Customers appreciate the large trackpad and excellent battery life of the 12.9 MAX+ Wireless Keyboard. They also find it easy to use and connect, with many noting its affordability compared to competitors. However, some customers mention the keyboard's considerable weight and concerns about the hinge durability. The overall design receives positive feedback, although the added bulk is a recurring point of discussion.
This summary was generated by AI based on customer reviews.
The vast majority of our reviews come from verified purchases. Reviews from customers may include My Best Buy members, employees, and Tech Insider Network members (as tagged). Select reviewers may receive discounted products, promotional considerations or entries into drawings for honest, helpful reviews.
Page 1 Showing 1-20 of 177 reviews
Cons mentioned:
Hinges, Weight
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Broke within a year
|
|
Posted . Owned for 1 year when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
For the price, it definitely should not break within a year of me getting it. Not only is it extremely heavy, but the weight distribution is just uneven. It seems that it couldn’t support the weight of an iPad like it was supposed to and the hinges broke. Now the screen will flop around since it is not secure. Will be moving to a Logitech keyboard soon. It has much better reviews.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Ease of use
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great Apple iPad
|
|
Posted . Owned for 2 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Great Apple iPad. It works great. The keyboard fits perfectly. Easy to use, lightweight and great!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Battery life, Keyboard quality
Cons mentioned:
Weight
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Nice look and feel of aluminium based Keyboard
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Review of Bridge 12.9 Max +
The keyboard case with trackpad out of box its look and feel does impress. Made of Aluminium for keyboard, and plastic for the case, It is solid and well crafted at appearance to match to the level of iPad Pro 12.9 with M1 (5th generation). All together give feeling of a MacBook a alike experience just holding it,
To start using it, first would recommend following its short guide to pair first with the iPad via bluetooth. Once it is paired, need to downloads Brydge application to update the firmware, In between need to plug/unplug charger for the keyboard. Once this is done, then it is ready to start using it.
Placing the iPad on the case is simple, doesn’t take major effort like having to find the right fitting mode and how to squeeze in the corner. It is opened cover that get attached via magnet snap fit directly.
The Keyboard: as I type, it feels smooth as press each key, it bounce a bit but not the way of feeling the bottom underneath of the key that touch the mechanical part. It has dedicated keys for bluetooth, on/off of keyboard, screen bright decrease/increase, keyboard backlight control, lock, application exit or rotation key, volume control, multimedia play/pause among other dedicated keys by default by Apple.
The track pad, is wide enough that provide space for gesture movements which works nicely.
Its battery, as per its specification last up to 3 months at 2 hours use per day with now backlight use. Up to 40 hours per charge with backlight enabled. In the actual use test, with full charge, using for three days with backlight, its battery usage shows one third of usage.
The downside:
1. It need to be charged, It’s dependency of charging add one more thing to take care or add to all the rest of devices. It use usb-c to charge. But doesn’t include the cable nor the charger.
2. The track pad as being used to click a url link, or edit a field to select and enter data feels to missing precision as have to tap multiple time and sometime doing directly on the screen with finger.
3. As holding on hand, it is quite heavy. The keyboard alone weight 2.1lb (970 g) + iPad Pro (2021) 1.5 lb (682g) that makes total of 3.6lb , heavier than MacBook Pro 13 M1 8GB 256GB has weight of 3.0 LB. On paper writing its weight feels nothing, but if it is placed in a bag and for traveling or commuting, the weight is not that great with all the other items in the bag.
4. Setting up in the very beginning, require bluetooth connection to install firmware update, then forget the connection then connect again after update while need to plug and plug subsequentely. Although it might be one time situation for firmware update and minor detail, does detriment the initial experience.
5. The USB-C port to charge the keyboard only charge the keyboard, doesn’t charge the iPad as well resulting having to have to chargers and its cables if both need to be charged.
