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Which keyboard do you use with your 2018 iPad Pro?

  • Apple Smart Keyboard Folio

    Votes: 39 53.4%
  • Logitech Slim Folio Pro

    Votes: 7 9.6%
  • Zagg Slim Book Go

    Votes: 1 1.4%
  • Brydge Pro

    Votes: 9 12.3%
  • Apple Magic Keyboard

    Votes: 11 15.1%
  • Third party Bluetooth keyboard

    Votes: 11 15.1%
  • Third party Bluetooth keyboard case

    Votes: 1 1.4%
  • I dont use a keyboard with my iPad Pro 2018

    Votes: 3 4.1%

  • Total voters
    73

The Game 161

macrumors Nehalem
Dec 15, 2010
30,969
20,166
UK
Got both apple Smart Keyboard and Logitech and while Logitech keyboard is better how light the apple one is makes it my first choice at the moment
 

Natesac

macrumors 6502a
May 29, 2008
816
47
Dallas,Tx
I am currently using an Apple Magic Keyboard with my iPad Pro 11. I have loved having an excuse do dig it out of the drawer. I got it with my iMac but quickly switched to a mechanical.

I forgot how much I liked the apple magic keyboard. It's really thin and light and easy enough to slip into my bag with my iPad. I have always liked the feel of the keys, but I really don't like the white finish along with my space grey ipad.

I will very likely be getting a space grey Bridge Pro if the reviews are good. Over the years I owned and broke several Zagg keyboard cases for my 9.7" iPads. I always liked the clamshell form factor, but the hinges did NOT hold up to even light use. They would only last a few months before breaking. I think this is why Zagg no longer makes a hinged keyboard case.

Hopefully the Bridge proves to be worth the price. Maybe the metal contruction will hold up better than the plastic Zagg designs of old. I also like how easy it looks to install/remove the iPad from the Bridge.

Fingers crossed those are well made.
 
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richpjr

macrumors 68040
May 9, 2006
3,763
2,594
I keep wanting to use something other than the vastly overpriced Apple Smart Folio Keyboard, but the extra bulk and having to use Bluetooth of other brands has put me off, despite how nice it would be to have the extra row of function keys other keyboards have.
 

Ybersetzer

macrumors member
May 3, 2019
85
61
Germany
Currently the Magic Keyboard in combination with Canopy (Studio Neat). The Canopy is ... okay, for what it is, but I feel that it could be vastly improved with a few design and material changes, however it seems as if Studio Neat just keeps selling it as it is. Brydge for my 12.9 pro (3rd gen) is on the way, anxiously awaiting delivery ;-)

Generally speaking: I think I would NOT like to give up on the media key row. Backlighting is something I really do not need, I have not once activated it on my Macbook Air in all these years, but if I had the Smart Keyboard, it would really suck to not be able to change volume and screen brightness with dedicated keyboard buttons.
 

yegon

Cancelled
Oct 20, 2007
3,429
2,028
If you never/rarely take it out of the case, then yes, the Slim Folio Pro is great.

Be aware it’s neither slim or light though. Doesn’t bother me, I use mine exclusively in landscape at home with my 12.9”. Have an 11” with ASK for everything else.

I would not want to be regularly taking the iPad in and out of the Logitech though.
 
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ipos

macrumors 65816
May 4, 2011
1,182
156
If you never/rarely take it out of the case, then yes, the Slim Folio Pro is great.

Be aware it’s neither slim or light though. Doesn’t bother me, I use mine exclusively in landscape at home with my 12.9”. Have an 11” with ASK for everything else.

I would not want to be regularly taking the iPad in and out of the Logitech though.

why is that so?
 

yegon

Cancelled
Oct 20, 2007
3,429
2,028
I’ve only put the 12.9” in once, so maybe it gets easier.

However, when I put it in, it was difficult to get the iPad into the last of the four corners of the case. When I say difficult, I don’t mean it requires a huge amount of force that’s beyond me, more that I didn’t like to see the iPad case flex when I put it in. Which it did. I’m mindful of all the reports how easy these iPads are bent.

For reference, I’ve had the 12.9” and 11” since launch and neither are bent. I’ve taken the 11” to work with me 100+ times with me now, carried in the ASK and a leather sleeve. No sign of bending. I am aware they aren’t the strongest chassis we’ve ever seen though, and I simply don’t like the idea of constantly taking the 12.9 in and out of the Slim Folio for this reason.
 

lparsons21

macrumors 6502
Jun 3, 2014
451
208
Southern Illinois
I’ve currently got 3 keyboard cases for the 12.9” iPad Pro that I’m evaluating.
1. Apple Smart Keyboard Folio - Expensive, no side protection, no backlit keys, no function keys but it is the lightest of the three. Works well and I might keep it.

2. Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071JNF8SV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This is is the heaviest of the 3, but it is a very sturdy keyboard case. Backlit keys, function keys and protection completely around the iPad. Screen tilt is as a laptop basically, and it also swivels 360 degrees. The keyboard feel is OK, better than the Apple one IMO. And the price is very good.

3. Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071JNF8SV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This is very protective and seems made of a soft, rubber like material in much of its construction. Keyboard is similar in feel to the Apple one. No backlighting but has function keys. Screen tilt is limited to one and that one position isn’t all that good on the lap in a recliner, which is where I usually use my iPad.

