Just got my Apple Smart Keyboard...Initial thoughts

[AppleRobert]

You guys are really making me second guess myself now . I just got my ASK last night (2 weeks earlier than I expected) from Best Buy. Now I'm wondering if I should have tried the Logitech first. The Apple thinness just seems so perfect along with the back silicone cover. Argh, choices ^_^.

Try them both, the only way to decide.

You will have to ask yourself if the weight will be a concern if you carry your IPP around alot especailly if you commute to work, school or whatever.

If I choose the Create, I'll get the Space Grey IPP instead. Viola, instant Macbook look and feel.

 

[reygza]

You guys are really making me second guess myself now . I just got my ASK last night (2 weeks earlier than I expected) from Best Buy. Now I'm wondering if I should have tried the Logitech first. The Apple thinness just seems so perfect along with the back silicone cover. Argh, choices ^_^.

If you're enjoying the thinness of the Smart Keyboard then don't bother with the Create. The Create is way too bulky. It's not too bad if you're looking at the Pro as replacing a laptop but to use it as a tablet (in portrait mode especially), can be a pain-in-the-@$$. Plus it makes the whole package heavy. The Create is as heavy as the iPad Pro so in essence you will be doubling the weight.

 

[mojo522]

I started with the logitech, but retunred it becuase it was very bulky. Got my smart keyboard today and it's wonderful. I love it.

It all depends on what you are looking for. I want a light keyboard and it is perfect for that.

 

[goomba478]

I was honestly considering using an  Magic Keyboard for at-home typing with an awesome aluminum stand I got cheap on Amazon (makes your iPad Pro look like an iMac). Is that crazy?  Smart Keyboard on the go and Magic keyboard at home?

 

[fanta88]

Honestly, I think you might find that the magic keyboard negates the need for the smart keyboard or vice versa.

I have a smart keyboard, but I've toyed with a smart cover + magic keyboard combination as an alternative. The magic keyboard is quite light as well. The disadvantages with the second combo would be slightly more space would be taken up in my bag and I would lose lapability. The advantages, however, would be the ability to have the ipad at various positions and angles and of course a mechanical keyboard. In addition, although the smart keyboard is thin and light, it's a flimsy cover and I just take it off when using the tablet in hand anyway.

 

[goomba478]

Honestly, I think you might find that the magic keyboard negates the need for the smart keyboard or vice versa.

I have a smart keyboard, but I've toyed with a smart cover + magic keyboard combination as an alternative. The magic keyboard is quite light as well. The disadvantages with the second combo would be slightly more space would be taken up in my bag and I would lose lapability. The advantages, however, would be the ability to have the ipad at various positions and angles and of course a mechanical keyboard. In addition, although the smart keyboard is thin and light, it's a flimsy cover and I just take it off when using the tablet in hand anyway.

These are some great points. I'm basically replacing a 3 pound MacBook Air so even with a separate keyboard it's still lighter than my Air + case. The thing is I do a lot of writing, drawing and spreadsheets so maybe I should go with a Smart keyboard and an external Bluetooth number pad for Excel entry. I think they make those and assume they would work with the iPad. That way I don't feel cramped and I only need to use one Bluetooth device since the Smart Keyboard is powered by the iPad Pro.

 

[goomba478]

I decided to keep it . The Apple Smart Keyboard is just way too convenient for me and I find that I love the feel of the keys. Thanks guys!

 

[haruhiko]

It's surprisingly good to type on.

 

[AC Rempt]

I just recevied mine from Best Buy, and I'm using the box as a table, so I can type in bed. I think the key spacing will take some getting used to as I'm making more than my usual number of errors. Note that I'm a pretty fast two-finger typist, so YMMV. And yes, it really could use some backlighting. In the low light of my bedroom, I really have to strtain to see the keys.

All in all, though, I think this is a keyboard I can get used to using, and yes, I'm using it for this post.

(PS I ordered online on 11/30)

 

[jbizzybeetle]

Personal preference: Apple Smart Keyboard.
Logitech was clunky, heavy and didn't fit well.
ASK is light and well-balanced on my lap, and fits well even with the Luvvitt Clear flexible case I cut along edge to fit snug with keyboard connectors.

 

[Wiesenlooser]

I have to say I really like the feel of the smart keyboard. I actually like it more than the keyboard of the macbook. However, I feel like the keys are a bit too round, i never liked that. it seems like they have the same corner radii as the ios icons.

