Apple - Smart Keyboard for 9.7-inch iPad Pro - Gray

If you're considering an iPad Pro 9.7 inch model, or perhaps if you've already bought this device, then make no mistake: this is the keyboard that you're looking for. For the time being, at least. It is to the iPad Pro, what the Surface Type Cover is to the Surface Pro 4 - if you'd like to use your iPad Pro to the best of it's ability, and especially if you intend for this device to replace your primary computer, this accessory is simply indispensable. It is, in fact, a compromise in many positive ways. Yet, this device is not without it's flaws, even after you consider the almost prohibitively high price tag of $149... PROS - The keyboard itself is light enough that it will happily go wherever your iPad goes without making the device's total weight cumbersome. In other words, it does not noticeably detract from the outstanding portability that the iPad is known for. - The keyboard doubles as a high quality cover when not in use, and offers the flexible standing positions that Apple's smart covers are known for. - The keyboard itself makes good use of what meager space there is on the cover, spacing the keys wisely, and even thinking to fit in a cmd key complete with potentially time saving shortcuts to help you navigate your iPad Pro without removing your hands from the keyboard. - The keyboard is waterproof nylon fiber! A waterproof peripheral is always welcome in my workplace, and does, in fact, add value to this product. - The keys somewhat compensate for a diminished travel distance by being very responsive. - Despite the unusual material, the keyboard *feels* like a premium product that will last. How long? Only time will tell, but it feels as sturdy as it is lightweight. CONS - Althought the keyboard still maintains a low-profile, considering that it is a fairly complete keyboard, when folded up as a smart cover, 2/3 of the cover is visibly extruded quite a bit higher than the 1/3 which is closest to the smart connector. This is obviously because the keyboard has to hide somewhere, but this asymmetrical apperance might bug the OCD Apple Aesthetic Fan in you. - This keyboard is as small as you should expect it to be on a 9.7 inch device. If you've got big honking hands with big sausage fingers, or if you found the *12.9* inch version to be too small or uncomfortable, then I can't recommend this keyboard to you with any certainty. - The keyboard isn't backlit! Honestly, quite a let down. Part of me understands that it may not have been possible or desireable for some reason to put backlit keys in... but another part of me is outraged that a premium keyboard at this price level doesn't have such a practical, and valuable, feature. - The very minimal feedback on the Smart Keyboard relative to your average desktop or even laptop keyboard and the feel of the keyboard keys themselves is certainly an acquired taste. Simply put, this keyboard is different. And if you don't appreciate the difference, or expect something more like the Surface Pro Type Cover, then you may be greatly dissapointed by this given the exorbitant price. Which leads us to... - This thing is very expensive at the moment. In fact, it's entirely possible that it's too expensive for your tastes, and I can't blame you for feeling that way. But the The bottom line is this - if you're getting an iPad Pro, then you should be considering this keyboard, and you should consider how expensive it is before you sign up to buy an iPad Pro. I'll tell you right now that the Apple Pencil isn't a *must have* accessory for this device, but the keyboard has a very functional, practical idea in mind that you would do well not to ignore. The Smart Keyboard is one of those things that you feel should be included in the box, but it isn't. Again, much like the Surface Pro 3/4 Type Covers. That said, it's not the only bluetooth keyboard that plays/looks nice with the iPad, and certainly not the only one that functions as a case, which is a luxury that we *didn't* really have with the Surface Pro line (we still don't actually... I think). If you're a patient girl/boy, then it won't even be the only *smart connector* keyboard for this device for very long either. But when all is said and done, in spite of its borked price tag, not being backlit, and perhaps the bulge that it creates when used as a cover, I can honestly say that I'm pleased that Apple has essentially made a super Smart Cover that I can unfold to type on within minutes. As a fellow with smaller hands, I can also sincerely say that it is quite a pleasure to type on, although it might take some adjusting to for some, and it might not be a feasible option at all if you have larger hands than I. I can't say I happily forked over $149 for this keyboard at the time, and you would be wise to consider if you have that kind of money to spend on a keyboard before doing so. But now that I have mine, I've come to realize that I'm quite pleased with my Smart Keyboard. It completes my iPad Pro Computing experience, and aside from being short a set of backlit keys, it feels like a quality, durable product that I can count on for as long as my iPad lives, and it affords me a great deal of convenience and screen protection to boot. So, in the end, I suppose this is what Apple was going for. And ultimately, this product was worth it to me. A price cut would be lovely. But still worth it in my opinion. I'm giving this product 5 stars, thought I would like to give it 4.5. In spite of it's shortcomings and cost, I really do believe that it is a well designed multifunctional keyboard, easily among (if not) the best in its class. Thanks for reading this review, I really hope it gave you some valuable insight and helps you come to whatever decision is best for you! This is your friendly neighborhood reviewer Pragmatic Theo, signing off!

I've owned Ipads before but have never used a keyboard. So when I bought my new Ipad Pro, I also purchased the Smart Keyboard. The keyboard makes the Ipad feel like a laptop. The keys are comfortable to type. It's so easy to set up and is very lightweight. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because I wish it offered multiple viewing angles when attached to the Ipad. It only offers one, which is perfect if sitting on a desk, but not as comfortable if it's on your lap. It's perfect for taking on a trip or to meetings because it's so portable and lightweight.

