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The Pro 9.7 Smart Keyboard is the keyboard I've been waiting for

Booji

Booji

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Nov 17, 2011
793
519
Tokyo
I've had a number of iPad over the years, and have tried keyboards on some of them. First was a Logitech Ultrathin keyboard cover for my iPad 2. When I moved to the iPad Air first generation, I tried the Belkin Quode.

The hassle of pairing, the delay and the fact that the keyboard weighed was much as the iPad itself just took away the portability that in my mind is a key point of having a tablet anyway. Plus the fact that I had to remove the keyboard every time I wanted to use it as a tablet because the case on it was just too bulky.

The Smart Keyboard really solves all of this. It's so light I use it as a cover and extra weight is hardly noticed, and it's so easy to remove if you want.

Plus, the integration of the shortcut commands really ads a lot to the experience. I'm feeling that I no longer really need a pointing device as now I can do so many things without even taking my hands off the keyboard.

Lastly, the fabric of the keys feels so comfortable and the feedback is quiet yet very satisfying. I'm finding that I can type at nearly the same potential as a full size keyboard despite the small size.

Again, Apple takes something that has been out there for years and finally makes it useable.
 
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Booji said:
I've had a number of iPad over the years, and have tried keyboards on some of them. First was a Logitech Ultrathin keyboard cover for my iPad 2. When I moved to the iPad Air first generation, I tried the Belkin Quode.

The hassle of pairing, the delay and the fact that the keyboard weighed was much as the iPad itself just took away the portability that in my mind is a key point of having a tablet anyway. Plus the fact that I had to remove the keyboard every time I wanted to use it as a tablet because the case on it was just too bulky.

The Smart Keyboard really solves all of this. It's so light I use it as a cover and extra weight is hardly noticed, and it's so easy to remove if you want.

Plus, the integration of the shortcut commands really ads a lot to the experience. I'm feeling that I no longer really need a pointing device as now I can do so many things without even taking my hands off the keyboard.

Lastly, the fabric of the keys feels so comfortable and the feedback is quiet yet very satisfying. I'm finding that I can type at nearly the same potential as a full size keyboard despite the small size.

Again, Apple takes something that has been out there for years and finally makes it useable.
Click to expand...
Totally agree. I also had the Logitech Ultrathin for my iPad 2, but it was so much hassle that I didn't buy a keyboard for my Air 2. Having the Apple Keyboard for the iPad pro is making this so much more useful.

Essentially, Apple copied Microsoft: added keyboard and pen to a tablet. Happy they did!
 
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ssledoux said:
Well I can't speak to the smaller one because I have the one for the 12.9 iPP, but it is truly amazing! I'm so glad I splurged for this!!
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Same for me - I have the Smart Keyboard on my 12.9 and it really is a brilliant keyboard. I was a bit reluctant to get it because of the cost (and the fact it's US layout only) but am really pleased I did: I agree that it's definitely the best iPad keyboard I've ever used
 
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Phil A. said:
Same for me - I have the Smart Keyboard on my 12.9 and it really is a brilliant keyboard. I was a bit reluctant to get it because of the cost (and the fact it's US layout only) but am really pleased I did: I agree that it's definitely the best iPad keyboard I've ever used
Click to expand...

This makes me more excited to try it out

Is it an ok standalone stand and front cover ?
 
It's the only cover I use on my iPad - works great as a stand and cover for me: It takes a couple of days to get used to as it folds differently to the smart covers. However, it won't work as a stand in the "laying down" position
 
ssledoux said:
Well I can't speak to the smaller one because I have the one for the 12.9 iPP, but it is truly amazing! I'm so glad I splurged for this!!
Click to expand...
It's not a splurge it's a business expense. I claimed my 9.7 iPad Pro on my 2015 taxes as a business expense since it come with Microsoft Office for free.
 
I have not tried the Smart Keyboard yet, but I have to say I agree with you. I swore off iPad keyboards after my first zaggfolio. It was bulky and heavy and troublesome to detach and pair, so I eventually gave up trying to make it work.

