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Smart Keyboard has terrible reviews. Is it really that bad?

shamash

shamash

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jul 19, 2008
595
22
Portland, Oregon
Looking at the reviews on apple.com for the smart keyboard, I'm hesitant to buy it. I'm selling my laptop and switching to a 12.9 iPad (I also have a desktop computer) but I'd like to have a keyboard for the iPad still. Do they really break so quickly?
 
Break? No but the odd key can get worn down and get dirt quick but in terms of using it? I enjoyed the experience just fine. Works very well
 
shamash said:
The issue I've heard is that keys stop working within around 6 months, and then it just stops connecting at all.
Click to expand...
didn't happen with me but if it does? you take it in store and get a brand new one. Just keep your receipt
 
shamash said:
Looking at the reviews on apple.com for the smart keyboard, I'm hesitant to buy it. I'm selling my laptop and switching to a 12.9 iPad (I also have a desktop computer) but I'd like to have a keyboard for the iPad still. Do they really break so quickly?
Click to expand...
shamash said:
The issue I've heard is that keys stop working within around 6 months, and then it just stops connecting at all.
Click to expand...
I've owned the ASK for my 12.9 for 15 months and have used it practically every day during that time. No wearing off of the lettering on the keys. No separating of the seams. No keys that stop working. No suddenly stop connecting.

Then again, I bought my ASK about 4 months after it was initially released. (that's one of my rule of thumbs... wait 3-5 months after release to buy an Apple product). I wonder if those reports are from that first batch.
 
Mine works fine, no broken keys. I really like the feel of typing on it. It has frayed and delaminates at the corners however. My local Apple Store is being refurbished so I hadn't got a chance to exchange it, then they dropped the 10.5 so I just bought that one. I hope they used better adhesive on the new one.
 
I have been using my ASK since released on my 12.9'' Pro. While it is definitely no MBP experience, I do enjoy it a lot more than I thought I would when I took it out of the packaging. Initial thoughts was " WOW! What a flimsy piece of garbage.." However, once I got it set up and used it more & more, I found it to be quite an enjoyable typing experience. Only complaints that really stuck for me was, no adjustable angles and it really isn't meant for on your lap typing. As far as durability is concerned, mine looks and works just like it did the day I purchased it.
 
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Got mine last September with my iPad Pro 9.7 - adjusted to it fast and it's been great, no visible wear and no malfunctions. Not everyone has the same experiences, but no complaints here. I plan on getting another when I upgrade to a new iPad Pro.
 
Keyboards are a personal thing.

For me, the SK is the first iPad keyboard I could ever use for more than 2 weeks. And the 10.5" keyboard will be a bit bigger which makes it even better!
 
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I LOVE the ASK! I've had my 12.9 and keyboard since last February or March, and I cannot imagine using a different keyboard. It's so easy to type on.

I do occasionally have an issue with it just stopping, and I have to remove and reconnect it from the pad (I'm thinking the connectors might just get a little dirty), but it's maybe once a month. Of course I'm out of my warranty now, but if the whole thing broke tomorrow, I'd replace it without a second thought.
 
Was there not a report recently saying that Apple would replace these even if outwith warranty due to some known faults? Might even have been for 3 years if I remember rightly?
 
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Rather than start a new thread, I hope someone can help with my query here.

My ASK has some creases, notably around the space key. Is this normal? I am a little underwhelmed by the whole design and am contemplating longevity as it seems like the keys are simply covered in a thin sheet of plastic?
 
HoosBruce said:
I absolutely love it so far. No complaints from me!
Click to expand...

Are you using the 10.5? Thinking of picking one up today but I have read that it doesn't lay flat while typing... so when you press on the keys the iPad almost tilts a bit from the weight. Nervous about that
 
The fact is that the Smart Keyboard is a compromise, just like a convenience store, that you really wouldn’t use if you didn’t need the convenience that it offers. That being said, it is much better than say the many Bluetooth keyboard options I’ve used before.
 
jschu22 said:
The fact is that the Smart Keyboard is a compromise, just like a convenience store, that you really wouldn’t use if you didn’t need the convenience that it offers. That being said, it is much better than say the many Bluetooth keyboard options I’ve used before.
Click to expand...

For me it's better than the keyboard on my 2016 MBP (I hate the clicky sound the keys make when typing).
 
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shamash said:
Looking at the reviews on apple.com for the smart keyboard, I'm hesitant to buy it. I'm selling my laptop and switching to a 12.9 iPad (I also have a desktop computer) but I'd like to have a keyboard for the iPad still. Do they really break so quickly?
Click to expand...

I have owned a keyboard since day one and never had a issue. Still looks and works like brand new. I can't imagine using my iPad without it.
 
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ZipZap said:
Ive seen review where it does not even sit flat.
Click to expand...

I had this same question. Bought the keyboard and it works perfect. Had it for my 9.7 and it lays flat the same way as that keyboard. Maybe its just some of them.
 
I owned the ASK for the 9.7 which I sold on eBay, and am now using the new 10.5. I've never experienced issues with either. I also had the Logitech Create for my 9.7, which was nice but I found it to be a little on the bulky side everyday use so I used the ASK about 90% of the time and love it. I think it all comes down to personal preference. Keyboards are definitely not one size fits all.
 
Just purchased an iPad Pro 10.5 and want to get this keyboard. What do you guys use to protect the back of the iPad ? Or do you just go naked ?

Jason
 
DoctorDoctor said:
Just purchased an iPad Pro 10.5 and want to get this keyboard. What do you guys use to protect the back of the iPad ? Or do you just go naked ?

Jason
Click to expand...
NAKED!

Though I might buy one of dbrand's skins once it comes out.

The only time I got a case was for the iPad 3 (Apple Smart Case?) since it was my first iPad. All other iPads went naked and are still fine.
 
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