It is very personal preference the usage and use cases for which one could like it or not. For my preference, although I liked the hardware look and fell, putting all together desired above, the Brydge Keyboard for iPad Pro wouldn’t be on the first choice considering the price range and its experience.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Cons mentioned:
Hinges
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
It was great until I found the cracked hinge
|
|
Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I purchased the Brydge MAX+ less than 4 weeks ago. The trackpad can get a little wonky with gestures but I just learned to live with it. I started to research the trackpad problems and came upon issues with cracked hinges. I figured these are the kind of users that are rough on their tech so I ignored it. Today I pulled out my iPad and found my right hinge was cracked also. Now, my iPad never travels more than its charging station to the kitchen table which is only 15 feet. I was shocked.
Luckily, I am in my 30 day return window so I will return. For those that are beyond return I have read that Brydge is aware and replacing these defective keyboards. I really loved the Brydge MAX+ and if they fix these issues I will purchase again.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Keyboard quality
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
Heavy & Had to return original keyboard
|
|
Posted . Owned for 5 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I’ve now had my Brydge 12.9 Max+ case/keyboard about 7 months. After 6 months the case developed cracks at the point where the the top and bottom sides connect, making the keyboard lose it’s bluetooth connection. I contacted Brydge and sent them photos of the damage. To their credit, they promptly sent me a new keyboard. But there are other problems - the main one being that the case is heavy, and though I have never dropped my iPad because of the weight, I’m always super vigilant about holding onto the case tightly when carrying it. One other thing - on the original keyboard I bought, the keyboard had annoying quirks like having to tap a key twice before it engaged. My new keyboard does not have those quirks and works perfectly.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Brydge keyboard!
|
|
Posted . Owned for 2 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I absolutely love the setup, and how everything looks/feels. Very thick & on the heavy side, but definitely is worth it for the durability. My only flaw this keyboard, is how glitchy it is! The track pad is the main problem.
I would recommend this to a friend
Cons mentioned:
Weight
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
All that glitters isn’t gold
|
|
Posted . Owned for 5 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This case is heavy but not durable for the cost. I read that the part where bends was not durable. That is true. I dropped it from a short distance, the ends cracked and now the IPad will not sit up without help. The grips came off of the bottom. I have not had this for a year. What a shame.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Battery life, Keyboard quality
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
MacPad Pro
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
For those wanting a more notebook feel for your iPad, look no further. With a lot of other keyboard/keyboard cases, it makes your iPad feel like an iPad with a bulky keyboard attached to it. This Brydge keyboard case has the most notebook feel of any of the iPad keyboards I've used.
As with other keyboard cases, this one connects via Bluetooth and the pairing process is pretty simple. After you download the companion app, you can get started typing/browsing away in no time.
The case feels very beefy/sturdy. The top has a matte finish to it and the bottom of the case is a metallic finish to it. Both of which are bound to be scratch magnets so if you're the type that can't stand getting you shiny new toys scratched, this might not be for you.
The case took a bit of time to charge initially; about 2 1/2 hours. The specs say you can get up to 3 months life on a charge so we'll see if that holds up. There is a charging indicator light on the keyboard however I wished this would've been placed on the side of the case for easier viewing. Not very convenient to open your case to see if it's completed charging.
The biggest benefit of this case is the huge trackpad. This really gives you that laptop feel and it works great. It uses all the usual gestures so nothing new here. But, it just feels great to have a large trackpad to use for those late night YouTube marathons.
Biggest downside to this case is the added bulk/weight. If you really loved how lightweight and thin the iPad is, this case will disappoint you very much. With the iPad in it, the entire unit is about 3/4 thick and weighs about 3 1/2 pounds. You'll definitely notice the added bulk and weight to this.
That said, I like it. If you're using your iPad for "work" related tasks like typing or making presentations, this case will definitely help out in that department. If you're a casual user and want to watch videos or play games mostly, this probably isn't the case for you. This is more geared to professional users I think and, in that respect, I think this case does a great job,
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Battery life, Keyboard quality
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Great Keyboard, Trackpad is hit or miss.
