Brydge 12.9 Max+ for iPad Pro - Buy This Instead of Magic Keyboard?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ก.ย. 2024
- Brydge has been making keyboards for Apple's iPads for years now, and the newest model, the Brydge 12.9 MAX+, is compatible with the third, fourth, and fifth-generation iPad Pro models, so it works even with the new mini-LED iPad Pro.
In our latest TH-cam video, we checked out the new Brydge 12.9 MAX+ to see if it's a viable alternative to Apple's own Magic Keyboard. Note that we have a preproduction unit and haven't had a lot of time with it, so is more of an overview than an in-depth review.
read more - www.macrumors....
Can you imagine how great this keyboard would be if it had the smart connector with pass through charging and an internal battery.
This would actually outshine the magic keyboard.
That would be ideal. I think it's not easy to implement on most cases as the smart connector is on an odd spot instead of the 2017 a pro where it's on the bottom side of the iPad.
@Matthew yeah it’s really if they changed the position. Apple need to do a Q&A lol
Man. Like u said. Smart connector + internal 10k battery in tge keyboard itself + better magnets + thunderbolt type on the keyboard itself😍😍😍😍😍
It has Instant-On technology. You don’t need the pin connector
Don’t tell apple that
I’d absolutely go for this over apples magic keyboard IF they could just use a smart connector for pass through charging and data (keys and cursor)
As it stands this is a dealbreaker for me.
For now the only company that can do that is Logitech, as they are the only one working closely with Apple for their peripherals.
I don't understand, but it is not possible to connect by bluetooth instead?
@@alimurga9114 The Brydge keyboard does use Bluetooth. The Logitech keyboard uses the iPads smart connectors instead of Bluetooth.
@@alimurga9114 Yes, you can connect with bluetooth, but there are disadvantages. The main one is the lag - it drives me nuts on my brydge and ipad 12.9 pro 2nd gen. I was hoping they’d use the smart connector this time around, because otherwise, the brydge products are perfect and they are much more durable than apple’s folio.
It depends on your use, but for me, waiting 5s or so every time I want to type a short phrase in a webpage is really annoying.
Pretty stupid deal breaker. It makes barely any difference, fuck apple proprietary stuff.
Smart PIN Connector & 4 PORTS is MOST IMPORTANT thing they are missing.
The smart pin connector is a MUST in my book. I hate BT keyboards because of obvious lag.
Apple exclusively gave Logitech rights for that unfortunately
@@late5438 no they didn't. Anyone can make use of the smart connector
@@JackMihoff6969 Source?
@@late5438 wouldn't it be more ideal for you to show a source on your odd claim? 😅
This is exactly what I was looking for thank you, I was wanting a keyboard case thats magnetic easy to put on and take off but also has a wide variety of angles this is perfect thank you once again definitely picking one up. 👍🙏🙏
I ordered the Logitech combo touch 12.9, love how you can detach the iPad from the keyboard and still have the iPad protected. That was my problem with the magic keyboard, no iPad protection once undocked. If Apple figured out a way to have the iPad protected once undocked from the magic keyboard I would def invest.
Have you seen the SwitchEasy “sleeve” for the iPad? It’s not too protective but it’ll at least stop it from being scratched, and it’s compatible with the magic keyboard
@@josexavierfernandez8268 yeah I seen it, a bit too thin looking. I also like how the Logitech is a certified Apple product.
Wish there was something like that for the 11 inch iPad
Brydge Pro+ :/
@@lost_persona yeah I know i commented this before that came
There is it's something called the bridge pro plus max for iPad Pro or any eleven inch iPad, I use it for my iPad Air
Has bigger trackpad and keys!
