iPad Pro at 12.9 inches, it needs protection just as much as an iPhone or a classic iPad. In addition, a sufficient number of ways have now been selected to supply the giant with armor and turn it into a typewriter at the expense of an external keyboard. So we rolled up our sleeves and collected seven of the highest quality keyboard cases for iPad Pro, among which both combined and separate specimens were found.
Apple Smart Keyboard
Apple Smart Keyboard- the first branded keyboard cover created by Cupertinians specifically for a specific gadget. When folded, it resembles the time-tested Smart Cover with its velvety microfiber. The smart keyboard gives out only a magnetic groove designed to accommodate the tablet. The arrangement of the keys resembles MacBook, but with a cut off the top row of function buttons, that is, you get a full-fledged printing unit. The key travel is, however, less, however, there are no complaints.
The most important feature of the Apple Smart Keyboard is the rejection of Bluetooth thanks to a physical, one might say, iron connection via Smart Connector - three points for docking devices. No mating, no extra power consumption, no breaks. This moment strikingly distinguishes the apple accessory from some competitors.
The disadvantages can be written down unsightly when folded and, of course, the price. You will have to pay 13,290 rubles ($ 169) for the Apple Smart Keyboard.
Razer Mechanical Keyboard Case
Razer Mechanical Keyboard Case Is the freshest accessory in the line. He became famous for the fact that, firstly, the guys from Razer themselves got behind the wheel, secondly, the ability to turn a large iPad Pro into a full-fledged laptop, and, thirdly, a mechanical keyboard with a warm lamp stroke and built-in backlighting.
The case is made of polycarbonate, it looks very, very protected. The mechanical stand provides a stable position on the table, and it folds very solidly - with the Razer Mechanical Keyboard Case, it's not a shame to walk under your arm.
We think that those who cannot imagine life without high-speed printing have already rushed to place an order. This step is easy to understand, because the keyboard and the case itself look just gorgeous! But we are confused by one piquant moment - this wireless connection Bluetooth. Due to intermittent failures, many users have developed allergies. If Razer did everything well, there are no questions. Power consumption, by the way, is adequate: 10 hours with backlighting at maximum brightness and 600 hours with lights off.
Zagg slim book
Price per Zagg slim book is $ 140, and the connection to the tablet is via Bluetooth. Are you already turning around and leaving? Do not hurry. The case keyboard continues the tradition of the ASUS Transformer line and allows you to use the iPad Pro in four directions: a tablet; keyboard; book and video. Zagg Slim Book flexibly adjusts to the needs of the user, is easy to detach and carry. When combined, the device resembles MacBook Pro- gives out only the inscription ZAGG. The backlighting of the keys, we think you already noticed.
Logitech K780
Let's be honest: good keyboard covers for the iPad Pro are over, only enchanting Chinese designs remain. Therefore, in order not to spoil the heading "The Seven Most", we decided to supplement the article with separate keyboards and covers. Logitech K780- a universal novelty that supports a bunch of devices and allows you to quickly switch between them thanks to the Easy-Switch button. The connection, of course, goes via Bluetooth (what kind of Smart Connector could be here?). For mobile devices rubber stand is provided - 12.9 ″ iPad Pro fits like a glove.
The keyboard can work for 24 months from one pair of AAA batteries, it can go to sleep, has a power button and a charge indicator. Stylistically, the device is quite modest, but it seems that it is a pleasure to type text on it.
TextBlade keyboard
It is a good tradition of AppStudio to end the selection of "The Seven Most" with some exotic specimen. For some reason, accessory makers don't favor the Smart Connector or the large iPad Pro in general, but there are gadgets that can please without it. Dismountable and comfortable keyboard TextBlade just one of them. With the help of magnetic fasteners, it quickly turns into a sandwich and stows away in a pocket / bag / backpack / case.
TextBlade is a sort of ergonomic split keyboard that is most effective for typing. With a modest keystroke, the characters are driven in perfectly, the fingers lie as they should, and the stand provides the correct position of the iPhone, iPad or any other device, but problems can arise with permutation of the large iPad Pro.
For the pleasure you have to pay as much as $ 99, and then spend money on engraving. Either way, it will be worth it. Proof -.
An interesting accessory for the iPad Pro - unlike other manufacturers of portable keyboards, which often adapt ordinary accessories to tablets, Apple has created a gadget from scratch and only for the iPad Pro.
