Ipad Pro Magic Keyboard and CoverBuddy combo order thread

[knivez]

@roguefury thank you, that's awesome! Mine definitely doesn't work that way. Can you tell me where you bought yours (url) ? I got mine from Amazon but I'm wondering if the latest version from China will work like yours.

Also is yours an 11 inch or 12.9?

 

[roguefury]

@knivez Here you go:

SWITCHEASY Case for 2018 iPad Pro 11, CoverBuddy with Pencil Holder Designed for 3rd Gen iPad Pro 11 inch, Compatible with Apple Smart Keyboard, Smart Folio and Apple Pencil (Space Gray) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P5KL494/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_eNfQEb558SKDX

One thing I’ve noticed, when comparing to the other people who have posted pictures, is that my CB has a smoother finish. Not sure if that’s a marker of an updated CB or not.

 

[knivez]

@roguefury thank you. Unfortunately I bought the same one, but for the 12.9 inch iPad (this was a revised version with stronger magnets). It's definitely not the newest coverbuddy 2020 version with the bigger camera cutout. I wonder if it works better on the 11 inch over the 12.9 inch.

Unless it's a lottery and some cases are just built differently...

 

[SimonMScott]

Thanks to @ahojfelixi for pointing out this thread! I didn't know that there was an actual thread on this subject!

Hmmm...yes, seems to be some mixed reports on there? All I can think is either:

- There are manufacturing inconsistencies in the product?
- The 2020 (or at least since late 2019 version) perhaps is a better fit and works better with both the 2020 iPad Pro and the Magic Keyboard as a combination?

I'll have to wait and see what happens when mine arrives!

Mine is currently in Germany and still on track for delivery this Thursday via Fedex direct from CoverBuddy so not long!

There's 2 things I'm concerned about other than the fit if anyone knows?

1) How easy it is to get your fingers into the volume and power buttons?
2) The USB-C connector is made quite recessed by this case so I'm thinking it may not play well with hubs or some cables?

There's 1 extra plus I figured out though:

- It should definitely help to easy the opening of the iPad Pro when the Magic Keyboard is attached as you can open it by grabbing the Pencil holder?

 

[roguefury]

1) How easy it is to get your fingers into the volume and power buttons?

The way the CB is designed, accessing the volume keys is a bit odd. Volume keys are hidden behind the plastic arc that reinforces the pencil holder. It takes a bit getting used to.

Accessing the power button, however, is not an issue.

 

[SimonMScott]

The way the CB is designed, accessing the volume keys is a bit odd. Volume keys are hidden behind the plastic arc that reinforces the pencil holder. It takes a bit getting used to.

Accessing the power button, however, is not an issue.

Great! I can handle that!

How is it for plugging in accessories or hubs into the USB-C port with the CoverBuddy attached?

 

[roguefury]

Great! I can handle that!

How is it for plugging in accessories or hubs into the USB-C port with the CoverBuddy attached?

I don‘t use hubs with my iPad, so can’t comment on that. The USB-C opening seems wide enough for a ’normal’ plug to work. The standard issue power cord works just fine.

 

[soundwarp]

@knivez Here you go:

SWITCHEASY Case for 2018 iPad Pro 11, CoverBuddy with Pencil Holder Designed for 3rd Gen iPad Pro 11 inch, Compatible with Apple Smart Keyboard, Smart Folio and Apple Pencil (Space Gray) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P5KL494/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_eNfQEb558SKDX

One thing I’ve noticed, when comparing to the other people who have posted pictures, is that my CB has a smoother finish. Not sure if that’s a marker of an updated CB or not.

i know there WAS a revision with previous models to have stronger magnets, i assume if you got a 2020 model then this could be why

 

[rogertoh16]

For those who wish to buy the casing, do not buy direct from https://switcheasy.com/. They are selling to re-seller alot of cheaper.

Order direct to delivery to S'pore Cost - $39.99 +$7(Shipping) = US$46.99
Singapore Casefactorie store - US$34.60

If those can wait, go for local store.

 

[CjonesHouston]

I already ordered a thin leave for the 11 inch Pro and MGK. Now I have to reorder the cover buddy and cancel the sleeve. If I can. Lol. I got time. Amazon Prime is like 2 weeks shipping nowadays. Lol

 

[ahojfelixi]

Not sure if this just muddies the waters but I asked Switcheasy directly if my 11” 2020 CoverBuddy will work with the Magic Keyboard case and I got this reply:

“Our CoverBuddy for 2020 iPad Pro 11” is compatible with Magic Keyboard/Smart Keyboard Folio/Smart Folio, but 12.9” CoverBuddy only compatible with Smart Keyboard Folio/Smart Folio.”

cc @SimonMScott

Not 100% sure if this tallies with those cases that don’t fully close and those that seem to better fit.