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Brydge Keyboard and Trackpad is the type of accessory that really helps push the maximum use of your iPad Pro. I often found that the iPad without a keyboard was great for some basic use, but text entry has always been a pain on the larger screen with a touch keyboard. Since the iPad Pro allows the use of bluetooth accessories, I often found myself using a larger standard keyboard, which made it impossible to use it on the go.
In the box you’ll find the Brydge keyboard with trackpad, a basic manual, and a warranty guide. Installation simply requires that you line up the camera to the cut out, and simply allow the magnetic backing to snap the iPad in place. In fact, the total install time was about 10 seconds. The longest part of the install is simply turning the keyboard on, using the power button, and pairing the device to bluetooth on your iPad Pro. The keyboard itself uses a USB C connection to facilitate charging, since this doesn’t use the smart connector on your iPad to share power.
At first glance you’d believe I was using my 13” Macbook Pro, only to find that it’s my iPad Pro. The only downside to this accessory, is the fact that it doesn’t automatically turn on when you open it from the closed position, since this is a Bluetooth accessory and isn’t using the smart connector to automate the connectivity. You’ll also need to plan to either use your iPad Pro charging cable, or purchase a separate USB C cable for keyboard charging with it’s own charger. I also found that at times, the keyboard would take more than 10 seconds to properly connect, leading to odd lag when trying to use the trackpad as soon as you power it on.
During general use, I found the keyboard comfortable, with a similar feel to using a standard macbook, but found the trackpad to have issues with proper connectivity or tracking. At times, when typing in Word or Google Suite apps, I’d notice the trackpad either being unresponsive or have a delayed response during use. This ended up with me constantly having to simply navigate with touch controls, and avoiding the use of the trackpad when typing in word processing apps. This became more of an annoyance as I tried to use this for my day to day tasks, as I tried to exclusively use my iPad over my Macbook.
Battery life has been great with the keyboard, and I didn’t once run out of battery over a prolonged 8 hours of use. The Brydge itself adds to the overall weight of your iPad, and I can only assume the extra depth stores a larger battery. The aluminum feeling casing feels solid, and mirrors the finish of a space gray MacBook, but in a slightly smaller form factor. This led to several questions from people asking what laptop I was using, and if Apple had released a smaller 12” macbook. So, I’d say this has the look down.
Overall, the keyboard was comfortable to use, the iPad Pro feels securely attached, typing experience has been elevated, and the “instant on” feature seems to be hit or miss during my regular use. However, given the odd connectivity issues, I’d still recommend this for a Pro user who needs a better way for text entry, and wants to utilize their iPad Pro on the go, without needing to bring a Mouse and Keyboard for comfortable use. The build quality is solid, and the finish makes this appear like a very premium accessory when compared to others offering similar function. You might have issues from time to time, app to app, when trying to use the trackpad, but never became enough of an annoyance that it would make me want to stop using it. For the most part, this is now my go-to keyboard accessory for my iPad Pro.
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Not worth it and believe the bad reviews
|
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This keyboard is NOT worth it, would not stay on even after letting it charge all night (6+ hrs)
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Battery life, Keyboard quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Premium Keyboard for iPad Pro 12.9!
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I was looking for an alternative keyboard for my iPad pro 12.9 5th generation and got Brydge 12.9 MAX+ wireless keyboard. The packing was excellent and the setup was very easy. I have downloaded BrydgeConnect from the App store and updated the latest firmware. It fits perfectly with iPad Pro 12.9 5th generation. This keyboard feels like a premium keyboard and has absolutely no issues and lag while typing. The touch and springiness of the keyboard responded well.
The trackpad is the largest multi-touch trackpad ever on a tablet keyboard. The trackpad has very smooth functioning and has great responsiveness. This unit has 3 levels of LED-backlit keys which makes it possible to use your computer in no light or low light. Those users who use a laptop computer where keys are not backlit will appreciate this feature. No need to run to turn on the room lights while using your computer in dark.
