Review: the Smart Keyboard makes 10.5-inch iPad Pro better
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- Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
- The Apple Smart Keyboard (amzn.to/2v9XXNT) is a must-have 10.5-inch iPad Pro accessory. Here's a look at 15 reasons why you should own one. Subscribe ► bit.ly/9to5YT | Read full article ► wp.me/p1xtr9-22X4
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Nice overview of the Keyboard. Ive had mine since the launch with he original 12.9 Pro. The more time I spent with it the more I liked it and think its actually a lot more cleverly designed than most people think. People need to try it out first at there homes before making a conclusion. Apple designed the typing angle very well and it actually sits very flat on your lap when typing, has a pretty large flat surface to sit on your legs, compared to trying to do so with any sort of kickstand. Then there’s the viewing angle position which i think most people don’t even know exists, this is half the reason besides the keyboard why i love it so much, the viewing angle is even super sturdy and so well balanced, more than a Smart Cover by far, i can have it on my bed, and it never even falls over when moving around. I think it just looks to people like some cheap keyboard that Apple is overpricing, but it had many details they really thought about, if used in all the flexible ways it was properly designed
After reading this review+comment, i am going to give it another try. I was worrying about typing while having this sit on a lap. plus all the shortcuts. awesome!
I tried it at the store today. My conclusion is that it doesn't fit my need.
1) The folding and unfolding requires too much thinking and getting used to.
2) The typing feel is not quite strong enough for me.
I will either get a logitech slim combo or wait for logitech Create.
3) Before I worry about the keyboard, i should just make sure I get a strong front and back cover.
Bruce Cheng I was going to get the Logitech Slim Combo. However, it seems like it defeats the purpose of low profile, light weight, and convenient. Logitech Slim Combo is really feature rich with backlight, shortcut keys, and case which supports the horizontal and vertical mode. I ended up getting the Apple Smart Keyboard instead even without backlight nor shortcut keys and no case. I use the Poetic case with Pencil + Cap holder seems a better combo. Let me know your thoughts when you have the Logitech Slim Combo then.
i Bought the first logi create with backlit keys, and really loved it in laptop mode as well, especially with the shortcut keys, but it just ruins the iPad form factor, so i went back to Apples as well, you just rip the keyboard off when you dont want it and just use the iPad like normal. Apple really wants us to just use the iPad as a tablet and only the keyboard for long typing
Hey, thanks for the great comment. I also have the 12.9 iPad Pro, however was very unsure about the Smart Keyboard. I have been using the on screen keyboard to type, and have had no problems. However I know that I am going to need a physical keyboard to get more productive. I am not sure how long you type for, but I am looking to write long papers (5-7 pages long). Also how is the quality of the keyboard holding up?
I'm typing this from my Logitech Slim Combo keyboard and absolutely love it. The backlit keys sold it for me. As well as the additional protective case for the back of my 12.9" iPad Pro. $10 cheaper. Way better bang for your buck
Nice. Glad to hear you like it. Makes me more excited about giving it a real shot.
Along with all these points, the Logitech Slim combo does them all plus more. Why I like the Logitech slim combo above the smart keyboard in a few key points:
1) It provides a case protection for the back of the iPad that also acts as a stand. With or without the keyboard attached.
2) It provides full body protection when the keyboard and case are attached.
3) the keyboard has backlit keys.
4) the keyboard has many more shortcut keys (volume, brightness, home button, play/pause, etc)
5) It's less expensive than the Smart Keyboard.
6) the stand can be setup at multiple angles, unlike the 2 angles the Smart Keyboard provides.
Erik Weimer It's too bulky.
Hi Guys,
I recently purchased the iPad Pro 10.5 and the Smart Keyboard to go with this.
The keyboard is super smooth and also very light weight, when typing the travel is minimal which takes a bit of getting used to. The keyboard is advertised as being a full sized keyboard although I’m not convinced on this. Sure it’s big enough for a tablet and light use, would I use this keyboard as my main typing device? No.
