The Smart Keyboard combines an array of new technologies and materials to create a keyboard like no other. It’s incredibly portable and connects to iPad Pro with the Smart Connector, an innovative new interface that allows for a two-way exchange of power and data. Just attach the Smart Keyboard and start typing. And when you’re done it folds together to create a slim, lightweight cover.
I've never been compelled to write a review for an Apple Product before, despite being a loyal consumer since the first iPod Touch. However, I was seriously on
I've never been compelled to write a review for an Apple Product before, despite being a loyal consumer since the first iPod Touch. However, I was seriously on the fence about this keyboard. I really loved the idea of the bigger iPad Pro when it came out last year because of the keyboard and the pencil, but the size was just too much for me so I passed it up. Now when this smaller iPad Pro was announced, I jumped at the chance to pre-order but I have been very skeptical about the keyboard. I used the larger version in the store and thought it was great, but upon receiving this one a few days ago ahead of the iPad Pro 9.7 launch, I was very hesitant.
Handling it on it's own you can tell it's a quality product. It looks and feels great. The laser ablated fabric covering is fantastic and you will have no worries about ever getting any kind of gunk or grime under your keys. In theory, this keyboard should last a very long time. Though it was the size I was concerned about. I'm a writer and I can type over 90 WPM with very high accuracy, so I am extremely picky about keyboards. Bluetooth keyboards in the past have always left me disappointed, usually because of dumb pairing issues, keys being too close together, bulkiness, etc. But this.. this keyboard is totally different.
I received my iPad Pro 9.7 today on launch day and I immediately popped on my Smart Keyboard. Within two minutes at BEST, I was typing full speed. Looking at it, I thought I would have to give it a little bit of force for the keys to respond accurately, but I was very pleasantly surprised that a natural, gentle touch is all you need. The keys are extremely responsive and feel great under my fingers. The keys "look" like they are too small or too tightly spaced, but I have zero issues typing on it. I am typing this review on it right now and it's amazing. For something so thin and compact, it performs just as well as a much larger (and just as expensive) desktop keyboard. It adds very little bulk and weight to the iPad Pro, certainly much less than any other competitor keyboards out there right now, and likely to remain so. With the Apple Silicone Case and the Smart Keyboard, I can still easily fit the iPad Pro in my purse, just as I did with my "old" iPad Air. As a writer who travels often, I can't say enough for how important this is to me. I no longer have to carry around a laptop bag or backpack with my MacBook Pro in it. For my needs as a writer, the new iPad Pro 9.7 with this Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil fulfill all my needs and will replace my MacBook, no question about it.
I've seen and heard the gripes about it being awkward to fold, and I just want to say, it's not. It takes 30 seconds to figure out how to use it as a keyboard and as a stand, and then you're good to go. I had the same very brief learning curve the first time I got a Smart Cover for one of my iPads years ago. It's not hard and it works perfectly. Others have complained about the viewing angle. I've been using a Smart Case on my iPad Air for two years which has the same standard viewing angle and I've never had any want for more, so I don't expect it to be an issue here either. It's perfect for typing and watching videos, and if I'm playing games, the keyboard is off and the iPad Pro is in my hands anyway. The only thing I will say is that if you plan to use the Apple Pencil (which is also wonderful and the best stylus I've ever used) you may want to pick up a Smart Cover or some other option as writing on the iPad Pro upright is awkward at best, but that is neither here nor there when it comes to the Smart Keyboard.
I hope this helped some of you who may be in a similar dilemma regarding the size of the Smart Keyboard. If in doubt, try it at the Apple Store. As a writer, I love it and my fingers have graced many keyboards over the years. This is hands down the best tablet keyboard I've ever used. Nothing else even comes close.
Written by Jennifer J from White Bear Lake
544 of 578 people found this useful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nice Keyboard, but what's with the hump?
I was a little scared to buy this. I used (and loved) my Logitech keyboard with my iPad 3, but I liked the idea of the Smart Connector for the iPad Pro.
It'
I was a little scared to buy this. I used (and loved) my Logitech keyboard with my iPad 3, but I liked the idea of the Smart Connector for the iPad Pro.
It's actually a nice little keyboard. I like the feel of the keys and it's light and doesn't add much bulk. I have two complaints. First, when the keyboard is folded and being used as a cover, about 2/3 of the cover is a fat "hump" with the remaining third (the part without the keyboard) is much thinner. It doesn't impact the functionality, but it looks goofy and is a very "un-Apple" design.
Second, they could have easily added a loop or pocket to this case to hold the Apple Pencil, but didn't. The pencil is very nice, but it's smooth and round with no clip (or way to add one), so I haven't figured out how to keep it "connected" to the iPad.
Written by DAVID F from Centerton
388 of 413 people found this useful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect accessory for the new 9.7 iPad Pro
My new 9.7 iPad Pro was delivered today. I quickly realized that while the dimensions are the same as the iPad Air 2, I forgot about the 4 speakers! So, my o
My new 9.7 iPad Pro was delivered today. I quickly realized that while the dimensions are the same as the iPad Air 2, I forgot about the 4 speakers! So, my old keyboard case would not work. So, off I went to the Apple Store to get the Pro Smart Keyboard. I love this keyboard.
PROS: no pairing required, keys have a good tactile feel and very receptive, size of the keyboard allows for easy typing, love that it has the directional arrow keys and wake/sleep feature
CONS: I wish it was flat when closed but it is less bothersome than I thought it would be; and I wish it came in more colors
Review written with the Smart Keyboard and my iPad Pro 9.7
Written by Patricia H from Virginia Beach
332 of 352 people found this useful
1.0 out of 5 stars
Not at all worth the price
This keyboard looks great on paper, but in actual use it functions well as overpriced iPad stand. I get a few hours of use out of the keyboard then it get glitc
This keyboard looks great on paper, but in actual use it functions well as overpriced iPad stand. I get a few hours of use out of the keyboard then it get glitchy and the stops working completely. The only way to get the keyboard to work again is to restart the iPad then reattach the keyboard, and then the whole process repeats. This is completely unacceptable for a product at this pricing point, do yourself a favor and go buy a $30 Bluetooth keyboard.
Written by William W from MOUNT CARMEL
4 of 5 people found this useful
1.0 out of 5 stars
Doesn't sit flat
The keyboard does not sit flat. The front of the keyboard is about 1/2" off the table top making it impossible to type. I have to hold the keyboard down with
The keyboard does not sit flat. The front of the keyboard is about 1/2" off the table top making it impossible to type. I have to hold the keyboard down with one of my thumbs while typing.
Written by Ronald W from Del Rio
15 of 16 people found this useful
1.0 out of 5 stars
What junk
This keyboard is a completely pile of junk. I'm shocked that anyone actually likes it. First off, the magnets don't stay attached very well and are constantly
This keyboard is a completely pile of junk. I'm shocked that anyone actually likes it. First off, the magnets don't stay attached very well and are constantly falling off. The communication between the keyboard and the iPad can't keep up with fast typing. The keys are misplaced causing you to have to constantly pay attention to something that should be natural.
After 3 months of owning mine, it has completely stopped working. It doesn't protect the iPad at all so the back and sides get scratched up just carrying it around.
I can't believe Apple actually designed this keyboard and if they did Job's must be turning over in his grave. About as smart as coming out with a TV sized iPad Pro. Their Pencil product is everything it claims to be but this keyboard might as well be called a paper weight and for what it costs it is insulting.
Silicone Case for 9.7-inch iPad Pro - Ocean Blue : Available colors
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