Lets talk 12.9 keyboards

[SuperMiguel]

Wondering which keyboard are you guys using?? I currently have the Logitech Create and the apple smart keyboard... So far the Logitech Create wins hands down, lighting, key spacing, alot easier to type, key sound, etc etc... Just wondering if there is any other keyboard i should consider looking into?? Logitech has the slim combo, but it has really bad reviews at the apple side (some music playing) but i really like the variable stand... (Which is one of the things i hate about the create, there is no variation on angle )

 

[kasakka]

I just use the virtual keyboard. It is a good size on the 12.9 and actually not that bad to type on. Saves a lot of weight.

 

[donklaus]

On my second Logitech Create here. The keyboard feel, backlighting and full set of command keys for screen brightness, sound, home and other functions are its strongest feature. don’t mind the lack of adjustable angles - the default position is perfect for me and virtually identical the usual position of my laptop screens. But this is mother is heavy, and bulk combined with the coarse woven material of the outside cover transforms an thin, lightweight elegant tablet into the tech equivalent of a sack of potatoes. Plus, I’ve had build quality issues. The first one lost one of the gripper tabs that held the tablet in place. Logitech swapped it for free. The second and current one has partially disintegrated in the upper right corner around the sound control and on-off buttons. Doesnt interfere with most functionality, but I can only adjust sound with the keyboard or by sticking my Apple Pencil into the holes to reach the iPad’s up and down volume buttons.

Tried the Logitech Slim Combo. Looks great in the demo videos, completely impractical in actual use. Not to mention, it feels and looks flimsy - doubt it would have stood up to much real world use. Returned it after a couple of days.

Considering a Brydge - like sleek aluminum casing, and the keyboard gets good reviews. But no slot or holder for the Apple pencil as far as I can tell. Zagg seems to have discontinued their Slim Folio, which I wanted to try as well.

Would really like to find a better option than any of those above.

 

[SuperMiguel]

i really like the videos of that razer with mechanical keys but lots of bad reviews The Brydge 12.9 looks awesome but few people report issues with keys and it taking too long to communicate with ipad

 

[ejin222]

I have the Logi Slim combo. I love it. No issues with music playback. They fixed that a while back. That and it has a Pencil holder. So win win for me.

I was waiting for the Zagg to re-release their Slim Book but I’ve read reviews that it’s worse than their first effort. And, I don’t think it’s compatible with 2017’s.

For the Brydge, after using the smart connector on the Logi, I don’t think I can go back to a Bluetooth connection. And the Logi at least protects the back of my iPad.

Try the Logi Slim. I really love it, which I wouldn’t have thought so two months ago

 

[SuperMiguel]

I have the Logi Slim combo. I love it. No issues with music playback. They fixed that a while back. That and it has a Pencil holder. So win win for me.

I was waiting for the Zagg to re-release their Slim Book but I’ve read reviews that it’s worse than their first effort. And, I don’t think it’s compatible with 2017’s.

For the Brydge, after using the smart connector on the Logi, I don’t think I can go back to a Bluetooth connection. And the Logi at least protects the back of my iPad.

Try the Logi Slim. I really love it, which I wouldn’t have thought so two months ago

how come amazon doesnt sell it?

 

[Ghost31]

I just use the virtual keyboard. It is a good size on the 12.9 and actually not that bad to type on. Saves a lot of weight.

I resisted for the longest time and just started using the virtual keyboard recently. Now I love it. Only issue I had in the beginning was trying to type too fast without looking at where I put my fingers and I’d get a crap ton of typos. I didn’t realize til later I can’t do that with a software keyboard. Now that I focus a bit more where my fingers are going, I get almost no errors

 

[macgeek18]

I have the ASK. I love it. I’ve never tried anything else though. It’s been good To me.

 

[azpekt]

Magic keyboard

 

[haruhiko]

ASK actually feels even better than the new MacBook Pro keyboard. I have used it since 2015 and still in love with it.

 

[ejin222]

how come amazon doesnt sell it?

Probably because it was sold out for a long time. Zagg apparently re-engineered the case, but after talking with a customer representative, it seems that they did not make the necessary changes to fit the 2017 model while Logitech did with their Slim Combo case.

TBH, I REALLY wanted to purchase the Zagg keyboard. It's exactly what I wanted in a case. But looking at the reviews, it seems that the re-engineered case is worse than the first version.

