The Top 4 Keyboards for 12.9 inch iPad Pro | Apple Magic Keyboard, Brydge Max+, ESR Rebound & Ascend

The 12.9-inch iPad Pro has a variety of Keyboard/Trackpad options available. So which one is right for you? This video shows all keyboards and alternatives to the Apple Magic Keyboard. Use the chapters to jump between Apple Magic Keyboard, Brydge Max+, ESR Rebound and ESR Ascend Case.
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Ultimate Comparison Playlist: bit.ly/36KPpoR
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Featured In This Video
Apple Magic Keyboard: amzn.to/3LdeS98
Moft Snap Stand and Case: bit.ly/3Nm0MEg
Brydge Max+: amzn.to/3tBjKz1
ESR Rebound: amzn.to/37YsFlP
ESR Ascend: amzn.to/3LdJXd6
KZbin Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:35 - Wired vs. Wireless Keyboards
1:25 - Apple Magic Keyboard
2:08 - MOFT Snap Stand and Case
2:50 - Brydge Max+
3:56 - ESR Rebound
4:56 - ESR Ascend
6:00 - Keyboard Comparisons
6:24 - Trackpad Comparisons
6:50 - Weight
7:05 - Battery Life
7:17 - Unique Features
7:46 - Master Comparison Chart
7:56 - Cons
8:40 - Which one is right for you?
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[@abesview5855]

The flip cover on the esr cases is for the apple pencil. To keep it secure.

[@OSW]

My goodness, this video was already extremely useful, but then he dropped the master comparison chart! That's so helpful and appreciated, I haven't seen someone do that before. Thanks so much!

[@VittorTech]

I do this for all of my comparison videos!

[@Boss99915]

Best review ever! Kudos Keep up the great work!!

[@oresteduarte2427]

Excellent comparative. Thanks. I think that for someone who only use keyboard occasionally ESR options are the best.

[@SuperSpringMusic]

Many thanks for your very informative video. This is a big help!

[@mmp64]

Thanks for the review. I tried the ESR Ascend, but found it to be mostly unusable because of the trackpad. The palm rejection capability is virtually zero - so I found myself being jumped all over the place. What I really want is the Apple Magic Keyboard, but with a place to secure the Apple Pencil beyond just the magnet. I do have the Moft Cover-Buddy or whatever they are calling it now for use with the Apple Smart Folio keyboard. However, I have found that it sometimes interferes with the connection between the iPad and the keyboard. The Logitech Combo Plus is very close - because I like the separate case for the iPad, but again no way to secure the pencil.

[@ramanvaishnav3380]

One of the best video on this topic was extremely helpful thanks a lot

[@stevenXCV]

I only use my gaming laptop for, obviously, gaming. But I do everything else on my iPad, so thanks for this video! 👍

[@vincsenzo]

I don’t think the magic keyboard has a battery built in.

[@delanodouglas6390]

You are correct! The Apple Magic Keyboard does have backlighting and does not charge. It is powered by the iPad itself.

[@wretchedsavedbygrace4499]

Then I wouldn’t want it

[@michaelvoronenko278]

@@wretchedsavedbygrace4499It makes it significantly lighter and you don’t have too charge it

[@MW_Green]

@@wretchedsavedbygrace4499why would you want a battery in it that makes no sense

[@b2bgood870]

​@@wretchedsavedbygrace4499😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 right because it would drain the battery

[@lesburrows8469]

Thanks for your input it is very helpful 😊

[@skinbhad]

Really appreciate this video

[@tillmas9009]

Excellent review.

[@xubanohx]

Wow the best video with keyboard vs keyboard thanks a lot

[@fernandeznacho_]

Great video! Thanks

[@nunnber]

nice review bro 🙌

[@MichaelKing4023]

I have the Brydge Max+ for 12.9 inch iPad Pro and liked it so much better than the Magic Keyboard that I sold my Magic Keyboard and now use the Max+ full time since it came out,

[@tellyfuxnbeast]

Same ,i love the Brydge 12.9 pro max

[@venkatamadhusudhanguggilla7245]

Thank you great efforts

[@benjaminthomson4492]

I definitely like the ESR Case most!

