5 keyboards for the iPad Pro, Bluetooth still rules

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  • Apple Smart Keyboard

    Apple Smart Keyboard

    A roundup of iPad Pro keyboards wouldn’t be complete without looking at Apple’s own offering. The Apple Smart Keyboard connects to the iPad Pro over the new Smart Connector that the company debuted on the big tablet. This eliminates the need for a Bluetooth connection as has been used on all iPads in the past.

    The Apple Keyboard is a case for transporting the iPad Pro that unfolds into a clamshell form for using the keyboard. The keyboard part of the case has a standard set of keys that are all sealed in a material that is dust and moisture proof.

    Reviewers state that the keys have good travel and tactile feedback for rapid typing.

    The Apple Smart Keyboard will be $169 from Apple.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • ZAGG Slim Book for iPad Pro

    ZAGG Slim Book for iPad Pro

    ZAGG has been making keyboards for every iPad and have one ready for the iPad Pro. Taking the cue from the Slim Book keyboards for earlier iPads, this one features a full keyboard base that attaches to the iPad Pro case magnetically. This enables using the iPad without the keyboard by easily pulling it off the keyboard.

    This unit has a case for the iPad Pro that protects the back of the tablet whether used with the keyboard or not. The Slim Book pairs with the iPad Pro over Bluetooth and doesn’t use the new Smart Connector technology.

    The ZAGG Slim Book for iPad Pro will be available in December for $139.99.

    Click her for the review of the Slim Book for iPad Air 2.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • Logitech Create

    Logitech Create

    One of the largest accessory makers for mobile devices, Logitech is playing it close to the vest with the Logitech Create. The company hasn’t given many details about the specifics of the case for the iPad Pro and has only shared a teaser photo shown here.

    It uses the Smart Connector like Apple’s own keyboard. Logitech told me it worked closely with Apple to make sure the technology was properly implemented in the Create.

    No pricing is available for the Logitech Create and it will be available from day one of the iPad Pro availability.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • ZAGG Messenger Universal

    ZAGG Messenger Universal

    This case from ZAGG is for those willing to trade thin form factor for a lower cost. The Messenger Universal has a fixed viewing angle when using the iPad Pro with the keyboard.

    Like the pricier Slim Book from ZAGG, this keyboard pairs with traditional Bluetooth instead of the new Smart Connect technology.

    The ZAGG Messenger Universal will be available in November for $69.99.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

  • FYY iPad Pro Case

    FYY iPad Pro Case

    This leather case features a removable Bluetooth keyboard and not much is known about it except what appears on Amazon. It looks like similar cases the company makes for other iPads, and it’s not clear how such a case might function with the large iPad Pro.

    This is not a major brand for iPad accessories and it may not be the best quality but worth mentioning as an option.

    The FYY iPad Pro Case is $45.99 on Amazon and delivers Nov. 16 - Dec. 8.

    Caption by: James Kendrick

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The newest iPad will be available in just a week or two and there are already alternative keyboards to Apple's own. We've rounded up the current options for your convenience. Only one features Apple's new Smart Connector.

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Apple Smart Keyboard

A roundup of iPad Pro keyboards wouldn’t be complete without looking at Apple’s own offering. The Apple Smart Keyboard connects to the iPad Pro over the new Smart Connector that the company debuted on the big tablet. This eliminates the need for a Bluetooth connection as has been used on all iPads in the past.

The Apple Keyboard is a case for transporting the iPad Pro that unfolds into a clamshell form for using the keyboard. The keyboard part of the case has a standard set of keys that are all sealed in a material that is dust and moisture proof.

Reviewers state that the keys have good travel and tactile feedback for rapid typing.

The Apple Smart Keyboard will be $169 from Apple.

Caption by: James Kendrick

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