iPad Pro Rare Keyboard Use...ASK or Bluetooth

[c14nhl]

As goes with the vast majority of questions asked on this forum, it all comes down to personal preference.

I currently have the 9.7" iPad Pro with Apple Smart Keyboard. I'll soon be upgrading to the 12.9" iPad Pro 2nd gen.

Personally, I purchased the ASK with my 9.7" for the odd occasion I would need it. With it being a smaller device, the keyboard didn't add too much bulk and gave the me physical keyboard whenever I needed it. I would admit though, having had the device for a year, I rarely used the physical keyboard and could have easily done with the onscreen keyboard when the requirement arose.

Now I'm soon to upgrade to the larger 12.9", I think I'll go with the Apple Smart Cover for when I'm mobile and use an old Apple Magic Keyboard when I need it (non-rechargeable), which is always when back home.

What is your preference? I didn't mind in the slightest typing on the smaller keyboard, I'm quick to adjust to the smaller size. With that 12.9" having the larger onscreen keyboard, I'll manage no problem when away from the house using that.

If you have upgraded from the 9.7" to the 12.9", what has your experience been adapting to the larger onscreen keyboard?

 

[rui no onna]

I use a Logitech K780 Bluetooth Keyboard (leave it on the desk). Solid and weighty enough that the iPad 12.9 isn't likely to topple. As someone who uses Excel often, the built-in numpad is very helpful. Very easy to switch between 3 devices (paired mine with desktop, Pro 9.7 and Pro 12.9).

I'm still getting used to the onscreen keyboard on the 12.9 (same layout as standard keyboards rather than iPad 9.7 keyboard). Given the much larger screen size, the onscreen keyboard doesn't block as much of the display as the one on smaller iPads which is awesome. All in all, should be quite an easy transition.

 

[rdy0329]

Keyword is "rarely" so I would go with ASK just because you don't have to charge it. In my experience, when the need arose, the BT keyboard did not have battery left even when left turned off after a few weeks on non-use. Save yourself the hassle of charging those device when you DO need it.

 

[rui no onna]

Keyword is "rarely" so I would go with ASK just because you don't have to charge it. In my experience, when the need arose, the BT keyboard did not have battery left even when left turned off after a few weeks on non-use. Save yourself the hassle of charging those device when you DO need it.

The Logitech K780 uses regular AAA batteries and claims to have a 2-year battery life. We'll see.

 

[laela]

I use a Logitech K780 Bluetooth Keyboard (leave it on the desk). Solid and weighty enough that the iPad 12.9 isn't likely to topple. As someone who uses Excel often, the built-in numpad is very helpful. Very easy to switch between 3 devices (paired mine with desktop, Pro 9.7 and Pro 12.9).

I'm still getting used to the onscreen keyboard on the 12.9 (same layout as standard keyboards rather than iPad 9.7 keyboard). Given the much larger screen size, the onscreen keyboard doesn't block as much of the display as the one on smaller iPads which is awesome. All in all, should be quite an easy transition.

I have The WireCutter's pick -- Logitech K380, and yes, still with the original batteries after 2 years. Brilliant keyboard for occasional iPad use.

http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/the-best-bluetooth-keyboard/

 

[sparksd]

I have the Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard and the Anker Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard. Both work great, are rechargeable, and both hold their charges for months with non-use (I'm in the rare use case).

 

[Lisat78]

I use the Bluetooth Magic Keyboard fairly extensively. I like it because when I don't need it I don't need to carry it, but it's always handy. I use my iPad for the vast majority - 98%- of my computer usage and that includes work. The whole package is lighter, cheaper and more versatile than my laptop, and prob not that far off the weight of an rMB.