[@rikhavok]

I must say, this video was very well put together. Thank you for the separation of your opinion from the comprehensive look at the differences between keyboard cases. I got a real crappy one from Amazon, and am looking to replace it. I’d go with the Apple one but it’s crazy expensive. I use the keyboard all the time and heard the ESR’s keyboards aren’t that good. Still trying to decide.

[@AdelAlberk]

Thanks, that was helpfull PS: i like the esr ascend the most

[@samee37]

Just got my ESR Ascend and truly loving it. It really feels like a premium keyboard and for the price you pay for it, it really is a steal! Got it for my 12.9 pro model and the versatility is A class. Thank goodness I did’t go for the Logitech or the apple magic keyboard because they are nowhere near as versatile as this one.

[@Panashii]

Hey:) great video! I decided to go for the ESR ascend keyboard. I love it but got a question, maybe you can help. When I connect it to my iPad I have a little input area on the upper right corner and it always shows 3 Shift key inputs. If I press shift again, it puts 4 and I can only "delete" one by hitting the delete button. Do you know how I can disable it? It does annoy me a bit as it sits exactly on my close/minimize buttons 😅

[@DarkMatter727]

Logitech combo touch is amazing! Has a function key row, and Logitech has an agreement with apple to use all their gestures without issues coming up. Logitech makes great products too. Trackpad on the combo touch is big and never feels cramped. I have the 11 inch pro m1 and I love it. iPad feels safe and secure too in the case.

[@bachhunghoang]

Sometimes the trackpad will unregister itself tho which is annoying, and the plastic around the speaker grills loosen over time

[@Gilfordd]

It also makes part of your screen feel delicate and if you give it a slight tap, you will see the effect on the screen

[@GAZMAN2002]

I love this case can remove the keyboard when I don't need it and the iPad is fully protected. I sometimes attach the keyboard in reverse orientation for ten mode the level of viewing angles is great especially in bed. I do notice the rubber edge loosen on one of the speaker grills but it's fine just don't touch it there to encourage more loosening. It also uses the smart connector so you don't have to charge the case or rely on Bluetooth.

[@Captkid1]

I can’t recommend the Logitech. After just under one year use, the keys started dying. I am retired and just don’t type that much, so this is extremely disappointing. The finish on the keys is also not durable at all. I like the pass-through charging for sure, but at $159, it should last longer than a year.

[@justus899]

All it lacks is a hinge. I hate the flap on the back, makes it impossible to use on your lap, and you need like 10 meters long table to fit the whole thing on it 😂

[@KingCire]

Great video. BTW, Apple’s Magic Keyboard indeed has backlit keys.

[@rickykorthof3599]

Hey VittorTech, I’m not sure where you got the one month info, but I just want you and your viewers to know that the apple magic keyboard does in fact NOT have its own battery. It actually uses your i pads battery through the smart connector. The port on the keyboard only supports pass through charging, so you can free up the port on your iPad for hard drives and such. But they keyboard does not have its own battery. This is why you are constantly charging your i pad my good sir. The more you charge your ipad the quicker the overall life of the device diminishes. Just another way for apple to get you to buy more merchandise.

[@bang_acil_]

Im wondering about the delay, like how much the trackpad delay for ESR rebound case? Is it noticeable or not?

[@chengenkuek7373]

Does the moft snap stand and case work with any of the other options other than apple’s magic keyboard?

[@RandyMagruder]

I have used the magic keyboard with my iPad Air and upgraded to the 12.9. My issue with your review was that it was really light on the actual typing experience. How fast you could type, how the keys feel while typing, etc.

[@VittorTech]

Thanks for your feedback! Working on an improved review this year.

[@indigofruit59]

I use the iPad Pro 4th gen alternately for writing and sketching. I have not yet found a comparison video which covers that dual use in detail. Maybe there is one?

[@BaldChadXD]

My favourite one is the esr rebound

[@tralrdr]

Great info, thanks. Looking for a keyboard that is compatible with a serious protective case like otterbox or similar. Any ideas welcome. Thanks!

[@Donler]

Which ones feel comfortable to use on your lap? Is there any concern about the viewing angle slipping significantly while using them on your lap?

[@user-fi6hg8vq6c]

Also how is the multi touch gestures on the Bluetooth keyboards?

[@user-fi6hg8vq6c]

Will the case that comes with the ascend work with the rebound?