 

[Precursor]

ASK wins hands down, no charging, low weight, thin & light, waterproof, no key sounds, etc etc...

 

[ejin222]

ASK wins hands down, no charging, low weight, thin & light, waterproof, no key sounds, etc etc...

The only thing I give ASK is the low weight - but at what cost? No back protection, no real protection to the iPad in any real way...

The Logitech Slim, though heavier, provides multiple viewing angles, no charging, no key sounds as well, multi-functional AND backlit keys, back protection, Pencil holder... And waterproof is not a function I would test in day to day uses. What matters to me is the typing experience (which Logi has it down) and the viewing angle. All the other functions are extra niceties.

With a 12.9 iPad, the low weight is negated by the iPad alone...

 

[Precursor]

The only thing I give ASK is the low weight - but at what cost? No back protection, no real protection to the iPad in any real way...

The Logitech Slim, though heavier, provides multiple viewing angles, no charging, no key sounds as well, multi-functional AND backlit keys, back protection, Pencil holder... And waterproof is not a function I would test in day to day uses. What matters to me is the typing experience (which Logi has it down) and the viewing angle. All the other functions are extra niceties.

With a 12.9 iPad, the low weight is negated by the iPad alone...

The only thing I give another bluetooth, charged, heavy keyboard is the backlit keys. But at what cost? Double the weight, bulky, need charge all the time, have bluetooth on all the time...

Back protection is not a "keyboard" function, so ASK not providing back protection is non-sequitur. You may not see being water proof as a "function", but it's one of the best features of the ASK as I spilled coffee on it many times and I could clean it without breaking anything. And especially with a 12.9" iPad, the low weight is a welcome bonus!

 

[sracer]

ASK wins hands down, no charging, low weight, thin & light, waterproof, no key sounds, etc etc...

People interact closely with keyboards and so it is a highly personal and subjective topic...

Having said that, I wholeheartedly agree with you. The ASK is the winner for me as well... by a long shot. It is the best design possible for a tablet without an integrated kickstand. I find it to be the most comfortable keyboard that I use out of all the systems that I use... desktop. notebook. tablet. whatever.

I have used, and continue to use mechanical keyboards for the last 40+ years. I appreciate the increased typing speeds when using the ASK. Less effort expended to press a key results in quicker typing. After a few minutes of adjusting to the lower resistance and key travel, my fingers start to just flitter along. But maybe that's because I'm a traditional touch-typist.

I also agree with you regarding "protection". It is a keyboard COVER not a keyboard CASE. I have a thin clear skin on the back of my 12.9 Pro to protect against scratches and provide a little better grip.

For my needs, a keyboard case would take the 12.9 Pro out of the running for me as a mobile device. With the added weight and bulk, I would rather bring my 11" Macbook Air or buy a 13" Air.

 

[tony_glasgow]

Plus, I’ve had build quality issues. The first one lost one of the gripper tabs that held the tablet in place. Logitech swapped it for free. The second and current one has partially disintegrated in the upper right corner around the sound control and on-off buttons. Doesnt interfere with most functionality, but I can only adjust sound with the keyboard or by sticking my Apple Pencil into the holes to reach the iPad’s up and down volume buttons.

Same issue with the volume controls on my SO's Logitech Create. I don't think it's a great design and feel if you pull the iPad in/out a bag on a regular basis it will eventually catch on the volume controls section of the case and 'pop open'. Once it's failed once it will fail more and more regularly. And once the plastic risers (that sit on top of the volume buttons) are lost from inside that section you have to resort to filling the gap with random bits to fill the gap!

People interact closely with keyboards and so it is a highly personal and subjective topic...

Couldn't agree more. I hate the weight of the Logitech Create and prefer the ability to 'rip' the ASK on/off the iPad easily. My only real (minor) criticism is that it's louder than a laptop keyboard which can make you self-conscious in serious meetings!

SO on the other hand hates the feel of the ASK and loves the Logitech...

Very polarising subject in our house!

 

[SuperMiguel]

The only thing I give another bluetooth, charged, heavy keyboard is the backlit keys. But at what cost? Double the weight, bulky, need charge all the time, have bluetooth on all the time...