@@rosyhvideo2587yes mr i know that, it came out after i commented this…probably they read my comment lol
@@kcguitar9307 it's not the same one. That one is not magnetic. For 11 ipad
The Apple Magic Keyboard design made a clever design decision to hover the iPad over the keyboard, moving the center of gravity and allowing the keyboard to be lighter. The Brydge keyboard plus iPad Pro is quite heavy. The Brydge keyboard has to be heavy enough to prevent the iPad from falling back. The thing I discovered that I really like about the Apple Magic Keyboard is that it places the iPad closer to me, so touching the screen is easy to do and feels very natural. Brydge definitely improved upon their prior designs by adding magnets and getting rid of that terrible hinge assembly with the rubber inserts. I had one of those units and the hinge inserts kept popping out or tearing. I was almost sold on this unit until I realized it didn’t get its power from the iPad connector and thus needed its own battery, which had to be recharged. I use the lighted keyboard on the Apple Magic Keyboard a lot at night and its nice to be able to plug in and recharge everything in one step, without needing to separately charge the keyboard. Overall, it looks like Brydge made some good design choices here, but the missing connector for power plus the added weight has kept me from buying their new keyboard, despite the larger trackpad and simplified magnetic connection.
The magic keyboard is my favorite apple device ever. It works so well. I dont have the need to use my MacBook very much anymore
I’m typing this on a brydge keyboard for my 2nd gen ipad pro 12.9. I initially got a smart folio keyboard for that one, and it was great, but it died after a year. Apple refused to replace it, even though others had similar issues. Second time around, I bought the brydge. It was great mostly. I don’t mind the hinge so much, although the new style looks better. The keyboard is great and the whole thing is high quality and very durable. I use my ipad about 16 hrs/day, every day, so it gets a a lot of use.
The one real issue is that I hate the brief pause (5-10s) while the bluetooth pairs when I need to type something. It’s not an issue when you are typing a long document, but when you want to search something in Google and need to type for a half sec, the pause is slow and annoying. It annoyed me enough that I bought a new, old stock, folio - which again didn’t last, dying after less than a year. Back to the brydge, which is still going strong.
I just wish they’d use the ipad connector. With my frequency of use, the battery dies every 1-2 weeks, and I have to remember to charge it, and the delay is a real annoyance.
I’m looking at the logitech one this time around. That uses the built in connector, but hopefully is more durable than the folio kb.
I used the Brydge with my 2018 iPad Pro 11in and liked it very much. I agree the trackpad in the beginning was not a great experience and even after the updates was not perfect. That said it wasn’t a big deal because I’m a mouse person. I too was not a big fan of the hinge docking.
I’ve ordered the Brydge for my 2021 iPad 12.9 in. I’m excited about the easy docking of the iPad and the improvements to the trackpad. This new Brydge IMO appears to be spot on 1 to 1 with 🍎 Magic Keyboard. The only feature not present on the Brydge is the pass-through charging which free’s up the iPad’s thunderbolt port when docked to the Magic Keyboard. That said the Brydge does the Magic Keyboard one better by adding the extra row of function keys which the Magic Keyboard lacks
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For me (all considered) the Brydge at $100 less than the Magic Keyboard is a no-brainer buying decision.
No smart connector is a deal breaker for me. The Bluetooth lag is extremely annoying when you’re used to a keyboard working instantly.
I had a Bluetooth keyboard with my Air2 and I don’t know how I tolerated it after using the Magic Keyboard.
100% agree. The lag is a deal breaker. I wouldn’t mind it costing more but it needs to not have the lag.
My understanding is that the lag is gone--instant on--from other reviews. I have the Magic primarily because I like to use in my lap--when I'm at desk I use one of my external keyboards and Apple trackpad.
I like my Magic Keyboard but I miss the function row which this has. I also like the dedicated Siri button. On a side note, do you have a link to the wallpaper on your iPad? It’s a beautiful wallpaper 😁
Wish they connected it with the pins on the back of the iPad instead of bluetooth
If you’re cheap like me, look up Logitech K780. Bluetooth switcher to 3 devices, includes media and volume keys, has an indentation on the back that will hold your iPad of any size in landscape mode just like Brydge or Magic Keyboard. $59.99 or $40 at Best Buy when on sale. Portable enough to fit in backpack. Also includes num pad. Only thing I wish it had is backlit keys. I still can’t believe Apple hasn’t included volume, media, etc on Magic Keyboard.
