inam not crazy about the Apple smart keyboard. I guess am missing not having backlight and I keep reaching for a touchpad. Volume key would have been really nice since the silicone case makes the volume keys hard to push. I also like the angle of the Smart Cover much better. It also just feels clumsy and floppy for 170.00. I understand what it's design purpose is but the onscreen keyboard works for me with its bigger size and being able to move the cursor with 2 fingers is great. If we could just get 2 finger mouse control over the entire screen it would be awesome.
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iPad Pro Not sure I like Smart Keyboard
- Thread starter mikewired
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Wait, Smart Keyboard has no volume keys? Pffft.
I agree the ASK is clumsy and floppy. I didn't like the way it folds up when you are just using it as a stand, with the keyboard part tucked away in the back. It feels less stable than a Smart Cover.
When I have the iPP on my lap, the onscreen keyboard is great. And when I'm at a desk, I use the Apple Bluetooth keyboard-- it has volume buttons!
No backlights, but when at a desk, there is a lamp.
I agree the ASK is clumsy and floppy. I didn't like the way it folds up when you are just using it as a stand, with the keyboard part tucked away in the back. It feels less stable than a Smart Cover.
When I have the iPP on my lap, the onscreen keyboard is great. And when I'm at a desk, I use the Apple Bluetooth keyboard-- it has volume buttons!
No backlights, but when at a desk, there is a lamp.
I didn't like the layout of the keys and it was a tad cramped for me. I also wanted to go with a white theme and surprised they didn't release it in more colors but I assume that is coming down the road once they have seen how the sales are with limited release.
I am thinking I'll get the magic keyboard or some separate off brand? A keyboard like the surface would be awesome and I bet with the new connector someone will make one. A back snap on case with a foldout kickstand would be stellar. You would then have a surface type device that actually would work.
I use a Logitech Keys to Go bluetooth keyboard with mine and absolutely love it. The keyboard is smaller than the Smart Keyboard but the portability is great. Plus it has function keys which are super helpful. Plus it's only $70.
Sometimes I find that it disconnects from the Pro after a few hours or certain keys will stop working with it but turning it off and back on fixes the connection.
Ironically enough, I was about to go out and buy a Smart Keyboard for the larger keys but no function keys kills it for me.
Sometimes I find that it disconnects from the Pro after a few hours or certain keys will stop working with it but turning it off and back on fixes the connection.
Ironically enough, I was about to go out and buy a Smart Keyboard for the larger keys but no function keys kills it for me.
Keyboards are a seriously personal thing. I LOVE my Smart Keyboard - easily one of my favorite keyboards ever!
Agreed that keyboards are a personal thing. The Smart Keyboard for me is a bit worse than the standard wireless keyboards Apple has made available (the old AA powered one, and the newer slimmer one), but better than the MacBook keyboard.
For now, I just use a Smart Cover and a Magic Keyboard when I need a physical keyboard. But I can see the benefit of a keyboard that you don't have to worry about taking or not taking when you want to use it semi frequently.
For now, I just use a Smart Cover and a Magic Keyboard when I need a physical keyboard. But I can see the benefit of a keyboard that you don't have to worry about taking or not taking when you want to use it semi frequently.
Exactly. I don't use the external keyboard often enough to bother with buying a keyboard cover. My existing Apple keyboard is good enough. But if you type a lot, then the Smart Keyboard offers the most compact and convenient solution.
I use a AA Apple Wireless and the origami case that's discontinued, love it with my Pro. Most of the time if I need to use an external keyboard I am at a desk and/or table so this serves me well. On the go usually I use the internal keyboard..if I'm not using the Pencil, I think I write with Pencil more than type though!
I really love it. From the moment I got it, it was easy and quick to type on. Turns out, the Smart Keyboard is the same keyboard build in some senses as the MacBook keyboard, according to iFixit in their teardown. I really enjoyed my MacBook keyboard before the iPad Pro replaced it functionally, so that makes total sense to me, and it does feel very similar to me.
I've had quite a few portable keyboards for my various tablets and devices, mostly products from Zagg and Logitech. The Apple Smart Keyboard is different. It's awesome to type on, solid on pretty much any surface including my lap on the couch, and it's incredibly lightweight and portable while also adding protection in transit.
I have no complaints.
I have no complaints.
I am actually surprised with the Apple Keyboard, when I first got it I thought I would hate it but actually after a couple of days I just love to type on it, actually I'm just as fast typing on the iPad that on my Macbook, but I have three issues with it, and that is why I am waiting for a better third party alternative:
- I love the physical characteristics of the iPad Pro, but I feel that when I have the Keyboard on and also the Sillicone Case it becomes a little more heavy that what I would like. I know there is probably no solution for this as I don't think a Keyboard lighter than apple's one will be released.
- The lack of angle alternatives with the screen, th fact that there is only one position for the iPad makes it really uncomfortable some times, and viewing angles are not optimal.
- Backlight, I do miss this feature a lot
- I love the physical characteristics of the iPad Pro, but I feel that when I have the Keyboard on and also the Sillicone Case it becomes a little more heavy that what I would like. I know there is probably no solution for this as I don't think a Keyboard lighter than apple's one will be released.
- The lack of angle alternatives with the screen, th fact that there is only one position for the iPad makes it really uncomfortable some times, and viewing angles are not optimal.
- Backlight, I do miss this feature a lot
I admit it would be nice to have backlighting but other than that, I don't have any issue with the smart keyboard. I can type fast on it and it's pretty comfortable to use even on my lap.
It really isn't any more complicated than if one wants a light pick-n-go mobile solution, the ASK is basically all there is. Yes, there are other generic-purpose BT keyboards available, but that makes portability an issue... particularly in business situations. There's also the Logitech Create which adds bulk and has questionable reliability.
I agree that the ASK is a pretty poor keyboard cover. It is one of the reasons why I held off on buying an iPad Pro at this time. Until a viable option appears, I'll stick with my Air 2 + Belkin Qode Ultrathin keyboard case.
I like the smart keyboard quite a bit with command-tab to change apps, and command-shift-H to get to the home screen (although a home button would be better).
I just hope Apple's second version of the smart keyboard incorporates multiple angles for when the keyboard is showing and for when it is tucked back behind for the stand, which is at a pretty sharp angle right now.
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Yeah I bought the Waytool's Textblade last February. It's been almost a year so I'm hoping my Textblade ships out soon. No clue when though I am curious if the little case/stand will be able to hold the massive iPad Pro size.
I just hope Apple's second version of the smart keyboard incorporates multiple angles for when the keyboard is showing and for when it is tucked back behind for the stand, which is at a pretty sharp angle right now.
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Yeah I bought the Waytool's Textblade last February. It's been almost a year so I'm hoping my Textblade ships out soon. No clue when though
I am curious if the little case/stand will be able to hold the massive iPad Pro size.
I ordered the TextBlade last January, and I've been lurking on their forum from time to time. It's been quite a ride - the product has never been more than a few weeks from shipping at any time, but here we are, thirteen months later...
At this point, I'm loving the Smart Keyboard. It has a top-flight feel (to my taste, anyway) and it's not much thicker than the Smart Cover. I'm sticking with SK, at least for now.