Design, construction
The most correct way to test this device is to write a keyboard review right on the keyboard, which is what I am doing now. Note that in Russia, tablet owners almost never use such accessories with tablets, at least in real life I've seen such people once or twice. In other countries, especially in the United States, third-party keyboards are very popular. People on the road answer letters, work with documents, write books - in general, they do a lot of very different things. This is surprising, especially at first, but the answer is simple - the tablet takes up a minimum of space, works for a long time, plus practical Americans often want to get the most out of the purchased gadget. Which is quite understandable. If you follow my thoughts, you will understand why at all Apple decided to create a device like the iPad Pro. In corporate America, he found a place, on the one hand, it is an accessory for creativity and the creative class, on the other hand, an integral accessory for middle managers. Why not a laptop? Well, many people prefer to work with a mobile OS and there are no special tasks that require special programs. For some reason, people often think that working with mail, correspondence, calls, parsing and correcting documents is some kind of fictional use case and this is not the case in real life. Why, yeah. For me personally, correspondence and sorting out various issues takes at least an hour a day, and the iPad, even Pro, even the usual, even with a physical keyboard, even without it, always comes to the court, helps in everyday activities. Yes, I agree with those who brand the Pro as a device from the series "they would have done without it" - I can easily agree with that, but I will not return to Air myself. The company's niche devices like the iPhone 6 Plus, MacBook or iPad Pro are designed for a limited audience, but they are always found and happy with their toys that help them live and create. In addition, someone who, and gentlemen at Apple can definitely afford the most daring experiments - why not? It turns out well.
Note that before the described keyboard appeared in my possession, I used (tried to use) a good old set of wireless Apple keyboards and the Incase Origami accessory. I have long advised it to all iPad owners, a case with a keyboard stand, you can put a tablet there and work - but the Pro has one caveat, for some reason, switching languages using the usual keyboard shortcut does not work. Until I figured out the problem, if you figured it out, please write how to solve it. The keyboard and stand can be seen in the photo, this is, let's say, the best budget set for the iPad Pro, the keyboard will serve you with other devices as well. True, it will have to be worn separately, but it doesn't matter.
Now let's take a look at the keyboard for Pro. First, I'll tell you about the device, I ask you to forgive me for using official data, but it will be more correct this way. The keyboard does not require any manipulations with Bluetooth, it connects to the magnetic connector on the end of the iPad. I must say right away that it sits very tightly in place, you can print on your lap or on unstable surfaces. It is immediately evident that during the development they paid attention to this, thought about those who work in flight, on small tables and in other strange places. When folded, the keyboard turns into a cover and does not take up much space, although the tablet becomes noticeably heavier. Naturally, you can use the accessory as a stand for watching movies. The thing turned out to be unpretentious, special attention was paid to protection from an aggressive environment. If you look at the buttons, you will see that there are no gaps here - that is, you can spill coffee or something else, then clean the accessory and forget about the incident.
Now the official data, plus a little from myself:
- The top layer of the keyboard is made of special durable laser-cut fabric that follows the shape of the keys. The fabric provides spring tension on the buttons, eliminating the need for traditional mechanisms.
- The keyboard is 4 mm thick and the buttons have excellent travel. There is no feeling that you have entered the country of the Lilliputians, took away a laptop from one of them and are trying to work. There is a lot of space for my hands, although I periodically press the screen with the fingers of my left hand, everything is fine with the right one, I never reached the screen.
- The keyboard has 64 keys, one layout, QWERTY, there are no special options for any country yet - although our craftsmen have already gotten used to engraving without damaging the fabric. I have a negative attitude to such experiments and I advise you to learn to type blindly, this skill will always come in handy, and you can work with at least QWERTY, at least with anything.
- The surface of the keyboard consists of three unique materials, the upper layer is polyurethane, the lower one is made of microfiber - a soft material that cleans and protects the screen (hopefully). The middle layer is made of a new conductive material and is responsible for transmitting signals between the keyboard and the tablet. An interesting approach, not at all similar to the experience of other manufacturers of similar accessories. Usually, after all, how, but let's take a regular keyboard and remake it a bit for a tablet, make it smaller, add Bluetooth, well, maybe add a stand or something else. It turns out, as a rule, terrible. It's another matter when an accessory is created from scratch, out of nothing - and it is intended for one device, and not for all.
- The keyboard sits securely on the table, does not move from side to side, ports are open - you can charge, connect an audio cable and listen to music. Pay attention, here they sacrificed "laptop" buttons for playback control and sound adjustment, in general, fair reasoning: the screen is touch-sensitive, switching between applications is quick, the buttons on the end are accessible - there is nothing to load the keyboard.
Finally, the main feeling is sensibly done. Connected - you can start working right away. Although it is necessary to once again make a reservation about the skill of blind input, but this is nothing, you can spend a couple of weeks on training, and everything will work out - without engraving. Plus, any third-party engraving (not Apple) looks disgusting.
