Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
iPad Pro Is the Apple Smart Keyboard worth it?
- Thread starter Aluminum213
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I think it is if you like typing on a keyboard. Especially if you have the 12.9" ipad pro. Its not that heavy. I have the 10.5" tho. I think the smart keyboard cover is fine for that one too...but i much prefer to use the touchscreen keyboard. I have sort of big hands and can easily hold the 10.5" ipad pro in two hands and type with my thumbs...or i can put the ipad on a table tilted slightly in the regular cover and easily type with my fingers. Others prefer typing on a keyboard, but I find it very comfortable using the touchscreen. If you are one of those who prefer a keyboard, i think the smart cover is definitely worth it tho.
Absolutely not, it honestly sucks all kinds of ass. I really don't know what they were thinking.
It's pretty heavy, it only allows one angle and worst of all, it's not firmly attached to the iPad, so you can only use it on flat surfaces. If you think this will turn your iPad into a LAPtop, think again, because you won't even be able to use it on your LAP.
It's pretty heavy, it only allows one angle and worst of all, it's not firmly attached to the iPad, so you can only use it on flat surfaces. If you think this will turn your iPad into a LAPtop, think again, because you won't even be able to use it on your LAP.
I just purchased the 12.9" model. I use mechanical keyboards on PCs so I was concerned the smaller motion would be an issue. I was pleased to discover that I love it. I'm a fast and heavy typist and the feel/sound of the iPad keyboard at speed is pleasing to the senses.
I can't make any recommendations on the 10.5" model. I have relatively small hands for a guy and the 10.5" was too small even for me. As always, YMMV.
EDIT: as for lap use - I use mine on the couch with my feet propped up quite easily.
I can't make any recommendations on the 10.5" model. I have relatively small hands for a guy and the 10.5" was too small even for me. As always, YMMV.
EDIT: as for lap use - I use mine on the couch with my feet propped up quite easily.
I'm definitely not under the impression it's a laptop replacement
Don’t listen to TomOSeven. It is a great add on to the iPad Pro 10.5”. The Smart Connector attaches the keyboard very firmly to the iPad using the magnetic connection. It also works perfectly fine on your lap. I typed this reply using the Apple Smart Keyboard on my lap on the sofa with no problems at all. I went to an Apple Store at first so I could try it out and thought it might be too small, but actually I found it an optimal size for me once I tried it out.
I have one for the 10.5". Is it worth it? Not entirely. More yes than no, but it's not a solid yes. There isn't a real major alternative that is actually useable for me (as I'm now used to the low travel MacBook Pro keys), is a case, is light and doesn't need to be charged. I actually quite like typing on it, although the non letter keys being much smaller can be a pain sometimes when doing some light coding (I know all keys are full size on 12.9, but for everything else the size is just too big for me).
I just wish it had a function row for brightness etc, and was solid enough to be used on my lap in bed.
I just wish it had a function row for brightness etc, and was solid enough to be used on my lap in bed.
I'm personally like the Smart Keyboard from Apple. It's not just because it's made specifically for the iPad, but mainly because it has a nice quality feel to it with the fabric and And it's quality made. I also like how it can serve as a cover as well.
I have them on both my 12.9 and 10.5 and really like them. Most third party cases add a lot of bulk and are hard to remove. The Smart Keyboard is magnetically attached and is very easy to remove when you want to lighten up the iPad. I do think that the list price is too high by about 50%. I still paid list price for my 10.5 ASK because the IPP is a much less compelling device without some sort of portable keyboard IMO.
I have mixed feeling because of weight and I don't see myself typing on the keyboard very often. I have the 12.9 IPP for almost a week. I may find that I use the keyboard more often then I thought. I also like using the iPad without Cover or Case or Keyboard. I am very confused about whether I should keep the ASK or get the cover.
Last edited:
I for one think it’s extremely worth it. It’s got all kinds of shortcut key commands that make it even further useful. The size is smaller of course, but it’s comfortable enough to type on, especially when you adjust to it.
It’s changed the way I used an iPad, for the better, and couldn’t imagine not having it.
It’s changed the way I used an iPad, for the better, and couldn’t imagine not having it.
I'm using the Logitech Slim Combo Keyboard with the new 12.9. Much more functional than the Apple version. Also, keys are backlit. Don't understand why Apple didn't go this direction. Yes...heavier, but I can live with the added 1 ½ lbs.
I have the 12.9 Pro and the Apple keyboard is garbage. Switched to the Logitech Create and I have been nothing but happy with it.
I’d be interested to hear actual reasons as to why the Smart Keyboard is “garbage”
I ended up buying this one at Best Buy. They had a sale for buy any iPad and get 50% of any Logitech keyboard.
I dislike it because it's 159.00 and doesn't even protect the back of the iPad. Logitech at least covers front and back for 129.00.
