iPad Pro Is the Apple Smart Keyboard worth it?

[zhenya]

The price is a bit out of line - but the rest of the industry seems to have followed, so compared to the competition, it's to be expected. Compared to the plain smart covers, yes, it feels like it adds a lot of weight and thickness in comparison, but compared to those like the Logitech posted here with a thick back case? It's super thin and light compared to that. And that's why the Smart Keyboard works in the end. It's the only decent keyboard out there that doesn't add a ridiculous amount of thickness and weight, and while the single typing angle isn't ideal, it works well enough in practice, and is very stable in most situations - much more so than the Surface Pro mechanism, for example. All told, what it means is you have a keyboard that is always with you. Every other option has ended up being too bulky and/or too much of a PITA in some other way - so while they might have had their good points, in the end I would leave them at home - and then not have a keyboard when I would have liked one.

 

[boston04and07]

Personally I actually prefer using the Magic Keyboard with my iPads. I know this is probably not a popular opinion, haha, but I just like the way that keyboard feels - it's much more like the laptop keyboards I was used to before I went all iOS. However, I do almost exclusively use my keyboard at my desk, as that's where I almost always am when I'm getting work done that requires a lot of typing. If I'm using my iPad elsewhere the on screen keyboard pretty much always suffices for me.

Even when I do need to travel with my keyboard, it's so small and light that it takes up very little room and weight in my bag, which is nice. I also like how it recharges with the same cable as my iPad (when I do need to charge it, which is only every few months). The only addition I wish it did have would be functionality for the F3 and F4 keys. All the other F row keys (volume, brightness, media) work just as you'd expect except for those two, and at first I kept hitting them trying to activate the app switcher and Home screen.

So anyway. For people who find the ASK too expensive and/or envision using it infrequently, or who prefer the more laptop-like feel, the Magic Keyboard is a really good option, I think.

 

[Cryates]

I hate when people knock others for putting a case on their device, regardless of their own personal taste or how ‘ugly’ said case may or may not be.

Accessories are very much based on personal taste and needs. Some people buy their iPads because of the beautiful design, some people buy them for the practicality. I much prefer the Smart Keyboard to anything else being offered, but can understand why the next person may prefer something else. We can all thank the companies who put time and effort into designing things that meet different needs for different people.

 

[David58117]

I ended up buying this one at Best Buy. They had a sale for buy any iPad and get 50% of any Logitech keyboard.

You may want to be careful with this (if it's anything like the 12.9).

When closed, if you hold it over the keyboard, the keys press into the screen.

I've had music play randomly just from carrying, and was locked out of my iPad once due to keys being pressed.

 

[Cryates]

You may want to be careful with this (if it's anything like the 12.9).

When closed, if you hold it over the keyboard, the keys press into the screen.

I've had music play randomly just from carrying, and was locked out of my iPad once due to keys being pressed.

I was actually curious about this. It does appear that there would be nothing between the keys and the screen. Wouldn’t care for that too much.

 

[dooku77]

You may want to be careful with this (if it's anything like the 12.9).

When closed, if you hold it over the keyboard, the keys press into the screen.

I've had music play randomly just from carrying, and was locked out of my iPad once due to keys being pressed.

Isn't the 12.9 keyboard the fold under version? This one is completely solid design, but thank you for the warning.

 

[millydog]

I have the 1st gen 12.9" with ASK (Apple Smart Keyboard) as well as the Smart Cover. I think that the ASK is expensive, but also my choice of keyboard since it's easily removable and I can swap it very quickly with the cover for when I don't plan on using it.
The added benefit of the ASK is that it is also compatible with the 2nd gen 12.9" if I decide to upgrade. If I had of purchased a case with keyboard combination for the 1st gen then it would not be compatible with the 2nd gen. There are no guarantees that it will also be compatible with a 3rd gen 12.9", but I think the chances are greater than with a case version. Just another "food for thought" for OP or any others if future compatibility forms part of the decision making. If you are not going to upgrade for a while then it wouldn't matter.

 

[mmomega]

Voted yes mainly through what my wife has said.

I've used it occasionally and it wasn't that bad.
She pretty much only uses it on flat surfaces for typing and uses it as a touch device any other time and I've yet to hear her complain about it.

I bought her the first 12" Pro when it initially went on sale and I bought the Logitech case/keyboard combo that went on sale right after. And that combo'd with the iPad was quite heavy.

Where that extra weight really comes in is when we travel. And we do quite a bit and I am the tech pack mule for lack of better words.
Every extra pound makes a difference when I'm carrying it on my shoulders.

 

[David58117]

Isn't the 12.9 keyboard the fold under version? This one is completely solid design, but thank you for the warning.

For the Logitech slim combo?

When closed, the only thing separating the keyboard from the screen was a rubber (?) ridge. When holding it/keeping it in my bag, it was pretty easy to depress the ridge, which caused the keyboard to press into the screen.

It was sad too, because I thought the keyboard was amazing.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

Typing on my 9.7 ASK right now. On my bed, in my lap. Voted yes.

