There's also a tremendous multitouch trackpad that's bigger than the one on the MacBook Air, which works very smoothly with multitouch gestures on iPadOS.
The redesigned bluetooth keyboard has more travel in its keys than Logitech's or Apple's keyboards (more like the 2015 MacBook Pro used to have way back). Bends back for wide viewing angles.īrydge's latest premium keyboard case for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, coming in mid-June, makes a big leap over previous Brydge keyboards. Improved design has a magnetic back to easily attach to the iPad Pro.
It's made of a soft material that can get scuffed up, and occasionally can get torn or dented depending on how you use it.
The side USB-C passthrough is helpful because it adds an extra charge port while using the side Thunderbolt port for other dongles. The lack of volume/play/pause/screen brightness adjustments keys is a letdown. There aren't any dedicated function keys like the MacBook Air (and other iPad cases) have. The case doesn't offer much protection, exposing the tablet sides and detaching easily on falls. The case's rigid design also makes it nearly useless as a tablet case for sketching with a Pencil. The adjustable-angle magnetic top cover doesn't bend back as much as a normal laptop. I've gotten really used to the design of this Magic Keyboard, and it's well-sized to fit on smaller desks or on a lap in a pinch. It hasn't changed much since last year, but new 12.9-inch cases are sized up a tiny bit to fit the new Pro's slightly thicker dimensions. The keys, especially on the 12.9-inch, are well-spaced and feel just like typing on a MacBook. Pros: Compact design, easy to attach/detach, bonus passthrough USB-C charge port, somewhat lap-friendlyĬons: Expensive, limited viewing angles, lacks dedicated function keysĪpple's keyboard, originally released last year, offers a comfortable typing experience. Prices below are for the 12.9-inch keyboard version. The smaller 11-inch Pro works with any 11-inch iPad Pro accessories going back to the 2018 model, and also cases for the 2020 iPad Air. I tested all of these on the 12.9-inch 2021 iPad Pro, which isn't compatible with many older accessories because of its slightly thicker size. They all have their advantages, and all work well, but I still prefer Apple's Magic Keyboard for its size/performance over the others.
Two other manufacturers are also worth noting: Logitech makes a keyboard-detachable case with a kickstand that's perfect for Zoom/FaceTime calls using that new zoom-in Center Stage camera, while Brydge has a new case with an extremely large trackpad and a design that feels closest to laptop-like. IPad Pro keyboard options: Logitech Combo Touch (left), Magic Keyboard (middle), Brydge Max 12.9+ (right).Īpple has its own fancy and expensive Magic Keyboard case. But Apple's support for keyboard shortcuts and multitouch trackpad gestures work really well on iPadOS. Cases that have both a keyboard and a trackpad really feel like they help the iPad transform into a laptop. Keyboard cases for the iPad Pro add a lot to the picture, especially with a trackpad. But just like before, it doesn't come with an iPad keyboard. The 2021 iPad Pro has a new M1 processor, a new display (on the larger model) and optional 5G.