I hope mine arrives soon as I can then test it and report back!

 

[SimonMScott]

Not sure if this just muddies the waters but I asked Switcheasy directly if my 11” 2020 CoverBuddy will work with the Magic Keyboard case and I got this reply:

“Our CoverBuddy for 2020 iPad Pro 11” is compatible with Magic Keyboard/Smart Keyboard Folio/Smart Folio, but 12.9” CoverBuddy only compatible with Smart Keyboard Folio/Smart Folio.”

cc @SimonMScott

Not 100% sure if this tallies with those cases that don’t fully close and those that seem to better fit.

I hope mine arrives soon as I can then test it and report back!

@ahojfelixi - Thanks for contacting them! Wow...that is odd. Why would the 11” version work but not the 12.9” version? Did they elaborate at all? Seems odd.

Hoping that isn’t the case as my 12.9” CoverBuddy for the 2020 iPad Pro arrives tomorrow! It’s currently sitting at Stansted Aiport in England. Will report back!

Has anyone on here used the 12.9” CoverBuddy (2020 version) on their iPad Pro?

Also, @darimi79 - Did you ever get your iPad Pro to test this setup out? I know you had a 12.9” setup too so interested to see/hear!

 

[ahojfelixi]

@ahojfelixi - Thanks for contacting them! Wow...that is odd. Why would the 11” version work but not the 12.9” version? Did they elaborate at all? Seems odd.

Hoping that isn’t the case as my 12.9” CoverBuddy for the 2020 iPad Pro arrives tomorrow! It’s currently sitting at Stansted Aiport in England. Will report back!

Has anyone on here used the 12.9” CoverBuddy (2020 version) on their iPad Pro?

Also, @darimi79 - Did you ever get your iPad Pro to test this setup out? I know you had a 12.9” setup too so interested to see/hear!

Yes I was aware this would come as bad news if true for you

They never really expand much on their replies and I don’t think I’d get far if I asked for reasoning.

Perhaps the 11” works in their view due to a smaller package making the front cover less flap-openable??!!

Looking forward to your views when you get it and I’m crossing my fingers it fits nicely! 🤞

 

[SimonMScott]

Yes I was aware this would come as bad news if true for you

They never really expand much on their replies and I don’t think I’d get far if I asked for reasoning.

Perhaps the 11” works in their view due to a smaller package making the front cover less flap-openable??!!

Looking forward to your views when you get it and I’m crossing my fingers it fits nicely! 🤞

@ahojfelixi Hmmm yes, very odd. I dropped them an email after reading your post this morning (armed with your response) to see if they would confirm or deny about the 12.9”. I do remember them saying ages ago when I asked before I ordered that (obviously) they didn’t have the Magic Keyboard there yet to test....

Just hoping they don’t release a Magic Keyboard specific version next week! Aargh!

Mine is still sitting at Stansted, so I’m currently awaiting the inevitable extra “charges” they normally imposevia FedEx! Wish me luck that it sails through ha.

Side note: Does anyone use any kind of attached to iPad hub or dock or port extending dock at desktop? Looking into getting one and liking the Caldigit USB-C Pro Dock, but it has DisplayPort outputs to go to monitor and I have a USB-C only monitor (LG 4K)...

 

[newellj]

Here’s a pic with the pencil side down:



Here’s a picture with the pencil side on the top:


In both closed positions, there is no gap. I’ve had the Cover Buddy for 3-4 days now, and it seems to perform well.

11" or 12.9"? The CoverBuddy causes enough of a gap on my 12.9" that I think there's a risk of damaging the hinge. Edit: never mind, got the answer further below.


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Not sure if this just muddies the waters but I asked Switcheasy directly if my 11” 2020 CoverBuddy will work with the Magic Keyboard case and I got this reply:

“Our CoverBuddy for 2020 iPad Pro 11” is compatible with Magic Keyboard/Smart Keyboard Folio/Smart Folio, but 12.9” CoverBuddy only compatible with Smart Keyboard Folio/Smart Folio.”

cc @SimonMScott

Not 100% sure if this tallies with those cases that don’t fully close and those that seem to better fit.

I hope mine arrives soon as I can then test it and report back!

