexdk]

I think its one of the best typing experiences.. I use mine on my 11" all the time, can type just as fast as on the magic keyboard. This is a must have accessory for the iPad, if you use it for typing, on the go. I only use my macbook for software development, and music production now

The only minus, is missing backlight - can't see how they missed that one... but hey, maybe a reason to make us upgrade in the autumn?

 

[Mike Boreham]

Agree.. Thats what I am doing now... Much better typing experience. But the problem or rather inconvenience is to carry it separately in the bag.

This is the whole issue in a nutshell.

Most separate keyboards provide a better user experience while actually typing, but the ASK is always there and ready.

As a recent new iPad (12.9 gen 3) owner I have gone the ASK route because it works for my mix of usage. If I did more typing I might well think it worth it to have the extra hassle of a separate keyboard.

I also find the ASK combo works well for propping up while reading or watching TV.

I would concede the ASK is heavy.....I am surprised how light the bare iPad feels on its own.

It's a very personal choice.

 

[chfilm]

OK. You mean the stability while using. My question or rather my concern is with the typing experience. A few minutes at the store isn't giving me a good enough idea of typing is any better that the previous version.

Typing is the same as before. I like it actually, believe it’s just a matter of habit.

 

[skyehigh13]

Complete waste of money , i bought an ebay £20 unit and am delighted with it.

 

[revyaanshu]

Typing is the same as before. I like it actually, believe it’s just a matter of habit.

If the typing is the same as before, I don't think it's gonna work well for me... Sad! Waiting for the Logitech keyboard to come... Any news on that?

 

[revyaanshu]

This is the whole issue in a nutshell.

Most separate keyboards provide a better user experience while actually typing, but the ASK is always there and ready.

As a recent new iPad (12.9 gen 3) owner I have gone the ASK route because it works for my mix of usage. If I did more typing I might well think it worth it to have the extra hassle of a separate keyboard.

I also find the ASK combo works well for propping up while reading or watching TV.

I would concede the ASK is heavy.....I am surprised how light the bare iPad feels on its own.

It's a very personal choice.

I am ok with the weight as it usually is in my backpack or propped on a desk. I just wished the typing was better. A little more travel or feel would have done it for me...

Plus factoring in 250 bucks! Phew! May wait a few months for a price drop or a sale. Till then separate keyboard it is! Or maybe the Logitech keyboard case iffff it comes out!

 

[revyaanshu]

Complete waste of money , i bought an ebay £20 unit and am delighted with it.

You mean a separate bluetooth keyboard?