Long term Brydge Keyboard users

[blwade]

I find myself constantly going back and forth on a keyboard to go with my new 12.9 IPP I have ordered (and waiting on delivery!).

I love the idea of the smart connector, but due to all the downfalls of the keyboards available for it, I can't justify getting one.

I want something that is going to feel solid working from the couch on my lap and I would love a keyboard that is easily removable so I can use the IPP without it.

This is what brought me to the Brydge.

Anyone out there been using a Brydge keyboard for a while and have comments on how well it holds up over time? (Specifically the 12.9 IPP) I worry about the hinges becoming lose over time..

 

[Eric5273]

I had one for about 6 months but sold it a few months ago and instead decided to go with an Apple Magic Keyboard.

The quality of the Brydge is great. It looks and feels like something Apple would have made. The hinges are as good as those on a MacBook, so no need to worry. I decided to sell mine because I never use it on my lap, and always at my desk. So a separate bluetooth keyboard with a stand seemed like a better idea.

Just one thing to keep in mind is you cannot use a case with the Brydge or else the iPad won't fit in the hinge slots. So best to get a laptop sleeve.

 

[blwade]

I had one for about 6 months but sold it a few months ago and instead decided to go with an Apple Magic Keyboard.

The quality of the Brydge is great. It looks and feels like something Apple would have made. The hinges are as good as those on a MacBook, so no need to worry. I decided to sell mine because I never use it on my lap, and always at my desk. So a separate bluetooth keyboard with a stand seemed like a better idea.

Just one thing to keep in mind is you cannot use a case with the Brydge or else the iPad won't fit in the hinge slots. So best to get a laptop sleeve.

Thanks for the response!

I have considered the case issue.. I was debating buying a cheap one from Amazon that allows a Smart Keyboard and seeing if I can cut indentions for the hinges.. but I'm sure I'll love using it without a case and have also considered a skin. Is there enough wiggle room in the hinge for a skin and glass screen protector?

 

[IamDave]

I bought a Brydge last year for my iPad Air 2. Haven't used it much as I only had it two months before I sold the Air 2. As has been said though the hinges seem very strong and unlikely to wear quickly and the whole keyboard, for that matter always looked and felt very well built.

I have been "trialling" the keyboard with my 10.5" pro (to see if I'm going to get another Brydge when they release one) and can confirm you can fit an iPad with a glass screen protector in the hinges. The hinges can actually be adjusted slightly by bending them in/out to get the right level of grip so you shouldn't have any problems with a screen protector.

 

[markusbeutel]

I find myself constantly going back and forth on a keyboard to go with my new 12.9 IPP I have ordered (and waiting on delivery!).

I love the idea of the smart connector, but due to all the downfalls of the keyboards available for it, I can't justify getting one.

I want something that is going to feel solid working from the couch on my lap and I would love a keyboard that is easily removable so I can use the IPP without it.

This is what brought me to the Brydge.

Anyone out there been using a Brydge keyboard for a while and have comments on how well it holds up over time? (Specifically the 12.9 IPP) I worry about the hinges becoming lose over time..

Hinges remained firm for me - found that the Brydge 12.9 has probably the worst Bluetooth typing experience out of any keyboard I've used so far though. Constantly disconnected, and you really need to hit the keys hard to trigger them, especially shift and enter.

It's like they blew their entire budget on the look and feel of the chassis, and then realized - oh yeah, the keyboard...

Key travel was also uneven on both that I've owned. Went back to ASK and Logi slim combo - and the typing experience is sooooo much better. Won't go back to Bluetooth again.

 

[IamDave]

Thinking on the comments above I should also add that I've found the typing experience a bit hit and miss with the Brydge. By this I largely mean the fact that it tends to double type a number of characters at random intervals or very occasionally doesn't pick up a keystroke at all and this does make trying to type out documents etc a pain in the backside. That being said I previously had a Zagg keyboard which did similar i I remember righty so could be true of many (if not all) Bluetooth keyboards. I am tempted to try the ASK and see what it is like in this respect though it may take a little adjusting to having no function keys but its not the end of the world.