I have had Brydge keyboards for each iPad I’ve owned and looking to get the new 11 inch one….Your review has sold me on this one!!!!!
It’s strange you mention that the typing experience has never been an issue on previous Brydge keyboards... I’ve had impressive missed keystrokes and lag/delay due to Bluetooth with nearly every one I’ve used before
I ordered one. I’m looking forward to not having the hinges. My only issue with these keyboard cases is the weight it adds. Otherwise, I love them.
Thoughts on the keyboard?
@@CyberPunkSimms I use it all the time. Sometimes the mouse freezes up and you have to restart the iPad but otherwise I love it.
@@jajacobs2 I’m honestly so tempted to get one, what’s the typing experience like on it? :)
@@CyberPunkSimms I love it. It feels like a laptop. Try it out and you should be able to return it.
@@jajacobs2 I’m going to get in from Amazon so I have the buyer protection. But yeah, I will probably end off buying this nice bit of kit! The only problem I see is drawing and protection for the sides. But I do have a secondary case here, so I’d just switch around.
Please listen to me. I have very bad experiences with BRYDGE... Their features that BRYDGE advertizes are in fact real but with a twist. Most of the keys they use are very mushy and don't feel that good, especially compared to the magic keyboard. AND the trackpad is there, but heavily flawed.
If you don't want to buy the Magic Keyboard I suggest just getting the logitech combo touch. It's definitly worth the money and there's no bluetooth and quality problems!
I’m glad they used the rear magnets for attaching the ipad instead of the hinges in the old models. Should make removing it a lot easier.
Do you think there will be a problem with iPads with tempered glass screen protectors?
Why would there be? Lol
I had a Brydge for my 2018 iPad Pro but now on my new M1 I have chosen the white Apple Magic Keyboard and I have also bought the Logitech , I think the Brydge was too heavy in comparison but I really liked the premium metal feel, although it is not one of my favourite . The Apple Magic keyboard is the best when it comes to portability and use on your lap, whereas the Logitech is very nice to use and has function keys too. I also like the fabric it is made of and it looks durable.
I’ve already got the magic keyboard but if I had to buy another trackpad/keyboard then this would be my choice since they fixed the trackpad issues.
They did such a great job and most people won’t buy it because of the lack of pin connector. Including me.
Thank you for surveying most people for that info.
I want to ask about the weight of the keyboard. On the website it said it is 970g. Does the iPad and keyboard combo feel that heavy on the hand?
In your video when you are clicking on the top row of keys you can see some wobbling. Makes me feel like it would still wobble a lot when typing on your lap. Fast scrolling on the bridge previous models did not work very well. How does it work on this one?
Does the new keyboard connect quicker and more reliably to the iPad? I have a 10.2“ Brydge keyboard for my iPad (7th generation), and it always takes a few seconds to connect after seemingly going into Standby mode quite quickly. Typing a few letters and waiting for the text to appear always feels like an eternity - especially when it sometimes takes 5-10 seconds.
Im getting the brydge, whats so good about the magic keyboard having a usb-b port? Can't i just charge the ipad through its own port if i wanted? Also, cant i just buy a hub for the brydge?
Agree like others have said... most important to me is SMART PINS CONNECTORS & PORTS (USB-C’s, Thunderbolt, SD)
Currently using this keyboard case and I actually just love it
oh wow. I was actually planning on going with the magic keyboard. But this thing could seriously convince me otherwise O.O
Great job, Bridge!
Buy magic keyboard , believe me.
@@alirezanayebzadeh7294 already did xD
just waiting for the iPad coming hopefully on Tuesday.
