If you are like me, you are always on the quest to find the very best accessories
for your iPad Pro. Today, we're heading deeper down the rabbit hole in
search of what could be the most perfect keyboard for the iPad Pro with
the latest offering from Brydge. I am Mike and this is Tech 24/7 TV. Hit like,
hit subscribe and now let's get started
What is going on everyone? It is Mike. And as you know I am no stranger
when it comes to using iPad Pro keyboards. I've tested several models including
the Smart Folio Keyboard from Apple. The Slim Folio Pro from Logitech and
now the 12.9 inch pro from Brydge.
In this video. I am going to cover the features, specs, what I do and don't
like about the Brydge Pro in addition to comparing it to the Logitech Slim Folio Pro
and the Smart Folio Keyboard from Apple.
Now I will put timestamps to the different sections as well as links to
all the products that I talk about in the video description below.
I've had the Brydge Pro for almost about a week and I can tell you that
I'm the type of user that spends around two to three hours a day using
my iPad Pro. And that usage can really be broken down into two different categories.
We have apps where you typically kind of lean forward that require moderate
to high engagement including content creation apps like Microsoft
drafts things content design apps like Over, Lightroom maybe even an affinity
photo and then there's the apps where I lean back for not so serious iPad engagement.
This is like video consumption on YouTube or even Apple TV.
If you are not familiar with Brydge, they started making keyboards for
the iPad back in 2011 and now they are making keyboards for the entire
iPad lineup including the latest iPad mini. Now let me know in the comments
below if you want to see a video covering one of those other keyboards.
The Brydge Pro has a starting price of $149.99 and goes up to $169.99 depending
on if you have the 11 inch or the 12. 9-inch iPad Pro. it comes in two different
finishes that's going to be space grey or silver aluminum it's gonna match
the color of your device.
From a price perspective the Brydge Pro is $30 cheaper than Apple smart
Keyboard Folio which comes in at either $169 or $199 and that's $30 - $40
more than Logitech Slim Folio Pro which starts at either $119 or $129
The Brydge Pro is not the first keyboard to eschew Apple smart connector
in favor of Bluetooth 4.1 to communicate with the iPad Pro but uniquely
the iPad Pro is held in place by using these clips that you see here on
the bottom
The Brydge Pro has a self-contained battery which is quoted to last around
12 months and that's when you're using the iPad Pro with the keyboard backlight
turned off
Now if you really want to be a keyboard warrior you can have that keyboard
backlight always on and that's going to last about 20 hours. You are going
to get the most out of your battery life because the bridge pro will hibernate
when the lid is closed. Or will auto wake when the lid is opened.
Inside the retail packaging is going to be the keyboard itself, some documentation
and a USP type C cable that can be used in a pinch if your keyboards is
running out of battery that is in addition to a magnetic cover for the
back of your iPad
First you can take your iPad Pro insert into these clips. You're going
to gently wiggle down into the iPad to me flush against the bottom
Then simply close the lid and use your hands to line up the sides and make
sure they're flush.
There is a two step pairing process that shouldn't take more than a minute
and then your eye pads can be paired to a rich keyboard. I'm a type of
user who can normally adjust to a new type of keyboard within 20 to 30
minutes and the same holds true for the Brydge Pro. Now the keys don't
feel overly stiff to me nor the overly mushy but what I can say is that
first my typing style has changed slightly when using the bridge key because
the key presses aren't always registered unless you hit that key dead center now. Now,
iOS auto correct has saved me in these instances when I don't hit
the key head on. But if you're someone who disables auto correct you're
going to need to consider this.
Second the keys have a strange texture and I mean this in a good way which
almost makes them feel like they're soft touch rubber
And third. I found myself reaching for the trackpad about a half dozen
times thinking that this was my MacBook Pro. Now this to me signals that
they experience itself is laptop like and very convincing. Now a few other
keyboard observations include. There is a dedicated Siri button in the
bottom left hand corner of the keyboard instead of the language switcher
which you would find on the Apple keyboard and the Logitech. Now if you
are unaware you can always press control plus shift in spacebar and that
will allow you to switch keyboard languages now matter of fact. I'm going
to put all the iOS keyboard shortcut that I know in the video description below.
And if you see anything that I missed or you know some obscure shortcut.
Go ahead and throw in a comment. Now the keyboard itself on the Brydge Pro
the keys are gonna be backlit there is support for levels of brightness
in addition to having a cap locks key that's going to illuminate when it's enabled.
At the bottom right in corner you're going to find a t-shaped arrow key
i which helps me for better navigation experience. Now there are some general
observations depending on the viewing angle it can be difficult to pull
up the navigation bar from the bottom dock outside of Apple's keyboard.
I have yet to be able to find a keyboard that will stop YouTube videos
from playing when pressing the spacebar.
At the end of the day, the Brydge 12. 9 Pro is $40 more than the Slim Folio Pro
from Logitech and it is not unreasonable to ask yourself if the Brydge
is worth the extra money now. I think that the bridges may be worth the
extra $40 if you are someone who prioritizes a slightly designed laptop
like experience in the small package possible without having to pay the
Apple tax for the Smart Folio Keyboard.
Someone who values supporting viewing angles from zero to 180 degrees which
really translates to better versatility getting movie mode having a better
warranty which is to be limited lifetime warranty and better battery life.
Now to put that into a different context. If you keep your iPad Pro for
3 to 4 years that 40 dollars additional is going to cost you about $0
85 cents more per month. And for me the Brydge Pro doesn't prevent me from
connecting my hyperdrive USB C Hub to the iPad Pro the same way that Slim Folio Pro does.
In addition I can still use my Tom Bihn CACHE for the iPad Pro while using
the Brydge Pro keyboard. Now, that doesn't mean that the Brydge Pro is
perfect because objectively speaking those niceties do come at an expense
mainly tablet mode is largely uses by my estimation because I cannot see
too many people wanting to hold a two to three pound shot glass and aluminum
to read nor do I see anyone fawning over the typing experience and the
level of precision needed to hit keys each and every time. I'd rate the Brydge Pro
4 out of 5 stars.
Now that is not to say Apple's Smart Folio Keyboard or the Logitech Slim F
olio Pro should be completely discounted.
In my mind, the Smart Folio Keyboard is great for someone who really wants
a no-fuss keyboard experience, someone who uses their iPad Pro in multiple
contacts throughout the day and will need to go out and take off that case
to go and support those contexts. And as someone who doesn't mind spending
the extra money.
Or alternatively, the Slim Folio Pro is great for someone who wants a good
typing experience at a reasonable cost and they want the best protection
for their iPad Pro.
If you're an existing iPad owner and you've been using a keyboard
are you gonna ditch that keyboard for the Brydge Pro like I am or are you considering
keeping it?
Otherwise, if you are purchasing your very first keyboard for the iPad Pro;
what features are must-haves for you? Let me know in the comments below.
Thumbs if you like this type a content. Subs if you want to see more iPad and
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Hey everybody.
Thank you very much for watching my video on the Brydge 12.9 Pro. Now I
have a lot of coverage planned for Apple's WWDC event which is happening
next week so make sure you subscribe to the channel in addition to my favorite
accessories for the iPad Air and the iPad Mini which will be dropping soon.
I am Mike and this is tech 24/7 TV.
You can follow me on Instagram and Twitter by Caputo where I post regularly
breaking news and photos using all types of phones like the OnePlus 7 Pro, the iPhone,
and even the Pixel. I will talk to the next one.