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iPad Pro Is there a market for a “Pro” version of the iPad Pro Keyboard Folio?

O

omelet1978

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Sep 22, 2012
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There are a lot of fans of the current keyboard folio for the iPad Pro due to it’s slim design which is really portable and just works.

However, I miss having the function row of keys and switched to the Brydge iPad Pro 11 Keyboard. That being said, I used the Apple Keyboard Folio for 6 months and did not get rid of it. If I’m going on a trip or something where space is a premium I’ll use it. I can’t help but think if they made a pro version of the keyboard folio with backlit keys, side protection (while still being slim) and a function row it might just be an instant buy for me.

Thoughts?
 
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omelet1978 said:
There are a lot of fans of the current keyboard folio for the iPad Pro due to it’s slim design which is really portable and just works.

However, I miss having the function row of keys and switched to the Brydge iPad Pro 11 Keyboard. That being said, I used the Apple Keyboard Folio for 6 months and did not get rid of it. If I’m going on a trip or something where space is a premium I’ll use it. I can’t help but think if they made a pro version of the keyboard folio with backlit keys, side protection (while still being slim) and a function row it might just be an instant buy for me.

Thoughts?
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I'd certainly look long and hard at that one - pricing would be the big issue with the current keyboard already expensive. I'm using the Logitech Slim Folio Pro on my 2018 12.9 Pro because I like the function keys and backlighting. The functionality far outweighs the bulk and weight for me - they are just not significant to me.
 
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I think the issue with some of these types of keyboard covers is that you start to get to be the size and weight of a MacBook Air/Pro. At that point, if you don't need the Pencil or touch, you may as well get a MacBook Air/Pro.
 
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Cashmonee said:
I think the issue with some of these types of keyboard covers is that you start to get to be the size and weight of a MacBook Air/Pro. At that point, if you don't need the Pencil or touch, you may as well get a MacBook Air/Pro.
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I disagree (don't have a MacBook Air/Pro but do have a 13" Dell XPS 13). I can easily switch out cases or just take the iPad out of the Logitech and use it bare - can't do that with my laptop.
 
sparksd said:
I disagree (don't have a MacBook Air/Pro but do have a 13" Dell XPS 13). I can easily switch out cases or just take the iPad out of the Logitech and use it bare - can't do that with my laptop.
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Very true. There is versatility there. I just find myself not taking the case off my iPad and using it bare often. I think I am finding I am definitely more of a laptop person.
 
Not for me. I can’t even muster up the courage to spend $160-$200 for any of Apple’s keyboard cases. They also add significant weight which ruins the experience of an iPad for me. I’d rather spend around $100 for the Apple Magic Keyboard with Numerical Keypad and just carry that around separately.
 
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xxray said:
Not for me. I can’t even muster up the courage to spend $160-$200 for any of Apple’s keyboard cases. They also add significant weight which ruins the experience of an iPad for me. I’d rather spend around $100 for the Apple Magic Keyboard with Numerical Keypad and just carry that around separately.
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Subjective really. I agree on the pricing given the features in the current keyboards but I would rather deal with the added weight and thickness of a keyboard that is easily removable than deal with another piece of equipment that I have to carry. The thing is though, I'm more a fan of the ASK that I have on my Gen 2 iPP than I am of the Smart Keyboard Folio design; it's a lot easier to remove and adds less thickness to the iPad.
 
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lol. As soon as Apple sticks 'Pro' on anything, they'll sell a bajillion of them. So yes, I think there's a market for a 'Pro' Keyboard, a 'Pro' Magic Mouse, a 'Pro' Pencil or a 'Pro' Watch Band.
 
There is a place for each my iPad Pro 11 is indispensable. It’s saved me from buying a Laptop in 2019 and I’m looking very much forward to a new 14” MacBook Pro.

The iPad Pro 11” needs no keyboard. It’s main feature is the Apple Pencil 2 which is a must have.

My next laptop

 
Well even though I have the keyboard folio, I still haven’t overcome how much less I like it than the ASK. I just don’t like how if I flip it back to hold my iPP, the keyboard is exposed. I much preferred the ASK with the ability to have a back case on my iPad, and flip back the keyboard with no exposed keys, OR remove it altogether when I didn’t need it, and still have protection for the back of my iPad.
 
I ended up opting for the Brydge this time, for my 12.9 3rd gen, but do miss the lightness and portability of the ASK. I wanted the function keys and backlighting though so that’s why I went with the Brydge. The Brydge generally stays at home and I use the onscreen keyboard for mobility. I have been considering selling my Brydge though and getting a keyboard folio, but I’ve been holding off since it’s a hassle to switch over and I do like the Brydge, but just wish for more portability at times. I think that Apple should have kept the smart connector on the side as putting it on the back has meant that keyboard covers that use it must connect via the back and now I don’t know of any third parties that use the connector. I think that it was a bad decision for it to be moved to the back. Anyway, I’d buy an Apple Smart Keyboard if it had function keys and backlighting. These should be iterations/improvements to the next version though and not considered Pro only features.
 
If Apple wants to release a better keyboard for the iPad, great, however the current keyboard is not even in the top 5 bottlenecks I still have with making the iPad more productive.
 
If Apple does a new iPad Pro Smart Keyboard, I hope it won't be as thick as Brydge but ultra thin and sleek.
 
I just hope it works with the current iPad Pro 11 as well as the new one since the camera bump is a bit bigger.

If it has a function row of keys on the top, combine that with the scissor keys that are backlit and you’d have a winner here.
 
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I would buy one for sure. I have tried Brydge twice now and both of them fell apart fairly quickly, and end up back with the apple keyboard.
 
All I want are backlit keys. Its a shame that Apple was known for their even and elegant backlit keys on their MacBooks. But they refuse to incorporate them on the Apple wireless keyboard or Smart Keyboards.
 
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If they can accomplish backlit while keeping the same weight and size, I am all for it. I would not want them to do anything that would add to either of those for something that isn’t all that useful. Who looks at the keyboard when typing anyway?
 
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