Zagg Launches 'Pro Keys Connect' iPad Keyboard Case

[MacRumors]

Zagg today announced the launch of the Pro Keys Connect, a new keyboard case that's designed for the iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. The Pro Keys Connect is able to interface with an iPad using USB-C, so a Bluetooth connection is not required and pairing is automatic.

There is an integrated trackpad, plus an extra USB-C port to connect a mouse or flash drive to expand the available functionality. The trackpad supports full iPadOS gesture controls, so users can swipe, scroll, click, and navigate like they can using Apple's own Magic Keyboard.

The Pro Keys Connect offers protection for an iPad along with adding a keyboard, and Zagg says that it will protect an iPad from drops of up to 6.6 feet. There is an included adjustable kickstand to change the angle of the iPad, and the keyboard can be detached so the accessory can be used as a case. There's also a stylus holder that works with the Apple Pencil.

The keyboard was designed with KeyLock Technology to keep keys in place, and Zagg designed a new key shape with indented, backlit keys for a more comfortable typing experience even in low light situations.

Zagg's Pro Keys Connect is compatible with the M2 and M3 iPad Air models, the M4 iPad Pro models, and the 10th-generation iPad with A16 chip.

Pricing ranges from $130 to $150, and the Zagg Pro Keys Connect can be purchased starting today from the Zagg website in the U.S. It will be available on Amazon starting in October.

Article Link: Zagg Launches 'Pro Keys Connect' iPad Keyboard Case

 

[coolfactor]

Apple has always got trackpads right. I've used several PC laptops and found the trackpads just infuriating to use. Wrong texture, poor sensitivity.

How do these third-party trackpads stack up against Apple trackpads?

 

[Leoxo]

What's wrong with Bluetooth at this range?
Also, I assume that the 3 pin connector on the back of the iPad Pro can only be used by apple?

 

[SilmarilFinder]

Apple has always got trackpads right. I've used several PC laptops and found the trackpads just infuriating to use. Wrong texture, poor sensitivity.

How do these third-party trackpads stack up against Apple trackpads?

By offering 80% of the product for 40% of the price

(But I totally agree using an Apple trackpad is a delight)

 

[stogie53]

I don't see one for the 13 in Pro, will there be one?

 

[Mockletoy]

What's wrong with Bluetooth at this range?
Also, I assume that the 3 pin connector on the back of the iPad Pro can only be used by apple?

The Logitech Combo Touch line uses the POGO pins just like the Magic Keyboard and has for years.

It’s super simple and efficient: no pairing, no charging, no flaky/dropped connections, no timeouts or slow wake times, no turning keyboards on and off.

The keyboard attaches and detaches instantly and just works every time.

 

[jjudson]

The Logitech Combo Touch...

I tried this one and liked it -- for the most part. But the trackpad action was maddening sometimes. I went with the Magic Keyboard and it has it's own set of maddening quirks.

It seems there's no real perfectly-designed keyboard for the iPad. You gotta learn to live with things for the convenience on all of the brands...

 

[jimimac71]

Okay, color me stupid, how does it attach to USB-C?
Won't that require a cable, and if so, why don't they show it?
The MacRumors article claims "10th-generation iPad with A16 chip."
It should read, according to the website, 10th Gen and 11th Gen with A16 chip.
Aren't the iPad 10 and 11 actually the same size screen?
I like the idea of backlighting but won't that use more from the iPad battery?
You're welcome Juli. Tell me what I've won. <grin>

 

[miamialley]

Looks horrendous.

 

[spaceballl]

I have the Logitech Combo Touch and generally like it for my 13" M4 MacBook Pro. I don't love the trackpad, but it's not awful. This one has a stylus holder, extra USB-C port (kinda random), and I'm curious how the trackpad is too.

 

[locovaca]

Okay, color me stupid, how does it attach to USB-C?
Won't that require a cable, and if so, why don't they show it?
The MacRumors article claims "10th-generation iPad with A16 chip."
It should read, according to the website, 10th Gen and 11th Gen with A16 chip.
Aren't the iPad 10 and 11 actually the same size screen?
I like the idea of backlighting but won't that use more from the iPad battery?
You're welcome Juli. Tell me what I've won. <grin>

It looks like the usbc is built into the plastic shell.

 

[svish]

Though I am not planning to get one, good to see third party keyboards with support for trackpad. Seems like a good product.

