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iPad Pro Logitech 9.7 key board case
- Thread starter iphonesteven
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I have it now along with the iPad Smart KB cover. I'm testing both this weekend and will keep one.
Walt Mossberg did a review of the Logitech KB for the 9.7 recently. I think he nailed it. I agree with everything in his review:
http://www.theverge.com/2016/8/10/12418002/logitech-create-keyboard-ipad-pro-mossberg-review
I havn't had much time to live with the Logitech keyboard cover yet, but here are my initial pros/cons of each....in my humble opinion of course:
Apple Smart KB Cover:
Walt Mossberg did a review of the Logitech KB for the 9.7 recently. I think he nailed it. I agree with everything in his review:
http://www.theverge.com/2016/8/10/12418002/logitech-create-keyboard-ipad-pro-mossberg-review
I havn't had much time to live with the Logitech keyboard cover yet, but here are my initial pros/cons of each....in my humble opinion of course:
Apple Smart KB Cover:
- Pro's
- Elegant, sleek, minimalistic
- Relatively light
- Good for using in "consumption mode" with cover folded back.
- Con's
- Keyboard is cramped, key spacing is very different than regular keyboard
- Typing on the Apple Smart KB cover takes much time to master. It was not an easy transition for me.
- No Apple Pencil Holder...love the pencil and use it a lot, but where to "park" it when not in use?
- No top row of "function" type keys
- Not backlit (not a big issue for me with the iPad)
- Pro's
- Great keyboard, took to it like a duck to water.
- Backlit
- Includes top row of function keys and many other helpful keys
- Has an Apple Pencil holder (huge deal for me)
- Con's
- Tough to use in "Slate" mode. I use the Pencil for taking notes For work (via Goodnotes), I typically use it in portrait mode for this. Can't quite figure out how to do this with the Logitech.
- Heavy, bulky, clunky with folded up. Definitely more utilitarian than elegant!
- Tough to use in "consumption mode" (i.e. Keyboard folded back)...very "thick" in this mode.
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[doublepost=1471664141][/doublepost]Thank you DSTOFEL. I am thinking Logitech, re: pencil holder, keyboard and back lit. I will not be a heavy keyboard user, love my rose gold ESR case, very elegant, light weight and good protection. I have been to my Apple Store and just can't get excited with the keyboard of the Smart. I will wait for your final choice. Really appreciate your detailed review and the Mossberg link.
ips
You're welcome...glad it helps. One major (to me at least) "con" I missed about the Apple Smart Keyboard....for others considering it...
The row of keys just under the number row are shifted to the left a quite a bit. If you've typed quite a bit (on other keyboards), you'll find this annoying. While it doesn't prevent you from typing, it is a big reason it took me so long to adjust to the Apple keyboard, and the reason I'm constantly making mistakes still. There was zero adjustment time with the Logitech keyboard.
That was a really good comparison above. I also have both the Apple keyboard and the Logitech Create 9.7 keyboard. Agree with above comments and do like both keyboards. I also like how the Logitech protects the rear of the iPad, but dislike how the iPad is heavier than using the Apple keyboard. Not sure which one that I will keep yet.
Same here! I do like how the Logitech protects the rear of the iPad. With the Apple Smart KB cover, I'm constantly "thinking" about where I'm laying the iPad down. But, the Logitech does add weight and bulk (as you mentioned). I "finally" decided today to keep the Logitech (in blue). In the end, the built in "parking" spot for the pencil and the excellent keyboard swayed me towards the Logitech.
Thanks DSTOFEL. I am going to order the Logitech in RED today. I have been waiting for this keyboard to come out and it's time to get it now.
The red should be nice! I've seen it on the 12.9 inch. All I've seen here in Atlanta for the 9.7 pro is black and blue!
Well, I went to order it in RED ! Me bad ........ Red only for the larger pro, just blue and black for the 9.7. Now do I wait until a red comes out or get the black. I pad is rose gold. I think I will wait, hope not too long.
Just checked mine and it's exactly like yours. The right arrow key is not lit....never noticed that before.
Thanks for checking. That is very odd. I was almost going to exchange mine at Best Buy today. Guess it's normal.
How easy is it to detach the iPad from the keyboard cover?
I don't see myself using a keyboard case ever for the simple reason that it is very cumbersome for me to detach the iPad from the cover when I just want the iPad.
With the Smart Keyboard, it's way easier as everything is held in place with magnets and a sharp tug will displace everything. But the Smart Keyboard is so expensive. If it was like just half the price, I would snap it up in a heartbeat.
I don't see myself using a keyboard case ever for the simple reason that it is very cumbersome for me to detach the iPad from the cover when I just want the iPad.
With the Smart Keyboard, it's way easier as everything is held in place with magnets and a sharp tug will displace everything. But the Smart Keyboard is so expensive. If it was like just half the price, I would snap it up in a heartbeat.
It just snaps right out (i.e. With the Logitech). No big deal really, but it does feel a bit like your disassembling/reassembling it a bit with the Logitech......versus with the Apple SKB cover where it feels like it's meant to be taken on/off at will.
When, I had the Apple SKB cover, I took it off all the time. I hardly ever take the Logitech cover off...even though it's heavy/bulky when using while lying on the sofa....for example. Maybe the reason is that it takes just that "bit" of extra effort to take it off.
I had both for a bit while testing them and by far preferred the Apple SKB cover for ergonomics (i.e. Size, weight and the ability to easily take on/off, etc...). But, I went with the Logitech for two reasons: Far superior keyboard and built in pencil holder. You just have to weigh your priorities.
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The Logitech is exponentially better for commuting as well. While the ASKB is surprisingly sturdy on a train, it's still nowhere near as good as the Create. It's a fantastic product. The build quality is great, too. And, frankly, it even looks good.
The only issue is the added weight and the fact that holding the Pro portrait style is kind of annoying.
The only issue is the added weight and the fact that holding the Pro portrait style is kind of annoying.
Mine arrived this week. Personally, I've found it excellent with virtually no learning curve, nor having to learn to 'remap' 'my fingers slightly. I took to it way quicker than the new MacBook keyboard. I tried the Apple keyboard and found it too cramped: I kept making mistakes.
Belkin made a iPad air 2 keyboard almost identical to this keyboard except it obviously connected through bluetooth instead of a smart connector and it attached to the keyboard using magnets. Would also only connect when it was physically attached to the keyboard and would disconnect automatically. Not sure why Belkin hasn't made a version for the pro but this looks like the next best option.
Only wish the price was in the sub $100 range. I like how it also has a holder for the pencil.