The Smart Keyboard looks like it has none of these bugbears. You don't even have to worry about keeping it charged (technically). Only issue is the price and the longevity. Unless the next iPad Pro has the exact same form factor and dimensions, I am not prepared to spend so much on an accessory only for it to be potentially made redundant down the line.
 
I had used the Logitech ultrathin keyboard cover on my iPad Air 2. Was one of the best keyboards at the time that I had used on the iPad. With getting the pro, I decided against the ASK as I was used to having the function keys and Apple left the row of function keys off of their Smart Keyboard. Instead I got the Smart Cover that allows me to fold an stand iPP up and with that I use a keys to go keyboard. It is small compact and very light and I find it as good as and in my case better than the ASK due to the function keys.
 
lax28 said:
I had used the Logitech ultrathin keyboard cover on my iPad Air 2. Was one of the best keyboards at the time that I had used on the iPad. With getting the pro, I decided against the ASK as I was used to having the function keys and Apple left the row of function keys off of their Smart Keyboard. Instead I got the Smart Cover that allows me to fold an stand iPP up and with that I use a keys to go keyboard. It is small compact and very light and I find it as good as and in my case better than the ASK due to the function keys.
Click to expand...
This is my setup as well. Love it. I had the KTG for my Air 2 and didn't see the need to go to the Apple keyboard. Looking forward to Logitech's offering for the 9.7, though.
 
It would be even better if they extended it to the full width of the iPad, included another row of function keys, and added a trackpad!

But I agree - every aftermarket keyboard has always had serious issues - most seriously with durability - which is insane considering the price many of them go for!
 
lax28 said:
I had used the Logitech ultrathin keyboard cover on my iPad Air 2. Was one of the best keyboards at the time that I had used on the iPad. With getting the pro, I decided against the ASK as I was used to having the function keys and Apple left the row of function keys off of their Smart Keyboard. Instead I got the Smart Cover that allows me to fold an stand iPP up and with that I use a keys to go keyboard. It is small compact and very light and I find it as good as and in my case better than the ASK due to the function keys.
Click to expand...
Clearly depends on how you use it. It doesn't seem that setup works on the lap, which to me is an important usage scenario. Apple's command sequences to a certain extend replaces the function keys.
 
ahostmadsen said:
Clearly depends on how you use it. It doesn't seem that setup works on the lap, which to me is an important usage scenario. Apple's command sequences to a certain extend replaces the function keys.
Click to expand...
I agree with you as most of my usage is definitely on my lap.
 
I am amazed how good the Apple Keyboard works. Seeing it in pictures, I expected it to be like those bubble-style keys or something that worked as bad like the old Atari 400!!! Trying it out in the Apple Store changed my mind instantly. I think it is even nicer to type on than the MacBook keyboard. Needless to say, I bought one and love it!
 
I took mine on a one week international business trip. What was cool about the Smart Keyoard was that I ended up leaving it on all the time as a cover even though I did not need the keyboard. It's that thin and light. No need to plan if I will need the keyboard as its with me all the time.
 
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Peepo said:
I am amazed how good the Apple Keyboard works. Seeing it in pictures, I expected it to be like those bubble-style keys or something that worked as bad like the old Atari 400!!! Trying it out in the Apple Store changed my mind instantly. I think it is even nicer to type on than the MacBook keyboard. Needless to say, I bought one and love it!
Click to expand...
Personally, anything is nicer than the Macbook keyboard. Even typing on glass is more pleasant to me. The Macbook keyboard is one huge disappointment for me. The smart keyboard is a tiny bit better, but for me nothing to write home about.
 
Abazigal said:
This is the one I bought, coincidentally enough, after reading Booji's recommendation in this thread.

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Ultr...w_p_img_7?ie=UTF8&refRID=1PMRVRG67JM0V1ANNC4Q
Click to expand...
Thanks for the link. I am thinking of getting one of these myself when the 12.9 purchase day comes. I have a logitech solar keyboard at home that is paired to three devices and works great when I need a longer typing session. This seems ideal for on the go, works with multiple devices and doesn't cost a fortune while probably still being a better typing experience than the Apple keyboard.
 
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