Just got my Apple Smart Keyboard...Initial thoughts

[d28z28]

So of course I'm typing this from the iPad Pro using the Smart Keyboard that UPS dropped off just a few minutes ago. Very initial thoughts are:

It connects very solidly to the iPad. It attaches and docks in a typing position in a way that you don't have any fear whatsoever that it's going to come apart. It's incredibly sturdy.

The first time I typed on it I thought the keys felt funny. They have very little travel (compared to my 2012 Apple Wireless Keyboard) but I'm really quickly adjusting to it and improving at a pretty rapid pace.

I make a fair amount of mistakes on the keyboard. Again, this is just because it's brand new and it feels a little "funny" to type on. I'm sure this will improve quickly.

When docked for typing it puts the iPad back at a little further of an angle that i'd personally want, but that's just me. As a utility to type on it shouldn't be of much concern for anyone.

My instinct when using it IS to reach down for a trackpad, and I have a few times so far. That's just the habit of using a device in this way, that's this size, at this angle.

I REALLY (really) enjoy using my iPad Pro this way. It instantly makes it feel like a legitimate laptop replacement now (for some things) - that's what I wanted it to achieve and I can already tell that it absolutely has.

All in all - I love it. So far in my short time with it I'd call it a must-have accessory for the iPad Pro if you plan on using it in any kind of business setting. This thing along with my Apple Pencil are going in my briefcase where they'll go with me everyday now.

 

[sjleworthy]

i love it too. it has a slight origami feel to opening and closing it, but i keep mine constantly open and connected up, so that doesn't bother me.
i like a keyboard better than a touch screen keyboard too personally, and, in my opinion it doesn't have that 'ugly' trait that so many people criticized when those first crappy photos of it appeared with a bulge when closed. When folded i think it looks rather elegant.

 

[bowlman2345]

i love it too. it has a slight origami feel to opening and closing it, but i keep mine constantly open amd connect up, so that doesn't bother me.
i like a keyboard better than a touch screen keyboard too personally, and, in my opinion it doesn't have that 'ugly' trait that so many people criticized when those first crappy photos of it appeared with a bulge when closed. When folded i think it looks rather elegant.

How is it with it on your lap? I have the create right now and it's super sturdy on my lap. I don't like the extra bulk and when I'm drawing, but the keyboard is great. I have a smart keyboard on order and wanted to see if the create would make me happier.

Curious to get your thoughts on this.

 

[sjleworthy]

it depends where you mean on my lap. if i were on a stool then no, it would topple over with it's own weight over my knees. on the couch i can more easily arrange myself into a good comfortable study position.

as i say, personally it's a desk top item for me.

 

[bnmcj1]

Annoying that you can't adjust the angle to compensate for reflections.

 

[Fuchal]

I agree, it's super nice to type on. I had a 2015 Macbook for a while and I actually prefer this keyboard. I have noticed a little bug I assume in 9.1, when pressing cmd-tab quickly and releasing, sometimes instead of switching to the most recent app, it will keep going and switch to an app like 7 apps away. I assume this will be fixed in 9.2, or so I hope.

 

[kevroc]

How is it with it on your lap? I have the create right now and it's super sturdy on my lap. I don't like the extra bulk and when I'm drawing, but the keyboard is great. I have a smart keyboard on order and wanted to see if the create would make me happier.

Curious to get your thoughts on this.

I just opened mine as well. I've been using the Create. Like you, I like the keyboard but it feels a bit bulky when drawing.

Summary, keep the Create.

The Apple Keyboard is actually easier to type on then reading about would lead me to believe. The key travel is short, but it also mechanical feeling in that the keys have a solid click to them, so there's no mistaking that when typing. The only key presenting a problem is the space bar because the it's a bit squished up and doesn't click as much.

The ASK (Apple Smart Keyboard) is not as sturdy on the lap as the LG (Logitech Create), but it seems "sturdy enough". You'll definitely be adjusting it a bit more but should be adaptable.

A big difference is that the ASK is shorter, so you are "right up into" the iPad. It's as if you got in your car and moved the seat all the way forward, you feel cramped up like everything is too close. That may present a problem on your lap if it's further away and now you are having to reach for the keys too much.

I instantly missed the shortcut keys at the top, I instinctively go for the home and search key quite a bit.

Okay, so after using the ASK for 30 minutes I just switched back to the LC, wow, luxury, I'll never be putting the ASK back on, anyone want it?

 

[AppleRobert]

I just opened mine as well. I've been using the Create. Like you, I like the keyboard but it feels a bit bulky when drawing.

Summary, keep the Create.

The Apple Keyboard is actually easier to type on then reading about would lead me to believe. The key travel is short, but it also mechanical feeling in that the keys have a solid click to them, so there's no mistaking that when typing. The only key presenting a problem is the space bar because the it's a bit squished up and doesn't click as much.

The ASK (Apple Smart Keyboard) is not as sturdy on the lap as the LG (Logitech Create), but it seems "sturdy enough". You'll definitely be adjusting it a bit more but should be adaptable.