 

[techfirth]

Okay, color me stupid, how does it attach to USB-C?
Won't that require a cable, and if so, why don't they show it?
The MacRumors article claims "10th-generation iPad with A16 chip."
It should read, according to the website, 10th Gen and 11th Gen with A16 chip.
Aren't the iPad 10 and 11 actually the same size screen?
I like the idea of backlighting but won't that use more from the iPad battery?
You're welcome Juli. Tell me what I've won. <grin>

The 10th gen is a 10.9” screen, the 11th is an 11” screen (THANKS FOR THAT APPLE).

In terms of the USB-C, there’s no cable per sé - the connector is built into the case but as a built in dongle that sits in a rubber insert that can be pulled out or inserted as needed or when fitting/removing the case.

What I’m REALLY interested in is the USB-C (?) port on the underside of the keyboard. Is that a secondary USB-C? I hope it doesn’t mean the keyboard has a battery for backlighting. Ick.

 

[StuBeck]

It doesn't interface via USB-C, it uses the pins on the side of the case. It has an extra USB-C port though.

 

[erkanasu]

looks like a $300 Walmart pc

 

[EightBitLover]

It doesn't interface via USB-C, it uses the pins on the side of the case. It has an extra USB-C port though.

No, it does interface with the USB-C port on the iPad.

From the actual product page details: Two USB-C Ports: One port on the case duplicates the port on your iPad. The second port on the keyboard allows you to plug in a thumb drive, accessory, and more.

Pro Keys Connect Keyboard Case Apple iPad Pro 11" (M4)

Durable case & direct connect keyboard with trackpad, kickstand, and pro typing experience

www.zagg.com

 

[StuBeck]

No, it does interface with the USB-C port on the iPad.

From the actual product page details: Two USB-C Ports: One port on the case duplicates the port on your iPad. The second port on the keyboard allows you to plug in a thumb drive, accessory, and more.

Pro Keys Connect Keyboard Case Apple iPad Pro 11" (M4)

Durable case & direct connect keyboard with trackpad, kickstand, and pro typing experience

www.zagg.com

No, we are discussing different things.

I was discussing the physical USB-C port on the device. You are discussing the USB-C port on the keyboard.

 

[EightBitLover]

No, we are discussing different things.

I was discussing the physical USB-C port on the device. You are discussing the USB-C port on the keyboard.

The case that connects to the iPad itself slots into the USB-C port of the iPad, and provides a passthrough of it located slightly above the normal position.

The keyboard provides a second USB-C port.

It does NOT use the smart connector.

This product uses the existing USB-C port on the iPad, replicates it on the case, and adds a new one on the keyboard itself.

 

[pamon]

was't aware zagg around still honestly. saw them in the mall today and then this post. remember them from back in the day, guess they own invisible glass protectors too. interesting

 

[jimmysalg]

The Logitech Combo Touch line uses the POGO pins just like the Magic Keyboard and has for years.

It’s super simple and efficient: no pairing, no charging, no flaky/dropped connections, no timeouts or slow wake times, no turning keyboards on and off.

The keyboard attaches and detaches instantly and just works every time.

Yes, I have one and love it! And its lighter than the apple one, PLUS its an actual case that protects the iPad

 

[CptnJustc]

Was curious about their keyboard case for the mini. Anyone have experience with that (or recommend a different one)?

 

[Tmm66]

Zagg today announced the launch of the Pro Keys Connect, a new keyboard case that's designed for the iPad, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. The Pro Keys Connect is able to interface with an iPad using USB-C, so a Bluetooth connection is not required and pairing is automatic.

There is an integrated trackpad, plus an extra USB-C port to connect a mouse or flash drive to expand the available functionality. The trackpad supports full iPadOS gesture controls, so users can swipe, scroll, click, and navigate like they can using Apple's own Magic Keyboard.

The Pro Keys Connect offers protection for an iPad along with adding a keyboard, and Zagg says that it will protect an iPad from drops of up to 6.6 feet. There is an included adjustable kickstand to change the angle of the iPad, and the keyboard can be detached so the accessory can be used as a case. There's also a stylus holder that works with the Apple Pencil.

The keyboard was designed with KeyLock Technology to keep keys in place, and Zagg designed a new key shape with indented, backlit keys for a more comfortable typing experience even in low light situations.

Zagg's Pro Keys Connect is compatible with the M2 and M3 iPad Air models, the M4 iPad Pro models, and the 10th-generation iPad with A16 chip.

Pricing ranges from $130 to $150, and the Zagg Pro Keys Connect can be purchased starting today from the Zagg website in the U.S. It will be available on Amazon starting in October.

Article Link: Zagg Launches 'Pro Keys Connect' iPad Keyboard Case

Unreliable keyboard and poor software makes this a nonstarter personal history says no deal…