With nowhere to rest your wrists whilst using this, and the slightly smaller size, I have found that I soon start to get hand cramps from the uncomfortable position that I have to hold my hands in.
This might not be a massive problem for some, and I’m sure after a while I could get used to this. Maybe if you had slightly smaller hands you might not notice this as much? Or if you were just using the keyboard for emailing and maybe some social media. But I don’t feel that this keyboard can be used for creating huge word documents. I have been typing this up for no more than 5 minutes and already my hands are uncomfortable.
I will stick with this keyboard with my iPad Pro as it is useful, but for my articles and reviews I’ll stick to using my MacBook Pro 13” Touch Bar.
Thanks for reading, let me know your thoughts on the smart keyboard.
Kris
Important for me is that while i'm using the iPad with a keyboard, I can do everything on it and don't have to touch the screen too often because vertical touchscreen experience is horrible. And the cool thing here is that I can fold it up nicely and use it only when typing long text. Great!
I just picked up this keyboard today and I’m using it to type this review. I am already falling in love with this thing. I was lugging around a Logitech K760 to use on my iPad Pro and it was just a waste of space in my backpack. I think I’ll be carrying around this and my Smart Cover to university instead. No more lugging around portable keyboards.
I really like this keyboard, it has enough travel and it feel comfortable, and I love that it is very slim unlike other keyboards out there, although I would love it to have backlit keys
Jeff! Additional shortcut: CMD+Tab to switch apps BUUUUT while holding CMD down on the switcher... hit the tilde or caret key above Tab to go backwards. No more CMD+Shift+Tab :)
The quality of the content of your videos is on point and the effort you put into your videos by keeping things simple but well explained. Amazing job, keep doin’ what your doin’. 😊👍
Great article and review. Based on this video and the one you did about the Khomo back case, I chose the Apple Smart Keyboard and Khomo back case the case Apple should still make, but doesn’t. The Apple Keyboard and Khomo back case make a great team and really complement the iPad Pro 10.5. Thank you for the informative videos.
Had one smart keyboard with the original 12.9" iPad Pro and I loved it overall. Thought I'd stay away from it with the new 10.5" this time around and that's exactly what I did it: went with the leather one with the pencil holder from and never regretted it.
But... after watching your video, I'm having second thoughts and I've got this urge of getting one right now and it just won't go away...
Look what you did!
cash227 buy a magic keyboard for $100 and call it a day
I'm beginning to think you had more to do with my decision to include MacOS in my current tech menagerie. Before I became a full-time subscriber to your channel, I only had an interest in Windows, iOS, & Linux; now, it's all complete with my late 2015 15" MBP. Damn, you're infectious.
Which desktop OS do you enjoy the most? Windows, macOS, or Linux (an if Linux, which distro and desktop environment do you like)?
I also have it for the 12.9". It is indeed a very nice accessory, although expensive. There are 2 things I don't like about it:
1) the up/down arrow keys - too small. This is Apple's take on slimming down keyboards and we've seen it in the new MacBooks and the Magic Keyboard (thank God they didn't change the one with the Numpad!)
2) no ESC key. I know it is not part of the iOS, but it would have been extremely useful to have one when you just want do dismiss things and could even add up as a substitute to the home button
And a bonus one: 3) slow developer implementation - there are still a lot of apps which are not optimized for the keyboard (you can't press the space bar for pause in video apps, i.e. RUclips), they aren't even for the 12.9" display, but that's another topic..
