iPad Pro Is the Apple Smart Keyboard worth it?

[Precursor]

I picked up a like new second hand ASK, for my 1st gen 12.9” iPP. I didn't want to splash on a brand new one, since I was convinced I wouldn't really use it much... Boy, was I wrong.

It's completely changed how I use this iPad. Still love the Pencil, but wow - I now get why some people are able to essentially replace their laptop with this.

YMMV, and to be clear, any other good Bluetooth keyboard will have the same result, no doubt - but the way the ASK fits the iPad, and takes up so little space, is really, really nice.

Typing on it is decent enough, but yes - it is pricey. But I think it's worth it, and knowing what I know now - if this one needs replacing, will not hesitate getting another ASK.

My only regret? Waiting so long before I bought one!

Indeed. It is the lightest keyboard you can have on your iPad Pro that requires no charge. And being dust proof and easily cleanable are HUGE bonuses for me!

 

[thadoggfather]

Chiming in after a year

The 12.9 Smart Keyboard has made the 12.9 experience for me,

I cant be without it

(Nor the silicone back cover)

 

[eyeseeyou]

It still blows my mind that their are no media keys on this keyboard.

 

[maflynn]

I bought and retuned it. I felt for the price it was not giving me value.

 

[gobikerider]

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....

Also on my third Smart Keyboard as they seem to fail after a period of time and will refuse to connect the iPad. Hoping this one is better but I have my doubts.

 

[thadoggfather]

I bought and retuned it. I felt for the price it was not giving me value.

The MSRP price is downright silly

But I got mine for cheap from eBay, and it had problems and apple warranty covered it

I think like $40 net or something,

For that reason, i love it!

 

[Nhwhazup]

Just my 2 cents,
I just bought an iPad Pro 10.5 to replace my iPad Pro 9.7. With the 9.7 I had the ASK and it was OK, not the best keyboard but it was nice. Worked well with the ipAd and I had the silicone base for the back of the iPad. Originally I was going to get the ASK for the 10.5, but I also wanted something to protect the iPad itself. thought about some of the alternatives out there, but the cost would have been an additional $220 or so for the rear case at $60, and $160 for the ASK. I then decided on the Logitech Slim Combo. Yes, it's bulkier, but I absolutely love the keyboard. It's got the feel of a real keyboard, backlit keys, connects just as easy as the ASK, and the back case isn't much different as far as weight goes. The keyboard, rear case and a place to put my Apple Pencil, for just $129. I thought, hey give it a try. If I don't like it I can return it. Well I got it home and put my new iPad in it and so far just love it. Yes, I miss the thinness of the previous set up, but at the same time, the functionality of this setup is so much nicer.
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Is it easy to put the iPad in and out of the Logitech? I find that I use just the iPad most of the time by itself and only pull out the ASK when I type something more lengthy like a long email or letter.
Before the ASK, I had a third party keyboard that was great for a previous iPad but a bit of a pain to remove as quickly.

I actually have had the same connection issues off and on with the ASK and the sides have come apart. I’m going to take a trip to Apple today to see about getting an out of warranty replacement due to the known issue with the ASK. Wish me luck.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

The MSRP price is downright silly

But I got mine for cheap from eBay, and it had problems and apple warranty covered it

I think like $40 net or something,

For that reason, i love it!

Same for me. I think I spent like $80, but was still new in box.

 

[eyeseeyou]

The MSRP price is downright silly

But I got mine for cheap from eBay, and it had problems and apple warranty covered it

I think like $40 net or something,

For that reason, i love it!

Agreed.

Also got mine for a deal price and for that reason it’s mosty worth it.

Still should’ve added media keys. Ridiculous.

 

[Nhwhazup]

Is it easy to put the iPad in and out of the Logitech? I find that I use just the iPad most of the time by itself and only pull out the ASK when I type something more lengthy like a long email or letter. Before the ASK, I had a third party keyboard that was great for a previous iPad but a bit of a pain to remove as quickly.

I actually have had the same connection issues off and on with the ASK and the sides have come apart. I’m going to take a trip to Apple today to see about getting an out of warranty replacement due to the known issue with the ASK. Wish me luck.

Update: I received a new keyboard today at the Apple store for the 2 year old one - no arguing, they just took the serial number off the old one and handed me a new one. This new one works fine so hopefully I’m all set now.