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Best iPad Pro Keyboard: Apple Smart Cover v. Logitech Create

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Apple advertises the iPad Pro as, among other things, a laptop replacement. To do that users will need a good keyboard. We’ve got the Apple Smart Keyboard and the Logitech Create both for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and we’ve tested them to find the best iPad Pro keyboard. The Apple Smart Keyboard also comes in a size that fits the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, but Logitech doesn’t yet make a version of the Logitech Create for the smaller device.

Here’s our head-to-head comparison. Watch the video below and read on to see all the details. Finally, at the end there’s a few other options for people who don’t want to spend over $100 for an iPad Pro keyboard.

This comparison covers the larger iPad Pro keyboards. While Logitech doesn’t make a version for the smaller 9.7-inch iPad Pro, Apple does. It’s not as wide so won’t offer as comfortable a typing experience as the larger version, especially for people with big hands. However, in every other way it works the same and look the same.

Best iPad Pro Keyboard Typing Experience

logitech create vs apple smart keyboard

The iPad Pro deserves a good keyboard and we’ve got two options that integrate the special three-pin connector included in the iPad Pro. This means no Bluetooth pairing or recharging the keyboard. The keyboard gets power and sends keystrokes to the iPad through the connector.

Apple offers its own iPad Pro keyboard option.  Apple also partnered with Logitech to offer one at launch that Apple sells in Apple Stores. First, we’ll look at the iPad Pro Smart Keyboard ($169) which takes the traditional Apple Smart Cover and adds a keyboard to it. Before we get into how well it functions as a cover, let’s look at the keyboard qualities.

apple smart keyboard ipad pro

Apple Smart Keyboard for iPad Pro

Typing on the Smart Keyboard feels comfortable. The added width of the iPad Pro means typing on the iPad Pro keyboard feels better than typing on keyboard cases for the iPad Air or mini. They were too narrow, especially for people with large hands.

The Smart Keyboard cover is thin, but the keys still give enough feel to touch type quickly. The keys use the new keyboard technology that came on the new Apple Magic Keyboard and the new MacBook. It takes some getting used to, but after an hour of typing I loved using the keyboard.

The Logitech Create iPad Pro keyboard cover seems to be a higher quality keyboard since the keys feel like metal instead of the unusual textured material on the Apple Smart Keyboard. The Logitech comes with backlit keys, which I miss with Apple’s keyboard. It also includes a nice row of iPad/iOS shortcut keys across the top of the keyboard.

logitech create keyboard ipad pro

Logitech Create Keyboard for iPad Pro

Unfortunately, the Logitech Create doesn’t feel as responsive. I had to type harder on it to get it to respond. It seems worse at the bottom edge of the keyboard than along the top.

The Logitech Create is thicker and heavier, but strangely, it’s not as stable to type on. The Apple Smart Cover feels very stable. Since the user doesn’t interact using a mouse but instead pokes the screen, it better stay standing. Also, put the two on a lap and the Apple Smart Cover iPad Pro keyboard doesn’t wobble as much as the Logitech Create.

Best iPad Pro keyboard Case

Notice the three-pin connector on the edge of the iPad Pro.

Notice the three-pin connector on the edge of the iPad Pro.

While the keyboard matters most, the case needs to work well as a case. The two keyboards connect using the three-pin connector on the left edge of the iPad Pro. They both protect the screen well. However, the Logitech Create also covers the back while the Apple Smart Keyboard doesn’t. The material on the outside of the Logitech Create feels textured while Apple’s external material feels smooth. It’s the same as the Apple Smart Covers used for other iPads.

logitech create thickness

Apple wants to sell you a ridiculously expensive matching back cover for an extra $70 to keep the edges and back safe. This brings the total cost of the protection to $230. That’s insane.

The Logitech Create costs less than the Smart Cover alone. However, it’s thick and heavy. It feels like carrying around a 13-inch MacBook Pro. If I’m going to carry that much weight, I might as well carry around a MacBook Pro, which I can get for about the same price as an iPad Pro plus the Logitech Create.

logitech create volume buttons

Notice that the volume buttons popped off the Logitech Create.

The Logitech Create seemed more durable than the Apple Smart Cover, however the volume buttons that cover the iPad Pro volume buttons popped off. That could be an anomaly and I’m sure Logitech will replace it if I wanted.

ipad pro smart cover thickness

The thinner Apple Smart Keyboard gets the win even though its pricier.