Hi, Thanks for the video. I didn't get the smart keyboard with my first iPadPro 12.9 as I didn't like the key response, and went with the Logitech case instead, which added a lot of weight. When I recently upgraded to the 10.5, I decided to go for the smart keyboard which has improved a lot since they first came out, but wasn't happy that it didn't protect the back of the iPad. There were no gel cases available when I bought it and the extra cost kinda irked me, so I took the cheap smart cover/case I'd already bought online, detached the cover from the back, a couple of small mods with a craft knife to make it fit the keyboard properly and now I have full protection. Love the keyboard, love love love the iPadPro and Apple Pencil. 😍
You can buy extremely cheap PU cases on Aliexpress that's sold for like $5 which has cut-outs for the smart keyboard. I'm using one right now and it fits perfectly. Not sponsored or anything but this is the one I'm using for my 9.7: www.aliexpress.com/item/Case-For-Apple-iPad-Pro-12-9-inch-Tablet-Sleeve-Cover-Soft-Transparent-Silicone-TPU-Case/32877169383.html?spm=2114.10010108.1000014.4.4a4fdf02AbbLvJ&gps-id=pcDetailBottomMoreOtherSeller&scm=1007.13338.112235.000000000000000&scm_id=1007.13338.112235.000000000000000&scm-url=1007.13338.112235.000000000000000&pvid=697252cf-780a-4aef-ae7f-66d914d86b4a
Great review. Have one for my 12.9" and it has replaced my laptop for 90% of graduate school. I only need my full laptop for heavy coding and modeling.
I have this for almost a year and I found out about the viewing angles now!!! Thank you so much
Very nice, fast paced, no boring talking, good job. Volume could be a little louder tho.
Love how comprehensive this video is yet to to the point! Been considering buying the 10.5 iPad for a few months as I'm a designer and drawing on my old 9.7 iPad is feeling a little cramped. The ability to have a very light weight keyboard combo like this is great. I have a very bulky 2012 13 in MacBook Pro and usually end up carrying both to school or work on a daily basis in a backpack, a pretty heavy load! With this setup I could be able to draw and then still get some computing done without bringing my laptop. I had considered buying a MS Surface pro to replace both my MacBook and my current iPad as I need Windows to run Solid Works. I currently use Windows 10 via boot camp on the MacBook. I had taken a look at MS but find the tablet mode of Window 10 to be clunky compared to IOS. Great review so helpful thanks
I see the potential within the new iPad and its accessories, and I really appreciate their effort in order to make the iPad more efficient.
Anyhow, the main problem with this this product is that you constantly have to reach for the display with your finger. It needs a trackpad to be efficient. No matter how hard they try, the iPads won't be able to compete with Macs - productivity wise.
I always have hard time with the Apple Smart Keyboard to fold it into the typing position. No matter what, I always have to think hard on how to do it.
It think the Logitech Create I have is much superior as it is also a case, it has backlighting and it has a row of function Key. Plus, it folds in position without thinking of it. Only drawback it's a bit heavy (beacuse the case) and you can't detach the keyboard. You'll have to get the iPad out completely. But, it really is nice for the same price as the Apple Smart Keyboard, as a matter of fact. I believe, I'll switch to the knew Slim Combo when available, because the keyboard is now detachable.
You should run a test on this one. Would be appreciated.
Really positive, clear look at the Smart Keyboard - it's the kind of info that encourages a purchase - once the prices get a little lower.
Make me wanna get one after watching ur vid! Great job!
I have the keyboard for the 12.9 inch. I thought getting a keyboard for the 10.5 inch might be too much.. I got it anyway. So, far I’m very happy with it.
I just got mine and honestly there is nothing like an Apple Product. I don’t agree with the price of the keyboard but I do love the fact how small, sleek, and minimal bulk makes it to the complete package. There is a couple of things I don’t like. They keys are a bit to get used to and it feels weird once you do and you go back to a regular tactile type of keyboard. At first I was smashing the keys very hard and then I learned just to press them slightly. Second the keys don’t light up at all. It would be quite nice to have but knowing Apple they would probably double the price for a backlight keyboard. Back to the things I do like. The keys are very responsive. I have yet to experience any type of connection issue but I know throughout time I will find out. I love the fact that there are no batteries needed and you don’t have to turn on and off iOS simply adapts. I used to have the Zagg Rugged Messenger Keyboard which is a great product btw but I hated the fact that it would drain the battery so fast if I left it on. There were countless occasions where I did left it on by accident. On the Smart Keyboard you are always ready to go when you need it and when you don’t it folds like a cover would and you can use the iPad without it. You see Apple is always about the experience and how it looks. If that appeals to you then go for it you won’t regret it. If you don’t care how it looks or the experience of the smart connector then get a bluetooth wireless case. Zagg Rugged messenger is extremely well made. They keyboards are backlight and it offers great protection that you can’t get with Apple Smart Keyboard. I hope it helps someone out there that is on the edge of getting this or not.
