Today we’re taking a look at the Brydge 12.9 inch Max+ keyboard case, with a new firmware
and connectivity that makes it the best keyboard case for your iPad Pro, turning it into a
MacBook type experience that rivals Apple’s Magic Keyboard.
We’ll be doing a full review of the Max+ case: looking at the design, quality, testing
the connectivity and testing how the keys type, while also trying out the trackpad that’s
the largest native multi-touch trackpad ever included in a tablet keyboard.
Brydge sent us their final production version of the Max+ keyboard case in Space Grey, to
match our 3rd generation 12.9 inch iPad Pro, so we could put it to the test and see how
the experience feels compared to the Magic Keyboard from Apple.
We’ve been using the Magic Keyboard regularly since it first came out last year.
The packaging and unboxing of the Brydge is well presented, in a box that quickly opens
up to reveal the case.
The packaging and unboxing feels like an Apple unboxing, and inside the you’ll find the
keyboard case and user manual.
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 and feels seamless.
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 gives the keyboard a slight raise.
To connect, all you need to do is press and hold the power button, then hold the bluetooth
button for 3 seconds so you can pair the iPad to the keyboard.
We also needed to upgrade to the latest version of iPad OS, 14.6 in order to use the full
functionality of the Brydge.
The connection uses Bluetooth 5, along with a new Instant-On capability through new firmware
that Brydge designed 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.
However, Brydge has found a way to make the experience comparable to the 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 it comes to typing, the keys 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, which are too small
and flat.
And this is a full sized keyboard, with the top row of keys for quick access, including
a home button, lock button, brightness for screen and backlit keys, as well as a keyboard
button to activate the on screen keyboard and the globe button to change between keyboard
language, or accessing emojis.
We really like having these sets of keys, and it's been a big missing part of the Magic
Keyboard.
Looking at the trackpad, it’s 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.
You can use all the existing gestures available with the iPad including swiping up, left and
down, and to click you can either tap or click down on the bottom part of the trackpad.
As for lag, we haven’t noticed any lag coming from the keyboard or the trackpad after a
few days of use.
The only minor issue we noticed was with the pinch in/out gesture, which works but doesn’t
always register every gesture smoothly.
For battery life, Brydge advertises up to 3 months life, but it will diminish to less
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
into the iPad to charge it when you need.
For size and weight, the case is 2.1lbs, making it a little heavier than the Magic Keyboard
that weighs 1.6lbs.
It does add some thickness, but the bottom aluminum matches perfectly with the Space
Gray and folds completely flat while the plastic back cover has a nice soft matte finish and
provides good protection.
Looking at the price, the Max+ comes in at $250 and you can buy it from Brydge’s website
in multiple colors including Space Grey, Silver and a limited edition White.
It’s compatible with the 12.9 inch iPad Pro’s Generation 3, 4 and 5.
Overall, we think the Brydge Max+ is one of the best keyboard cases we’ve tested for
the iPad Pro, and a serious contender to the Magic Keyboard.
We love the design and the aluminum that matches the iPad, and the overall experience that
offers the closest experience to a MacBook.
Alright, that’s it for now.
If you’re interested in seeing a more detailed comparison comparing the Max+ to the Magic
keyboard, let us know in the comments below what you want to see tested.
Keep in mind we were not sponsored by Brydge for this video, but they did send us the case
for review and we do make a small commission if you decide to buy one, you can find our
link in the description.
But you can also support the channel for free by hitting that subscribe button, and if you
enjoyed this review let us know with the like button.