 

[markusbeutel]

Thinking on the comments above I should also add that I've found the typing experience a bit hit and miss with the Brydge. By this I largely mean the fact that it tends to double type a number of characters at random intervals or very occasionally doesn't pick up a keystroke at all and this does make trying to type out documents etc a pain in the backside. That being said I previously had a Zagg keyboard which did similar i I remember righty so could be true of many (if not all) Bluetooth keyboards. I am tempted to try the ASK and see what it is like in this respect though it may take a little adjusting to having no function keys but its not the end of the world.

Yep - I'm using a hybrid approach right now with the keyboard portion of the Logi slim combo, and the back case of the UAG as the back case of the LSC is a $5 piece of plastic with a squeaky kickstand.

 

[Eric5273]

Hinges remained firm for me - found that the Brydge 12.9 has probably the worst Bluetooth typing experience out of any keyboard I've used so far though. Constantly disconnected, and you really need to hit the keys hard to trigger them, especially shift and enter.

It's like they blew their entire budget on the look and feel of the chassis, and then realized - oh yeah, the keyboard...

Key travel was also uneven on both that I've owned. Went back to ASK and Logi slim combo - and the typing experience is sooooo much better. Won't go back to Bluetooth again.

I will mention that I never had any of the issues that you mention. The keyboard never disconnected once in the 6 months that I had it, and the typing experience was fine.

However, one thing I did notice is that after about 5-10 minutes of inactivity, the keyboard will go into some sort of power saving mode. Then to wake it up you must first press a key and wait about a second or two, and that first key press does not register as a typed key and only serves to wake up the keyboard. Compare this to the Apple Magic Keyboard which also uses bluetooth, and it works much better -- the Magic Keyboard wakes up instantly when I press the first key and that key does register as a key press, so you can basically just start typing and it wakes up again. You would think this would mean that the Magic Keyboard gets poor battery life, but just the opposite -- the Brydge lasted me for about 2-3 months on a charge, while the Magic Keyboard is going on 5 months with about 25% still left. Also, a nice feature of the Magic Keyboard is that you can see the battery level in the iOS battery widget.

 

[blwade]

I will mention that I never had any of the issues that you mention. The keyboard never disconnected once in the 6 months that I had it, and the typing experience was fine.

However, one thing I did notice is that after about 5-10 minutes of inactivity, the keyboard will go into some sort of power saving mode. Then to wake it up you must first press a key and wait about a second or two, and that first key press does not register as a typed key and only serves to wake up the keyboard. Compare this to the Apple Magic Keyboard which also uses bluetooth, and it works much better -- the Magic Keyboard wakes up instantly when I press the first key and that key does register as a key press, so you can basically just start typing and it wakes up again. You would think this would mean that the Magic Keyboard gets poor battery life, but just the opposite -- the Brydge lasted me for about 2-3 months on a charge, while the Magic Keyboard is going on 5 months with about 25% still left. Also, a nice feature of the Magic Keyboard is that you can see the battery level in the iOS battery widget.

I'm glad to hear that it sounds like a defect if it's doing that.. it had me worried!

I strongly considered the magic keyboard + canopy, but I'm worried I'm going to want to use it on my lap too much to use that combo.. maybe after I have the iPad for a while, I'll get a better feel of my true use case.
[doublepost=1499727972][/doublepost]

Yep - I'm using a hybrid approach right now with the keyboard portion of the Logi slim combo, and the back case of the UAG as the back case of the LSC is a $5 piece of plastic with a squeaky kickstand.

How is typing on that keyboard when on your lap with nothing to rest your palm on? That was what I was worried about that keyboard..

 

[markusbeutel]

I'm glad to hear that it sounds like a defect if it's doing that.. it had me worried!