Adore your videos especially the new iOS 11 and iPad Pro series. Very informative and fun to watch.
+Ryan H thank you!!!
By far the best review/overview of the Smart Keyboard I’ve seen. Nice work.
I am typing on the Smart Keyboard I love it the keys feel really good and I got an iPad Pro 10.5 inch for Christmas with a apple pen I love it its amazing!! I recommend buying this!!
I wish it had backlighting. I would prefer the magic keyboard over this but the super slim design is definitely a good thing.
It's expensive, but it's way better than any other keyboard. I tried the Logitech and Zagg ones and hated them. They have more features, but add way too much bulk.
Thank you for this review video! This really helped me a lot and I am convinced to go ahead and put this smart keyboard for my iPad pro 10.5 / thanks for explaining the functions and the positive of using a keyboard.
not a single mention that the back of the ipad is left completely unprotected?
Just bought it only to notice this after I clicked it onto my iPad... I know this is an old comment, but did you find a solution? I’m thinking of getting a wrap for the back of the iPad, or maybe some sort of case which protects the back. I love the keyboard though, it feels like I’m using a mini laptop hahaha
The back is already very strong 🙃 I used this keyboard without a back cover and it still doesn’t have any scratches
Open any of Apple's native apps, then press and hold the Command key - a list of keyboard shortcuts shows up to let you know what else you can do. Not sure other keyboards can rival that...
Soon as I saw the iPad Pro and the Smart Keyboard review I quickly asked my mom for one and she said yes if you can tell me a reason... I gave her 15 in a message. #lol
I know im late but… did you got it lol
Agreed. A total must-have accessory.
I’m not sure why people are hating on it. I feel like it provides a secondary more portable laptiop for me
It still bugs me that Apple didn’t bother making a Smart Case for this new iPad Pro. Where is the logic behind that?!
I kind of have to agree. But pairing it with a skin from Slickwraps or dbrand might be a viable alternative. It really does maintain the whole "slim" theme that you get by using Apple's own keyboard to begin with.
Very nice keyboard/stand. I just wish they could somehow incorporate a protective case for the other side with the intruding camera.
The sound heard from the videos of 9to5mac is very small.
Please fix it!
A keyboard/cover transforms the iPad in actual use. However, I consider the Apple product to be useable, but inferior. I had a Logictech Type+ keyboard/case on my iPad Air 2, and it was basically perfect. There's no such device for the iPad Pro 10.5" (yet?), so I've been suffering with Apple's goofy design. I just hope Logitech comes through with a Type+ for the iPad Pro!
I got the new 2nd gen max spec 12.9 iPad Pro with the Smart Keyboard & Apple Pencil. I like the keyboard in the day time but absolutely HATE it in the night. The lack of backlights makes it nearly impossible to type comfortably/accurately I’m the dark, which happens to be when I do most of my typing. Apple always lacks something important in every device they release smh.
The only think stopping me from going 'all in' on these iPad pro's is connectivity/ports. If they utilised the smart connector into some kind of dock I'd be balls deep.
You mention there are multiple angles when the keyboard is being used as a stand. Can you go into more detail about that? It seems that there is only one angle - straight up.
Old video I know, but can you put it on backwards so you can use it lying flat without the keys facing outwards?
*When do you think the Touch Bar magic keyboard will launch for Mac? Great video*
Hard to say. I'm not a fan of the Touch Bar at all, but it would be nice for all who are invested in it to have a standalone hardware option. Hopefully sooner than later.
I think Apple is secretly dropping the Touch Bar. If they really wanted the Touch Bar to be successful, they would've launched a Keyboard for it by now, or announce it for the iMac Pro. And you'd think High Sierra would have new features for it, but it doesn't. So I think Apple is secretly killing it.