Edit: It came today after all! And I love it! The Keys are amazing!
I wonder if they make a keyboard for IPad Air 4th Gen
They do
Wait how can it have the magnet backing with no smart pins? That’s a deal breaker for me. I only want to carry one charger at a time… not two chargers for my keyboard and laptop. Plus no port. As much as the apple one does not do much either I’ll stick with what I have, I love using once cable to charge my iPad.
This looks like the first Brydge keyboard I’ve seen that I really really like. I may end up getting one.
I really wish the Apple MK had a larger trackpad. That is what is attracting me to this Brydge. Is the MK less wobbly while tapping the screen vs. the Brydge. Are there any true downsides using BT connection vs. a pin connection? Will future Apple OS update "break" the trackpad, even temporarily until Brydge updates the firmware?
The larger trackpad and the additional function keys across the top are what I really like about this offering.
Wish it used the magic connector instead of Bluetooth.
Need a keyboard, that uses both the Smart Connector and bluetooth, that way it can be charged at the same time and the keyboard can be used, when the iPad is not attached. IE: Drawing on the iPad and using the keyboard for shortcuts.
This is close to what I'd like to see, but I really wish they would have made the part that the iPad attaches to detach, so that the iPad won't be resting on the camera bump when it's laying on it's back.
I went with the new Logitech Combo Touch for the 12.9 iPad Pro. Hoping it works well.
Me too!
I would have gotten the combo touch if it was compatible with 4th gen 12.9 :(
I would have snatched one up as well if it worked the 3rd gen. But this is looking like a great option
Does this use the smart pin connector Bc if it does, it’s not even a debate anymore
Yes it is using the Smartconnector
It looks like a great product and much improved. After Apple forcing us to buy a new Magic Keyboard case for the M1 iPad, I want to buy this bridge.
The old keyboard works with the M1 iPad.
Beautiful keyboard
Love the video but I *hate* the background music you're using. It's quiet in most places but then becomes really loud suddenly for short bursts. It sounds like it could be a sound IRL which is really jarring when using headphones.
I’m thinking of getting this and returning the previous version I just bought.
I would recommend returning what you have and getting the magic keyboard.
@@dhmcc9882 don’t get me wrong. I like the magic keyboard but I like the fact that I have shortcut keys for backlight and volume which I use a lot. And the magic keyboard doesn’t have that functionality.
@@ericvalz8256 Bro. You can literally reach up and tap the volume keys. And the backlighting is a non issue, having used my Magic Keyboard for 6 months, the auto brightness is spot on, every time. Idk why you’re doing constantly adjusting your backlight? Just trust me, the magic keyboard is genuinely magic.
Bro this outshines the magic keyboard. Try this out for yourself and you wont touch the magic keyboard again.
Hey, Can i use a protective case on the ipad while using it with the brydge ?
Are there iPad cases compatible with this keyboard?
If I go with this one I will do a vinyl wrap. My 2nd gen iPad Pro didn’t sustain any damage in the nearly 3 years I had it in the brydge keyboard and that offered no protection to the back at all.
Im getting the new ipad pro. Haven't decided on a keyboard yet. But I am curious on 2 things. 1. when it's closed, is everything still nice and tight? i had a "folio" style bluetooth keyboard with an ipad air and it was WAY too loose and scratched my ipad. 2. im guessing this will not flip around all the way for normal tablet mode? so if you are out somewhere with the ipad and need to write something with the pencil or just tap. you have to disconnect the ipad from this and now you have to carry the keyboard around, or can you flip it around convertible style?
I love the look of this! In fact it looks remarkably similar to the rumored new design of the 2021 redesigned m1x MacBook Pro 14” and 16”! If they truly have resolved the issues that the older models had with lag and not working with common multi finger trackpad gestures then it’s certainly a contender. I do like the Magic Keyboard but use it a lot less than I thought I would. The bigger track pad and function keys on the Brydge would probably be far more use to me…hmmm, I think I might order one of these! :-)
Just ordered one, it'll be delivered tomorrow.