After attaching the iPad Pro and Brydge keyboard, it provided a premium look like an apple laptop. There was no looseness was detected and it was a perfect fit. The SnapFit case firmly grips the iPad Pro and provides excellent stability. The construction of the keyboard is very solid provides a premium typing experience. The connectivity is instant, and it has a power on/off button as well.
Battery life is excellent and up to three months battery life with one charge. It is rechargeable via USB C cable. I have no complaints with the Brydge and I am really happy to own it. I highly recommend it to any user that wants a premium keyboard.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Battery life, Keyboard quality
Cons mentioned:
Weight
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Converts iPad Pro 12.9" to Laptop Exquisitely
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The Brydge - 12.9 MAX+ Wireless Keyboard with Multi-Touch Trackpad for iPad Pro 12.9" converts the iPad Pro to a top performing desktop.
Simply charge the keyboard using a USB-C cable & wall charger, the same as the iPad Pro uses to charge it. Allow about 2.5 hrs to charge it fully.
Press the keyboard power button ON, Press the Bluetooth key to the left of the keyboard power button ON. Now turn on your 12.9" iPad Pro, go to Settings - Bluetooth. Find the Brydge keyboard & select: "pair it" on the iPad. You are connected!
The massive trackpad permits multi-touch movements efficiently. The keyboard is fabricated from aluminum, so it is weighty. It will not tip over like lesser keyboards.
The keyboard features backlit keys with 3 levels of illumination or Off.
The only drawback is the added weight & thickness. The iPad alone weighs about 1.5#. The iPad & keyboard together weigh 3.5# & measure 3/4" thick. If you want a keyboard in order to use your iPad Pro like a MacBook Pro, this is the keyboard for you! If you prefer the light weight, carry around characteristic of the iPad Pro, you should not add this quality keyboard to your collection.
I use both the Apple Smart Folio for lightweight iPad use, and this Brydge keyboard for laptop use. The iPad Pro sticks securely to this keyboard by magnets, just as it also sticks to the Smart Folio. You can interchange the keyboard & the Smart Folio in mere seconds.
This extremely well engineered Brydge Keyboard earns my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Battery life, Keyboard quality
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Excellent Keyboard/Trackpad but lacking protection
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This is my second Brydge-branded iPad keyboard/trackpad bundle. It is an excellent alternative to the Apple-branded keyboard/trackpad that essentially does the same thing.
Set up is very easy and there is an app to update firmware on the case whenever necessary. They keys have a great feel and the trackpad is also comfortable and easy to use.
The "position" the iPad sits in when opened is much more laptop-like than Apple's case and I find it to be a more comfortable, familiar position. It is also much more stable if you are using the iPad on your lap or on a surface other than a table. I use my iPad on-demand a lot and sometimes it has to sit on the couch for a meeting - the Brydge Max+ definitely wins for stability.
My only concern with this case - and I use the word "case" lightly - is protection for the iPad. My 12.9" iPad cost more than most laptops do these days and the Brydge 12.9 MAX+ Wireless Keyboard with Multi-Touch Trackpad offers front/back protection (when it is closed), but essentially no drop protection I think most have come to expect in this type of case.
The Apple-branded keyboard combo charges both the case and the iPad at the same time which is very convenient. The Brydge Max+ case does not seem to do this, though the battery on the keyboard is excellent and lasts quite a while.
For comparison's sake, I included a picture of an older iPad with my other Brydge Keyboard/Trackpad combo and you can see it offers full protection around the sides in addition to the front and the back. I wish the 12.9 MAX+ Wireless Keyboard offered a similar level of protection, though it is worth noting it's just about the same as the Apple-branded keyboard (also shown in comparison in pictures).
So, besides the lack of protection, I give this product a thumbs up. Just be careful with your iPad!