I strongly considered the magic keyboard + canopy, but I'm worried I'm going to want to use it on my lap too much to use that combo.. maybe after I have the iPad for a while, I'll get a better feel of my true use case.
[doublepost=1499727972][/doublepost]

How is typing on that keyboard when on your lap with nothing to rest your palm on? That was what I was worried about that keyboard..

Not great on your lap - you gotta be imaginative with positioning - definitely worse than a Surface Pro experience. Really nice on a desk though. 12.9 much better than the 10.5 though.

 

[csonni]

Not great on your lap - you gotta be imaginative with positioning - definitely worse than a Surface Pro experience. Really nice on a desk though. 12.9 much better than the 10.5 though.

[doublepost=1517429241][/doublepost]I’ve been using the 10.5 Brydge with my iPad Pro and have noticed that, when closing, the right front narrow holder pad presses hard enough against the display to cause the “shimmer” as it would when you push your finger hard in that area. I was a bit concerned. Brydge supportmsaid they have not come across this issue (which rather surprised me). They recommended widening the holder with finger pressure only. I’m really curious with other users experience. I would imagine most would see the same issue. I was thinking of applying a drop of light oil on the hinge. Is it possible to eventually cause damage to the display with undue pressure?

 

[rmchale]

[doublepost=1517429241][/doublepost]I’ve been using the 10.5 Brydge with my iPad Pro and have noticed that, when closing, the right front narrow holder pad presses hard enough against the display to cause the “shimmer” as it would when you push your finger hard in that area. I was a bit concerned. Brydge supportmsaid they have not come across this issue (which rather surprised me). They recommended widening the holder with finger pressure only. I’m really curious with other users experience. I would imagine most would see the same issue. I was thinking of applying a drop of light oil on the hinge. Is it possible to eventually cause damage to the display with undue pressure?

I have this issue as well on the right corner. Has this caused any issues? How did you resolve this?

 

[mobashsher]

[doublepost=1517429241][/doublepost]I’ve been using the 10.5 Brydge with my iPad Pro and have noticed that, when closing, the right front narrow holder pad presses hard enough against the display to cause the “shimmer” as it would when you push your finger hard in that area. I was a bit concerned. Brydge supportmsaid they have not come across this issue (which rather surprised me). They recommended widening the holder with finger pressure only. I’m really curious with other users experience. I would imagine most would see the same issue. I was thinking of applying a drop of light oil on the hinge. Is it possible to eventually cause damage to the display with undue pressure?

I just bought one and I noticed the same. So my question is, after one year of use, did it damage your iPad’s screen?

 

[rmchale]

I just bought one and I noticed the same. So my question is, after one year of use, did it damage your iPad’s screen?

Yes it put a nice scratch across my screen. I'd recommend a screen protector.

If you look closely bottom right you can see a scratch

 

[mobashsher]

Yes it put a nice scratch across my screen. I'd recommend a screen protector.

If you look closely bottom right you can see a scratch

What about the LCD itself? With that hinge pressing against it about 20 times or more every day when you close the lid, did the LCD get damaged after some time?
I’m more concerned with actual LCD damage at the right corner at this point since the shimmering happens every time i try to adjust the screen or when I close the iPad.

 

[rmchale]

What about the LCD itself? With that hinge pressing against it about 20 times or more every day when you close the lid, did the LCD get damaged after some time?
I’m more concerned with actual LCD damage at the right corner at this point since the shimmering happens every time i try to adjust the screen or when I close the iPad.

I tried to find ways to close it so or wouldn't cause the screen to flicker. Best I could tell no LCD damage.

Also looks like I uploaded the wrong photo

 

[blasto2236]

I like the concept of the Brydge, but I just can’t get over the added bulk. If I’m going to make my iPad thicker and heavier than my MacBook Pro, then I may as well just grab the MacBook when I’m leaving the house. I prefer either using the Smart Keyboard or a combo of a stand like the compass from Twelve South and a Magic Keyboard.

