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!
