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

Apple is promoting the iPad Pro as a laptop replacement product, among other things. To do this, users will need a good keyboard. We have the Apple Smart Keyboard and Logitech Create for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and 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 isn’t yet making a version of Logitech Create for the smaller device.

Here is our head-to-head comparison. Watch the video below and keep reading to see all the details. Finally, there are a few more options for folks who don’t want to spend more than $100 for an iPad Pro keyboard.

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

Best iPad Pro Keyboard Typing Experience

The iPad Pro deserves a good keyboard, and we have two options that integrate the special three-pin connector found on the iPad Pro. This means no Bluetooth pairing or recharging the keyboard. The keyboard receives power and sends keystrokes to the iPad via the connector.

Apple offers its own iPad Pro keyboard option. Apple also partnered with Logitech to offer a product that Apple sells in Apple Stores at launch. First, we’ll look at iPad Pro Smart Keyboard ($169) takes the traditional Apple Smart Cover and adds a keyboard to it. Let’s take a look at the keyboard features before moving on to how well it works as a cover.

Apple Smart Keyboard for iPad Pro

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

The Smart Keyboard cover is thin, but the keys still feel adequate for a quick tap on typing. The keys use the new keyboard technology found in 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.

this Build a Logitech iPad Pro keyboard The cover looks more like a premium keyboard, as the keys on the Apple Smart Keyboard feel like metal instead of the unusual textured material. Logitech comes with backlit keys that I miss on Apple’s keyboard. It also includes a nice set of iPad/iOS hotkeys at the top of the keyboard.

Logitech Create Keyboard for iPad Pro

Unfortunately, Logitech Create doesn’t feel all that responsive. I had to type harder for him to reply. It looks worse on the bottom edge of the keyboard than on the top edge.

Logitech Create is thicker and heavier, but oddly enough, it’s not as stable to type on. The Apple Smart Cover feels very solid. It’s better to stand still as the user doesn’t interact using a mouse, but rather pokes the screen. And when you put the two together, the Apple Smart Cover iPad Pro keyboard doesn’t wobble as much as Logitech Create.

Best iPad Pro keyboard Case

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

While the keyboard is the most important thing, the case needs to work well as a case. The two keyboards are connected using the three-pin connector on the left edge of the iPad Pro. Both protect the screen well. But Logitech Create covers the back as well, while not on the Apple Smart Keyboard. The outer material of Logitech Create is textured, while Apple’s outer material feels smooth. Same as Apple Smart Covers for other iPads.

Apple wants to sell you ridiculously expensive matching back cover an extra $70 to keep the sides and back secure. This brings the total cost of protection to $230. This is madness.

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

Note that the volume buttons exit Logitech Create.

The Logitech Create looked more durable than the Apple Smart Cover, but the volume buttons that covered the iPad Pro volume buttons popped. This could be an anomaly and I’m sure Logitech will change it if I want to.

The thinner Apple Smart Keyboard wins, despite being more expensive.

Those who prefer thick protective cases should prefer Logitech Create. Thinner and lighter case lovers should have the Smart Keyboard.

Best iPad Pro Keyboard Value

From a purely cost perspective, Logitech Create costs less. However, mine only lasted a week of use before the volume buttons popped up. I also prefer thinner cases, so I’m willing to pay an extra $20 for the Apple Smart Keyboard cover. I plan to carry it in a bag most of the time so protection is not that important.

But those who want something cheaper should look at Logitech’s solution or choose one of the alternatives mentioned below.

Cheaper iPad Pro Keyboard Alternatives

If you don’t want to spend more than $100 on a keyboard, consider some alternatives. That means carrying a keyboard that isn’t integrated with the iPad Pro’s three-pin connector. You’ll need to pair the keyboard via Bluetooth, but you’ll save $100 or more. You can also get a nice purse or bag. Water Area Designs Includes a pocket for such accessories as the wonderful iPad Case.

First, try the new Apple Magic Keyboard. Just $99 includes the new switch technology that Apple introduced on the new MacBook and comes in the Smart Cover.

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

Logitech fans can only enjoy the new Logitech Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard (K380). $40 at Amazon. Connects up to 3 devices via Bluetooth.

In my video above, I mentioned several Logitech keyboards that are no longer officially sold. Logitech K810 works great and connects to up to 3 devices. Use with your Mac, iPad Pro and iPhone while at your desk. You can also bring it in a computer bag. for sale $74 on Amazon.

The Logitech Tablet Keyboard, which I love and wish they would give anyway, costs more than the $20-30 I mentioned in the video above. Its price has skyrocketed since I got mine a few weeks ago. Snow Over $40 on Amazon. I love it because it can be carried in its own carrying case, which can also be used as a tablet stand. It works great with the iPad Pro and is worth $40. This saves iPad Pro users at least $110 over Logitech Create and $130 over Apple Smart Keyboard.