A big difference is that the ASK is shorter, so you are "right up into" the iPad. It's as if you got in your car and moved the seat all the way forward, you feel cramped up like everything is too close. That may present a problem on your lap if it's further away and now you are having to reach for the keys too much.

I instantly missed the shortcut keys at the top, I instinctively go for the home and search key quite a bit.

Okay, so after using the ASK for 30 minutes I just switched back to the LC, wow, luxury, I'll never be putting the ASK back on, anyone want it?

Guess I will try the Create, spending money on the Pro and I want the best experience so I need to check it out. Enough feedback though that folks do not like the way it uncouples from the Pro has had me leary.

I already have the ASK so we'll see.

 

[kevroc]

Enough feedback though that folks do not like the way it uncouples from the Pro has had me leary.

I was dreading that when I decided to try the ASK, but when I went to do it, I saw there are 4 spots where the case wraps around the screen to lock it in. As you are looking at it when docked in landscape mode, there is one overlap on each side (left/right) and two on the top. You literally just bend those back a bit (left/right) and it pops right out. I don't get the problem people are having, maybe they are trying to "slide" the ipad out of the case, but you don't, it "pops/clips" in.

Too funny, I just thought I'd test it again myself and I simply reached over with both hands (one on each side) and just popped it out in a fraction of a section. It's almost quicker than it took me to get that origami ASK off And almost as easy, popped it right back in.

 

[jqc]

I was dreading that when I decided to try the ASK, but when I went to do it, I saw there are 4 spots where the case wraps around the screen to lock it in. As you are looking at it when docked in landscape mode, there is one overlap on each side (left/right) and two on the top. You literally just bend those back a bit (left/right) and it pops right out. I don't get the problem people are having, maybe they are trying to "slide" the ipad out of the case, but you don't, it "pops/clips" in.

Too funny, I just thought I'd test it again myself and I simply reached over with both hands (one on each side) and just popped it out in a fraction of a section. It's almost quicker than it took me to get that origami ASK off And almost as easy, popped it right back in.

ive had it a few days now and love it. I find it very easy to uncouple when in keyboard mode, i basically just angle the ipad forward until it breaks the magnetic connection which takes much less effort than trying putt it straight off. In fact I think this is its biggest advantage over the create: very easy to take off and use as a standalone ipad and keeps the overall package when using it as a cover nice and light, which is exactly what i wanted.

i was worried about key travel but after spending a few hours on MS Word with it, i havent had an issue and got used to it quickly.

its not perfect though, primarily the short cut keys are missed but i can see why they did to keep it as small and light as possible.

I am also scared of placing the ipad down cover-down like i do with a normal smart cover as Im afraid the ipad's weight on the keys will ruin the springiness of the keys long term given the tension is supposedly supplied by the fabric. Who knows, but that negates some of its usefulness as a smart cover. Will be getting a skinomi or similar skin soon for the back of the IPP so that will negate that issue though.

 

[UOThief]

Does it feel too cramped having the keyboard so close to the iPad? Also, does it have to be attached to function?

I usually have my iPad Air 2 off to the side and at an angle from my computer. It's usually on Twitch TV or something and I have my bluetooth keyboard off to the side or on my lap or something to type something in chat.

I guess... it depends what you're using it for?

 

[mkitchen]

So this is apparently very much up to personal preference. I love pretty much everything about the Smart Keyboard Cover. The close proximity to the screen doesn't bother me at all. Typing on my lap feels just fine (I am dong it now while sitting on a couch). I am fine without a lack of dedicated buttons. I use the command shortcut keys for app switching, going home, and searching.

I legitmately love typing on this keyboard more than my older macbook air that I just sold. I love the position it folds to and how it folds up very tightly. The only negative I can find with it is that it is a little heavier than I like and when I fold it back and hold the iPad it feels a little larger. I find that I am just pulling off the keyboard cover when I am not using it. Which is probably the intended use case for it - other than to cover the screen when taking the ipad out and about.

 

[lukasarvidsson]

How does the smart keyboard work with other languages? If I select another language will the regular keys map to other characters then?

//Lukas

 

[jqc]

Does it feel too cramped having the keyboard so close to the iPad? Also, does it have to be attached to function?

I usually have my iPad Air 2 off to the side and at an angle from my computer. It's usually on Twitch TV or something and I have my bluetooth keyboard off to the side or on my lap or something to type something in chat.

I guess... it depends what you're using it for?

Nope

 

[powerbook911]

So of course I'm typing this from the iPad Pro using the Smart Keyboard that UPS dropped off just a few minutes ago. Very initial thoughts are:

Awesome. Glad you're enjoying it. Do you see any possibility that overtime docking it onto the iPads smart connector will lead to wear marks on the iPads aluminum smart connector circles?

