M4 Ipad Pro Keyboard Case

[stanlawj]

Since Apple is forcing new M4 Ipad pro owners to buy brand new keyboard cases, I thought one should be aware of the trade-offs. I got the ESR Rebound 360 for Ipad Pro 13" to get all the bells and whistles not found in Apple's keyboard case, but now I am seriously not happy with the total weight as penalty.

ESR Rebound 360 magnetic keyboard case:
Manufacturer site: https://www.esrgear.com/products/ipad-air-13-2024-rebound-magnetic-keyboard-case-360/

Backlit (12 colours, shine through the keys symbols too), full 360 protection, detachable, flap for pen storage at charging bay.

Tilt angle range:

Landscape: low, and higher height.

Portrait: low and higher height

11" version review:


Big con which I found out after getting this: it is about double the weight of Ipad Pro.

Hence the fully-assembled kit weighs 3 times of Ipad. IMO, a deal-breaker for most ppl. Heavier than a laptop.
Because these 3 things that give the extra features also contribute massive extra weight:

1. Keyboard is backlit, bluetooth with built-in battery
2. Metal hinge
3. Strong magnets on the back and on the 360 case, alot of them.


Big plus: this should be thought of as a mothership (keyboard) + satellite (detachable 360 case).
Keyboard case acts like a stand at home base.

Take the satellite (360 case) with you for short-distance travels back and forth from home-base.


I do not want to buy Apple's keyboard case due to lack of protection for the Ipad Pro. I may consider Logitech's combo case in the future as a trade-off.

Screen protector: ESR Armorite (TG).
The pen line drawings will wobble at 45 degrees to the screen. This is a trade-off with TG. Don't use TG if you want perfect straight diagonal lines, use PET film screen protector (thinnest possible). The wobbles don't affect handwriting. I will change to PET film if I ever graduate to serious drawing. If I don't, TG stays on forever to prevent my wife's long sharp fingernails from scratching the screen.

 

[stanlawj]

The best solution for absolute portability: an all-around case with origami folding stands (eg. Y-fold) and pen storage, separate folding bluetooth keyboard with touchpad.

Reduce the use of any metal hinge and magnets (they are heavy).

Example of a quality folding keyboard that also support 3 devices (not just 1 like Magic Keyboard): ProtoArc (https://www.protoarc.com/collections/keyboards )
(Aliexpress Global Store)

 

[maxheadroom]

Thks for the review write up. I was consider the ESR 360 & the Logictech combo Touch.

Hear that the Logitech Combo is thinner and the keyboard is using metal base.. Seem like a good investment for now.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/logitech-combo-touch-for-pro-m4-thickness.2426592/

I end up ordering ESR Ascend Keyboard case Protection.
But let‘s face it. It a rather new system. So it will take a while for 3rd party to perfect their accessory…

 

[stanlawj]

Thks for the review write up. I was consider the ESR 360 & the Logictech combo Touch.

Hear that the Logitech Combo is thinner and the keyboard is using metal base.. Seem like a good investment for now.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/logitech-combo-touch-for-pro-m4-thickness.2426592/

I end up ordering ESR Ascend Keyboard case Protection.
But let‘s face it. It a rather new system. So it will take a while for 3rd party to perfect their accessory…

The Ascend does not have any metal hinge, so that should save really alot of weight. I think I should have bought this instead from ESR.

 

[stanlawj]

For those interested in Apple's Magic Keyboard, there exist a thin Ipad case compatible with it. The best I found so far is Pitaka MagEz Pro (pro = can support charging with their magnetic stand mount). It is made of aramid fibre.

The older model (new model for 2024 not out yet): https://www.ipitaka.com/products/magez-case-pro-for-ipad-pro-2022?variant=40640110067782


However this is just a thin shell, no corner bumper protection at all, and one edge is completely uncovered. Minimalism to the extreme.

 

[stanlawj]

Nillkin has several keyboard cases for Ipad Pro.
The earliest model to be released for 2024 Ipad is the $227 Bumper Go Keyboard case with handles.
https://nillkin.org/tablet-accessor...essories/apple-ipad-pro-2024-air-accessories/


However, I think the Bumper Link Keyboard case is even better with the circular magnet and detachable stand. It has proper bumper protection tested to Mil-spec. The circular magnet is usable with other circular magnets.
But it is not yet released for 2024 Ipad Pro 13".

https://nillkin.org/tablet-accessor...o-12-9-2020-bumper-link-backlit-keyboard-case

 

[stanlawj]

Apple Smart Keyboard is an over-engineered waste of money.

X-ray and teardown of older model:

Teardown:
https://www.ifixit.com/News/41291/dang-the-ipad-pro-magic-keyboard-looks-cool-in-x-rays


How to remove the key caps:

 

[Tony.Manero]

Nothing is more impressive than the apple keyboard I suppose

 

[Snoweagle]

Nothing is more impressive than the apple keyboard I suppose

Very well engineered. Though expensive, you can't go wrong with any of the Apple keyboards.