I would recommend this to a friend
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Cheap product
|
|
Posted . Owned for 3 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This product is garbage do not buy it I bought it in January and I hardly ever touch it. it came as one piece and now it is two separate pieces it just fell apart on me one day when I opened it up to check some emails.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
Not worth it
|
|
Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
Especially given the price of this item, the amount of issues that I’m having with using this is ridiculous.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Keyboard quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Excellent keyboard with an Ultra Premium Feel
|
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
The first thing I would like to touch on regarding this keyboard is the feel. The has to be one of the most premium feeling iPad keyboards I have used. This will quite literally turn your iPad into a full functioning laptop. It has some weight to it, which I personally like, along with a cool to the touch feel. It is well designed and built, and the trackpad is well above par. The trackpad itself does support gestures (swipe up with three fingers to go home, etc.). and is large enough so you have enough real-estate to perform sed gestures. The keyboard itself is easy to use and the keys do have enough travel time so you know your pressing the intended key(s). The keyboard is also backlit which is a must for any keyboard these days. The pairing itself is simple (just follow the included instructions). Overall, an excellent, well made device by Brydge. Well done.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Battery life, Keyboard quality
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Great Keyboard for my iPad
|
|
Posted . Owned for 8 months when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
This Brydge 12.9 MAX+ Wireless Keyboard has transformed my iPad Pro experience into something truly remarkable. This keyboard is not just a keyboard; it's a productivity powerhouse that seamlessly blends the convenience of a physical keyboard with the versatility of a multi-touch trackpad.
Firstly, the build quality is exceptional. The Space Gray finish complements my iPad Pro perfectly, creating a unified and professional look. The keyboard itself feels sturdy and premium, with well-spaced keys that provide a satisfying typing experience. The backlit keys are a welcome addition, making typing in low-light conditions a breeze.
The standout feature of this keyboard is undoubtedly the integrated multi-touch trackpad. It's incredibly responsive and accurate, offering a laptop-like navigation experience. Whether I'm editing documents, browsing the web, or using creative apps, the trackpad enhances my efficiency by providing precise control over my actions.
The adjustable hinges allow me to find the perfect viewing angle, whether I'm typing or watching a movie. The magnetic snap-on design securely holds my iPad Pro in place, and the connection between the keyboard and iPad is strong and stable.
Pairing the keyboard with my iPad Pro is a breeze, and I appreciate that it maintains a reliable connection without any lag. The battery life is impressive, lasting for weeks on a single charge.
While the Brydge 12.9 MAX+ Wireless Keyboard comes at a premium price, it's a worthy investment for anyone who wants to elevate their iPad Pro into a powerful work and entertainment device. The combination of a comfortable keyboard, responsive trackpad, and sleek design has transformed the way I use my iPad, making it an essential accessory for both work and play.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Keyboard quality, Price
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
Qulity keyboard
|
|
Posted . Owned for 3 weeks when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I would not spend over $200 on it. However, if you can get it for under $200, I think it is miles better then other keyboards on the market. I even returned my Logitech keyboard for this, ans not once have looked back on it, save yourself the $200 by purchasing this rather than the magic keyboard.
I would recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Battery life
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Waste of money
Posted .
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
I wish i wouldve looked at the reviews before buying this. This keyboard is probably a year old. I like out it gives the computer feel and the charge stays good but it broke down to fast & for $250 it shouldn’t be breaking at all! It has never been dropped. Im trying to see if i have a warranty because i really likeed it but the crack now makes it hard to close
No, I would not recommend this to a friend
Pros mentioned:
Keyboard quality, Price
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
The best folio you can get.
|
|
Posted . Owned for less than 1 week when reviewed.
This reviewer received promo considerations or sweepstakes entry for writing a review.
In my opinion this is better than the Magic Keyboard. I showed a friend this with my iPad attached and he mistook it for a MacBook.
Cons
-Doesn’t use the magic connector, therefore it connects with Bluetooth.
-Isn’t reversible or able to rotate, if that matters to you. I prefer it like a laptop.
Pros
-Heavy weight aluminum, does not feel cheap.
-Appearance matches the iPad finish perfectly, to say it looks like it was made by Apple themselves.
-Very large trackpad, bigger than the Magic Keyboard.
-Some amount cheaper than the Apple version regular price vs regular price.