Today, we’ll be reviewing the Best iPad Pro keyboard cases, comparing the new Brydge
12.9 Max+, versus the Logitech Touch Combo 12.9, versus the Apple Magic Keyboard.
We’ll only be looking at the 12.9” version of the keyboards, so if you have an 11”
iPad Pro, let us know in the comments below and be sure to subscribe so we can review
them in the future.
First up, taking a look at the new Brydge Max+, it’s one of the best keyboard cases
we’ve tested for the iPad Pro.
We love the design and the aluminum that matches the iPad, and an overall experience that offers
the closest experience to a MacBook.
Setting up the keyboard, you simply just drop the iPad right into the case.
The back has a set of magnets throughout so it snaps right in seamlessly.
Removing the iPad, there’s little notches on both sides so you can pull it off just
as easily.
The hinge feels sturdy when opening and closing, and you can tilt the iPad back up to 135 degrees,
which also gives the keyboard a slight raise making it even better for typing.
The connection of the Brydge uses Bluetooth 5, compared to the Logitech and Apple’s
Magic Keyboard that use the smart connector.
However, Brydge has an Instant-On capability through new firmware so the keyboard connects
immediately and there’s no lag when you open the iPad.
A lot of people ask why Brydge doesn’t use the Smart Connector, and we suspect that Apple
has only allowed Logitech to use the smart connector for keyboard cases, for the time
being.
We tested Brydge’s bluetooth compared to Smart Connector, and after testing it we have
to say we’re impressed.
So far, we haven’t had any issues connecting to the keyboard, and the Instant-on will stay
active for 4 hours before the keyboard goes into a deep sleep mode to conserve battery-
while still remaining connected in a low power state.
When you turn it back on after 4 hours, it does take a few seconds to turn back on.
We found simply hitting a key like the spacebar will turn it back on and connect in just a
few seconds.
For battery life, Brydge advertises up to 3 months life, but it will diminish if you
use the backlit keys frequently.
But charging the keyboard is easy, it has a USB-C port on the side so you can plug it
in using the same charger as the iPad to quickly top it off.
And you can even plug it into the iPad itself to charge it.
Next up, looking at the Logitech Touch Combo 12.9.
This is a multi purpose case with a detachable keyboard that can be used separately from
the case.
There’s 3 different modes you can use it in: Laptop mode, Standing mode with the keyboard
disconnected for watching videos or shows, and tablet or sketch mode with the iPad in
the case.
The back case features a Smart Connector, so you just place the iPad in there and it’s
ready to go.
For the keyboard, there’s a magnet and connector on the bottom that snaps together easily.
However this is not a hinge, so the back cover folds back so you can position it at different
angles.
It takes a few steps to do and can be cumbersome, but once set up on a desk it works great.
The Logitech Combo Touch has a textured cloth, which feels soft to the touch and comfortable.
One advantage is that it doesn’t smudge, compared to the Magic Keyboard or even the
aluminum of the Brydge.
However, we don’t know if the cloth design will age over time, or if it can stain easily.
Looking at the trackpads, for all 3 keyboards, you can use existing gestures available with
the iPad including swiping up, left and down, and to click you can either tap or click the
trackpad.
The Brydge’s trackpad is the largest on an iPad keyboard case ever made, and it’s
almost 2 and a half times bigger than the one of the Magic Keyboard.
However, one drawback is that you can only press and click on the bottom corners of the
trackpad.
Meanwhile the Logitech trackpad is a little bit bigger than the Magic Keyboard, and we
also like that you can click down on any corner and angle.
It also has a nice tactile click, and we find it even better than Apple’s Magic Keyboard.
For size and weight, the Brydge case is 2.1lbs, making it the heaviest.
Meanwhile, the Logitech Combo comes in at 1.7lbs, while the Magic Keyboard weighs 1.6lbs.
When closed, the Brydge case is the thickest out of all of them, while the Magic Keyboard
and Logitech are almost the same in thickness.
For protection, the Brydge has a plastic back cover with a nice soft matte finish and provides
protection for the back cover.
However, it doesn’t provide protection to the sides of the iPad.
Meanwhile, the Logitech Combo has full protection of the iPad from all angles, featuring a soft
rubber on all the sides and edges.
The Logitech Combo also has a nice wedge for the Apple Pencil to fit at the top, which
helps hold it in place when you put it in a bag.
Looking at lap functionality, the Brydge is the clear winner here.
The large aluminum surface is perfect on the lap, and the hinge is strong and sturdy and
holds any angle.
For the logitech, the rear flap is actually a lot less convenient when sitting and using
it on the lap.
Meanwhile the Magic Keyboard’s bottom is also too short, and the weight balance is
off, making it inconvenient as a lap style case.
For the keys and typing, on the Brydge they are chiclet style with a soft matte feel.
They are reminiscent of the old 2015 and below MacBook Pro keyboards, and if you’ve ever
owned one of these machines- you know how good these keyboards are.
We prefer them over the newer butterfly keys- the way they are shaped, spaced out, and more
raised than the butterfly keys.
We also prefer these keys over the ones on Apple’s Magic Keyboard and the LogiTech
combo, which are thinner and not as raised.
The Logitech and Brydge have a larger area to fit your palms when typing, while the Magic
Keyboard does not.
The largest is on the Brydge, which feels just like a MacBook.
Both the Brydge and Logitech feature the top row of keys for quick access, including a
home button, lock button, brightness for screen and backlit keys, volume buttons, and more.
We really like having these sets of keys, and it's a big missing part of the Magic Keyboard.
Finally, taking a look at the prices.
The Brydge Max+ comes in at $250, while the LogiTech Touch Combo at $229, and the Magic
Keyboard retails for $350, however you might find it on sale for less.
We think that the Magic Keyboard is way overpriced, even though it does have a great design with
the floating iPad.
That’s why we recommend looking at either the Brydge or Logitech, since they offer a
lot more functionality and different design and features, depending on what you’re looking
for.
Alright, that’s it for now.
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Next, be sure to check out our other reviews on more Apple accessories and gadgets.