With the introduction of big iPad Pro, apple also introduced a smart keyboard that was meant to increase the functionality of the iPad Pro. In this iPad Pro keyboard review, I’ll try to cover this little gadget from all possible aspects and bring in front of you the real picture as to how handy it can turn out to be.
Quick Overview
Jump to section:
- Pros and Cons
- iPad Pro Keyboard Review – Design
- iPadPro Smart Cover
- iPad Pro Stand
- The Keyboard
- Performance
Pros
- Slim& lightweight
- Water resistant
- Spill resistant
Cons
- A bit uncomfortable when it comes to typing
- Shortcut keys not supported
- Not backlit
- No touchpad
Our Verdict
Though a handy little gadget for turning your iPad into a mini laptop, you may find a few things lacking and it can affect the kind of experience you have with your device.
iPad Pro Keyboard Review – Design
The introduction of smart keyboard from apple is simply fueled by its idea of making an accessory featuring large and well-spaced keys and that can be accommodated easily within the smart iPad Pro package. The add-on keyboard weighs around 12 ounces and is not more than 1/3rd of an inch which makes it slimmest available ipad pro cover.
The main feature of the design is its bigger typing area and big keys which makes it easier type.However, connecting it with your iPad and using without a stand may make it a bit uncomfortable to type on.
Instead of a Bluetooth, a smart connector is used for connecting this little gadget with the big iPad Pro. It also eliminates the worries of recharging the keyboard for constant usage as it is powered by your iPad itself.
The design of this keyboard allows it to multifunctionby becoming your tablet’s display protector when not in use, becoming the stand for your device while watching videos or typing, and by allowing you to input data to your machine.
iPadPro Smart Cover
Your iPad Pro keyboard can easily fold up and stick to display screen on the front using magnets incorporated in its design. It effectively helps in protecting your iPad’s display from any kind of scratches. However, it is still advised that you should have your iPad Pro Case to keep your device secure on long trips.
iPad Pro Stand
Your smart keyboard also turns itself into a kind of stand which holds the tablet itself. Just unfold your keyboard and it will not just show you the keys but will also become a well-shaped stand that doesn’t even collapse when you tap the screen.
You can best use it by placing on some rigid, flat surface because if you put it in your lap then your tablet may twist while typing.
One major issue that has been reported in many ipad pro keyboard reviews is that you can hold your iPad at just one angle. It doesn’t offer any kind of flexibility whatsoever. The 70º angle chosen by Apple is quite decent, however, many still need an even steeper angle to work comfortably.
The Keyboard
With its expansive design, iPad Pro offers enough room to type. With its 10.75” wide key area, the smart keyboard is as good as your desktop keyboard. And because of the fact that your new iPad keyboard uses “island keys”, there is enough spacing between the keys.
The reviews from different people about smart keyboard ipad pro after personal use said that the product is satisfactory for every type of people. With its innovative design, the designers used laser ablated fabric to make each key perfectly shaped. No springs are used for the keys to return back once pressed, instead, the fabric causes the same effect.
The keyboard is also water and spill resistant and if you, somehow, happen to spill coffee on your keyboard then there is nothing to worry about.
Despite all the good things in iPad Pro keyboard, there are a few that are missing and may cause some sort of discomfort if you like to use regular keyboards. So, what’s missing? The function keys are missing and you can’t control anything like backlight, audio, etc. with any short keys. But still there are a few shortcuts that can be used in iOS 9 – for instance, you can use command-shift-h as a Home key and command-tab may be used for switching between apps. But such full-fledge functionality is not offered by Apple in this smart keyboard.
Another downside is that there is no backlight for the keys and if it were there then it could have given a great look to the accessory. The Caps Lock key also doesn’t use any LED.
Performance
The smart keyboard works great when used to extend your iPad Pro 12.9”. It is auto-plug and does not require any kind of software to be installed on your Pro Pad.
And, according to ipad pro keyboard review,as it is used with smart connector rather than a Bluetooth connection, it doesn’t delay the input at all once you have pressed the key. With this physical connection, there is no point in losing communications between your iPad and the smart keyboard.