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

[thadoggfather]

The price is the main problem though I got my 9.7 one off eBay in mint/like new/maybe even new condition for like $60 and change or $70

Other complaints are no backlit keyboard no function keys one recline position and the 12.9 one is (imo) excessively bulky

If you can deal with any/all of these, its a really nice accessory. I LOVE my 9.7 ASK

https://www.theverge.com/circuitbre...-smart-keyboard-ipad-free-repairs-three-years

It's still a tremendous value if you intend on keeping it for a while, for now having 3 years of support baked in

 

[DoctorDoctor]

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.

I have never used one without full protection. Not necessarily worried about scratches and such but wanted a little bitter grip. I have the smart case for my Air 2 and it feels so much more secure in hand than the naked pro.

 

[vgtek]

Big fan of the ASK - initially bought the Logitech "slim" but went back to ASK, perfect for my work needs.

 

[eyeseeyou]

Switched from the logitech create(9.7) to the ASK keyboard mainly because my usage was more in tablet mode and the ask setup allowed switching between tablet mode and "laptop" mode a lot easier and less bulkier.

Pretty annoyed there is no function keys. Also the actual on the lap experience isn't very stable.

I prefer the logitech slim set up but I read that it's not that good in real life.

 

[thadoggfather]

Switched from the logitech create(9.7) to the ASK keyboard mainly because my usage was more in tablet mode and the ask setup allowed switching between tablet mode and "laptop" mode a lot easier and less bulkier.

Pretty annoyed there is no function keys. Also the actual on the lap experience isn't very stable.

I prefer the logitech slim set up but I read that it's not that good in real life.

Jailbreak is a godsend with ASK (tweak is called Molar)

I have CMD+# key mapped to functions
1- is another home button
2- lower brightness 3- raise brightness
4- lower volume 5- raise volume
6- screenshot
7- rewind 8- pause/play 9- forward
0- lock button

Based it off my Logitech Bluetooth TouchKey keyboard haha

But its now muscle memory

I use VOL function ALL THE TIME

Same with cmd+M for home button

Much cleaner than CC adjustment or the physical volume buttons

Woo

 

[jschu22]

I so wish it had function keys, even just a dedicated home and lock buttons.

 

[KittyKatta]

The Smart Keyboard completely changed the way I view and use tablets. With a keyboard then these really are the future of computing.

The greatness of the Smart Keyboard is why I'm so annoyed by the iPad (2017). Tim Cook is known for selling old stuff, so why in the world did they resurrect the old iPad Air 1 when they could've just dropped the price on the retiring 9.7" Pro design?!?

If the new iPad is meant for "Students" then they could have stolen back the School Market by offering the 9.7" Pro with a cheaper and thicker clickity clackety Smart Keyboard for students and schools.

 

[jschu22]

The Smart Keyboard completely changed the way I view and use tablets. With a keyboard then these really are the future of computing.

The greatness of the Smart Keyboard is why I'm so annoyed by the iPad (2017). Tim Cook is known for selling old stuff, so why in the world did they resurrect the old iPad Air 1 when they could've just dropped the price on the retiring 9.7" Pro design?!?

If the new iPad is meant for "Students" then they could have stolen back the School Market by offering the 9.7" Pro with a cheaper and thicker clickity clackety Smart Keyboard for students and schools.

The 9.7 wouldn't be cheap enough to be a player post 10.5 to justify its continuance. No way it drops down to anything close to a $329 entry price.

 

[triangletechie]

The Smart Keyboard for my 9.7 pro was very tough for me to type on as my hands felt cramped. I tried out the 10.5 this morning at the Apple Store and extra size makes a huge difference. Much easier for me to type so I'll probably order one soon.

 

[epca12]

No it isn't but I hear durability can be an issue

 

[rufas2000]

For what's its worth so far I'm liking it. It stays on my lap very nicely, it has a good angle to access the other iPad touching features and it sits on my lap perfectly. I am notoriously a bad typist as well (so those who are good at typing may not be so enthused).