Besides, I hope Apple will find a way to make the angle adjustable in future versions. Although I dont have the slightest clue how they would do that.

 

[haruhiko]

I have to say I really like the feel of the smart keyboard. I actually like it more than the keyboard of the macbook. However, I feel like the keys are a bit too round, i never liked that. it seems like they have the same corner radii as the ios icons.

Besides, I hope Apple will find a way to make the angle adjustable in future versions. Although I dont have the slightest clue how they would do that.

Yes. I think the keys should be larger!

 

[Sharkey311]

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.

Really do not waste your time. I owned it for a few days and I couldn't stand using it even just as a case. The connection constantly dropped as well. The case also made it double in weight and size. So glad I returned it.

 

[AppleRobert]

Really do not waste your time. I owned it for a few days and I couldn't stand using it even just as a case. The connection constantly dropped as well. The case also made it double in weight and size. So glad I returned it.

Well I did but the weight rears its ugly head now and I was not comfortable uncoupling it.

Got it from BB which is only a 5 minute drive. Nothing ventured nothing gained and it was a no risk purchase so I went for it, oh well.

 

[kapp2]

I have tried keyboard on the Retina macbook. the first time, didnt like it, felt wierd. The other times. i actally like it now also tried the new Magic keyboard. very good !

 

[TurboPGT!]

Just got mine as well...love it.

- Very impressed with how sturdy and stable it is. for some reason i was expecting floppy.
- Typing was instantly easy and comfortable.

The only gripe I have applies to all keyboards used with iOS... i wish the on screen keyboard would hide more reliably. for some reason it still appears when it should be hidden about 30% of the time.

 

[AVBeatMan]

Don't know where to post this but just noticed that when viewing pictures on my Pro that were taken on my 6s Plus, when you press the screen (as you can on. The 6s) the photo "moves" as it does on the 6s. Pretty cool!

 

[Siretman]

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.

I tried the Create keyboard and had a hard time getting in and getting out and I do not want my iPad Pro scratched by the plastic. I want to get rid of the keyboard at will and I do not want to have it "semi-permanently" attached. I am waiting for ASK. It is much lighter and thinner than the Logitech keyboard.

 

[genomez]

I've also tried both the Logitech Create and the Apple Smart Keyboard. I had the Logitech first for about two weeks and I initially thought that I would keep it. Eventually I got really tired of trying to type on the couche or in bed. If you had the iPad moved forward a little it just refused to type about 50% of the time.

I decided to give the ASK a try. I have to say I like the ASK much better. It's much slimmer and lighter and because of the design it doesn't matter if it's propped forward at all, it will still type. I do miss the extra row of keys, but I've been much better about keyboard shortcuts and now barely miss it. I ended up returning the Logitech after a week with the ASK.

 

[rwp]

My ASK finally arrived yesterday, and I have been very happy with it so far. The texture of the keys and low travel has taken a bit of getting used to, but I had already been using a Magic Keyboard so wasn't that big a change. Having the keyboard always ready to go has been a huge plus -- BT keyboards go into a sleep mode, and I kept having to press a key to wake it up before I could then type.

 

[iPadDad]

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.

That's brilliant, it's an amazing machine

 

[tgcarroll]

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 tested mine last night sitting in a recliner and was very pleased with the usability. As the original poster indicated, I too am finding this to be the laptop replacement (for my needs) that I was looking for.

 

[Michael Goff]

I have to say I really like the feel of the smart keyboard. I actually like it more than the keyboard of the macbook. However, I feel like the keys are a bit too round, i never liked that. it seems like they have the same corner radii as the ios icons.

Besides, I hope Apple will find a way to make the angle adjustable in future versions. Although I dont have the slightest clue how they would do that.

They could always make it closer to the Typo Keyboard Case for the angle, or the one the Pixel C uses. Or, possibly, copy Microsoft's Surface hinge.

 

[AVBeatMan]

Anyone returned the Logitech for the AKC? Any regrets? Think that's putting me off is it not being back lit.

 

[zhenya]

Finally got to try one in store today. I actually don't think it feels much like the rMB keyboard at all. It has more travel but softer activation with a far more subtle click. I'm sure I could adapt to it, but off-hand I prefer the rMB as what makes this low-travel keyboard acceptable to me is that solid feedback.