In work
Here I want to draw your attention to several points. Firstly, in the settings (Basic - Keyboards - Physical keyboard) I personally chose Russian-PC, over the years of using "poppies" it is more familiar to me. Secondly, if you plan to use the keyboard, you should remove the emoji layout, it will interfere when switching the language. Thirdly, switching the language here is not through cmd + space, but with the help of a special key in the corner on the left, it works quickly and efficiently, the habit appears after ten minutes of typing. Finally, all keyboard shortcuts work as expected.
Actually, I did not encounter any problems when typing, I liked working. Of course, this is not as convenient as the MacBook Pro keyboard, but working on the road or somewhere in the city is quite possible - and what do I mean by work? Let's say I can write an article with an iPad Pro and such a keyboard, reply to mail, publish a blog post, see what is happening in social networks, and add posts there, then fold the keyboard and move on, holding the tablet under his armpit.
conclusions
In retail, the keyboard costs 13,290 rubles, the accessory turned out to be durable and extremely attractive for its audience - no problems with connection, the feeling of a miniature laptop, no special size restrictions. Yes, you need to master blind input - if you have not yet mastered it, you should do it, the skill is really necessary. A good and useful thing for iPad Pro owners, I recommend buying immediately with the tablet if you are purchasing a device just for the use cases described above - for example, raking mail in any conditions.
It went on sale amid loud cries of the "top" Apple that it will become a full-fledged replacement personal computers taking over most of their functions. True, without a physical keyboard, the tablet could hardly claim this title, even hypothetically.
However, Apple, realizing this, itself has developed its own vision of the ideal keyboard, calling it Smart Keyboard. But, unfortunately, the "apple" accessory has not yet reached Russia, and therefore the products of competitors are becoming more preferable. Introducing the Logi Create Blacklit Keyboard.
Let's start the review right away with the advantages. In particular, the solution from Logitech is a combined hybrid of a case and a keyboard, so you do not have to constantly fasten and unfasten the device. Also, despite the record low thickness, the accessory has a fairly clear and clearly distinguishable key travel and, what is most interesting, backlighting. This miracle will cost you even $ 19 less than Apple's proprietary keyboard. By paying $ 150 to the guys at Logitech, you get a device that is much more interesting in functionality than the MacBook. The latter, by the way, cannot boast of either a touch screen or a Touch ID scanner.
Logi Create really resembles a laptop cover in its shape and purpose. Despite the seeming flimsy design and fabric-like upholstery, the keyboard is assembled very soundly, and external material seems to be very practical and durable. In keeping with the old tradition of iPad cases, Logi Create has built-in magnets that automatically turn the device on and off.
Not without negative aspects. In particular, the weight of the iPad Pro with the keyboard connected reaches about one and a half kilograms, which is quite noticeable when carrying it. It is noteworthy that even the 13-inch MacBook Air weighs 200 grams less. However, if you remember the weight of the very first iPad, then living with this disadvantage becomes a little easier. And working right on your knees is much more convenient - nothing outweighs and does not fall off. 
Logi Create connects to iPad Pro using the latter's built-in magnetic connector. No more Bluetooth connections or battery life degradation. The magnets are so strong that you can lift this hybrid design with the edge of your iPad and leave the keyboard securely fastened. But, unfortunately, this strength imposes some limitations. So, you will not be able to adjust the angle of the screen as on the same MacBook. The manufacturer has provided for you "the most comfortable position", which cannot be changed. Perhaps it was possible to come up with a kind of hinge, but then, probably, the structure would have turned out to be much heavier and more overall.
Since we started comparing the iPad Pro to the MacBook, the lack of a trackpad on external keyboards is definitely striking. It is not only Logitech that is guilty of this, but also all other manufacturers. It would seem who needs a touch panel if there is an excellent touch screen, but believe me, it's not so easy to retrain yourself. The Hybrid really looks like a MacBook. This striking similarity is also supported by the excellent keys, which, to all appearances, were directly copied from the Mac's. They are surprisingly comfortable and, as mentioned above, have built-in multi-level lighting. Working in the dark now makes more sense than before.
Logi Create was designed with a direct eye on MacBook, OS X, and iOS. A number of function keys make your life a lot easier by replacing some of the on-screen gestures and actions. And the "Home" button located in a prominent place will minimize the application and "throw" you to the desktop. Very simple and at the same time extremely convenient. Also, the manufacturer did not fail to install separate keys for locking the head unit, calling Spotlight search and even launching a sub-keyboard with Emoji emoticons.
The keyboard comes in a rich color palette: red, white, blue, black, charcoal and gold. The most attractive to the author's eye was the sample in red, which is wonderfully combined with the slate-gray iPad.
Logi Create turned out to be quite a worthy development that perfectly complements the functionality of the iPad Pro. Despite a number of significant shortcomings, Logitech's brainchild can be called the most advantageous option compared to Apple's Smart Keyboard. The latter, by the way, will cost you a little more. You can buy a keyboard cover on the official website of the company.