Overall #2 seems to be the one I will keep for sure and probably the Apple one too. #3 will go back. It is cheap and works well and I think would be fine for use on a desk. On the lap #2 is the best because of the variable tilt, the Apple one is a fairly close second because of its lightness and the 1 of the 2 tilt angles is fine on the lap.
 
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lparsons21

macrumors 6502
Jun 3, 2014
451
208
Southern Illinois
That second one looks interesting.

After a day I’d say it is the one to get if you want near laptop experience. It is very solidly built, the backlit keys are great as is having function keys. And at that price it is very attractive. Note that the keyboard is not removeable.

Biggest con is the weight it adds. IMO, it wouldn’t be the case I’d want if I was traveling. The Apple Smart Keyboard is very nice for that as it adds little weight. But the lack of backlighting and side protection is pretty irritating.
 

yegon

Cancelled
Oct 20, 2007
3,429
2,028
After a day I’d say it is the one to get if you want near laptop experience. It is very solidly built, the backlit keys are great as is having function keys. And at that price it is very attractive. Note that the keyboard is not removeable.

Biggest con is the weight it adds. IMO, it wouldn’t be the case I’d want if I was traveling. The Apple Smart Keyboard is very nice for that as it adds little weight. But the lack of backlighting and side protection is pretty irritating.


I’d probably try it but it doesn’t appear to be available in the UK, heyho.

I’m pretty satisfied with the Slim Folio on my 12.9” but laptop type angling and screen brightness buttons would be nice.
 

_crc

macrumors newbie
Jun 8, 2017
1
0
Which keyboard do you use with your 2018 iPad Pro?

Due to RSI issues, I need to use an ergonomic keyboard for any lengthy amount of typing. I am using an Ergodox EZ (https://ergodox-ez.com/) along with a Bluetooth adapter (http://handheldsci.com/kb/). It's a bulky setup, but I only use this when at my desk. For short replies on the go, I use a virtual keyboard (either https://padkeyskeyboard.com/ or a homebrew one I wrote for my personal use).

Both setups are built around a Dvorak layout, the lack of which prevents me from using the system virtual keyboard when away from my desk.
 

nudoru

macrumors 6502
Feb 27, 2012
294
76
Near Charlotte NC
I had an Apple Smart Keyboard but I found that I never used it. The feel of the keys turned me off and that I take more hand written notes with the pencil. I have an Anker BT keyboard that I use when I'm at my desk and need to type on it.
 

chrism_scotland

macrumors regular
Nov 11, 2018
198
145
I picked up the Logitech Slim for my 12.9” yesterday (they sell it in the Apple Store) and its pretty good - I am tempted to order a Brydge though and see what thats like, especially as I’ve 30 days to return this if I prefer the Brydge!
 

happyhippo1337

macrumors 6502
Jul 3, 2013
260
143
Currently using the Smart Folios on my 11 and 12.9 inch. But I will have to exchange the 12.9 version soon, space bar doesn’t always work and I really have to focus on hitting it in the right way every time. It’s a little annoying.
 

Jacoblee23

macrumors 65816
Nov 10, 2011
1,482
736
Has anyone noticed with their Smart Keyboard folio’s that the material wears off really quick and gets creases in it? Also the magnet to set the iPad in it at the front seems to not hold it in very good anymore.
[doublepost=1560275804][/doublepost]Has anyone noticed with their Smart Keyboard folio’s that the material wears off really quick and gets creases in it? Also the magnet to set the iPad in it at the front seems to not hold it in very good anymore.
 

happyhippo1337

macrumors 6502
Jul 3, 2013
260
143
Has anyone noticed with their Smart Keyboard folio’s that the material wears off really quick and gets creases in it? Also the magnet to set the iPad in it at the front seems to not hold it in very good anymore.
[doublepost=1560275804][/doublepost]Has anyone noticed with their Smart Keyboard folio’s that the material wears off really quick and gets creases in it? Also the magnet to set the iPad in it at the front seems to not hold it in very good anymore.

I‘ve seen a lot of people complain about the longevity of the current Smart Keyboard Folio a few months ago. The pictures they posted looked really discouraging. Severe stains and wear-off after only a few weeks seems pretty bad to me.

I am currently typing this on the 11 Pro and Smart Keyboard Folio, and it works really well. It’s already a few months old but still works and is in perfect condition. On my recently bought 12.9 Folio, the spacebar often doesn’t register input and overall the keys seem to be a bit wonky. Might have to send that one back.

Has anyone else noticed certain keys sometimes misbehaving / not workin on the Keyboard Folios? Even my MacBook Pro keyboard works better, and that says a lot :D
 

JD2015

macrumors 6502a
Sep 16, 2014
849
526
Using the Bridge keyboard for IPP 12.9 3rd gen and very happy with it.

Also have used ASK and haven't experienced the keyboard wearing out like some.

Both were/are used on a daily basis and transported around to and from my home. If I am doing some serious work which requires alot of typing, I use the Bridge and prefer it overall. The best thing about the ASK is it adds very little weight and connect with the smart connector, meaning do not have to worry about charging.
 
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