I am also not a fan of Touch Bar. It is so easy to touch by accident and still not liking the feel of it. That's the reason I am not upgrading to the new 15 inch rmbp. Rather I am looking into 27 inch iMac for my next upgrade because 13" macbook pro w/o TB is too weak.
Ya, but the main issue is that it's too subtle for the price it added to the Macbook Pro. Which is why majority don't like it. It adds more price, and is barely used. And believe me, Developers can make good use out of that Touch Bar. The problem is, it's exclusive to the Macbook Pro, and no one is really gonna take advantage of it, unless it's on more devices. A Desktop Touch Bar Keyboard could fix that, because then you have the iMac, the iMac Pro, the Macbook, and the Mac Pro that can use it instead of just one product. But instead, iMac Pro is just getting a standard keyboard, with no "extensions". So Touch Bar seems futureless currently. Some claim we'll never see one because of battery life, but I doubt that'd be the main issue. With a keyboard, since it lacks the guts of a macbook pro, you can put as much batteries as possible, and add fast charging with USB-C. So there's no real reason why we still didn't get it, besides Apple themselves not seeing much future for it, and will eventually get rid of it for something else.
Wow, I did not realize the number of shortcuts that are applicable here with iOS 11. That would dramatically increase the workflow of productivity. I also was concerned about whether or not the Smart Keyboard would be usable on the lap, and was surprised to hear that it remains functional. Previously, I was considering Logitech’s new Slim Combo Keyboard case, but I love the elegance of Apple’s own offerings and am now reconsidering getting this. Logitech’s accessory offers more features, such as more protection, MacBook Pro-like keys with backlight, and a kickstand with multiple viewing angles.
My decision will ultimately come down to Logitech’s pricing on their newest keyboard case.
Yeah, I was hoping someone would notice that. Tried to touch on basic hardware keyboard advantages as well :) Lots of goodies there.
Wow thank you for this overview!
The 10.5" Smart Keyboard supposedly has larger keys than the 9.7" version, making it closer to a full sized keyboard. Part of how Apple did this was to narrow some keys along the right. If only they did that with the 9.7", it would've made that one slightly better too...
Great review. Thank you for all the good info. I may have to get the keyboard now that I know what it can do 👍🏻👍🏻
My smart keyboard for ipad pro started to fail functioning after updating the OS . Till now. Apple should do something better.
Amazing! It's much easier to use than the one on the PC!
The smart keyboard did not gain any new commands? with the iOS 11? If has, make a new video for us, please
Amazing review . Especially the shortcuts part of it
Bit nothing protects the back
I tried the Apple Smart Keyboard on the iPad Pro 9.7 and never again. It would always lose connection on anything other than a desk. It's really expensive. I passed without hesitation with the ipad pro 10.5
I don’t know if you’re going to see this but can you tell me what app you were using to type all the reasons?
To add more most people w a 10.5 iPad also have a laptop. Why choose now?
Really great video when I upgrade my iPad I’ll definitely get one.
Nice video....best feature..hotkeys and charges from iPad
Excellent overview, great work !
I agree. I can actually type better on this cover than I can on a new MBP2016 keyboard.
+Andy Rhine I’m not better on this than the MacBook, but I’m not far off.
Would the older keyboard work on the 10.5? Understandably you wouldn't use it for a cover but just to sit down and type if needed?
Please help...I have a logitech slim combo. The warranty only just expired July 12, 2021. The space bar does not work. When pressed it closes the document. What to do? I have seen loads of complaints on this online.
The 10.5 Smart Keyboard has magnets that hold the pencil pretty well also. The 12.9 does not
Still for me typing expierience is still better on a Macbook especially on newest Macbook 12 and Pro with second generation butterfly mechanism. And for this reason I dont switch my Macbook to iPad ;) .