Thanks n

 

[sunny2015]

typing on thr create now, and its not bad but its HEAVY!!, its on my lap and i have to move consistantly as my legs are hurting lol

 

[CjonesHouston]

I love the Smart Keyboard. I have been using it for about 24hrs. I like the portability of the keyboad with iPad Pro combo. Some people might not like the feel of the keys but this is the best deisgn that could of been made. I have a surface pro. I feel that this keyboard is easier for me to type on vs the surface. The smart keyboard keys feel good and have a nice texture to them. The surface keyboard feels slick and cheap. I can sit and type with Smart Keyboard on my lap. With no discomfort. For long periods of time. Not having backlit keys was a concern but not anymore. The screem is bright enough to give off light on the keys. I have not tried the logitech create but when I picked up one. I could feel how heavy it would have been. Added to the Pro

 

[sunny2015]

Think I will go back and get the smart keyboard with a skin covering the back, thus no bulk. The create seems good and probably is, but is it really worth the discomfort when typing for example in your bed with the keyboard on your legs.

I have to agree with the trackpad comments, a keyboard with a trackpad would be fantastic!!!

 

[bowlman2345]

I personally don't think the Create is difficult to take off like others have said. I can pop off the iPad in two seconds. I haven't noticed what others have said about it being super tough.

My only gripes are the weight and using it to draw. I have a Smart Cover I was going to return, but I think I might keep it as my "alternative" case for when I don't need a keyboard or if I'm drawing. I think the Smart Keyboard would be good for an all-in-one solution though. But I do really like the shortcuts on the Create and the backlit keys.

 

[d28z28]

I wouldn't say there's any issue whatsoever with the distance of the keyboard to the screen. I also agree with the person above about the spacebar - it doesn't have the same "clickiness" to it as the other keys have - but it's not a big issue.

Using this more this afternoon - I'm really pleased with the quality of it. To AWAYS have it attached to my ipad as it's cover is really quite amazing to me. The quality of the keys to type on really is impressive.

For me it's definitely a keeper - by the way I'm typing this on it. Something about it is just really fun to use.

 

[drewfus]

I just had the chance to open up the Smart Keyboard and put it on my iPad Pro. In playing with it a bit, I don't really mind having the keys so close to the screen. The keys feel good as I type, and the size feels quite natural. With the case closed on the iPad, I'm actually shocked at how thin it is. It doesn't seem to be majorly thicker than just a regular smart cover. I do think I'll keep my smart cover for those days when I know I won't need to do any heavy typing. It'll be interesting to see if it will become any more natural for me to grab my iPP to do typing-intensive tasks rather than my MB!

 

[sjleworthy]

i find more and more apps need to upgrade to make correct use of the keyboard/pencil and ios.

 

[AppleRobert]

I was dreading that when I decided to try the ASK, but when I went to do it, I saw there are 4 spots where the case wraps around the screen to lock it in. As you are looking at it when docked in landscape mode, there is one overlap on each side (left/right) and two on the top. You literally just bend those back a bit (left/right) and it pops right out. I don't get the problem people are having, maybe they are trying to "slide" the ipad out of the case, but you don't, it "pops/clips" in.

Too funny, I just thought I'd test it again myself and I simply reached over with both hands (one on each side) and just popped it out in a fraction of a section. It's almost quicker than it took me to get that origami ASK off And almost as easy, popped it right back in.

Appreciate your feedback, thanks much.

I will be uncoupling and using the Smart Cover at times so I will definitely do the method to do so the way you detailed. I probably would have tried to slide it out myself.

Thanks again.

 

[Rafterman]

So of course I'm typing this from the iPad Pro using the Smart Keyboard that UPS dropped off just a few minutes ago.

They actually had one in the Apple Store this weekend. The lack of backlighting and iOS specific keys (e.g., Home) is disappointing. However, I chose it because its almost as thin as the plain front cover and it removes easily for tablet use via the magnets. The Logitech is more bulkier and a little kludgier to remove if you want to use the just the tablet and save the weight of the keyboard while holding it.

The Apple guy also said for Black Friday, thy got a grand total of three (three!) Apple Pencils in. That is pathetic and it is beyond me how such a simple device (literally a circuit board, surrounded by plastic) could be so far underproduced. They had tons of iPad Pro's in stores around the region, a much more complex device to manufacture, but Apple Pencils are non-existant? Unbelievable incompetence.

 

[BoneHead001]

I picked my Apple SmartKeyboard up on Black Friday in a local Apple Store — they just got a shipment that morning. Prior to that, I ordered one online (the delivery wasn’t going to arrive until late December) and cancelled that order once I picked up a SmartKeyboard in the Apple Store.

The Apple SmartKeyboard is very nice and feels great to the touch. Unlike my rMB keyboard which had a glossy finish that showed finger grease and wear over time, the Apple SmartKeyboard has a matte textured finish which I really like. The key-travel was never a big concern with me or the way it folds — both of which I like. What I really like is the keyboard shortcuts and the ability to use “character” keyboard shortcuts such as smart-quotes and em-dashes.
http://www.thedesigncubicle.com/2008/10/complete-list-of-special-character-keyboard-shortcuts/