Skip to main content

Razer's new keyboard for the iPad Pro packs mechanical switches built for PC gamers

razer ipad pro keyboard mechanical switches
Image used with permission by copyright holder
On Wednesday, Razer said that its freshly-baked Ultra-Low-Profile Mechanical switches are used in the new Razer Mechanical Keyboard Case for the iPad Pro, which is available today worldwide for $170. This keyboard connects to Apple’s tablet by way of Bluetooth, and features a metal, multi-angle kickstand, creating a makeshift 2-in-1 device with a protective cover for working on the go.

The big deal here is of course Razer’s new switch, which is billed as the “world’s first mechanical switch for a mobile device.” This switch features a true actuation and reset point, according to Razer, with key presses registered with 70 grams of force. That means when iPad Pro owners type on this peripheral, the keys won’t feel squishy or flat despite the slim chiclet keycaps.

That said, mechanical switches just feel “precise” when typing. As a key is pressed, the switch stem underneath depresses a spring as it moves downwards. Once the switch activates and the user’s action is “actuated,” the user releases the key and thus the switch and key “bounce” back to their original state, resetting the overall key. In the long run, mechanical switches are more durable, and the key caps typically don’t easily pop off.

Razer iPad Pro Keyboard
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Razer introduced its own Green and Orange mechanical switches back in March 2014. The new Ultra-Low Profile switch is based on the “Green” version, providing “blazing fast” actuation, a distinctive click, and a reset distance that’s half of what other mechanical switches provide. That essentially spells out super-fast, super-precise typing — or in the case of gamers, the difference between life and death.

“Razer controls the entire manufacturing process of each switch, even the blueprint,” Razer states on its website. “This, in addition to the years of research and development, have resulted in a switch that surpasses the competition in durability, and features the tightest tolerance levels. Having control over the production gives Razer the opportunity to constantly innovate with new technologies, so you enjoy nothing but the very best.”

As for the mobile keyboard itself, the peripheral provides backlit illumination for typing in dark corners. There are actually 20 brightness levels to suit any low-light situation, and product images point to two dedicated keys mounted at the top-left to change the illumination levels. The keyboard comes with a detachable poly-carbonate protective cover too.

According to Razer, iPad Pro owners will see the keyboard’s built-in battery last for around 10 hours on a single charge with the keys set at their brightest level. If owners turn the backlighting off completely, the keyboard’s battery should last around 600 hours on a single change.

Razer’s new Mechanical Keyboard Case for the iPad Pro can be purchased straight from Razer right here.

Editors' Recommendations

Kevin Parrish
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then…
The 5 worst iPads of all time
The iPad (2022) with an Apple Pencil plugged into it using a USB-C cable and adapter.

In 2010, Apple launched the first iPad, and it basically changed the tablet industry forever. Since then, the iPad product lineup has split up into four different models, and there have been a total of 33 iPad releases, making it harder than ever to keep them all straight.

Though Apple has had great success with the iPad, it hasn’t been without some fumbles here and there. We’re going to take a look at some of the worst iPad models that Apple has released so far, and why they made this list.
iPad 3
'The new iPad' that didn’t even last a year

Read more
5 ways Apple needs to turbocharge the next iPad Pro
The iPad Pro (2022) sitting in the Magic Keyboard.

The 2022 iPad Pro is quite a fascinating device. It’s got more firepower than a majority of Apple’s own computers. It offers arguably the best stylus experience of any mainstream tablet. The build quality is amazing, the screen is stunning, and the keyboard is fantastic.

Yet, I haven’t met a single person who can wholeheartedly recommend this tablet, especially after looking at the price tag. But that’s not the only reason to avoid dropping north of a thousand dollars on this sleek machine. Yes, the M2 chip inside the 2022 iPad Pro breathes fire, and Apple also claims some notable on-paper improvements.

Read more
Tablets at CES 2023 are beating the iPad in big and unexpected ways
Holding the Lenovo Smart Paper.

CES 2023 happened this week, and it’s usually when we see a bunch of interesting new tech — like Withing’s new health tracker that you pee on, and L’Oreal’s eyebrow printer for your face. Tablets aren’t a huge part of the show, but we still got some interesting options coming from TCL and Lenovo later this year.

Though Apple’s iPad is still the dominant choice in the tablet market, some of the coolest tablets at CES 2023 offer something that Apple doesn’t yet make itself. And that got me thinking; perhaps it’s time for Apple to consider branching out with its tablet lineup to do something new.
Paper-like displays are the way to go

Read more