What is the Logitech CREATE keyboard?
The release of the giant 12.9-inch iPad Pro
creates a need for a set of accessories to fit. Currently, only two
keyboards are available for Apple's new tablet: the Smart Keyboard by
Apple; and the backlit CREATE keyboard by Logitech that we’re reviewing
here.
Unlike Apple’s offering, the CREATE is unapologetically
tough and chunky. This is a keyboard that makes the iPad Pro feel far
more like a laptop replacement, but it does so by adding a lot of bulk
and weight to the equation.
If you want to keep your iPad Pro svelte then this keyboard probably isn't for you.
Logitech CREATE keyboard case – Setup, Design and Typing
The
iPad Pro clips into the CREATE keyboard with a firm press into the back
cover. This securely wedges it into the case, but means that a little
effort will be required to remove it. Although it isn't difficult to
remove, if you intend to use a keyboard on rare occasions then you may
prefer Apple’s Smart Keyboard that attaches using magnets.
Apple's Smart Keyboard on the left
Once
in the case, the iPad Pro connects with the keyboard via three small
dots that make up the Smart Connector. There's no need to pair the
keyboard using Bluetooth, nor will you need to charge the CREATE
keyboard using a micro-USB – in fact, there's no need to charge it at
all.
Setting up a keyboard with the iPad Pro really couldn’t be simpler.
Made
predominantly of hard plastic, the outside has a tough fabric cover
that provides both grip and protection. The fabric happily resists
spills too. The iPad Pro feels well protected in this case, and the
screen remains at a good, upright, angle – although there are no options
to change this if you prefer a more laid-back display.
The one
downside, when compared to the Apple Smart Keyboard, is that the ridges
and gaps present where fabric meets plastic and around the keys attract
plenty of dirt. Also, like Apple's keyboard, there's no storage option
for the Apple Pencil.
With
the iPad Pro locked in, the base offers a solid foundation for typing
on a table or on a lap. On the flipside, the CREATE keyboard is heavy at
725g, almost doubling the weight of the iPad. With the keyboard
attached, the iPad Pro is almost 2cm thick, which is much thicker than
the 6.9mm of the iPad Pro on its own.
I'm happy to report that
I've used the CREATE keyboard to write a number of articles and I
haven’t missed my laptop one jot. The full-sized keys mean that typing
never feels cramped. They also provide a decent amount of travel and
there's enough space between them for mistakes to be minimal.
In
fact, I as accurate typing on the CREATE as I am using a full-sized
desktop keyboard. Also, a shelf for your palms at the bottom edge helps
you type for hours on the go without becoming too tired, too.
Being
backlit is a bonus, but this affects the iPad Pro’s battery life, since
that’s what powers it. I've noticed that the battery bar reduces far
more quickly when using the Logitech keyboard compared to Apple’s
counterpart. It does automatically turn off the light to minimise this
impact when not in use, or you can achieve this via special keys.
It’s
this row of special keys along the top edge that makes the Logitech
CREATE keyboard so much more useful than Apple’s Smart Keyboard. They
offer a bunch of iOS 9 shortcuts to settings such as brightness, volume
and play/pause, for music and video. It means you don’t have to touch
the screen anywhere near as often.
The CREATE keyboard also comes in three colours: black, white and grey, and a range of languages. 
Should I buy the Logitech CREATE backlit keyboard?
The CREATE keyboard is currently the best partner to the iPad Pro, especially if you type regularly and for longer periods.
If
you intend to type only occasionally then the thinner and lighter Smart
Keyboard might be the better option, but note that it's significantly
more expensive than the CREATE and doesn’t protect the back of your
expensive, new iPad Pro.
Verdict
It may be big and heavy, but the Logitech CREATE keyboard is the perfect partner for the iPad Pro.
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