Brydge keyboard cases for Apple's 2018 iPad Pro up for preorder

Accessory maker Brydge this week opened the pre-order process for the long-awaited keyboard cases for Apple's 2018 iPad Pro, including both the 11- and 12.9 inch formats.

Each aluminum case connects to an iPad via Bluetooth, and has three-level backlit keys that resemble the layout of a MacBook, with the addition of dedicated iOS shortcuts. An included cover protects an iPad's back. While in the case an iPad can be rotated up to 180 degrees for typing at multiple angles.

Brydge is aiming to ship the first cases on April 15, priced at $149.99 for 11 inches and $169.99 for 12.9 inches, with silver or space gray color options. Only the first 1,000 preorders will actually get a case on the 15th however.

The 12.9-inch model.

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9 Comments

yojimbo007 1165 comments · 12 Years

About 5 years ago

Looks very nice !

entropys 4298 comments · 13 Years

It looks like something is missing...can’t quite put my finger on it.

deminsd 143 comments · 7 Years

$170 for a BT keyboard? Why not use the "smart connector" on the back?

anantksundaram 20390 comments · 18 Years

AppleInsider said:

Each aluminum case connects to an iPad via Bluetooth, and has three-level.... etc etc

Lost interest right there.

It's quite shocking -- and annoying -- to me that we still do not have decent third-party Smart Connector keyboards, and the choice effectively comes down the ugly-dark-gray-feel-like-I-am-tapping-the-table-overpriced abomination that Apple sells.

Anyone have a good explanation for why?

SpamSandwich 32917 comments · 19 Years

anantksundaram said:

AppleInsider said:

Each aluminum case connects to an iPad via Bluetooth, and has three-level.... etc etc

Lost interest right there.

It's quite shocking -- and annoying -- to me that we still do not have decent third-party Smart Connector keyboards, and the choice effectively comes down the ugly-dark-gray-feel-like-I-am-tapping-the-table-overpriced abomination that Apple sells.

Anyone have a good explanation for why?

I find it utterly bizarre also to not use Apple’s Smart Connector. Perhaps it’s a matter of a licensing fee?