I don’t want yet another Bluetooth device to have to charge up - the fact that the magic keyboard seamlessly works from the iPad power is a HUGE thing for me. This would have been interesting if it used iPad power.
Solid info I agree about the old hinges so can’t wait to try one for my iPad
I do have this one for the new 12.9 iPad Pro I do have the Pro+ and the multi tough works well.
Looks like you’ve got a screen protector on the iPad, is there enough room for a glass protector or film only?
First review that mentions the most important must.. can I use it while on my lap! Thank you. Can't use the magic Keyboard on lap.
The Smart Connector is just ppoorly positioned by Apple since it is so hard to reach and also provide protectoons through the back
The oversized trackpad is a bad design choice. My palm bruises them, and causes gestures to happen. I would not buy this product as a result.
Who cares
The Logitech folio touch is the absolute best cheaper alternative to the MK. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing to look at, it’s performance is remarkable. The MK looks stunning but the material is just straight garbage, so easy to get wear and tear unlike the Logitech which is a lot more durable in terms of maintaining its appearance. The added function keys which you don’t get in the MK is so ideal! Plus it offers way better protection than the MK, and you don’t need to detach the keyboard everytime you wanna use your Apple Pencil.
If your looking for alternative to the MK, go for the Logitech.
If they add the smart connector their sales will go way up!
The trackpad being bigger is due to the hinge being located at the edge and not being in the way
Is this available for the 11 inch?
Is it just me, or do the labels on many of the keys look misaligned / off center?
It’s a pre-production unit. Take any imperfection with a grain of salt. With that said, looks fine to me?
@@macrumors okay, good to know!
How heavy is this, so that it holds up the iPad without tipping backwards?
So it’s only Bluetooth and can’t help with port expansion?
Still no contest to the Magic Keyboard. Compact sleeks design, strong magnetic stable hold, with pass through charging/connection. Hard to beat that. Pay the little bit of extra money for years of a better product
I wish this used the smart pin connector and was cheaper than the logitech option :/ the biggest thing that bothers me with these third party options is they see Apple can sell their keyboard for 350 so they go we can make a ton of profit by just charging a hundred less instead of offering a better price for entry and balance to functionality. I'd rather see a cheaper alternative with nearly the same functionality. I'm not an engineer so perhaps they can't make it cheaper than what they charge but I have my doubts on that. If this had that smart pin connection instead of bluetooth and could be a lower price than the Logitech option this would be a great option so it's too bad that is lacks that feature and is more expensive.
Wish it still had the 180º hinge or ideally 360º
Does it work with any cases like the CoverBuddy or Pitaka?
Looks impressive, that trackpad is great
I hope they make a attachment you can put over the keys, I HATE grease marks
Wash your hands weirdo
Looks so much more useful than Apple's!
I’m guessing you can’t fold the case behind the iPad when not using it?
The design ideas is much better than the magic keyboard, I feel like this is something Apple should do for the next gen of magic keyboard
Anyone know if there is a keycover for the Max+ Keyboard? You know the clear silicon ones? Thx.
Im really crushing on this keyboard wish they would make one for the ipad air 4. Hope the firmware is solid now. Such a pity the lack of pin connection
I have the Pro+ from Brydge and can confirm the trackpad is just good as the Magic Keyboard after the recent firmware update, they really did fix it, it’s amazing now. Can’t see this new Max+ being any different just a bigger trackpad.
@@SLX25 Is the Bluetooth connection as responsive as the Smart Pin connection of the Magic Keyboard?
@@vimalramachandran It feels exactly the same now, if there is any difference you wouldn't even notice it. So good now. I'm getting the Max+ over the Magic Keyboard for my 2021 iPad Pro purely just because of the bigger trackpad.
