So I’ll give Brydge credit for one thing. They are working really fast to try to get the Pro+’s trackpad working better. They shipped their second firmware update for the device today, courtesy of their free Brydge Connect app. If you have a Pro+, just update the app in the App Store, run it with your Pro+ plugged into a power supply and run the update.
I got an email from Brydge this afternoon letting me know that they had just released a new firmware update for their new Pro+ Keyboard and Trackpad. The update came in the form of an iPad app that connects to the Pro+ via Bluetooth and is very easy to use. I did have to plug my keyboard in to run the update, but that was the only minor hassle.
While all eyes, including my own, have been focused on Apple’s Magic Keyboard, Brydge has been starting to ship their new Pro+ Bluetooth Keyboard and Trackpad. While it was announced and preorders opened before iPadOS 13.4 and the Magic Keyboard were unveiled, Apple still beat them to market, putting them at a bit of a disadvantage. That’s the game, I guess.
I have wanted Apple to go all out and give us their version of a standard laptop keyboard for the iPad Pro for a while now. Even if you like the Smart Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio, they aren’t what I’m talking about. Those were thin, light and mobile at the expense of all else. You know, things like backlit keys. Or a key mechanism. ANY key mechanism at all.
Photo source: Brydge
I love a good, creative Kickstarter or Indiegogo story, but I love it even more when an accessory maker with the chops to really deliver goes all out and brings something unique to the table. Brydge has been a step ahead of the pack when it comes to high quality keyboards for the iPad Pro for a couple of years and now they are pushing the limits even further. Their new Brydge Pro+ will be the first iPad Pro keyboard case from an established manufacturer to include a built-in trackpad.
I’ve heard about the Brydge Keyboard for the iPad for years and seen the glowing reviews. However, I have typically stuck with products from ZAGG and Logitech, as they tend to be a little less expensive and provide more coverage as cases. The main thing that kept me from trying the more expensive Brydge was the fact that it was much more keyboard than case, leaving the back of the iPad completely exposed. The other cases I tried had very good keyboards and provided excellent protection, making them better overall choices for me at the time.