Logitech is prepping a third-party keyboard solution for the iPad Pro

By Gabe Carey September 9, 2015

logitech is prepping a third party keyboard solution for the ipad pro photo create postcard — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Despite being revealed just a few hours ago, the iPad Pro has already garnered its fair share of proponents and adversaries. It’s clear that Logitech has embraced the former category by swiftly announcing a third-party keyboard for the jumbo tablet. CREATE, as Logitech calls it, was developed with some input from Apple itself in order to make use of the new Smart Connector.

Like Apple’s own Smart Keyboard, CREATE’s Smart Connector utilization means there won’t be any need for charging or even Bluetooth pairing. Also similar is the full-size keys and layout, making for typing efficiency comparable to that of a desktop computer. And, as if it couldn’t be any more similar to Apple’s first-party offering, the included case will probably make for a decent safeguard for the $800+ power tablet.

“Logitech is the world leader in iPad keyboards, and we’re introducing the Logitech CREATE Keyboard Case – developed together with Apple – to enhance and perfectly complement the iPad Pro,” boasts Logitech mobility VP Michele Hermann. “With a full-size keyboard designed to work with iOS 9, the Logitech CREATE will help make the iPad Pro a creativity and productivity powerhouse. Even the color and finish of the keyboard are meticulously crafted to feel and look like the other half of your iPad Pro.”

Conveniently, Logitech plans on launching CREATE alongside the iPad Pro, at some unbeknownst date in November. With the Apple Smart Keyboard being accompanied by a hefty $170 price tag, Logitech is going to have to aim lower in order to achieve widespread commercial success. Otherwise, there doesn’t seem to be much to distinguish Logitech’s offering. That is, aside from it being unclear as to whether or not it features fabric covered keys.

In its press release, Logitech suggests more specific details regarding pricing and product info will arrive in the coming weeks.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

A freelancer for Digital Trends, Gabe Carey has been covering the intersection of video games and technology since he was 16…

Mobile

iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2021) vs. iPad Pro 11-inch (2021)

iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) vs. iPad Pro 11 (2021)

The new iPad Pro (2021) is here, and while it doesn't offer a new design, it has been revamped in a number of significant ways. Its most notable improvement is its formidable M1 chip, the same processor used by Apple in its recent MacBooks. On top of this, it also boasts a 12MP ultrawide selfie camera and 5G support, a first in an iPad.

However, as state of the art as it looks, interested parties may have a problem in deciding between the 12.9-inch iPad Pro and the 11-inch model. Both versions offer the same core features, but there are differences, as the 12.9-inch iPad Pro incorporates mini-LED technology in its display, plus a larger battery.

Mobile

Here’s why I probably won’t upgrade to Apple’s new iPad Pro

iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) vs. iPad Pro 11 (2021)

Apple has taken the wraps off of the long-rumored iPad Pro, which features an M1 processor that puts its performance on par with the latest MacBook Air and iMac models. The tablet offers other fresh features too, including an all-new "XDR" display on the 12.9-inch model, a USB 4 port, and 5G on cellular models. It was released at Apple's 2021 Spring Loaded event.

I've long been a fan of the iPad Pro, and in fact, replaced my laptop with an iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard last year. Safe to say, I use my iPad Pro a lot. So will I upgrade to the new model? Well, probably not. The upgrades look great and all, but frankly, for the vast majority of people they just won't matter.
Performance boost
Let's get one thing out of the way: The M1 chip is a beast. I used an M1 Mac Mini for a few weeks, and found it to offer an incredibly fast experience the majority of the time -- and including it on the iPad Pro is likely to make for a similarly fast experience.

Mobile

Apple’s new 12.9-inch iPad Pro has mini-LED backlighting. Here’s what that means

iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) vs. iPad Pro 11 (2021)

Apple's latest and greatest iPad Pro is getting a feature that's only recently made its way into televisions and is already transforming that industry. Along with a new iMac, Apple TV 4K, and Air Tags announced at the Apple Spring Loaded event on April 20, 2021, the company debuted a new 12.9-inch version of its iPad Pro which comes with a new Liquid Retina XDR display powered by mini-LED technology. Here's what that means and how it will improve the iPad experience.

Backlight Basics
To better understand mini-LED backlighting tech, it helps to know how LCD-based screens like those used in phones and tablets have historically worked. Unlike OLED screens which have individual pixels that generate their own light (called an emissive display), LCD screens need a light source.