This uses the same butterfly mechanism tech
Ok, but still typing experience is better on macbook, keyboard is more comfortable on typing and has a backlight ;)
My Smart Keyboard doesn't work for some shortcuts you mentioned like the cod+opt+d or the screen shot with 4. Is there a custom set up for it? Can someone also please tell me how you show the shortcut list? Thanks in advanced.
I wish I could use a mouse too
Great keyboard, but it will stop working in 2 years, just got my 3rd one. Only because it’s the only one I like lol.
why would it stop working?
Great review! Thank you!
Great vid, thank you very helpful
Could you please provide that wallpaper you have on the iPad? Love it
Is having magnets attached to a computer a good idea though?
My Smart Keyboards magnets don’t line up so the pins don’t touch. Do I return it?? Help!!!
Is that Mt.Fuji in the screen? I like it so much!🗻😆
What is that rectangular outline on the top/mid of the iPad's backside? My 10.5 Pro does not have that.
Dustin ...cellular antenna
Thorough explanation.
If you have a cover like a bentogen folio can you attach and detach the keyboard without having to un case the iPad? The connector is visible when the folio is open and is just a thin felt pad. Also is it possible to do cut and pasting edits with this keyboard? Thanks for your review.
I have iPad Pro 10.5 inch keyboard and Apple Pencil
Luiss2007 Yeshappytreefriends nolittlebill how u put your pencil?
Are there any hardware keyboard shortcuts in iOS that only work with/on the Smart Keyboard and no other external Bluetooth keyboard?
Nice review as always.
Awesome, thanks so much
May I know if it is steady to use the iPad at 30 degree angle with this keyboard on?
Thanks for the review, I'm going to buy it
is there a Belkin keyboard on the way or what's about the Logitech Pro Create for the new 10.5???
But can it still work with the ipad if it's still in a (say) Otter Box case?
does typing on that keyboard feel mushy? the ipad seems to wiggle too when pressing keys
You don't have arrow keys on the on screen keyboard because there are gestures to go through text, remember?
Yes, but using gestures is often slower than keyboard input.
At 1:20 enough wobble and he says comfortable LOL.
The magnet didn't affect the ipad ?
Why didn't they make Return key even smaller?
Like for showing the quick short keys 👍🏻
I got a Keyboard for the iPad 9.7 Pro - I rarely use it and it's only the US layout (I am german) - there is only one angle to be used - there are better ones for that money. whould not really buy it again..
that angle is not perfect .. it only locks in when it's set like .. and typing on it sometimes kills ALL the text which should never happen. not ok for that price - maybe different on the 10.5"..? and it doubles the weight.
Great vid w shortcuts
how does one control the brightness and volume is there a short key ?
Great tips thanks 👍🏻
I hated this keyboard when I got it. After a few weeks of use, I love it. Couldnt imagine my ipad without it. Although I use it mostly for imessage and whatsapp lol
How do u use Whattsapp on iPad ?
its an app called 'messenger for whatsapp'
Can someone pleaaaase answer if it’s ok to use it with my 7th gen iPad 10.2?
I like the keyboard when it works! I’m getting accessory not supported continually. Fix the F’n problem with your ios apple!
lol come on dude. It was shaky and about to fall off your lap while typing and typing while it's flat straight down is not a good angle. This is what happens when people love a brand too much and aren't critical of anything
gwvaio I love how you are so jealous to him😂😂😭
I'm not going to lie to you, that is the truth. I personally own a 9.7 iPad Pro and the Smart Keyboard and whenever I type on it while it is on my lap, it is shaky as hell. But as a writer who frequently travel coffee shops and sometimes even seminars, not *ONCE* did it fall off. At first it was a very uncomfortable experience since I was at risk of my $600 investment flopping down on its face, but in time, I got used to the shakiness. I even tried shaking it aggressively on my lap (On my bed, of course), and despite the shakiness, it held still. Now it's just a normal experience, I have complete faith in the magnets.
You just don't know what you're talking about. I doubt you even own one to talk of it in this fashion.
How is this keyboard compared to size on the Logitech Keys to go?
Absolutely a perfect video!