Interesting that there's a difference. That is certainly consistent with my experience with the 12.9". Thanks for making the inquiry and reporting back here. 👍

 

[SimonMScott]

11" or 12.9"? The CoverBuddy causes enough of a gap on my 12.9" that I think there's a risk of damaging the hinge. Edit: never mind, got the answer further below.


[automerge]1588164257[/automerge]


Interesting that there's a difference. That is certainly consistent with my experience with the 12.9". Thanks for making the inquiry and reporting back here. 👍

@newellj - Do you have both the 2020 versions of the iPad Pro and CoverBuddy? Just wondering on compatibility and the issues.

I have a 2020 12.9” iPad Pro and awaiting my 2020 CoverBuddy 12.9”...

 

[SimonMScott]

Also, just spotted this image now on SwitchEasy’s CoverBuddy 2020 page:

So I guess that’s bad news for us 12.9” iPad Pro users after all... My now, probably useless CoverBuddy arrives tomorrow.

Good news for 11” owners though?

 

[SimonMScott]

Also, random question, but when you are all charging your iPad Pro via the USB-C on the Magic Keyboard / smart connector do you hear a noise at all?

I’m getting a very distinct noise when I plug in to charge via the keyboard USB-C which is annoying...

@ahojfelixi ?

 

[newellj]

@newellj - Do you have both the 2020 versions of the iPad Pro and CoverBuddy? Just wondering on compatibility and the issues.

I have a 2020 12.9” iPad Pro and awaiting my 2020 CoverBuddy 12.9”...

2018 12.9" iPP and a CoverBuddy received a few days ago from Amazon, presumably the current/2020 version.
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Also, just spotted this image now on SwitchEasy’s CoverBuddy 2020 page:

View attachment 910453

So I guess that’s bad news for us 12.9” iPad Pro users after all... My now, probably useless CoverBuddy arrives tomorrow.

Good news for 11” owners though?

Yeah, gotta read the fine print in medium gray on a light gray background 👎 - compatible only with 11" iPP + MKB.

 

[knivez]

I just received this email from SwitchEasy -

"Our CoverBuddy for 2020 iPad Pro 11” is compatible with Magic Keyboard/Smart Keyboard Folio/Smart Folio, but 12.9” CoverBuddy only compatible with Smart Keyboard Folio/Smart Folio.
As the Keyboard is in it's run-in period, it needs to be pressed several times at begining of use, it will be able to close completely after that.
If the CoverBuddy still doesn't fit, please let us know and we will help."

I'm not so sure about this run-in period... I have applied weight and pressure and haven't seen any results.

 

[SimonMScott]

I just received this email from SwitchEasy -

"Our CoverBuddy for 2020 iPad Pro 11” is compatible with Magic Keyboard/Smart Keyboard Folio/Smart Folio, but 12.9” CoverBuddy only compatible with Smart Keyboard Folio/Smart Folio.
As the Keyboard is in it's run-in period, it needs to be pressed several times at begining of use, it will be able to close completely after that.
If the CoverBuddy still doesn't fit, please let us know and we will help."

I'm not so sure about this run-in period... I have applied weight and pressure and haven't seen any results.

Hmmm...is that specific advice only for the 11” version only?

Seems odd giving that advice seeing what’s on the website. Also seems like they’re just guessing/making us guinea pigs??

 

[knivez]

@SimonMScott agreed. It made it sound like it might be advise for the 12.9 inch... not sure.

Maybe they're have some luck internally but it's clearly not designed to work out of the box. I also asked if a revised version was in the works, so waiting on a response...

 

[aaronw1986]

Wondering if even though I have the 2018 11, if I should try the 2020 coverbuddy. Seems like it might be an updated version somehow? And it would just have a larger opening for the camera like the MK does anyway.

 

[SimonMScott]

@SimonMScott agreed. It made it sound like it might be advise for the 12.9 inch... not sure.

Maybe they're have some luck internally but it's clearly not designed to work out of the box. I also asked if a revised version was in the works, so waiting on a response...

Great! Keep me posted if they respond? I also emailed them last night to ask but no response yet surprisingly...
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Wondering if even though I have the 2018 11, if I should try the 2020 coverbuddy. Seems like it might be an updated version somehow? And it would just have a larger opening for the camera like the MK does anyway.

I would go for the newest version you can for your 11” as it states on their website that one works at least! Just not the 12.9” it seems!

 

[CjonesHouston]

Wondering if even though I have the 2018 11, if I should try the 2020 coverbuddy. Seems like it might be an updated version somehow? And it would just have a larger opening for the camera like the MK does anyway.

I think I’m going to go for the new version as well. I have a 2018 Pro 11.