Logitech’s keyboard case for the iPad Pro was one of the first third-party keyboards available for the device, as Logitech developed it with Apple. Because Logitech partnered with Apple for the accessory, it’s the only third-party keyboard currently able to take advantage of the Smart Connector on the iPad Pro, meaning there’s no need to connect to the iPad via Bluetooth or use its own power. the source
We went hands-on with Logitech’s Create Keyboard Case to see how it measures up to Apple’s own hard-to-find Smart Keyboard and a few other iPad Pro third-party keyboards on the market.
Design
Logitech designed the Create to transform the iPad Pro into a laptop clone, creating a keyboard that closely resembles the design and feel of a traditional laptop keyboard. The case itself is made from a rigid material covered with a ballistic nylon fabric, while the keyboard is made from aluminum with plastic keys. Design-wise, the Create is available in three colors – black, navy and red – to match the space grey, silver and gold iPad.
You can mix and match the colors, but based on marketing materials, the black model is designed to match the space gray iPad, the navy model is for the silver iPad, and the red version is designed to match the gold iPad. The outer cover on each model is designed to be liquid resistant, keeping iPad Pro safe from small spills, drops and light rain.
The Create Keyboard has two main parts: the keyboard part of the case and a rigid backplate that fits over the iPad Pro. The case’s shell fits over the top half of the iPad Pro in landscape mode, aligned with the camera. The backplate has a crease in the middle that allows it to flex to fit into the Smart Connector built into the iPad Pro case.
Only half of the iPad Pro is securely attached due to the need for that connection, and on more than one occasion, my iPad Pro has come out of the shell. This has never happened in an area where I could potentially drop the iPad Pro, but it was a definite concern of mine. Popping out of the iPad Pro case at the wrong time can be a potential disaster, but at the same time, the bottom of the iPad Pro needs to be free to fit properly.
Although the iPad Pro only sits halfway and can pop out if not seated properly, it’s difficult to get out of the case. When snapped all the way, it requires a bit of grip and twisting to get it out, which is a downside if you want to use the iPad Pro without a keyboard. I know it sounds weird to say that it’s hard to get out of the case after complaining about the iPad Pro, but that’s how it works – it has to fit properly or you’re going to have problems aligning the cutouts and volume buttons.
With cutouts for the Lightning port and rear camera, the Build Keyboard case keeps all ports accessible. There are extended buttons on the volume and sleep/wake controls, both of which are easy to press to control the volume or turn the tablet on or off. The case has sleep/wake functionality built in, so the iPad will go to sleep or wake up as soon as the case is closed or opened.
When using the keyboard, the iPad Pro is angled forward in the case and snaps magnetically into a slot above the keyboard where the Smart Connector is placed. It has a single angle that is usable while typing and it only works in landscape mode. Many third-party keyboards for other iPads, such as the iPad Air 2, have multiple viewing angles and support both orientations, but “smart” accessories for the iPad Pro are going to be more limited due to the physical connection between the keyboard and the tablet. .
When the keyboard is not in use, it can be folded under the iPad Pro for watching videos or using the web, and it serves as a complete protection for the tablet when traveling. It closes clamshell style, the back shell protects the back of the iPad Pro and the keyboard protects its screen.
Compared to Apple’s Smart Cover, which is thin and light, the Logitech Create Keyboard is undeniably heavy. It weighs 1.5 pounds, twice the weight of the iPad Pro, which also weighs 1.5 pounds. At more than three pounds total, it’s heavier than the 11- and 13-inch MacBook Air and the 12-inch Retina MacBook.
It’s also adding quite a bit of thickness to the iPad Pro, so while the keyboard turns the iPad Pro into a more capable MacBook-style machine, it’s also adding some serious weight and bulk, which will be a turnoff for some potential buyers.
Smart connector
The Logitech Create is the only third-party keyboard currently capable of taking advantage of the Smart Connector on the iPad Pro. By connecting to the iPad Pro via the Smart Connector, the keyboard draws its power from the iPad. It never needs to be charged and because it connects directly to the iPad Pro, no Bluetooth is required.
