Apple Smart Keyboard - ipad 10.5 - I actually love it.

[TorontoSS]

Hello - I think all of us, myself included, use this to ask questions or solve problems. I thought I'd quickly note that I recently got an iPad 10.5 Apple Smart Keyboard. I've had the ipad for a while, since close to launch I think (June 2017?) but didn't have a keyboard.

I have a mac, but used my ipad more like a normal ipad and figured I'd see if I ever needed a keyboard. I felt I didn't but if I needed to type something long, I'd just use my aging mac (2013/2014) and it's been fine.

However, I recently decided to try out the keyboard - and I'm impressed how much I use it for just day to day stuff, like writing imessages. If you don't want it, you just take it off. I didn't realise how convenient it would be to have a keyboard with you.

Just thought I'd say that.

Do you use your keyboard a lot, or do you find it a waste?

 

[EugW]

Yes, I think it’s very good, partially because of its 18 mm key spacing, which is considered (at the lower end of) full sized. See my post here:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/ipad-keyboards-key-spacing.2174641/

It would benefit from slightly wider key spacing but the 18 mm is still very decent, now that I got used to it. I could never get used to a keyboard with ~17 mm key spacing.

Having the keyboard makes it so much easier to multitask. A common scenario for me is surfing with iMessage in Split View, without having much of the screen taken over by the on-screen keyboard. The only issue is the weight, since with my TPU back case and the Smart Keyboard and the tempered glass screen protector, it’s 1.9 lbs. But it’s still lighter than my 12” MacBook so that’s good. If it was a combined 2.5 lbs then I’d be leaving the keyboard at home.

BTW, The Verge prefers the 10.5” Smart Keyboard over the 11” model, due to the 10.5’s flexibility in orientations.

https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/27/18282956/apple-ipad-air-2019-review-ios-features-specs-price

I just wish it was backlit and had a caps lock light, and it’d be nice if it could have a function bar row.

 

[Dormammu]

I enjoy mine as well.
Can I ask if you had any bending of your keyboard? Mine is a little bent (upwards in the middle).