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1337 Review
65 Karma

Review on πŸ”‘ Renewed Apple Smart Keyboard for iPad 7th & 8th Gen, and iPad Air 3rd Gen - US English by Rovy Oppeneer

Revainrating 5 out of 5

For the right user and use case, this is acceptable.

The Apple Smart Keyboard is a decent option if you don't want to rely on charging your keyboard or using Bluetooth. To turn the iPad into an analogue of an ultra-light laptop. It adds minimal weight to the iPad, acts as a screen protector when closed, and gives you a more or less decent viewing angle of the screen while typing. However, there are a few caveats. First, the key travel isn't that great. Typing on this keyboard feels more like typing on a piece of cardboard than anything with real key travel. I write hundreds of pages of novels every few months and thought that switching to an iPad would be a great way to be more portable and punch out pages wherever and whenever inspiration strikes. Finally, the iPad is ultra-light, ultra-portable, and has longer battery life than any other device on the market. I was wrong. While the keyboard is good for short sprints, an hour or two at most, it's not good for long-term comfort. Second, the way the pad rests on the keyboard to create a viewing angle isn't particularly secure. If you think you're going to use it as a laptop on your lap, think again. The iPad usually falls off its pivot point with the slightest movement of the keyboard. Third, opening and closing the keyboard is a bit tedious, even once you get used to the origami-style quirks. It flips and flops in such a way that when you open it, the keyboard often detaches from the iPad, leaving you embarrassed in front of onlookers and having to bend down and pick it up off the floor. All of this is acceptable for the right user and use case. In particular, people who constantly work at their desks and desks, such as high school or university students, but who need a portable, ultra-lightweight note-taking device that doesn't clutter up their book bags may find this to be optimal. perfect solution. I, on the other hand, keep it connected to my iPad for quick use and screen protection, but when I know I'm going to be typing for a long time, I charge my 360-degree Bluetooth keyboard case and pop in the iPad. The keys are less tiring and I type a lot faster.

Pros
  • 1 year trial
Cons
  • Makes me nervous