iPad Pro Folio Keyboard issue

[dogegg]

Hi all, I have ordered the folio keyboard but am worried about how it feel as watching a couple of the reviews, when the keys are folded around the back, the keys will be facing outwards. this doesn't sound very nice. If it is an issue then I intend to return the folio case and look at 3rd party options.

Which leads me to the question, has anyone seen any good 3rd party keyboard cases for the new models?

 

[Marzel]

I doubt we'll see any decent third party alternatives any time soon. Logitech has a chance but it might take quite some time. Also, the way Apple keeps pricing out people will lead to overall lower unit sales which is going to limit third party options even more. Personally, I don't think the keys folded around the back is a huge issue. It definitely feels a bit weird but at least they are hard keys and off course stay deactivated.

 

[Jimpilot]

I doubt we'll see any decent third party alternatives any time soon. Logitech has a chance but it might take quite some time. Also, the way Apple keeps pricing out people will lead to overall lower unit sales which is going to limit third party options even more. Personally, I don't think the keys folded around the back is a huge issue. It definitely feels a bit weird but at least they are hard keys and off course stay deactivated.

I don’t know if it will be an issue for me or not, we’ll see. But I do feel it looks kind of dorky at best.

 

[sracer]

Hi all, I have ordered the folio keyboard but am worried about how it feel as watching a couple of the reviews, when the keys are folded around the back, the keys will be facing outwards. this doesn't sound very nice. If it is an issue then I intend to return the folio case and look at 3rd party options.

Which leads me to the question, has anyone seen any good 3rd party keyboard cases for the new models?

It shouldn't be an issue. It is essentially no different than every 2-in-1 notebook on the market (except for the Lenovo Yoga Book). Having the keyboard exposed on the back is a common experience. It DOES take a little getting used to though.

 

[bmat]

On the surface you can always flip the keyboard so the keys face inward. That’s how I do it. Unfortunately because of the camera bump and cutout that won’t be possible on the iPad. On the other hand the folio keyboard is smooth because of the fabric over the top. Makes for a worse typing experience, but probably will be better to hold.

 

[Lobwedgephil]

As the keys turn off, I don't think it is an issue. But I see why some won't like it. I will have to wait and see for me.

 

[davidbf1]

I’m more concerned about keys in contact with screen, when closed-up.....

 

[flur]

I’m more concerned about keys in contact with screen, when closed-up.....

I expect this will be a non-issue. The Surface does the same and I’ve never had a mark, or even the dust marks that I’ve sometimes gotten on my laptops. Granted, it’s a completely different design on the iPad, but it would be foolish of Apple not to take that into account.

 

[canyonblue737]

I’m more concerned about keys in contact with screen, when closed-up.....

they are cloth or whatever that material is so they certainly won't damage it. actually what is most likely to happen is you will see a little pattern of keys where they cleaned the fingerprint smudges off your screen where they touched it (although that can be annoying to see too.)

 

[allonym]

I’m more concerned about keys in contact with screen, when closed-up.....

I've wondered about that too. Possibly no worse than some other covers, but the keys aren't as soft as a microfibre lining and I do wonder what will happen if a bit of grit gets on the key surface.
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I expect this will be a non-issue. The Surface does the same and I’ve never had a mark, or even the dust marks that I’ve sometimes gotten on my laptops. Granted, it’s a completely different design on the iPad, but it would be foolish of Apple not to take that into account.

Thanks, that's reassured me a bit.

 

[flur]

I've wondered about that too. Possibly no worse than some other covers, but the keys aren't as soft as a microfibre lining and I do wonder what will happen if a bit of grit gets on the key surface.

With my MBP, I bought a microfiber cloth sized to the screen and just slip it in between the screen and the keyboard before I close the lid. I suspect that’s an option with the IPP as well, it’s just a matter of finding (or cutting) the correct size.

 

[profets]

I really like how the original ASK works with the first two generations of iPad Pro. Acts like a Smart Cover, can use the trifold to stand up in different orientations, can fold behind without the keys being exposed, and of course can be propped up with the keyboard for typing.

I do like the folio design but really am going to miss the previous version. Most likely I'll have it in the folio for carrying, propped up for typing, or remove it from the folio for casual browsing on the iPad.

 

[Mabus51]

I really like how the original ASK works with the first two generations of iPad Pro. Acts like a Smart Cover, can use the trifold to stand up in different orientations, can fold behind without the keys being exposed, and of course can be propped up with the keyboard for typing.

