Razer Debuts $170 'Mechanical Keyboard Case' for 12.9-inch iPad Pro

Razer today launched a new top-tier mechanical keyboard peripheral for Apple's 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which packs in PC-like mechanical switches for typing on the tablet (via The Verge). The $169.99 accessory -- which uses Bluetooth to connect to the iPad Pro -- also doubles as a protective case for the tablet when closed, and has a kickstand to perch the device open when the keyboard is in use.

razer ipad pro case 2

The "ultra-low-profile mechanical switches" used in the keyboard case replicate the feel and responsiveness of a full-fledged mechanical keyboard, according to Razer, but with the slimmer profile needed for a mobile tablet accessory. The keys are even individually backlit for typing in the dark, and come with 20 levels of illumination power to cycle through depending on the light needed.

This revolutionary technology with slim chiclet keycaps raises the bar for ultra-mobile keyboards. Featuring optimized actuation and reset points and an actuation force of 70g, the world’s first low-profile mechanical switch delivers the exact same performance and feel as a full-fledged mechanical keyboard.

Optimized for multiple viewing angles, Razer noted that the Mechanical Keyboard Case's metal kickstand is "detachable and not limited to a fixed angle," letting users find the perfect position for every typing environment. Concerning battery life, the company claimed that the case gets 10 hours on one charge at the highest-intensity level of keyboard brightness, with the possibility to extend that all the way up to 600 hours by turning the backlight off completely.

razer ipad pro case

Razer has posted more information about the Mechanical Keyboard Case on its website, and anyone interested can purchase it from the company for $169.99.

Related Roundup: iPad Pro

Tag: Razer

Buyer's Guide: 12.9" iPad Pro (Caution)

Top Rated Comments

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Daws001

44 months ago

uses Bluetooth to connect to the iPad Pro

And that's where they lost me.

Rating: 18 Votes

pgiguere1

44 months ago

I still don't understand the need for backlit keys. Are people still that unaccustomed with their keyboard that they have to look to type? A backlit keyboard just warms my hands (more than I would like) and wastes battery.

Usually not while they type, but since people's hand are usually not on the keyboard 100% of the time, it's useful to look right before you place you hands on it to know which keys are under your fingers initially. I know that's what the nibs on the F and J keys are for, but it's often quicker to quickly glance at the keyboard than the look for the nibs by feel alone. There are also those times where you use less frequent keys and don't know where they are just by memory. Do you think most people would hit the right key on their first attempt if they were asked to press, say, F7 without looking?

Rating: 5 Votes

sracer

44 months ago

Okay guys, the BT factor sucks, but this isn't about that. A mechanical keyboard CASE?! I adore my mechanical keyboard for my desktop. The price is what it is because of the key switches. If you have never used a mechanical keyboard, I strongly encourage you to try one out.

I've been a software developer for over 40 years and have (and still) use mechanical keyboards all that time. I get it that hipsters love them (I'm not saying all who love mechanical keyboards are hipsters), but I don't like them. They're ponderous to type on.

When I get to use my iMac, Macbook Air, and iPad Pro keyboards, it's a pleasure by comparison. It's the difference between slogging through knee-deep snow without snow-shoes and flittering across a running track. :confused::D

Rating: 3 Votes

enkadrummer88

44 months ago

It's not like you have to have the backlight on... it's technically an option. And do those tiny little white LEDs really generate enough heat to make a difference? I'd say it's just your laptop that's hot, not he keyboard. I use a backlit mechanical keyboard at work for 8 hours a day (using it right now) and I've never noticed any heat difference. In fact, my hands are freezing right now...

Rating: 3 Votes

Bbqthis

44 months ago

Are the hoops apple has set forth really that hard to jump through to get smart connector keyboards made? Or are they simply not wanting to limit the buyer base.

Rating: 2 Votes

PBG4 Dude

44 months ago

Nobody knows if the smart connector will change over time, so why build to something that may disappear if Apple decides it doesn't want that extra port anymore? Don't blame Razer for only taking so much of a risk with this new product.

As someone who would connect an IBM Selectric to my desktop if I could use it for my keyboard, I look forward to trying out a demo model of this keyboard. :) Not to buy, just to see how much of a mechanical feel they incorporated into this tiny a case. Weight isn't mentioned in Razer's specs though so I'd imagine this won't be a light keyboard case.

Rating: 2 Votes

enkadrummer88

44 months ago

...yet, they want to charge the insane premium for their product.

It's the exact same price as the Apple version for iPad pro and the Razer version is an ACTUAL mechanical keyboard, AND you get backlit keys... I don't see how that makes it an "insane premium." You're really getting more bang for your buck if you ask me... even if it doesn't utilize the smart connector.

Rating: 2 Votes

Glassed Silver

44 months ago

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that Apple's own keyboard is a pure cash cow and they have zero interest someone eating into their profit, so they set incredibly high MFi licensing costs for the Smart Connector and the manufacturer is left with pennies in margins.

I assume this will stay that way until Apple no longer gets away with it or the market is saturated enough and they pull out before looking too much like a bully to the conscious observer. (and the pro market is just that)

I want to develop an accessory that communicates with an Apple device using only Bluetooth Low Energy. Do I need to join the MFi Program?
No. Accessories which connect to an Apple device using only Bluetooth Low Energy/BTLE/Bluetooth 4.0 or standard Bluetooth profiles supported by iOS are not part of the MFi Program.

Source: https://mfi.apple.com/MFiWeb/getFAQ.action#1-1

Keyboard cases wrap around or at least attach to the specific device's dimensions which are much more likely to change.
When something changes, it also means you get to sell more typically, especially a third-party can't be blamed for whatever Apple changes, so they can sell you another case, keyboard case / attachable keyboard, etc all without looking like the one "FORCING" you.

Glassed Silver:mac

Rating: 2 Votes

Hastings101

44 months ago

I sometimes glance at my keyboard just to check while typing long things, it's an unconscious habit. Backlit helps a lot with that at night. Some poor miserable souls are also not touch typists.

Rating: 1 Votes

weckart

44 months ago

LEDs don't generate noticeable heat and use less battery than you would think.

Rating: 1 Votes

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