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

[@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!

[@abesview5855]

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

[@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

[@Theinspirationalrogue]

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 😂

[@Sdea1903]

I have the ESR Ascend. It is one of the best gadgets I have ever bought for any of my Apple devices. I use it all the time. So good for the price. I must say, the battery without the backlight on lasts for 3 months not 2 as indicated in this video. Highly recommended

[@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.

[@nd5425x]

does it still work well for you?

[@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

[@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.

[@JDDoug6930]

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

[@jvr6272]

I’ve seen 4 keyboard videos and this is the Best video thank you

[@sahibkaur984]

The Magic Keyboard pulls battery from the iPad. It doesn’t need to be charged. The charging port is for passthrough charging, which isn’t really a thing you need, but very convenient as opposed to having wires floating

[@oresteduarte2427]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@tylerdurden783]

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

[@RR-rk5gj]

Have the Brydge. Love the Brydge.

[@shankland4164]

Agree. Had a Doqo Magic Keyboard type case but trackpad was rubbish. Got the Brydge for 5th gen Air, excellent product but do wish the keyboard was aluminum and not rubber/plastic, It does bend a bit when lifted.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@ihx7]

the flip magnet thing for the ESR is to put an apple pen in. I really like it caus the magnet on the ipad to hold the pen in place is just not strong enough for you not to worry about loosing the pen.

[@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.

[@ramanvaishnav3380]

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

[@DuskyLeader]

I’m considering the esr because I like that my Apple Pencil can be held by the flap.

[@rmt3589]

Of these, Ascend. But looking at those, and Logitechs, to try to figure out what I need.

[@KingCire]

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

[@thetpaingphyoe]

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

[@Getting-On]

Excellent and thorough review. Its had to justify 400 for apples offering.

[@Boss99915]

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

[@suzannepoag1337]

Very informative. Previously, you could charge your iPhone by connecting to iPad. Would that work to charge the keyboard?

[@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.

[@jonasjwz2518]

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

[@keleston]

Logitech combo touch Team 💪🏼

[@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.

[@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!

[@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?

[@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

[@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

[@h1a8]

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

[@radmir9276]

what about the trackpads? are they haptic just like on Apple’s magic keyboard? that’s one of my concerns

[@bridqe]

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

[@olafcisneros1]

You forgot the Logitech combo touch keyboard case eh :/

[@SuperSpringMusic]

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

[@xubanohx]

Wow the best video with keyboard vs keyboard thanks a lot

[@HungryzStuff]

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

[@drysadr]

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

[@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.

[@HistoryNut-1701]

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!

[@elliotta.7761]

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

[@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?

[@g35love2005]

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

[@skinbhad]

Really appreciate this video

[@MFG485]

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

[@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….

[@benjaminthomson4492]

I definitely like the ESR Case most!

[@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

[@tillmas9009]

Excellent review.

[@hgfghhccchgtjcdfhhhh]

My favourite one is the esr rebound

[@nunnber]

nice review bro 🙌

[@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!

[@kratosyes6828]

Is esr rebound good or shud I just get Magic Keyboard

[@keleston]

What about the Logitech combo touch ?

[@fernandeznacho_]

Great video! Thanks

[@drewmcdaniel9797]

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

[@lesburrows8469]

Thanks for your input it is very helpful 😊

[@manikdesilva1]

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

[@AdelAlberk]

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

[@chengenkuek7373]

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

[@ozancizdan3584]

I can’t find MOFT SNAP STAND AND CASE

[@HistoryNut-1701]

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.

[@gleniceyoung7068]

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

[@ayod0011]

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

[@jamesslaughter8666]

So my question to you sir: what do you think about the EOSO TOUCHPAD KEYBOARD CASE FOR ANDROID BLUETOOTH WIRELESS 🛜 PLEASE EXPLAIN

[@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^

[@alexwang5641]

What’s the weight difference?

[@venkatamadhusudhanguggilla7245]

Thank you great efforts

[@phoneinfo3105]

CAn u use the Moft Case with the bridge max+

[@MA-nu7ki]

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

[@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

[@angelweengz]

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

[@shankland4164]

I don’t really think that kickstand type devices are in the same category. Their footprint is too big and they don’t really work on the lap. They’re ok for sitting on a desk but that’s about it.

[@Svykle]

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

[@user-fi6hg8vq6c]

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

[@comotioncoaching]

Please test and compare the Keyboardcases from Doqo too.

[@user-fi6hg8vq6c]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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?

[@tralrdr]

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

[@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!

[@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 😅

[@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!

[@Registeredprofile]

Magic Keyboard has backlight it adjust by surrounding

[@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.

[@kentoncobb4576]

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

[@everettkeith75]

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

[@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.

[@Doniwritesstories]

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 😅

[@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.

[@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!

[@florider_hd]

Combo touch is the best