I do like the folio design but really am going to miss the previous version. Most likely I'll have it in the folio for carrying, propped up for typing, or remove it from the folio for casual browsing on the iPad.

The problem with the old design is the micro fiber picks debris up when the keyboard is folded down and then smears/smashes that debris into the screen when closed. The new design the keyboard is one piece like the Surface. So the outer side is exposed and never touches the screen.

 

[csrini1]

So the old keyboards are not going to work with new IPP?

 

[profets]

The problem with the old design is the micro fiber picks debris up when the keyboard is folded down and then smears/smashes that debris into the screen when closed. The new design the keyboard is one piece like the Surface. So the outer side is exposed and never touches the screen.

Oh I know, lol. I've been in the habit for the past 2.5 years since using the ASK with iPad to give whatever surface I'm working on a quick wipe. Definite downside to it. Though all previous smart covers were the same way as well, the inner microfibre lining was exposed when using it like an iPad stand.

 

[danmart]

The problem with the old design is the micro fiber picks debris up when the keyboard is folded down and then smears/smashes that debris into the screen when closed. The new design the keyboard is one piece like the Surface. So the outer side is exposed and never touches the screen.

That’s great until you fold the keyboard all the way back for ‘tablet style’ reading then set it down on something...

But all of Apple’s iPad covers have always had the risk of transferring detritus to the screen. This isn’t a new thing.

 

[DNichter]

Yea I am not a fan of the new keyboard folio, so I went with the smart folio and will keep my Apple wireless keyboard on my desk. I like the feel of it better anyway.

 

[Mabus51]

Oh I know, lol. I've been in the habit for the past 2.5 years since using the ASK with iPad to give whatever surface I'm working on a quick wipe. Definite downside to it. Though all previous smart covers were the same way as well, the inner microfibre lining was exposed when using it like an iPad stand.

No you could fold them to where the outer side was exposed not the microfiber.

That’s great until you fold the keyboard all the way back for ‘tablet style’ reading then set it down on something...

But all of Apple’s iPad covers have always had the risk of transferring detritus to the screen. This isn’t a new thing.

True, but the new design makes it easier to just pull the entire cover off for reading. If you’re worried about having the aluminum back scratched you can always throw a vinyl skin on the back of the iPad. Beats having the screen area scratched or chipped.

 

[profets]

No you could fold them to where the outer side was exposed not the microfiber.


True, but the new design makes it easier to just pull the entire cover off for reading. If you’re worried about having the aluminum back scratched you can always throw a vinyl skin on the back of the iPad. Beats having the screen area scratched or chipped.

This is what I'll likely do most of the time. In the folio for travel, on the keyboard when typing, and pulling it out of the folio for casual use.

 

[RevTEG]

So the old keyboards are not going to work with new IPP?

I bet the old pencils won’t work on the new IPP either.

 

[Lobwedgephil]

I bet the old pencils won’t work on the new IPP either.

That is already confirmed, not sure why they did that.

 

[RevTEG]

That is already confirmed, not sure why they did that.

Yeah, I already new that, thats why I left the . However, I agree with you. I’m not sure why they did it either. Only thing I can think of is money. They sure got mine. I use the old pencil all the time so I knew I “needed” the new one.

Edit... I guess my emojis are not showing up. Fixed...

 

[Marzel]

That is already confirmed, not sure why they did that.

Greediness aside I think they did it on purpose because there is no way to charge the Apple Pencil out of the box using the new iPad Pro. Having also a different kind if changer for the Pencil would have felt weird as well.

 

[Mabus51]

Greediness aside I think they did it on purpose because there is no way to charge the Apple Pencil out of the box using the new iPad Pro. Having also a different kind if changer for the Pencil would have felt weird as well.

Aside from the charger, there is no way to pair the old Pencil. Even though it used Bluetooth for connectivity, it paired by the lightening port. Only reason Apple is moving to USB-C is to meet requirements by European law for universal cable. Otherwise I’m sure they would have stuck with their proprietary cable. Because of that law the iphones next year will be forced to USB-C as well. Unless Apple no longer has a reason to sell product in Europe.

 

[flur]

Only reason Apple is moving to USB-C is to meet requirements by European law for universal cable. Otherwise I’m sure they would have stuck with their proprietary cable. Because of that law the iphones next year will be forced to USB-C as well. Unless Apple no longer has a reason to sell product in Europe.

Oh, good. I’m upgrading my phone next year and really prefer using the same cables for both iPad and iPhone. It makes packing for travel easier.