 

[Porterhouse]

I like the concept of the Brydge, but I just can’t get over the added bulk. If I’m going to make my iPad thicker and heavier than my MacBook Pro, then I may as well just grab the MacBook when I’m leaving the house. I prefer either using the Smart Keyboard or a combo of a stand like the compass from Twelve South and a Magic Keyboard.

Agreed. I love my MacBook Pro, and it's not that heavy. In that case, as you said, I would take the MBP.

For a while, I've been switching back and forth from keyboard folio to the folio. Recently, I picked up this case for the Magic Keyboard to give it a try: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01K780TN2/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1. So far, I like it; it's easy to throw in my bag and use it when I need it.

 

[A.R.E.A.M.]

Some people who use the iPad dont have a MacBook. The ipad is my laptop replacement and this design is really nice. For me it makes the footprint i have now smaller (i use a Logitech k 780) and compact. I dont care about the added heft/bulk but we all have our own tastes.

I’m happy someone decided to ask this question from prior brydge users because its really helpful to those of us who are new to that vendor.

Edit : @rmchale , where can i get that image in your post up there bro? I gots to have it!!!!!!

 

[JD2015]

https://9to5mac.com/2019/02/19/brydge-keyboard-for-the-2018-12-9-inch-ipad-pro/

Latest feedback for the new Byrdge keyboards arriving soon.

 

[A.R.E.A.M.]

Thanks for the link, and the last paragraph or so really shows why this model is delayed. I had hoped to have this by late may when i take my international flight , but seeing as i didnt pre order (dont like giving my money away without a product) means i probably wont have it and that’s fine, given the issues with the prototype and some of the discussion from older generation brydge users (thanks to those users who have posted their experience in this thread ) I’ve read about.....

 

[sas911s]

Does anyone know how to get the emoji keyboard on the Brydge keyboard?

 

[ascender]

Agreed. I love my MacBook Pro, and it's not that heavy. In that case, as you said, I would take the MBP.

For a while, I've been switching back and forth from keyboard folio to the folio. Recently, I picked up this case for the Magic Keyboard to give it a try: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01K780TN2/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1. So far, I like it; it's easy to throw in my bag and use it when I need it.

Are you able to type on your lap with the Fintie case and Magic Keyboard combo? Like you, I have a Magic Keyboard and stand which is a nice setup, but I find that using the Keyboard Folio on my lap, the iPad wants to try and tip backwards due to the weight. It works much better on the 11”, I guess because of the lower weight.

 

[JD2015]

Does anyone know how to get the emoji keyboard on the Brydge keyboard?

You can toggle between the bridge keyboard and on screen one. In the top row there should be on screen keyboard which I think is situated between the brightness and play function keys. if you press this then the software keyboard will come up and you can select emojis. If you go onto bridge's website and check out the relevant manual then you can see where the on screen keyboard toggle is located.

 

[Porterhouse]

Are you able to type on your lap with the Fintie case and Magic Keyboard combo? Like you, I have a Magic Keyboard and stand which is a nice setup, but I find that using the Keyboard Folio on my lap, the iPad wants to try and tip backwards due to the weight. It works much better on the 11”, I guess because of the lower weight.

To be honest, I've never tried before now. I normally have it propped on a desk or table in front of me. But out of curiosity, I'll give it a try.

My first inclination was that it was going to be too unwieldy. But the Fintie magnets come together in the back to prop the iPP. However, I have the 11 inch; since the 12.9 is slightly heavier, it might be too much for it to handle. The Canopy case also holds the Magic Keyboard and iPP together. At $40, it's a little more expensive than the Fintie, but perhaps it would be steadier. https://www.amazon.com/Canopy-Keybo...t=&hvlocphy=1013173&hvtargid=pla-553883188274