Logitech Debuts First Third-Party Keyboard Case for iPad Pro

[MacRumors]

Earlier today Apple announced its long-rumored 12.9-inch iPad Pro at its "Hey Siri" special event. The new iPad model was introduced alongside a new Microsoft Surface-like Smart Keyboard, which connects to the iPad Pro via the three-dot Smart Connector. Now, Logitech has announced its own keyboard case for the iPad Pro, making it the first third-party manufacturer to produce an accessory for the Smart Connector.

We're excited to introduce the Logitech® CREATE Keyboard Case for iPad Pro, developed closely with Apple to leverage the new Smart Connector(TM), eliminating the need to power on, set up or charge the keyboard - it is always ready when you are.

The keyboard's ability to utilize the Smart Connector allows it to automatically power on and pair with the iPad Pro as soon as its connected because the Smart Connector facilitates both data and power transfers. This lets the user avoid having to pair their device via a Bluetooth set-up process or worry about charging the keyboard or swapping out its batteries.

While Logitech and Apple developed the keyboard together because of the Smart Connector, it's unknown whether other manufacturers will also get the opportunity to develop keyboard cases that take advantage of Apple's new connection port.

The keys of the CREATE keyboard case are full-sized, allowing users to easily adjust from similarly-sized laptop keyboards and do the work they need. It's also built with a "tightly-woven premium fabric" that Logitech says helps resist accidental bumps, spills and scratches.

The CREATE Keyboard Case will be available for purchase alongside the iPad Pro, which will launch in November. It's unknown how much the CREATE Keyboard Case will retail for.

Article Link: Logitech Debuts First Third-Party Keyboard Case for iPad Pro

 

[nagromme]

Only fair! As far as I know, Logitech was the first to do a keyboard version of Apple's Smart Cover--certainly before Microsoft did it. (Bulky keyboard "folios" are another matter.)

 

[APlotdevice]

The Smart Connector is nice et al, but making it out to be something completely revolutionary is kinda ridiculous.

 

[D-Dave]

Only fair! As far as I know, Logitech was the first to do a keyboard version of Apple's Smart Cover--certainly before Microsoft did it. (Bulky keyboard "folios" are another matter.)

Not sure if I got your post right, but what does microsoft have to do with this Logitech product for an iPad? Anyway even if there is some connection that I just can not see, the type cover has a vastly different usage scenario to this one. While this one works together with iOS and by doing so replacing the on screen keyboard, the type cover is a complete alternative input method (incl. a touchpad) for the surface running a desktop OS...to me that's a completely different scenario...
Unless, you are simply making the standard "my favorite company made this product first so everyone else is a cheap copycat" statement in which case I will silently withdraw as my point of view on this is simply "there is so much prior art to ANY tech product these days that the invention part is mostly combining and improving existing tech" which is just to saturated with pragmatism to fuel a decent flamewar...

 

[jazz1]

I wonder how it looks when closed? Is it a total magnetic attachment when closed?

I actually wish Apple would have had a keyboard for the IPP that is like the one on my 2015 12" Macbook. The fabric keyboard thing responsiveness would be a question for me.

I guess we will have to wait for the "big" reveal. Color me intrigued.

 

[ke-iron]

I wonder how it looks when closed? Is it a total magnetic attachment when closed?

I actually wish Apple would have had a keyboard for the IPP that is like the one on my 2015 12" Macbook. The fabric keyboard thing responsiveness would be a question for me.

I guess we will have to wait for the "big" reveal. Color me intrigued.

I too is wondering how it will look when closed. Or is this simply a keyboard dock you will leave on your desk and you dock it when you want to work. Either way I don't think it will look good closed because of the iPad form factor, keyboards were an after though of the original design of the iPad.

 

[highlystrange]

Likely this keyboard attaches magnetically to the Pro, much like Logitech's Ultra-Thin Keyboard case (not folio) for iPads. This is the only keyboard I'd ever use with iPads, so I'm looking forward to seeing how this new keyboard case works out.

 

[sracer]

Very nice. IMO Logitech consistently makes some of the best keyboards for iPads.

 

[cocacolakid]

I just ordered my iPad Pro for in store pickup today and the Logitech case is also available for in store pickup for $149.99.

 

[jazz1]

I'm interested in the Logitech case, but it looks to be more of a full-time laptop style case. Can you bend the keyboard around to the back for occasional portrait mode use? They keyboard looks better than the Apple keyboard, but I like Apple's easy off solution for use without the keyboard.

I guess I'll check them both out in the Apple Store.

 

[ke-iron]

I'm interested in the Logitech case, but it looks to be more of a full-time laptop style case. Can you bend the keyboard around to the back for occasional portrait mode use? They keyboard looks better than the Apple keyboard, but I like Apple's easy off solution for use without the keyboard.

I guess I'll check them both out in the Apple Store.

Doesn't look like you can bend the keyboard around the back. It looks like a full time keyboard case. I'll have to pass since most of my time I will not be typing on it but I will be reading and writing.

 

[jazz1]

Well I did see one in person. You can bend it back, but you are cradling the keys in the palm of your and. I noticed it also skewed a bit in the palm of your hand. I didn't get to try the keyboard, but it looked like a more traditional keyboard. If you are going to use this with the keyboard all of the time then no problem.

That said I'm going with the Apple Keyboard for easier conversion to tablet mode. It is easier to pull off the Apple keyboard's magnetic. I am guessing because the Logitech makes you slide the iPad into the case. Again had no hands on with either of the two keyboards. By the way I had a horrible experience with a Logitech keyboard for my iPad Air 2 the plastic holder/anchor points cracked with minimal use. This design seems similar.

Downside of Apple keyboard is you get no back of the iPad protection unless you add the pricey plastic back case. The Apple sales person said it could use the back case when using the mounted keyboard.

Another downside with the Apple keyboard is lack of availability. I had to order online with 3 to 4 week delivery time to USA address. So I had to buy the Apple front cover.

 

[sracer]

Another downside to the Apple keyboard is the lack of iPad-specific keys for typical functions.