I absolutely love it. Yes it’s a super high price for what it is (and in full disclosure I actually got mine on eBay for like $80/$90, so that makes it a much more reasonable price), but I think it’s the best iPad keyboard out there. Mostly because it’s so thin and light. I dont’ really care about protecting the back because a) I take pretty good care of my stuff b) I don’t really care about getting some scuffs/dings c) I favor the thinness, portability, and easy of ASK removal above protection.

 

[Eric5273]

I have the 1st gen 12.9" with ASK (Apple Smart Keyboard) as well as the Smart Cover. I think that the ASK is expensive, but also my choice of keyboard since it's easily removable and I can swap it very quickly with the cover for when I don't plan on using it.
The added benefit of the ASK is that it is also compatible with the 2nd gen 12.9" if I decide to upgrade. If I had of purchased a case with keyboard combination for the 1st gen then it would not be compatible with the 2nd gen. There are no guarantees that it will also be compatible with a 3rd gen 12.9", but I think the chances are greater than with a case version. Just another "food for thought" for OP or any others if future compatibility forms part of the decision making. If you are not going to upgrade for a while then it wouldn't matter.

Just thought I would mention that the Apple Magic Keyboard will DEFINITELY be compatible with the 3rd gen 12.9, and probably all iPads for many years to come.

 

[Beards]

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 too have the 12.9" model and am quite the opposite.
I got rid of the Apple Smart Keyboard simply because I could not use it on my lap.
It's replacement is the Brydge 12.9 and boy I am happy with this keyboard.
It lights up, attaches to the iPad Pro 12.9 extremely securely and the keyboard is an absolute joy to use.

 

[justinTlME]

I just simply can't understand where apple gets off with trying to justify the price. It's like 1/3 the cost of an iPad...... more than half the cost of an Apple Watch..... it's just a really gross upcharge.

 

[Cryates]

I just simply can't understand where apple gets off with trying to justify the price. It's like 1/3 the cost of an iPad...... more than half the cost of an Apple Watch..... it's just a really gross upcharge.

It’s neither of those things.

 

[throAU]

Yes. It's marginally thicker than a cover, but it is SO much faster to type on than a screen, and while typing on the smart keyboard you don't cover half the screen with the on-screen keyboard.

Unless all you do is use your ipad for reading or drawing, i'd suggest that some sort of keyboard is a massive benefit. Whether it is the smart keyboard or something else - but i have the smart keyboard and have been very surprised at just how good it is and how comfortable i am typing on it.

Yes, it's expensive. But it's splash resistant (proof?) doubles as a cover, etc.

There are cheaper options though, if the price is too much maybe consider something third party. But i'd definitely consider some sort of keyboard/cover if you're on the fence.
[doublepost=1501500553][/doublepost]

It’s neither of those things.

Pretty sure it's about half the cost of a 2017 base model iPad.

*checks*

More actually. I paid $235 australian for the smart keyboard. A base mode 2017 ipad is $469 australian here.

 

[Precursor]

ASK is the thinnest and lightest iPad Pro keyboard out there. Obviously there is no key travel to speak of due to its thinness, though it is water and dust resistant, doesn't require pairing or charging, just snaps in and ready to use. Also works better than the smart cover as a stand. If you need a keyboard for your iPP to travel with, ASK is a no brainer.

 

[BornAgainMac]

I like it. It think it is better than the butterfly 1.0 keyboard of the original Macbook and the Surface Pro keyboard. Also if I got a real keyboard for my iPad, I most likely wouldn't carry it around all the time. The best keyboard is the one that is with you.

 

[justinTlME]

It’s neither of those things.

Hmmmmm, where do you do your math?

ASK ($169)
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/...ard-for-129-inch-ipad-pro-us-english?fnode=9a

iPad (2017): $329 iPad is only 1.9x more costly than the keyboard
iPad mini 4: $399 iPad is only 2.36x more costly than the keyboard
iPad Pro 10.5: $649 iPad is only 3.84x more costly than the keyboard
iPad Pro 12.9: $749 iPad is only 4.43x more costly that the keyboard

Apple Watch (basics):
38mm Series 1: $269 Watch is 1.59x the cost of the keyboard
42mm Series 2: $299 Watch is 1.77x the cost of the keyboard
38mm Series 2: $369 Watch is 2.18x the cost of the keyboard
42mm Series 2: $399 Watch is 2.36x the cost of the keyboard.

So again, I don't know how you do math, but it is EXACTLY those things.
[doublepost=1501507774][/doublepost]

ASK is the thinnest and lightest iPad Pro keyboard out there. Obviously there is no key travel to speak of due to its thinness, though it is water and dust resistant, doesn't require pairing or charging, just snaps in and ready to use. Also works better than the smart cover as a stand. If you need a keyboard for your iPP to travel with, ASK is a no brainer.

Thinnest and lightest "pro" keyboard if you mean that it actually physically connects to the iPad itself I guess.

If you are just talking a keyboard that can connect with the iPad, however, then no. The thinnest and lightest keyboard I have found (and have one), is the Logitech keys to go. It has a better feel in my opionion actually, with how the keys press in and what not. All it is lacking is the ability to directly connect and act as a propping mechanism too.

https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Ult...7722&sr=1-1&keywords=logitech+keys+to+go&th=1

 

[Cryates]

Hmmmmm, where do you do your math?