[@heliadamu]

Great video, I'm interested in the ESR Ascend. My question is can you use a different case with the keyboard, or do you have to use the included keyboard? I've read that the detachable case is kind of flimsy that's why I'd prefer to use a different case

[@drysadr]

Since the Magic Keyboard does not have the function keys, is it accessible from other ways?

[@aospkitkat4446]

Gonna go for the Brydge, its aesthetics and looks appeal to me more than the ESR ones. And Apple's is way too rich for my blood.

[@angelweengz]

On the ESR Ascend, can you use it without the case? Will it still magnetize to the back?

[@g35love2005]

You didnt mention that the rebound case has that magnetic flip cover to hold the apple pen from falling off

[@comotioncoaching]

Please test and compare the Keyboardcases from Doqo too.

[@keleston]

What about the Logitech combo touch ?

[@phoneinfo3105]

CAn u use the Moft Case with the bridge max+

[@gleniceyoung7068]

Does the magic apple keyboard have a quick function row brightness etc? This is for the 12.9” pro

[@Svykle]

Hey are you able to use moft stand with the ascend ESR ?

[@kratosyes6828]

Is esr rebound good or shud I just get Magic Keyboard

[@h1a8]

Which ones can be used in the lap while sitting down? Lappability?

[@michistojkovic4337]

Can the esr ascend stand without the feet behind ? Can I us it like / that or have I to bend it down ? Sorry for the bad englisch 😅

[@botch3936]

Good comparison, thank you. I got the Logitech Combo Touch, but it was worthless as a LAPtop (as would be one of the ESRs) and I sold it. Got the Brydge, it worked okay but as you noted the iPad half hinges down, nice for typing on a table but again painful when used as a LAPtop. Also, I could zoom out with the trackpad, but it never would zoom back in (had to use the iPad screen, which I could've lived with), but after about 3 weeks both hinges gave out, rendering it useless. No customer support. I finally gave up and got the Magic Keyboard, its working fine and I was able to get it $50 off (but only in watch-me-get-dirty White). I should be good for the next ten years.

[@VittorTech]

Apple Keyboard is incredible!

[@howiefeltersnatch69]

I have the Brydge version for the 11” iPad Pro. Love it except it’s a chunky boi. It looks like a MacBook when opened but not so much when closed. Trackpad is amazing. BT works beautifully and is almost as good/fast as the standard smart connector. Not a fan of the keys as the smudge and show oils really easily. I use this only at home on my desk. I use the Apple Smart Folio when I travel as it’s MUCH lighter and thinner. If you don’t plan to travel with your iPad much get the Brydge.

[@TheRenegadeStarr]

Just found a brydge+ online brand new for $57. Hoping it’s worth it. Seems like a steal

[@howiefeltersnatch69]

@@TheRenegadeStarr At that price it’s an absolute steal. Nice!

[@joshuamartinez4961]

I travel with the Brydge and it’s just fine. It fits good in my work bag where I store a lot. I will say it’s does add some weight and some bulk but very little. It’s not going to be inconvenient at all if that’s what you’re worried about. Brydge is slim not the slimmest but then again how slim and light do you want your tech to be. Overall definitely a good quality buy.

[@VittorTech]

Correction: Apple Magic Keyboard does have a backlight and does not have a built-in battery. Thank you all for your support 🙏

[@shahinmiah331]

Please can you pin your comment so people know that you made this correction. Great video though.

[@drewmcdaniel9797]

the apple keyboard is backlit too, but u have to adjust it in the ipad settings

[@ThomasEJohnson]

The ESR Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case for the 12.9” iPad Pro is very nice but it takes some getting used to typing on it without triggering accidental trackpad activations. I tend to switch between this as well as the Magic Keyboard.

[@tylerdurden783]

9:18 woah, I thought my phone was glitching when I got to this part 😂

[@MA-nu7ki]

Apple does have backlight keyboard. Nice review aside from that very important detail

[@claudiugardelli6302]

Like an iPad, the brightness of the Magic Keyboard automatically adjusts based on the light conditions around you. If you want to manually adjust the brightness of the keys on your Magic Keyboard, go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Hardware Keyboard.

[@blaze_grim3356]

Or you can add keyboard brightness control to control center and control brightness from there

[@sweetorange2099]

I have think about Brydge Max+ or Logitech combo. Brydge can’t fully cover iPads and also can’t carry pencil in, easy to get lost. That what I worry about, and the reason hard to make decision….

