Andrew O'Hara
Brydge has now launched multiple firmware updates to improve its Brydge Pro+ keyboard with trackpad that recently starting shipping for iPad Pro. AppleInsider goes hands-on with the latest firmware to see how Brydge's improvements have strengthened the user experience of its flagship product.
Brydge Pro+ is a fantastic accessory for iPad Pro, and one that was conceived while cursor support on iOS was merely an accessibility feature. After Apple released a massive update for iPad users, cursor support became much more real and changed how Brydge and its trackpad worked on the tablet.
In some ways, iPadOS 13.4 made improvements to Brydge but it also caused some issues too. In our initial review, we loved the device overall but felt the cursor experience needed improvements.
At the time, Brydge told AppleInsider it was exploring the option of rolling out software updates and now that multiple are under its belt, it seems it was able to iterate quickly.
Brydge says that the initial update included improvements to both tracking as well as two-finger scrolling and adds support for a physical two-finger right click, which wasn't available in the first version after Apple's iPadOS update. A second update also was released that includes two-finger swipe to remove an app from the app switcher and improved vertical and horizontal scrolling.
Installing the update is very easy and quick.
- Download the free Brydge Connect app
- Connect your Brydge Pro+ to your iPad Pro
- Connect your Brydge Pro+ to power
- Start the update process in the Brydge Connect app
Putting the Brydge Pro+ updates to the test
At launch, Brydge supported two-finger right click, but it had to be enabled via a tap rather than by physically clicking the trackpad. After installing the update, the feature works as expected, letting you open contextual menus through iPadOS.
We also tested the two-finger scrolling experience through the operating system. The second update in particular has vastly improved the experience. There is no longer the massive over-scroll and bounce that was there prior. It feels more natural — even though there is still a slight delay.
This isn't necessarily Brydge's fault. It could be a limitation within iPadOS and how this Brydge keyboard is connecting. The firmware updates to the keyboard have absolutely improved the situation, but not perfect quite yet.
Apple's Magic Keyboard is still a smoother experience, but this is becoming a much more acceptable alternative.
These changes and iterations are encouraging and we are certain we will see more to come as Brydge responds to the surprise release of iPadOS 13.4 that delivered cursor support to iPads across the board.
Until Brydge catches up with Apple, the Magic Keyboard is still the better buy — even if it does cost quite a bit more.
Where to buy
The Brydge Pro+ keyboard and trackpad will start shipping at the beginning of April and starts at $199 for the 11-inch version, while the 12.9-inch version goes up to $229.
Update 5/15 7:30 A.M. Eastern time: The most recent firmware, v1.0.3 was released on May 13 to further improve performance.
William Gallagher
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5 Comments
Received my Byrdge Pro+ last night for my 2018 11" iPad. Major user challenge is the stiffness of the track pad for clicking. The keyboard is just as great (for me) as the Bridge Pro keyboard that is going to a stepdaughter. The Pro+ all fits into the brown leather Brydge case I purchased for the Pro keyboard. My experience with the first Apple keyboard for the 11" iPad was a disaster when the iPad slid out over concrete and hit face down destroying the screen two days after purchase. I got a replacement iPad and returned the keyboard. Tried another brand that was airline table unfriendly as a foot stuck out back making toe foot print to large to fit. I found the Bridge Pro and am completely happy and the Pro+ is a great improvement. It works anywhere and is easy to carry. It may take me awhile to learn all of the possibilities at age 75. :)
Truthfully, sometimes I prefer my Magic Keyboard, and at other times I prefer my Brydge Pro+. I don’t find the cursor to be all that laggy. It’s just the tiniest bit jerky at times, but not bad. The keys are great, and it’s very comfortable on my lap except for a slight annoyance when the screen is tilted further back, as the bottom of the iPad does press slightly against my legs, near my knees. This is not nearly as bad as the Surface Pro hinge though, which is my standard for the way not to do it.
My fear for the Brydge Pro+ is those who want that much hardware and a built in trackpad will go with the Magic Keyboard instead, even with the hefty price increase. I like the Brydge Pro+ and the Magic Trackpad, but I also love my Smart Keyboard folio on my 2018 12.9 so am holding off for now on buying the trackpad.
Coming from an iPad Air 2 with Brydge combo here. Now I have the iPad Pro 12,9" with Brydge Pro+ combo. Can't be happier with it. I have a Prop'n Go sleeve for it in an old Brenthaven backpack, originally for the 17" TiBook.
“ Until Brydge catches up with Apple, the Magic Keyboard is still the better buy -- even if it does cost quite a bit more”
Reading the comments here and elsewhere I’m having a hard time understanding this assessment. The Apple Magic Keyboard costs 50-60% more and while it’s pretty much agreed that the Apple keyboard is top of the line, the only complaints I’ve seen with the latest Brydge update are a slight delay in scrolling and a worse tactile feel when clicking the trackpad compared to the Apple keyboard. I and most others I know have their trackpad set for ‘tap to click. For these people how the trackpad feels when clicking is irrelevant, so it boils down to paying $100 more for a slight improvement in scrolling response and a hovering screen.
It seems like it would be more accurate to say “the Apple Magic Keyboard is the better device but the Brydge Pro+ is the better buy”