ASK ($169)
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/...ard-for-129-inch-ipad-pro-us-english?fnode=9a

iPad (2017): $329 iPad is only 1.9x more costly than the keyboard
iPad mini 4: $399 iPad is only 2.36x more costly than the keyboard
iPad Pro 10.5: $649 iPad is only 3.84x more costly than the keyboard
iPad Pro 12.9: $749 iPad is only 4.43x more costly that the keyboard

Apple Watch (basics):
38mm Series 1: $269 Watch is 1.59x the cost of the keyboard
42mm Series 2: $299 Watch is 1.77x the cost of the keyboard
38mm Series 2: $369 Watch is 2.18x the cost of the keyboard
42mm Series 2: $399 Watch is 2.36x the cost of the keyboard.

So again, I don't know how you do math, but it is EXACTLY those things.
[doublepost=1501507774][/doublepost]
Thinnest and lightest "pro" keyboard if you mean that it actually physically connects to the iPad itself I guess.

If you are just talking a keyboard that can connect with the iPad, however, then no. The thinnest and lightest keyboard I have found (and have one), is the Logitech keys to go. It has a better feel in my opionion actually, with how the keys press in and what not. All it is lacking is the ability to directly connect and act as a propping mechanism too.

https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Ultra-Portable-Stand-Alone-keyboard-920-006948/dp/B00R0I71S4/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1501507722&sr=1-1&keywords=logitech+keys+to+go&th=1

I’ll give you the Apple Watch numbers, but comparing the cost of the keyboard to an iPad that doesn’t even have the technology to use it is silly. Same could really be said for comparing the cost to the Watch.

 

[Precursor]

Hmmmmm, where do you do your math?
Thinnest and lightest "pro" keyboard if you mean that it actually physically connects to the iPad itself I guess.

If you are just talking a keyboard that can connect with the iPad, however, then no. The thinnest and lightest keyboard I have found (and have one), is the Logitech keys to go. It has a better feel in my opionion actually, with how the keys press in and what not. All it is lacking is the ability to directly connect and act as a propping mechanism too.

https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Ultra-Portable-Stand-Alone-keyboard-920-006948/dp/B00R0I71S4/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1501507722&sr=1-1&keywords=logitech+keys+to+go&th=1

That keyboard still has to pair via bluetooth, has battery and has to be carried separately. Else I could also find a pocket size bluetooth keyboard on AliExpress, which would be smaller and lighter than all.

I don't know any keyboard that doesn't need to charge and can connect to the iPP via the smart connector other than ASK.

 

[Cryates]

That keyboard still has to pair via bluetooth, has battery and has to be carried separately. Else I could also find a pocket size bluetooth keyboard on AliExpress, which would be smaller and lighter than all.

I don't know any keyboard that doesn't need to charge and can connect to the iPP via the smart connector other than ASK.

The Logitech Slim Combo connects via the smart connector. I believe it’s the only other one I’ve seen that does.

 

[justinTlME]

I’ll give you the Apple Watch numbers, but comparing the cost of the keyboard to an iPad that doesn’t even have the technology to use it is silly. Same could really be said for comparing the cost to the Watch.

Yeah I get that, but even at the new pro numbers, the iPad is only 3.8 times more costly. That is in the "almost 1/3" range.

I only mentioned it all because when you factor the tech that is in all of these devices the keyboard has nothing special going on....it is just a damn keyboard. It shouldn't be more than $79 MAX.

 

[Cryates]

Obviously I’m biased because I’m very Pro-ASK, but another point in its favor is the Apple Pencil can stick magnetically to the outside of it on the opening side.

I’ve seen video of it attaching magnetically to the hinge side, but it’s much stronger and very functional (for me at least) on the opening side of the cover. I don’t need a sleeve, or loop or anything like that. It just sticks and stays.
[doublepost=1501511925][/doublepost]

Yeah I get that, but even at the new pro numbers, the iPad is only 3.8 times more costly. That is in the "almost 1/3" range.

I only mentioned it all because when you factor the tech that is in all of these devices the keyboard has nothing special going on....it is just a damn keyboard. It shouldn't be more than $79 MAX.

That’s fair

 

[throAU]

Yeah, i'd suggest the ASK may "love it" or "hate it" but i do prefer the keyboard to most that i have used. Definitely much nicer to type on than the Surface type cover. Now i'm used to it, i think i'm actually quicker on it than my Retina 13".

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

One point to note. The ASK does not magically turn iPad into a laptop; the ASK does not magically protect iPad when in use; the ASK can inadvertently disconnect from iPad when force is applied.

Story time: Back in May I was using my 9.7 iPad w/ ASK at a table at McDonalds. I decided to move to another area so I picked up the device to move it. My thoughts were a little preoccupied and subconscious mind was treating it like a laptop and thus was mostly/entirely holding it by the open ASK. Needless to say my iPad disconnected while walking and crashed to the hard floor.... Luckily no screen damage but it did receive a couple of scuffs/dents on the corners from the fall.