[@HungryzStuff]

The Magic Keyboard actually does have a back-light It just uses the iPad auto brightness feature to sort it out

[@teresamiller532]

I wish you would have talked more about protection if the iPad was dropped. That was my main concern after functionality of the keyboard for this high-priced device.

[@VittorTech]

Great comment. I'm working on a more extensive review in the future.

[@thetpaingphyoe]

Why logitech is out of comparison in ipad pro keyboard case?

[@josephbartoletti]

Sorry to tell you but the magic keyboard doesn't have a battery and can't die because the iPad powers it through the smart connector

[@ozancizdan3584]

I can’t find MOFT SNAP STAND AND CASE

[@ThomasEJohnson]

The ESR Rebound Case for the 12.9” iPad Pro does have a trackpad equal in size to the Magic Keyboard Trackpad.

[@VittorTech]

Thanks for correcting!

[@allgamestotal6773]

what about the logitech combo folio touch? the one with removable keyboard? thanks

[@VittorTech]

Haven't done a comprehensive review of that one yet. Might do one soon given the demand for it.

[@olafcisneros1]

You forgot the Logitech combo touch keyboard case eh :/

[@ferasbulbul]

Correction: The magic keyboard actually does have backlight keys. They operate automatically meaning that you cannot fully control their level of brightness. Well! you can actually, but even if you do it's set to auto by default. So, the keyboard uses the the sensor on the ipad to adjust to the optimal level of brightness based of the ambient lighting condition.

[@bhavagarwal288]

This is correct.

[@wibowossh]

Hi Vittor, I wonder whether the ESR keyboard will disconnect with ipad after several minutes of inactive usage, as well did the backlight keep the lights on even when it is inactive? I've been an active user of Chinese keyboard like ESR, I love how lightweight some of them are, but I hate how often they disconnect and the backlit turned off.

[@VittorTech]

Yes after a while it’ll disconnect. When using Bluetooth that’s almost always built in to save battery life. Thanks for watching!

[@bridqe]

The magnet flap on the esr cases is to secure an apple pencil

[@alexwang5641]

What’s the weight difference?

[@everettkeith75]

By the way i like the ESR rebound better than any of them

[@MFG485]

Interesting comparison: two ESR keyboards and no Logitech Combo Touch!

[@Annette_Hons]

The Logitech Slim Folio Pro is beast. Best keyboard for the iPad hands down. Charge it and it lasts for about 3 month per charge - it does not take power from your ipad. The Apple magic keyboard drains the iPad battery so fast, its not worth the money. Don’t get me wrong the apple keyboard is nice, but not worth the money.

[@Kyzerii]

the magic keyboard has a backlight. it uses the ipads ambient light sensor and when it detects darkness it auto turns on.

[@VittorTech]

Yep this comment is correct^

[@terrywarnold]

Someone may have already stated this but the Magic Keyboard actually does have backlit keys. Great video otherwise. If I don’t get the magic keyboard for mine, I’ll probably get the ESR Rebound model.

[@rickykorthof3599]

I would recommend any keyboard that has its own battery. Apple keyboard uses your i pads battery.

[@terrywarnold]

I actually ended up getting great deals on the ESR Rebound and the Brydge 11 max+. To me, both have their advantages and disadvantages. So far I’ve leaned more towards the ESR cause I just like the floating design better and the footprint doesn’t take up as much space on my desk as the Brydge case.

[@VittorTech]

Win an iPad Air 5 and a Year of Premium Streaming from ESR! Contest ends on March 28th Enter here: bit.ly/3D36Ixn

[@jonasjwz2518]

Why not reviewing the logitec combo touch? Its def the best of all.

[@keleston]

Logitech combo touch Team 💪🏼

[@elliotta.7761]

I think your comparison chart has a little mistake. The Apple Magic Keyboard is backlit as well.

[@florider_hd]

Combo touch is the best

[@arinimochuu]

I’m in school and I’m buying an iPad on a budget. Without your video I would’ve wasted a few extra hundred dollars! Thanks for saving my wallet

[@VittorTech]

Glad I could help!