Back protection is not a "keyboard" function, so ASK not providing back protection is non-sequitur. You may not see being water proof as a "function", but it's one of the best features of the ASK as I spilled coffee on it many times and I could clean it without breaking anything. And especially with a 12.9" iPad, the low weight is a welcome bonus!

the logitechs are not bluetooth
[doublepost=1507503030][/doublepost]You guys talk about logitech build quality issues.... Does the ASK have better build quality?? I have tried 3 of them and all 3 of them stand a mile off flat desk, people say to bend it but this to me equals bad design, i went to apple store the other day and someone opened 10 boxes in front another customer to find 1 that actual layed flat on a flat surface... I do feel like the water proof is a good feature

 

[sracer]

the logitechs are not bluetooth
[doublepost=1507503030][/doublepost]You guys talk about logitech build quality issues.... Does the ASK have better build quality?? I have tried 3 of them and all 3 of them stand a mile off flat desk, people say to bend it but this to me equals bad design, i went to apple store the other day and someone opened 10 boxes in front another customer to find 1 that actual layed flat on a flat surface... I do feel like the water proof is a good feature

I can only speak from my own first hand experience. I’ve had my ASK for over 18 months and it still looks and works as good as the first day...that’s with heavy daily usage. But I don’t doubt that others have had different experiences.

 

[ejin222]

The only thing I give another bluetooth, charged, heavy keyboard is the backlit keys. But at what cost? Double the weight, bulky, need charge all the time, have bluetooth on all the time...

Back protection is not a "keyboard" function, so ASK not providing back protection is non-sequitur. You may not see being water proof as a "function", but it's one of the best features of the ASK as I spilled coffee on it many times and I could clean it without breaking anything. And especially with a 12.9" iPad, the low weight is a welcome bonus!

You’re right. The case is not a keyboard function. But I fail to see how any of your points you gave were keyboard “functions” as well... I listed things like adjustable kick stand, multifunction keys, backlit keys, as well as no keyboard sounds (to me, the ASK is really loud...). And the Logitech isn’t Bluetooth either and doesn’t need to be charged as well.

But low weight and waterproofing are important to you as keyboard functions, and for me, I see the added benefits of the cover, Pencil holder, and the reasons listed above as reasons why I love my Logitech

 

[boston04and07]

Magic keyboard

Same. Magic keyboard when I want to touch type or type a lot, and just the onscreen keyboard every other time. It keeps everything light and lets me use my favorite case, which isn’t compatible with the Smart Keyboard. (That case is a Dodocase). I mostly use it at my desk anyway, but can use it in my lap comfortably propped up with this case.

I like how the magic keyboard feels just like my old MacBook keyboards, the fact that it has an on/off switch to prevent accidental input when I’m not using it (those of us here with cats will know exactly why), the fact that the battery lasts months and charges with the same cable as my iPad, and how it’s still very thin and light for the semi rare times I do want to bring it with me. Plus it gives me access to the media shortcut keys. (I just wish that f3 and f4 were functional to bring users to the home screen and app switcher, though).

Granted I’m currently using a 10.5 pro, but I think this all applies to the 12.9, and it was my exact setup when I had a 12.9 anyway. I think the magic keyboard is a good, less expensive option that people don’t often think about, especially for those of us who don’t really want a physical keyboard attached all the time or who prefer the feel of MacBook keyboards over the smart keypad.

 

[SuperMiguel]

Magic keyboard is Bluetooth? any delays issues with it?

 

[boston04and07]

Magic keyboard is Bluetooth? any delays issues with it?

Yup, the magic keyboard is indeed Bluetooth. I’ve never experience any delay issues with the iPads I’ve used it with (which include a first gen 12.9, 10.5 and a mini 4). I switch it off whenever I’m not using it, and when I switch it back on, I hit any key a couple times and it connects within seconds. After that it’s just like typing on a MacBook keyboard.

 

[mcrmama]

Yup, the magic keyboard is indeed Bluetooth. I’ve never experience any delay issues with the iPads I’ve used it with (which include a first gen 12.9, 10.5 and a mini 4). I switch it off whenever I’m not using it, and when I switch it back on, I hit any key a couple times and it connects within seconds. After that it’s just like typing on a MacBook keyboard.

Same here. I am enjoying my magic keyboard.

 

[oldhifi]

i really like the videos of that razer with mechanical keys but lots of bad reviews The Brydge 12.9 looks awesome but few people report issues with keys and it taking too long to communicate with ipad

I don't have any problem with mine..