That’s a fair point, and one I understand.
Curious, does the back piece of the case have a big lip overhang over the screen? Also, how is the stability of the keyboard smart connector? I do like that it has an Apple Pencil holder.
The footprint is so small. No severe overhang near the bezels and snaps in tight. The keyboard section snaps on tight with very, very strong magnets. Powers on almost instantly once snapped on. Very pleased.
Totally worth it. With my previous iPads, I've tried serveral types of keyboards - even the "ultra slim" ones ended doubling the thickness and weight of the device. It really seemed to defeat the purpose of all the effort Apple took to make the iPad as light and slim as possible - all dashed to add an additional form of input. What ended up happening is that I would not always use the keyboard so I just started leaving it behind to save on weight.
The Smart Keyboard is totally different. It is so light and thin - not much thicker than most cases and it doubles as a smart case. So, it is always with me - I don't need to make the decision to take it - so I end up using it a lot more.
The Smart Keyboard is totally different. It is so light and thin - not much thicker than most cases and it doubles as a smart case. So, it is always with me - I don't need to make the decision to take it - so I end up using it a lot more.
I voted no because it is so SO SO not worth the price of admission (full price). Now, I do have one, but I got it brand new for $36.xx at Sam's club clearance. Then it's worth it. For $160/$170, not a ****ing chance.
I have now been through two of them and neither will sit flat when used.
Looking like I will be returning this one. May have to give the Logitech one a shot....
Looking like I will be returning this one. May have to give the Logitech one a shot....
Smart Keyboard reply:
I have the 10.5 iPad coupled with Apple's Smart Keyboard. If this keyboard didn't exist I would get along just fine without it. However now that I have it I wouldn't want to give it up so (for me) it is worth it.
With a quick unfold, it is always there when I need it. I can produce text much faster with the Smart Keyboard then I can typing on the virtual keyboard (dig the up, down, left, right arrows too). Having the virtual keyboard appear when the Smart Keyboard is folded up or disappear when the iPad is placed on the magnetic cradle is intuitive. I have no qualm with the viewing angle in typing mode. A second media viewing angle can be achieved with the keys folded back facing away from the back of the iPad. This is a more perpendicular angle, which I don't use as the typing angle is versatile (for me) and the whole platform is more stable with the keyboard in play.
The Smart Keyboard isn't as easy to peel away from the iPad as a Smart Cover due to the lack of that second bendable joint, but not difficult. As far a weight goes the Smart Keyboard for the 10.5 is just over 8 1/2 ounces, compaired to the 9.7 version Smart Cover weighing in at just under 3 ounces (don't know the 10.5 Smart Cover weight off hand). An additional 5 1/5 or so ounces is not a biggie to me.
Virtual keyboard reply:
Yes, IMO it is worth it.
I have the 10.5 iPad coupled with Apple's Smart Keyboard. If this keyboard didn't exist I would get along just fine without it. However now that I have it I wouldn't want to give it up so (for me) it is worth it.
With a quick unfold, it is always there when I need it. I can produce text much faster with the Smart Keyboard then I can typing on the virtual keyboard (dig the up, down, left, right arrows too). Having the virtual keyboard appear when the Smart Keyboard is folded up or disappear when the iPad is placed on the magnetic cradle is intuitive. I have no qualm with the viewing angle in typing mode. A second media viewing angle can be achieved with the keys folded back facing away from the back of the iPad. This is a more perpendicular angle, which I don't use as the typing angle is versatile (for me) and the whole platform is more stable with the keyboard in play.
The Smart Keyboard isn't as easy to peel away from the iPad as a Smart Cover due to the lack of that second bendable joint, but not difficult. As far a weight goes the Smart Keyboard for the 10.5 is just over 8 1/2 ounces, compaired to the 9.7 version Smart Cover weighing in at just under 3 ounces (don't know the 10.5 Smart Cover weight off hand). An additional 5 1/5 or so ounces is not a biggie to me.
Virtual keyboard reply:
Yes, IMO it is worth it.
This thing looks absurd....the whole reason why to stick with the ASK - the "slim combo" weights more than the iPad itself and it is one inch thick when closed. A beautiful Apple design....destroyed with cheap looking plastic.
http://www.zdnet.com/article/logite...-on-not-very-slim-but-great-for-productivity/
http://www.zdnet.com/article/logite...-on-not-very-slim-but-great-for-productivity/
The footprint is so small. No severe overhang near the bezels and snaps in tight. The keyboard section snaps on tight with very, very strong magnets. Powers on almost instantly once snapped on. Very pleased.
Your opinion. The thing is awesome. In hand it feels great when fully closed. I didn't buy it for beautiful design, I bought it for a multitasking machine I can travel with. Just giving OP options.