That means there’s zero setup involved — just stick the iPad Pro into the case and it’s up and running. There is no loss of connection and zero lag until the iPad Pro is removed from the case. Overall, the Smart Connector is a slight improvement over Bluetooth solutions, both in its simplicity and convenience. Bluetooth is generally lag free with few connection issues, and the need to charge third-party keyboards more than once a month is rare, but the Smart Connector eliminates these minor pain points.
The only downside to the Smart Connector is that it’s a little snappy at times. If you hold the Logitech Create in a lap and move it the wrong way, it can momentarily disconnect and interrupt what you’re doing.
the key
Logitech’s Create Keyboard Case is inferior to Apple’s own Smart Keyboard when it comes to size and bulk, but for many users, its keyboard is a clear winner over the Smart Keyboard. The Logitech Create has full-spaced keys that feel fantastic under the fingers due to their high travel, especially compared to smart keyboards.
Apple has kept the Smart Keyboard slim by reducing the travel of the keys, so it won’t feel as familiar as the Logitech Create to people coming from a MacBook Air or Retina MacBook Pro. If you have a MacBook, the Smart Keyboard keys and MacBook keys look the same.
The transition from Retina MacBook Pro to Logitech Create was seamless for me. I was able to start typing in Create right away and there was no slowing down of my typing speed. The same isn’t true of the Smart Keyboard – it’s a definite adjustment for me. As someone who likes the feel of a keyboard with a good amount of travel, I thought the Logitech Create was a superior typing experience.
Like most third-party keyboards, the Logitech Create has a row of dedicated keys for iOS shortcuts on the iPad Pro. There’s a button to bring up the home screen, access search, lock the iPad, switch keyboards (aka access emoji or special characters), control volume, adjust screen brightness, control media playback, and adjust the backlighting of the keys.
One of the big advantages of the Logitech Create over the Smart Keyboard is the backlighting. The Logitech Create has an automatic backlighting feature that works really well. The keys will light up as soon as the keyboard is plugged in, and they will glow whenever they are pressed To save power, if you go a few seconds without touching a key, the backlighting turns off automatically. It’s good and useful if you’re typing in a room without a lot of light, and it’s adjustable to three levels on the keyboard.
bottom line
Both the Logitech Create Keyboard and Apple’s own Smart Keyboard have interesting features and drawbacks. Logitech Create Keyboard is a lot It’s bulkier and heavier than the Apple Smart Keyboard, but it’s also cheaper and has traditional MacBook Pro-style keys with plenty of travel and a great backlighting feature.
Choosing between the Logitech Create and Smart Keyboards comes down to whether you prefer a more functional keyboard that feels like a MacBook Pro/Air keyboard or you want portability and light weight. Adjusting to a smart keyboard isn’t difficult, but for many users, it’s not going to provide as pleasant a typing experience as the Logitech Create offers.
Along with better keys, you’re getting more protection with a Logitech build. The iPad Pro feels fragile because it’s so big—there are too many surfaces to break it if it’s dropped or bumped against something. The Logitech Create offers full front and back protection while the Smart Keyboard is only going to protect the screen.
In the future, there may be additional keyboard options on the market, but currently, there are few iPad Pro-specific products and only use two smart connectors: Logitech Create or Smart Keyboard. At the moment, it’s a matter of deciding between a number of bulks or keys that don’t quite measure up if you want something that takes advantage of new technology.
As someone who owns and uses an iPad Pro every day, I wouldn’t choose the Logitech Create over the Smart Keyboard. It’s too heavy and bulky and I’m not a fan of the awkward and hard to use back shell design. When it comes down to it, my fingers can adjust to the keys with less travel than my back can adjust to an extra 1.5 pounds of weight.
Of course, there’s no need to go with either of these options if you’re on a budget. The iPad Pro still works with Bluetooth, so a standalone Bluetooth keyboard with an iPad Pro Smart Cover is going to be a perfectly viable option.
Benefits:
- nice key
- Smart connector
- Backlighting
- What is the shortcut?
Disadvantages:
- iPad Pro Fit can be unstable
- The rear shell design makes accurate alignment difficult
- heavy
- heavy
- Limited viewing angle
How to buy
The Logitech Create iPad Pro Keyboard Case can be purchased at Apple.com or Apple retail stores for $149.99. It is also available directly from the Logitech website and Amazon.com.