[@kentoncobb4576]

What is the case you’re using on the iPad with the apple Magic Keyboard

[@aniruddhatripathy6607]

One advantage of Brydge Max+ which should be pointed out is that, you can use the iPad as a LAPtop.. with all others, it is light weight and due to the heavy design of iPAD 12.9, it can't really hold still the iPad. Whereas with the heavier Brydge Max+ it can hold it still like a Laptop when you use in you couch and not on a table.

[@MinStam]

Sucks that the Brydge app is no longer available

[@paultrela5017]

I love the idea that the ESR Ascend case has the detachable hard case with it. My question is whether or not the table sits flat on a table with the hard case alone.. I often use my ipad for drawing with the apple pencil and to the convenience of just taking the tablet off of the keyboard (with the hard case) seems like a great option.

[@zgw420]

Which one did you get?

[@jerrysurowiec]

too bad about Brydge. I really like mine. The alum case was so sturdy and stable. The magic keyboard is not as stable on your lap.

[@christriplett4901]

The Magic Keyboard has backlighting and the ESR magnetic strap is used to secure a Apple Pencil. The Magic Keyboard has no way of securing the Apple Pencil.

[@ayod0011]

On the thumbnail you labeled bridge one as apple and the apple one as bridge

[@aimeemaldonado5469]

Brydge is a good keyboard, and I bought it because the ipad looks like a laptop but ALL the keyboards broke in the hinge. The keyboard last good only six months, regular use, (I’m take a good care of my equipment.) So now brydge is not an option for me.

[@VittorTech]

It felt cheap throughout my testing and I was concerned about that. Thanks for sharing!

[@safcnono]

Where is the Logitech Combo?

[@whizzardblizzard5696]

Is the new 13 inch ipad pro compatible with the 12.9 inch apple magic keyboard? Can anyone attest to this?

[@VittorTech]

No it doesn’t fit :( it’s a slightly different size and doesn’t line up.

[@advantagegrounds]

Which Keyboard would you recommend for working in a truck or out in the field where I don’t always have a solid surface like a desk or a table? Does the Magic Mouse work with the iPad also? Thank you!!

[@VittorTech]

I would say the Brydge option would be best because it has the most solid base to keep it steady. Plus the magnets it uses to align will keep it firmly in place so you won’t have to worry about it falling off.

[@manikdesilva1]

Apple keyboard does not have a battery. Rest of the review is awesome!

[@arijeanz]

very surprised that the Logitech folio keyboard wasn't featured, especially since it's the only one out of these that has a proper case and a detachable keyboard

[@teresamiller532]

Me2. I really wanted to hear about that one.

[@therrera117]

Wait my magic keyboard case has a backlight

[@VittorTech]

It does! This was a mistake on my part!

[@santialur]

FYI Everyone: the Brydge Max+ 11 is priced at around $70 on Amazon as of today

[@teresamiller532]

Also I wish you would’ve explained some of your Terminology and not assume everybody is up to snuff on tech lingo. Some of us are senior citizens trying to find our way through this tech world. For instance I think you use the term floating and I’m not sure when you said detachable. I don’t know !you just confused me altogether because you talked way too fast! I realize I am from the south and we talk very slowly and drawl. However, with age and not being familiar with all the Terminology, I found myself constantly starting and stopping the video and rewinding to try to grasp everything you were giving at such a rapid pace. Thank you for taking the time to do this video. I am surprised you left out the Zagg folio!

[@VittorTech]

Thanks for watching!

[@jorawarbains3631]

The magic keyboard has backlit keys? Or am I mistaken?

[@tmtimber6837]

Yes, it has

[@everettkeith75]

The apple Magic Keyboard case does not have a battery that is why it makes your ipad drain the battery so fast

[@armaansaumya]

Apples keyboard has back lighting - where did you see it doesn’t ?

[@VittorTech]

It does! Thanks for commenting!

[@ShaneCurtis1705]

the apple keyboard doesnt have a battery????? its powerd off the ipad

[@arubajoseph]

You didn’t cover anything about using the Apple Pencil with these keyboards. For this reason, none of these keyboards will work for me.

[@justsomemincedgarlic]

Apple magic keyboard doesnt need to be charged, its powered from the ipad itself.

[@VittorTech]

This is true^ thanks for correcting!

[@grindelbart5814]

Wait, the Apple Keyboard does not even have backlight? Till this fact, i was thinking about the ESR ones and the Apple, since i like the convience. But gosh, the fact with the mising backlight makes it just more and more overpriced.