Review – Tell me this does not look like the long-rumored/imagined/just announced 14-inch MacBook Pro. The designers at Brydge did it again… getting closer and closer to turning your powerful iPad Pro into a touchscreen MacBook Pro. Over the years, Brydge has been committed to creating a Bluetooth keyboard case to add more features to Apple’s flagship tablet. In this review, Brydge sent me their recently released 12.9-inch MAX+ keyboard case, which seriously took their hardware to a new level…Let’s see if it works as well as it looks.
A little background: Although we have more computers here than we should, I want to say that for most of 2020 and 2021, I have been using iPad Pro as my main computing device. I have been using the 11-inch iPad Pro in 2018 until Apple released their M1 miniLED 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which is easier on the “real” Mac except for some Photoshop work and file optimization/organization. For several months, I have been switching between the Apple Magic Keyboard case and the early/pre-production Brydge MAX+ to connect to the iPad Pro to complete the task.
What is it?
The Brydge MAX+ iPad Pro 12.9″ keyboard case is a high-quality wireless Bluetooth keyboard case specially designed for Apple’s 12.9″ iPad Pro (3/4/5th generation). This new generation of Brydge keyboard case uses a new magnetic design that can hold your iPad Pro in place, Bluetooth 5.0 connection can achieve near-delayed “instant on” operation, large-size responsive touchpad, excellent backlit keyboard, etc… …
What’s in the box?
- Brydge MAX+ iPad Pro 12.9-inch keyboard case
- USB-C cable
- User manual
Hardware specifications
- aspect: Length: 11.2 inches (285 mm) x Width: 8.8 inches (223 mm) x Height: 0.7 inches (17 mm)
- weight: 2.1 lbs (970 g)
- Battery Life:
- 40 hours per charge, always using backlight
- 3 months, 2 hours a day, no backlight
- colour: Space Gray/Silver/White
- Warranty: 1 year limited warranty
Design and features
Brydge has excellently created a wireless keyboard case that aims to add more features to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Brydge 12.9 MAX+ uses an industrial design to match Apple’s ecosystem with the finest details.
The MAX+ base is equipped with a Bluetooth 5.0 keyboard and adopts a deep space gray high-quality aluminum shell, which perfectly matches the color/feng shui of Apple’s iPad Pro. The base of MAX+ has four rubber feet, one at each corner. Brydge did this to prevent the two from sliding or metal scratching the work surface.
The iPad Pro is located in the plastic/rubber cover on the top and is held in place by the embedded magnetic elements of the two devices. I prefer Brydge’s past compression clevis hinge design with the new magnetic connection. The new hinge and magnetic mounting system is the outstanding design so far.
The cover is made of hardened dark plastic material with soft rubber inlaid on its outer surface. The Brydge MAX+ iPad Pro 12.9-inch keyboard case is specially designed for use with iPad Pro. As you can see, there is a cut corner on the protective cover that allows the camera assembly of the iPad Pro to see through and safely protect the lens itself. MAX+ allows full access to the power and volume buttons, speaker grille, and Thunderbolt port.
The top case is fixed to the keyboard base by rigid hinges, which can fix the iPad Pro at the angle you like. Another great feature of the Brydge iPad keyboard is the physical row of function buttons (which Apple should have added to its Magic Keyboard initially).
Brydge has a full-size backlit keyboard, which is slightly embedded in the bottom of the lid, and will not push the keys into the iPad’s touch screen when closed. The structure of the button is very good, the feel, stroke and click sound… again like an apple in use.
The Brydge MAX+ iPad Pro 12.9-inch keyboard case has a very large and responsive “springboard” trackpad, which works very well…but it’s not as magical as Apple’s point-and-click design. It’s done through the smart connector of Apple’s Magic Keyboard. Physically connected… but very close. In the past few years, I have tried 2-3 Brydge wireless keyboards, and they have made great strides in making keyboard accessories as Apple-like as possible.
As I mentioned above, 12.9 MAX+ has “All-in-one SnapFit protective case” This is not only designed to perfectly match your iPad, but it can also be easily removed/protected. Installing the tablet is easy, it can be locked in place in the blink of an eye… Just put the 12.9-inch iPad Pro into the hinge/rail, then lean the tablet against the back cover, tilt it back and lock it in place magnetically.
MAX+ protects the front and back of the iPad Pro and the keyboard itself. MAX+ is compatible with Apple’s pencils.
The sides of MAX+ are exposed and are susceptible to scratches and impacts, but you can easily access the USB-C port for charging, Apple Pencil connection points, speaker grilles, etc.
The Brydge MAX+ wireless keyboard case brings the already heavy (for tablets) stylish and slim 12.9-inch iPad Pro into the MacBook series in terms of weight and size, but fortunately, its functions are also very good. The combination of MAX+ and 12.9-inch iPad Pro weighs more than 3.75 pounds, which is heavier than MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro and 14-inch MacBook Pro.
set up
Setting up an iPad Pro and connecting it to Brydge MAX+ Bluetooth is fast and easy. Download the Brydge Connect app from the AppStore. Press and hold the Bluetooth button of MAX+ for a while, then enter the Bluetooth settings of the iPad and pair the two. Finally, open the Brydge Connect application to confirm that you have the latest and greatest firmware and that everything is going well.
Performance
Apart from some subtle differences, I really like using the Brydge MAX+ iPad Pro 12.9-inch keyboard case, especially when I am writing a long review/document or using the iPad Pro as a computer instead of a classic tablet. It is undeniable that the MAX+ is heavy (laptop), but the weight of the keyboard base keeps the pair upright and does not tip over (cough, Magic Keyboard). But for media or gaming consumption, Brydge’s new magnetic base connection is easy to remove, which is an excellent improvement compared to the previous generation keyboard case.
what do I like
- Excellent typing experience
- Very good build quality
- Aluminum base
- Built-in dedicated function key row
- Adjustable backlight button
- Charging via USB-C cable
- Long battery life
Areas for improvement
- Although well-made and responsive, it is a pity that MAX+ does not use Apple’s Magic Connection technology
- The touchpad is not responding on the upper third of its surface area.
- My box does not include a power brick or USB-C cable
Brydge MAX+ is available in space gray, silver and white. It is suitable for 12.9-inch, 11-inch and Air 4 iPads, and each comes with a one-year warranty (extendable to 2 years, 23 USD, 3 years, 28 USD).
Final thoughts
I tried my best not to use this review as a comparison between the Apple Magic Keyboard and Brydge’s MAX+ keyboard case. Because I like them all, and the subtle differences between the two are very small. Both will definitely get the job done. I found that the Brydge MAX+ iPad Pro 12.9-inch keyboard case is an excellent wireless keyboard. It really turns the 12.9-inch iPad Pro into a touch screen MacBook Pro with Apple style and user experience. Due to its weight, I found myself using the iPPro and MAX+ combination at home or in our local coffee shop, while using Apple’s Magic Keyboard when traveling (when more portability is needed).
Price: USD 249.99
Where to buy: Brydge.com with Amazon
source: The sample of this product is made by Bridge.