It also folds up nice and the iPad with it attached (snugly) fits in its Apple sleeve. The iPad is as easy for me to handle when using it as a tablet despite the slight added weight (and its easy enough to remove at that needs must).

I was wary but am pleasantly surprised. Hopefully some added functionality can be added using some of the control and option buttons (like hitting "post reply") but again the iPad screen is easily accessed. I will say when it is folded the volume button is a bit tricky to access for me.

Again this is my experience, others may vary. And yes I typed this post on the keyboard.

 

[BeatCrazy]

For what's its worth so far I'm liking it. It stays on my lap very nicely, it has a good angle to access the other iPad touching features and it sits on my lap perfectly. I am notoriously a bad typist as well (so those who are good at typing may not be so enthused).

It also folds up nice and the iPad with it attached (snugly) fits in its Apple sleeve. The iPad is as easy for me to handle when using it as a tablet despite the slight added weight (and its easy enough to remove at that needs must).

I was wary but am pleasantly surprised. Hopefully some added functionality can be added using some of the control and option buttons (like hitting "post reply") but again the iPad screen is easily accessed. I will say when it is folded the volume button is a bit tricky to access for me.

Again this is my experience, others may vary. And yes I typed this post on the keyboard.

So you can type with this, solely supported on your lap?

 

[eyeseeyou]

So you can type with this, solely supported on your lap?

You can but it's definitely not as sturdy as a standard laptop.

 

[rufas2000]

So you can type with this, solely supported on your lap?

I typed the previous post with the keyboard in my lap sitting on the side of my bed upright. I didn't have my knees up to give added support or anything like that.

Hope that helps.
[doublepost=1497729338][/doublepost]Not as sturdy I agree but sturdy enough and I appreciate the lighter weight.

Honestly I'm not a fan of laptops at all. Before tablets they were the only take with you option but I much prefer a tablet that can stand in as a laptop in the situations where its needed (typing more than a few words). So far (only used it about an hour) this combo of iPad and SKB fill the bill very nicely.

I had the Surface Pro 3 with keyboard. Wasn't nearly as useful to me. Windows just isn't a tablet friendly OS, the keyboard wasn't as much to my liking, it was too big and the kickstand pinched.

 

[Swisspo]

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

I actually had to have mine replaced due to it not resting flat. Apple replaced without question, and this one sits perfect. This is for the 12.9'' model.

 

[jsmitty]

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 have used the 9.7 ASK for almost a year with no issues. I used smart covers on all my previous generations and ASK adds a convenient keyboard in a similar compact form that doesn't require its own power.

I started using the 10.5 this week and mine does have a few mm of space under the front edge when sitting on its own. It's not an issue when I type because any pressure flattens it out. It's like one dimension or fold is ever so slightly off. I expect that it may wear in and flatten out but I may just bring it up next time I'm near an Apple Store. I saw this mentioned on a review as well - how many others out there have seen it?

It did suck having an obsolete 9.7" $150 accessory after just one year but what else could be done with the new dimensions?

 

[cryptonator]

Are the actual keys on the 10.5 ASK the same as the 12.9 ASK? I know some less frequent keys are smaller, but I am told the main keys are the same?

The 12.9 keyboard was a joy to use, however, the 9.5 ASK was very cramped (in terms of key size).

 

[CloudSpeaker]

I flip-flopped between the ASK and the Logitech (Not-So) Slim Combo. Four trips to my Apple brick & mortar... Two times for each. And the winner is... The Apple Smart Keyboard.

I *love* the type-feel on it. I'm at 84 WPM on it, which is comparable to my speed on a "real" keyboard.

My concern was long term durability... Specifically the felt-like inside of the case, which meets the desk while in use. I pictured it as shiny & matted in no time. Reading the experience of other users has nullified that concern. I'm very happy w/this setup so far.