Can I play my bluetooth speaker while connected to this keyboard??🔊
Where can I download that wallpaper?
Smart Keyboard with charging will always out do the competition, it’s worth the extra money to have the USB C on the side available!
Do people really care about what their accessory names are??
just give it usbc pass through, smart connector, 2 usba, 2 usbc, sd card, headphone/mic jack, and ethernet, space for a nvme, sturdier hinge and you got me $300 or less.
Where do i find these wallpaper?
Will there be 11 inch version?
Is it the same version as 11 inch ?
Diving board trackpad? Tap to click? that’s gone be a nope from me. Also i kinda don’t trust this guy saying the trackpad is as smooth as apples. So far no trackpad has archives that.
I think Logitech's combo touch 12.9 is still a better deal than this.
wayy to expensive id rather pay 100-200 euro more and get an apple product, the magic keyboard in this case, which im happy with for the 11 inch, however with the m1 12.9 i need 12.9 there are simply no alternatives for a normal price. . . . if you want to compete provide decent quality for cheap not decent for expensive.
The quality of the brydge products is great. They last longer than apple’s (I’ve gone through 2 apple kb’s, which together lasted less than my 1 brydge) - but the bluetooth lag every time you want to type is really annoying, so I’ll probably go apple or logitech this time around.
You are apples perfect drone.. I mean customer. Pay more for a brand name then a good product that's a little cheaper
@@ghouling1111 to start of most important it adds an extra slot of usb c / thunderbolt.. whilst charging you have an extra slot i wont bother if people make better products ill buy them but there arent. back in the days sony had good products. just like Rolex apple products are always great quality for slight anove avarage price. i want quality name me a brand that offers same quality dont need better
If Apple don't cannibalise iMac someone else will, iPad needs to make it truly Pro
Just wondering what the weight of the Keyboard is?
I think it is about 2lbs. It makes the iPad weigh as much as a MBP. That is my issue with the keyboard cases.
*logs into apple dot com.
Damn you!!
4:01 is it a lag??
You can find good sales third party on the apple magic keyboard. So if you are buying something this expensive you might as well go with apple.
They fucked up big time by not adding the 3 pin connector, that would be it deciding factor for me and many other people. they could've asked for 15-20 bucks more and added the most important thing. Because Bluetooth does have a delay and is not always 100% which means hiccups and jitters are expected sometimes and it bitters the usability in my opinion, so I'll pass sadly!
Or buy a MacBook Air and do so much more with it.
Wow this looks good.
This Brydge keyboard promises much but in my experience doesn't deliver. Yes, the keyboard is beautifully engineered. However, the weight of the keyboard doesn't balance against the weight of a Mac iPad Pro 12.9.
I purchased the (heavily weighted) Brydge keyboard in February 2022, and as I write (August 2022) its less than robust plastic hinges between the keyboard and lid snapped, separating both parts. Why manufacturers have to do things by half measures is a mystery. Not impressed.
it so ugly though. brydge history is good but has always been awkward and clunky, thicker than magic Keyboard. . big trackpad good tho...
Are you a “tap to click kind of guy” because you are accustomed to trackpads never working well “press to click” before Apple introduced their amazing pressure sensing trackpads?
I thing its very good
The Magic Keyboard is just perfect, at least on function, the finish is another story but i’ve gotten used to apple’s rubbery crap.
Yeah I really don’t get why they made it rubber. Apple usually loves making things with aluminum.
Hmm Apple finally created the surface book with some help from brydge.
And yet again no place for the pencil!!!
Buying
No thank you, I have an iPad to be portable tablet, not a laptop running IOS. this keyboard is heavier than the iPad itself (almost double of weight) and too expensive. I rather use the IOS keyboard on-screen when I am on-the-go, or use my Logitech K380 when on my desk.
this must heavier than MacBook 😨
As long Brydge is using Bluetooth for no reason instead of the connector it is completely useless!