 

[Tony.Manero]

Those 3rd party ones add more weight to the ipad pro than the ipad pro itself

Very well engineered. Though expensive, you can't go wrong with any of the Apple keyboards.

 

[Snoweagle]

Those 3rd party ones add more weight to the ipad pro than the ipad pro itself

Not surprising. Other than the Magic Keyboard, I also have the Logitech Combo Touch. Though a little heavier and bulkier, it has more protection and a nice detachable keyboard that can be stowed at the back while holding the iPad in reading mode.

 

[Tony.Manero]

Not surprising. Other than the Magic Keyboard, I also have the Logitech Combo Touch. Though a little heavier and bulkier, it has more protection and a nice detachable keyboard that can be stowed at the back while holding the iPad in reading mode.

If take good care is won't drop the ipad. But additional weight really is cannot accept.

 

[Snoweagle]

If take good care is won't drop the ipad. But additional weight really is cannot accept.

Accidents can happen, even if very careful.

 

[Parka]

Even Apple's keyboard is at least 650g.

Of course keyboard will add more weight.

It's not as if the 13-inch iPad Pro is that lightweight to begin with. I'm saying this as someone who downsized from 12.9 to 11.

 

[maxheadroom]

Manage to get a ESR Ascend Keyboard Case…
Weight is extremely heavy.. Compare previously my Logitech Combo with my m2 iPad Pro 12.9, the weight is some where there or a little more heavy.
I am wonder the hinge for the 360 and Ascend… they are not a good hinge… how long they able to last…
But then, give and take..

So far I been happy with the function. Bluetooth both function & connection is smooth. The mouse scrolling doesn’t lack. And it been fully protection, removing the keyboard, there is another case protecting iPad itself.

Picture is attach.
https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0zGY3uThG7pBii;3B9B25A8-2D74-4C9E-89DB-64CC5782DC5F

 

[stanlawj]

Manage to get a ESR Ascend Keyboard Case…
Weight is extremely heavy.. Compare previously my Logitech Combo with my m2 iPad Pro 12.9, the weight is some where there or a little more heavy.
I am wonder the hinge for the 360 and Ascend… they are not a good hinge… how long they able to last…
But then, give and take..

So far I been happy with the function. Bluetooth both function & connection is smooth. The mouse scrolling doesn’t lack. And it been fully protection, removing the keyboard, there is another case protecting iPad itself.

Picture is attach.
https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0zGY3uThG7pBii;3B9B25A8-2D74-4C9E-89DB-64CC5782DC5F

Should be heavier than Logitech Combo because the case for Logitech comes with a foldable stand, whereas the case for ESR Ascend is magnetized... so two times magnets content, which is heavy!

But the plus point for magnetized case, is you can attach the ESR cases on the fridge!!! Or any iron wall surface!

 

[maxheadroom]

Should be heavier than Logitech Combo because the case for Logitech comes with a foldable stand, whereas the case for ESR Ascend is magnetized... so two times magnets content, which is heavy!

But the plus point for magnetized case, is you can attach the ESR cases on the fridge!!! Or any iron wall surface!

… you are quit right…
Went to Apple Store Orchard and request them for me to try on the Logitech Combo 13” model. The newer model Logitech is alot of lighter then the pervious model combo. Mainly I notice that the keyboard been using lighter metal.

Logitech is a good “long term” investment for alternative Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro …

For me I am happy for the ESR despite the weight. I foresee myself going to buy new keyboard case if I find good one. ESR wont be the final keyboard for me

 

[Chevalier]

I have the Magic Keyboard for my 13" Pro, Daughter is using the Logitech for 11" M2 Air.

not exactly an apples-apples comparison (hur hur) but I found the Logitech keys to be a bit mushy? Don't have the satisfying kind of press.

 

[caesium2108]

i just got the Logitech Combo for the 11" M4 and i must say im impressed. Although adds on the bulk, but it comes with full protection and the flexibility of having the keyboard removed as and when i need. I have never used the MK before so i can't really compare it, but i guess its good enough for me.

 

[limpe84]

I went with both the Magic Keyboard and Smart Folio.

The thing is that I enjoy using my iPad without a case when I am at home and I know I am not in any danger of accidentally damaging my iPad. I just like using keeping it as thin and light as possible but don’t want to fiddle with taking cases on and off constantly.

When I want to type something, I can quickly attach my iPad to the Magic Keyboard. When I take my iPad to work, I use the Smart Folio. Magnets make them extremely convenient to attach and detach without worrying that this will damage the case in the long run. Shame Apple doesn’t make a Smart Keyboard for their M4 iPad.