 

[spiderman0616]

I love the ASK. I used it every day with my 9.7" Pro, and when I upgraded from that to the 10.5", I sold my old ASK and bought the new one. I can type on it every bit as fast as I can on my Magic Keyboard for my Mac, especially now that it's a little bigger. I have never had any issues with malfunctioning keys or general durability.
[doublepost=1498143767][/doublepost]

Big fan of the ASK - initially bought the Logitech "slim" but went back to ASK, perfect for my work needs.

You have the exact same setup as me, though I'm ditching the Moko case as soon as my Poetic brand one comes in from Amazon.
[doublepost=1498143833][/doublepost]

Are the actual keys on the 10.5 ASK the same as the 12.9 ASK? I know some less frequent keys are smaller, but I am told the main keys are the same?

The 12.9 keyboard was a joy to use, however, the 9.5 ASK was very cramped (in terms of key size).

The 9.7" ASK always felt a bit cramped to me too after extensive periods of typing. Not the case on the 10.5. The keys are bigger and more spread out. It's a small physical difference, but makes a big difference when typing.

 

[triangletechie]

The 9.7" ASK always felt a bit cramped to me too after extensive periods of typing. Not the case on the 10.5. The keys are bigger and more spread out. It's a small physical difference, but makes a big difference when typing.

agreed. Much easier to type on the 10.5 keyboard.

 

[spiderman0616]

agreed. Much easier to type on the 10.5 keyboard.

I wasn't perceiving much of a difference at first, but now that I've had a few days to put it through its paces, it's definitely an improvement that needed to be made. That's why I question the people that think there's going to be a chassis size decrease with the next update to the smaller Pro if the home button is removed and put under the glass. Decreasing the footprint of the iPad would immediately roll back the size improvements made to the 10.5" ASK.

 

[mrklaw]

I've just bought one to try out (10.5). Tested standing up at the Apple Store and was getting 65wpm which is decent for a first try. I don't like the hard feel of the keys and it's still narrower than I'd like but a step up from the 9.7"

Key for me (sorry) are:
- the fact it's always at hand. a separate Bluetooth keyboard may be more comfortable but I'm not dragging one out of a cupboard and pairing up just to type a few things, so realistically it's never get used
- physical keys. Even uncomfortable keys are better than virtual ones. I can gently rest my fingers on the home keys which is a huge improvement over having to float my hands over an on-screen version. I end up four finger pecking
- doubling the visible screen. Having the entire screen visible vs a narrow slit with the virtual keyboard makes a big difference
- fewer fingerprints. Seeing the keyboard replicated on the bottom third of my iPad in smudgy fingerprints is annoying

 

[eyeseeyou]

2 requests for a "pro" update to the ASK would be for me:

1. Media keys
2. Detachable keyboard while still being able to use the cover as a stand

Edit: can't detach the keyboard if it needs to be attached to the smart connector lol. Nevermind.

 

[LibbyLA]

I've just bought one to try out (10.5). Tested standing up at the Apple Store and was getting 65wpm which is decent for a first try. I don't like the hard feel of the keys and it's still narrower than I'd like but a step up from the 9.7"

Key for me (sorry) are:
- the fact it's always at hand. a separate Bluetooth keyboard may be more comfortable but I'm not dragging one out of a cupboard and pairing up just to type a few things, so realistically it's never get used
- physical keys. Even uncomfortable keys are better than virtual ones. I can gently rest my fingers on the home keys which is a huge improvement over having to float my hands over an on-screen version. I end up four finger pecking
- doubling the visible screen. Having the entire screen visible vs a narrow slit with the virtual keyboard makes a big difference
- fewer fingerprints. Seeing the keyboard replicated on the bottom third of my iPad in smudgy fingerprints is annoying

For me, a second part to your first item is no need to charge a separate keyboard. I have separate BT keyboards for a couple of my devices and making sure they're charged is just annoying.

 

[jplusc]

I just bought the ASK for my 12.9", while I would love to have media controls as well, overall I love it.