First look: Logitech Create is first third-party Smart Connector keyboard for iPad Pro
Just hours after Apple opened the iPad Pro preorder floodgates, Logitech unveiled its first accessories for the jumbo-sized tablet, including the Create Backlit Keyboard Case, a folio-style protector with full-size keyboard, Smart Connector support and more. AppleInsider goes hands-on.
Logitech says the Logi Create Backlit Keyboard, not to be confused with the Logi Create Protective Case, was designed in close collaboration with Apple to match not only iPad Pro's aesthetic, but its promise as an on-the-go productivity tool.
Instead of going with a standard rubberized exterior, Logitech chose a rugged tightly-woven fabric to wrap Create's keyboard and paired iPad Pro. The material feels durable and we don't doubt on-the-box claims of resistance against scratches and scuffs. Logitech also says its special fabric protects against spills.
As for docking, iPad Pro snaps into a backing opposite Create's keyboard. Flexing the bottom portion out allows the iPad Pro's smart connector to connect magnetically to the top of the keyboard via Apple's all new Smart Connector, a three-pin port that supplies Create power for its backlit keys and provides a hardwired data connection in lieu of Bluetooth.
The keyboard itself looks more akin to MacBook Pro, with familiar black chiclet keys sitting in a shallow concavity, their tops flush with a raised palm rest. Thanks to iPad Pro's gigantic footprint -- roughly the size of a 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro -- key width and pitch are standard for a full-size keyboard with room to spare on all sides.
Logitech Create (left) next to Apple's 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro.
Like other third-party keyboards, Create comes with dedicated shortcut keys and hardware controls for "typing or viewing modes," adding flexibility to iOS 9's onscreen shortcut bar.
The keys themselves are on par with other third-party manufacturers in terms of travel and a fairly thick keyboard base makes the entire platform relatively sturdy for laptop typing. We're not sure how well Create will handle Apple's monstrous iPad Pro, which weighs in at 1.57 pounds (1.59 pounds for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model), but we plan to conduct a full test in the coming days.
The Logi CREATE Backlit Keyboard Case is available from Logitech's website for $149.99.
Logitech says the Logi Create Backlit Keyboard, not to be confused with the Logi Create Protective Case, was designed in close collaboration with Apple to match not only iPad Pro's aesthetic, but its promise as an on-the-go productivity tool.
Instead of going with a standard rubberized exterior, Logitech chose a rugged tightly-woven fabric to wrap Create's keyboard and paired iPad Pro. The material feels durable and we don't doubt on-the-box claims of resistance against scratches and scuffs. Logitech also says its special fabric protects against spills.
As for docking, iPad Pro snaps into a backing opposite Create's keyboard. Flexing the bottom portion out allows the iPad Pro's smart connector to connect magnetically to the top of the keyboard via Apple's all new Smart Connector, a three-pin port that supplies Create power for its backlit keys and provides a hardwired data connection in lieu of Bluetooth.
The keyboard itself looks more akin to MacBook Pro, with familiar black chiclet keys sitting in a shallow concavity, their tops flush with a raised palm rest. Thanks to iPad Pro's gigantic footprint -- roughly the size of a 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro -- key width and pitch are standard for a full-size keyboard with room to spare on all sides.
Logitech Create (left) next to Apple's 13-inch Retina MacBook Pro.
Like other third-party keyboards, Create comes with dedicated shortcut keys and hardware controls for "typing or viewing modes," adding flexibility to iOS 9's onscreen shortcut bar.
The keys themselves are on par with other third-party manufacturers in terms of travel and a fairly thick keyboard base makes the entire platform relatively sturdy for laptop typing. We're not sure how well Create will handle Apple's monstrous iPad Pro, which weighs in at 1.57 pounds (1.59 pounds for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model), but we plan to conduct a full test in the coming days.
The Logi CREATE Backlit Keyboard Case is available from Logitech's website for $149.99.
Comments
No way. iOS is a toy. I rather get a full computer: MacBook Air.
Does anyone know if this keyboard case is available in non-US keyboard layouts? The photos on Apple's UK store show the US layout but nothing is mentioned in the description.
I'm a bit miffed that Apple's smart keyboard is showing as shipping in 3-4 weeks and, even then, it's US layout only.
No way. iOS is a toy. I rather get a full computer: MacBook Air.
You forgot the ";-)"
No backlighting by the looks of it, no mention on their website either. At that price point they could have added it. Duh.
In the first graf: "Create Backlit Keyboard Case"
Backlights are powered by the Smart Connector.
The Logitech website has it in various keyboard layouts – and it does come with backlight. Looks good, although I prefer my MacBook 12" and the iPad mini.
In the first graf: "Create Backlit Keyboard Case"
Backlights are powered by the Smart Connector.
Amazing what you can miss by looking for it ;-), thanks!
BTW,
Daring fireball has a review of the iPad Pro up. Game changing hardware.
John is not happy with the keyboard support; too much touch of the screen involved. Needs to be fixed for people that would replace a notebook with the combo.
BTW,
Daring fireball has a review of the iPad Pro up. Game changing hardware.
John is not happy with the keyboard support; too much touch of the screen involved. Needs to be fixed for people that would replace a notebook with the combo.
Uh...what the hell did they think it was going to be? Have they ever used an iPad with a keyboard? Any time in the last 5 years?
He admits he hasn't. TBH I use a Bluetooth keyboard (HP's old TouchPad keyboard for the curious) and find it satisfactory. I think I'd appreciate the pointing precision of the Pencil.
I rather get a MacBook Air.
Thanks for letting us know, twice now...
BTW,
Daring fireball has a review of the iPad Pro up. Game changing hardware.
Like that's any big surprise. Daring Fireball lives and dies by Apple...best be on their good side.
oh, look -- the "[apple product X] is a toy!" troll trope. how nice.
yep. i hope apple takes his review and makes a punch-list of stuff to fix.
http://daringfireball.net/2015/11/the_ipad_pro
read the review. he mentions its the same set of shortcomings ipads have experienced w/ other keyboards -- unfinished implementation. for ex:
- you can navigate emails with it, but you cant use the space key to page-down within an email.
- you can page down a webpage using space key, but it goes too far and skips lines.
...etc. things which will surely be fixed, but are definitely problems.
thanks for letting us know that, twice.
how about one more time?
then you havent been paying attention. they wont, for the same reason that they will instead fix the iPad Pro to gain better keyboard control -- ape arms is uncomfortable and not ergonomic. it's a major drag to have to take your hands off the keyboard/trackpad to reach up and touch something. and unlike on iOS, on OS X the UI elements were designed for input devices with more precision than your sausages.
wrong. if youve read DF closely or listened to his podcast, then youd know Gruber knocks apple any time he sees fit. hes done it numerous times on numerous product shortcomings. if youd read the review youd see some of them.
that doesnt change the truth of this review -- the A9 hardware is incredible.