People who prefer thick protective cases should go with the Logitech Create. People who like thinner and lighter cases should grab the Smart Keyboard.

logitech create thickness side

Best iPad Pro Keyboard Value

Purely from a cost perspective, the Logitech Create costs less. However, mine didn’t hold up to just one week’s use before the volume buttons popped off. I also prefer thinner cases, so I’m willing to pay the extra $20 for the Apple Smart Keyboard cover. I plan to carry it in a bag most of the time, so protection isn’t as important.

ipad pro smart keyboard left side

However, people who want something less expensive should look at Logitech’s solution or go with one of the alternatives mentioned below.

Cheaper iPad Pro Keyboard Alternatives

If you don’t want to spend over $100 for a keyboard, then consider some alternatives. It means carrying a keyboard that doesn’t integrate with the iPad Pro’s three-pin connector. You’ll need to pair the keyboard via Bluetooth, but you’ll save as much as $100 or more. You can also get a nice bag or case from WaterField Designs that includes a pocket for such accessories, like the great iPad Sleevecase.

apple magic keyboard

First, try the new Apple Magic Keyboard. It’s only $99, includes the new key technology that Apple introduced in the new MacBook and comes in the Smart Cover.

If you don’t like the new key technology, look for the older Apple Wireless Keyboard. Amazon still sells it for less than $65.

logitech multi-device bluetooth keyboard k380

Logitech fans can get the new Logitech Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard (K380) for only $40 on Amazon. It connects to up to 3 devices via Bluetooth.

In my video above I mentioned a couple of other Logitech keyboards no longer officially for sale. The Logitech K810 works great and connects to up to 3 devices. Use it with your Mac, iPad Pro and an iPhone while at your desk. You can also bring it along in a computer bag. It’s for sale for $74 at Amazon.

Logitech Tablet Keyboard and case stand

The Logitech Tablet Keyboard, which I love and wish they’d still offer, costs more than the $20-$30 I mentioned in the above video. It jumped in price since I bought mine a couple of weeks ago. It’s now over $40 on Amazon. I like it because it’s portable with its own carrying case that doubles as a tablet stand. It works great with the iPad Pro and is worth $40. This saves iPad Pro users at least $110 compared to the Logitech Create and $130 compared to the Apple Smart Keyboard.

 

8 Comments

8 Comments

  1. Robertrsilvia

    12/13/2015 at 5:12 am

    0=03 my neighbor’s ex-wife makes $68 /hr on the laptop . She has been fired for 6 months but last month her pay was $18404 just working on the laptop for a few hours.
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  2. Bob Schaefer

    12/13/2015 at 5:18 am

    While waiting for my Apple iPad pro keyboard, I purchased and have been using a Nimblestand and Apple wireless keyboard. The keyboard slides directly into the stand and feels great. It’s not designed to travel with but rather to work well around the house or work. Works really well for any tablet and the pro fits perfectly.

    • Dan Gayle

      03/01/2016 at 1:42 pm

      This actually seems like the best solution to me. Get a real keyboard and something to hold the ipad securely, at a decent angle.

  3. Jared Newrk

    12/13/2015 at 4:41 pm

    Good article.

    (BTW The comment above me is a spam/scam LOL ^^^^) i don’t want my comment to come off that way but….

    I found actually found way to get some free electronics (well nothing is free :P It does take like 10 minutes of your time but.. yeah free)

    Basically I joined a website that is giving away $100 visa gift cards for answering some brand survey questions!! One of the those brand awareness/focus group things.

    It seems legit to me, the brands and advertisers just want you to give your opinion and get your email on their product in exchange for possibly getting the gift card. The survey I got was “What Doritos flavor I liked best”, but there are a few others that you might end up with. Pretty easy, and legitimate as far as I can tell. I really hope some of you fellow techies end up with some more $$ for electronics, just thought I’d spread the word. Don’t know how long they need survey people for but I’d do it before they stop it.

    Personally If I end up getting one of the $100 visa gift cards I’m gonna buy a new camera or maybe load up my iTunes account hahahaha.

    You just have to answer the questionnaire to see if you’re qualified. Anyways here is the link. Hope it helps.

    Click here to join the survey questionnaire site for the visa gift card – TechySurvey.com

  4. Jim Stewart

    04/21/2016 at 1:06 pm

    You missed an option on the separate keyboards. If you have a usb camera connector kit, you can connect any usb keyboard direct to the ipad. Its not a travel option, but its not dissimilar to a bluetooth keyboard (likely to be a stay at home option). I can even use my old skool ALPS matias tactile pro with my ipad Pro.
    Thanks for the review though!

  5. Brian Freeman

    05/06/2016 at 7:44 am

    Has anyone tried the ZAGG Slim Book for the iPad Pro 12.9″. It is like a Macbook but I can separate it. It is actually better than both of these by far.

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  7. Sherman Oda

    05/18/2016 at 10:42 pm

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