Just got my 10.5" Smart Keyboard

[DNichter]

Just curious, if the whole thing was the same thickness, but it was as thick as thickest part would you want it then?

Yes

 

[JD2015]

Don't particularly mind the hump as it is still a very slim keyboard especially compared to Logitech.
It is however, personal preference.

 

[parseckadet]

Yes

See, that makes no sense to me. But to each their own.

 

[MrEcted]

The price was a tough pill to swallow, but I'm actually liking the Smart Keyboard more than I thought I would. Going back to the on-screen keyboard now feels incredibly cumbersome. Soft... yet, clicky!

 

[mrklaw]

See, that makes no sense to me. But to each their own.

I agree with their comment - it just looks ugly. one reason I wish they'd make a keyboard with trackpad built into so it would cover the entire front

 

[DNichter]

See, that makes no sense to me. But to each their own.

Understandable. It’s just not very aesthetically pleasing for the high cost.

 

[danmart]

See, that makes no sense to me. But to each their own.

One of the signatures of Apple is (or at least has been in their recent successful times) that they make devices which are desirable just as objects in their own right. They have been the masters of product design, with smooth lines and minimal cruft. This is why (in my opinion) people react negatively to things like the camera bump or SKB step; it's a step back from the minimalist design ethic.

 

[parseckadet]

I agree with their comment - it just looks ugly. one reason I wish they'd make a keyboard with trackpad built into so it would cover the entire front

This I would understand. The added thickness would be there, but at least there would be some added benefit as well. BUT, I'm not onboard with the whole trackpad thing.

One of the signatures of Apple is (or at least has been in their recent successful times) that they make devices which are desirable just as objects in their own right. They have been the masters of product design, with smooth lines and minimal cruft. This is why (in my opinion) people react negatively to things like the camera bump or SKB step; it's a step back from the minimalist design ethic.

I understand this, but I worded my question the way I did for a reason. The scenario I laid out is one with added thickness with no added benefit. Basically that extra space could be filled with cardboard or something, and people would prefer that? Bonkers. Plus, where would that extra material go when the keyboard was folded out?

 

[LibbyLA]

Just lay the thing down with the keyboard on the bottom so you don't see the hump. That's the natural position for the keyboard anyway if you close the iPad and leave it on the table. As much as I'd like a trackpad sometimes, one of my favorite things about the iPP 9.7 and 10.5 with their respective ASKs is the relatively tiny footprint for devices with fairly large screens and decent-sized keyboards. For me, that matters a lot. Mine spend a lot of time on a dinette table in a camper, which is cramped, at best.

 

[ascender]

Yes, I was about to comment on the relatively small footprint of the iPad compared to some of those Surface devices I've seen being used in coffee shops where they seem to take up and awful lot of space due to the size of keyboard + trackpad.

 

[parseckadet]

One other reason why I actually think the hump is good, compared to the alternative of having the whole thing be as thick as the thickest part. I'm right handed, so when I hold the iPad I tend to do so with my left hand while I interact with it with my right. When holding the iPad with the ASK folded behind and out of the way, the part my left hand is holding is the thinnest part. So at least during that time I don't really notice the added thickness.

I'll also add that I did exchange the ASK for the regular Smart Cover. Immediately afterward I went out to lunch and was using my iPad as I was eating. Already I was missing the keyboard. This weekend I also tried my setup with my K380 while scanning some receipts to submit for insurance. It worked for the most part, but it was a little frustrating to have to keep adjusting the iPad and K380 separately. Still, I think I made the right choice. The iPad's biggest benefit is its portability, and to me the ASK hampers that just a hair too much.

 

[Alendrix]

I just got my keyboard and find that when attached and ready to use as a keyboard, the end by the spacebar doesn't lay flat against the desk/table. It hovers about 1/4-inch above and makes for some very unappealing typing. Could I possibly have a defective one? Does anyone else have similar issues?

 

[itsmilo]

I just got mine and stupid question but how do I go back a page in safari. The menu says cmd + [ but there is no [ on my keyboard?

Edit: two Apple Geniuses and the Supervisor later it turned out to be "cmd + arrow back" looks like they forgot to localize the short cut overview in iOS for other keyboard languages

 

[jsmitty]

I just got my keyboard and find that when attached and ready to use as a keyboard, the end by the spacebar doesn't lay flat against the desk/table. It hovers about 1/4-inch above and makes for some very unappealing typing. Could I possibly have a defective one? Does anyone else have similar issues?

There are some threads on this. Mine did that at first a couple of weeks ago but now lays flat. Some in the forums have taken theirs in for exchange.

 

[Kjung7]

The one thing I hate the most about the ASK is that the surface the keyboard rests on while being used is the soft lining that touches your screen. Not only does this allow germs from the surface you're working on to be transferred to your iPad but it makes your keyboard dirty and in some cases can cause scratches on your screen if a particle gets stuck in between. I always try to use a sleeve under it. That's the only reason I use a sleeve haha.

 

[sracer]

This I would understand. The added thickness would be there, but at least there would be some added benefit as well. BUT, I'm not onboard with the whole trackpad thing.

I understand this, but I worded my question the way I did for a reason. The scenario I laid out is one with added thickness with no added benefit. Basically that extra space could be filled with cardboard or something, and people would prefer that? Bonkers. Plus, where would that extra material go when the keyboard was folded out?

For many, "form over function" is important. I understand that, but I'm more of a "form as long as it doesn't impede function" kind of person.

There are people already complaining that the ASK adds significant weight and thickness to the iPad. Adding filler to satisfy the anti-hump crowd would further alienate the anti-bulk crowd.

The "hump" is not an aesthetic design decision by Apple but one out of necessity due to the iPad's lack of an integrated kickstand. Apple's priority was to create the thinnest, lightest, most portable keyboard cover possible. They succeeded.

If someone has a design for the ASK that eliminates the hump without adding bulk, I'd love to see it. (I imagine that Apple would too)

The one thing I hate the most about the ASK is that the surface the keyboard rests on while being used is the soft lining that touches your screen. Not only does this allow germs from the surface you're working on to be transferred to your iPad but it makes your keyboard dirty and in some cases can cause scratches on your screen if a particle gets stuck in between. I always try to use a sleeve under it. That's the only reason I use a sleeve haha.

This. I do that too!