This keypad works great most of the time. Occasionally it just stops working and I've got to turn everything off and restart to get it working again. It's very small and compact and protects the screen when not in use. I like that it doesn't need to be charged separately. This is way better than the keypad I had on my last i-Pad.

Fully functional keyboard and easy to use. No set up required (it syncs via magnets on edge of iPad.

Keys feel nice and it does its job protecting the screen but it adds a lot of weight and the keyboard doesn't sit flat so it's always bouncing up when I type.

I just got this straight from the Apple Store, but I think it's a great keyboard! First of all, it isn't Bluetooth, so it's ready to use, when I'm ready to use it. No charging, no connecting, no wait. Just unfold it and pop the iPad into magnetic place. It's great! The keyboard is responsive and easier to type on than I thought it would be by looking at the photo. People complain about the thickness of the front, but I used to have an iPad 4 with a heavy leather case. So for me, the thinner iPad Pro 9.7 with a Smart Cover with an extra thickness for a keyboard is no big deal, even if it does add a little weight. I love how it folds up to basically be a cover, and the keyboard stays folded up when you don't need it. You can even fold the whole cover back behind the iPad for reading or whatever. I think the convenience of having the keyboard on demand, and also being able to fold it up out of the way back into it's own little "cover" is amazing technology. Also, despite the lack of the top row keys, the keyboard has plenty of its own shortcuts, and if you forget, you can just hold down the command key in any app and your shortcut options will pop up to remind you.

Recently I bought the iPad Pro 9.7 model (coming from an iPad Air 2), and was looking into purchasing a keyboard. I never was a fan of the tablet keyboard because of 1) Bluetooth connection can be spotty and 2) it either needs a battery or some type of other power supply to make it work. Plus most keyboards that I have tried made the iPad very bulky. So when I tried the Smart Keyboard, I was still skeptical. This time around it was due to the “strange” look keyboard…it reminded me of the old Atari 400 computer’s keyboard at first sight! Boy was I wrong. Pros The typing experience: It reminds me of the MacBook keyboard….only smaller. Keys are very responsive with very little travel when struck. One thing I do like is there is no hit shift to get to numbers like on the virtual iOS keyboard. Because the keys are rather small, for some people it may turn them off. For me, it took several minutes to adapt to this type of typing experience, but so far I like this better than typing on the iOS virtual keyboard when I type long emails, reports, or for that matter this long review! Very thin: Wow this keyboard is this and light when compared to the other makers. The keys themselves is covered with some type of fabric. And when folded up it does act similar to a cover. The keyboard is very small, which means I am very close to the already small 9.7 screen. To me, this makes it easier to type and interact with the iPad Pro. Shortcuts: Makes apps a lot easier to get to and specific functions such as bold/italicizes easier! By holding down the Command key, the keyboard brings up a list of shortcuts depending on which program you are in. It just works!: No batteries, no Bluetooth connection…it just works! Instantly connect the connector from the iPad Pro to the keyboard and start typing away. Nice material and design: Very elegant and smooth feeling. As stated before the make of the keyboard makes it similar to a screen protector when folded. One concern that I had with the Logitech keyboard was the screen was exposed to the screen. Would this cause the keys to scratch the screen surface? Not sure but it was somewhat of a turnoff. Despite the many reasons I like it, there are several reasons that keep this from a perfect score. No function keys: At first it was not a big deal until I realized that on my MacBook Pro 15 inch I would always use the function keys related to listening to music! Yes, if they did include function keys it could make the keyboard loose its small footprint. However, I’m not sure why Apple didn't create “virtual” function keys (example: hold down the option key to instigate these keys). No backlit keys: Kind of miss this feature here. I do most of my typing in the light, but having backlit keys would be beneficial. Would this have increased the price? Not sure, which leads me to my next con… Price: At $149.00 it's indeed a pricey keyboard when compared to the competition (which has backlit keyboard and function keys). Not sure if it's due to the way the keyboard is made (the material that is) or maybe it's just an Apple product being pricey pricing because, well, it's an Apple product. Can the fabric rip?: I like the way the keyboard feels, but I'm wondering if someone who has jagged fingernails could rip the fabric? I tried to include an image of what the fabric looks like on the keyboard.you can defiantly see the fabric move while typing. Would the fabric withstand jagged fingernails? I don't have any intentions to test this, so hopefully this was just a mute paragraph. So overall so far it's a pretty good keyboard. If it had virtual function keys similar to the MacBook, then this would be a perfect 5. Backlit keyboard and lower price would have been nice, but if you are looking for a slim and responsive keyboard without the above options, this is for you.

The look of this keyboard and feel is awesome. The price is a little bit hefty. You don't have to pound at the keyboards for it to type as a simple keystroke does the job well, I like how you don't have to charge the keyboard simply attach to the 9.7 inch iPad and wala it's all set up. I wish they had made this keyboard though as a slip on so the whole iPad in general can be protected not leaving the backside of the iPad exposed, but overall it's a pretty great accessory.