Comments on: iPad Pro 11ʺ (2024) Ascend Keyboard Case Pencil Bundle

By: Brian Kimball

Brian Kimball — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

So my first thought was wow, this thing is heavy compared to the keyboard folio apple made for older iPads but not the M4. Once I got past that I do have concerns about the very thin case points around the speakers. I’m not sure they will hold up over time but I shall see. I do like that I can use the case without the keyboard and I like the addition of the trackpad. Overall, I think I’ll like it as long as it holds up over time.

By: Judeanne

Judeanne — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I don’t like the heavyness but I like the protection it gives

By: Levi

Levi — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

When you think about a case you think about device protection while this ‘case’ does provides that it is so much more. This case turn your iPad into a laptop with a full keyboard and very responsive trackpad. The backlite keyboard makes it easy to use anywhere at time. ESR always makes good products and this is no exception.

By: AC

AC — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

It was a bit confusing how many versions of this pencil there are, and I wanted to be sure to get one that could magnetically attach AND charge on my new 2024 iPad Pro 11". This "Pro" model looked most likely that it would work, but sadly it doesn’t. Bought 3 ESR pencils including this one, and none charge through the magnetic connection. 2/3 also didn’t even attach very well. Definitely disappointed because the pencil looks and feels nice, but it’s a deal breaker so I’m returning them.

By: charles bennett

charles bennett — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

4 stars because I had the same problem as Jay, portrait mode puts the iPad to sleep. Only other negative is the track pad feel isn’t great, but it works very well. Positives: Love the fact that it is always in a case attached or detached. I compared the weight to my wife’s apple Magic Keyboard for her 11" M4 Pro and it was nearly identical. Both are heavy. The flap to cover the pencil is also a great idea. The keyboard feels good to use and is responsive. In conclusion, I am returning this keyboard due to it going to sleep in portrait mode, it does not have centi-lever design as I thought it did (my mistake), and the clunky track pad feel. I will be purchasing the Canti-lever design case from ESR as soon as it is available. If that does not work out, I will bite the bullet and spend the 300 doll hairs on the apple keyboard. Don’t let me down ESR!

By: SLJY

SLJY — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Owned black gen 1 version that I lost; do not recommend black as it is hard to see under chair, crevices etc. So I got Gen 2 silver version to match iPad. I like it so far. Gen 2 Button to quickly get to Home or app switch Screen is nice. Have little experience with drawing apps but it is much better than using finger. Tilt is usable but again nit a lot of experience/need to use it.

By: F.vega

F.vega — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Just received and set up. Easy to connect and seems very responsive. Buttons, case, annd track pad feel like high quality. Only issue it is heavy. I’m considering returning it’s so much heavier than I imagined.

By: AndrewCCM

AndrewCCM — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Overall, I like it. I do not like how it deals with the pencil though. And when the back adjustment flap is move down to adjust screen angle only half the iPad has magnetic hold from the case. It can easily slide off when using in lap. I think while on table top, it’s really of no concern. Some of the trackpad movement doesn’t seem to work right (in particular, the sliding within some apps…right/left. I think it could be app related, but not certain). For instance, you can slide over one direction but can’t slide back. It’s like the iPad doesn’t recognize the two finger gesture from left to right. But this is only sometimes. But seriously, it’s a great value for the money. I am still getting used to the shrunken keyboard on the 11in version, but I don’t think you’ll find something better unless you spend at least 3x the price. Good stuff.

By: EddNog

EddNog — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

What can I say? Fits perfectly, syncs up without issue on the first try, supports both, landscape and portrait stand modes, the keyboard cover/stand comes off when you want to go lightweight/handheld mode, has Pencil Pro support with a wrap-around magnetic strap (doubles as case clasp) when carrying it around, and most importantly does not cost a few hundred bucks! What’s not to like?

By: David Troup

David Troup — Mon, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I got the new iPad Pro and was disappointed to confirm that none of my accessories (keyboard cases, pen) from the older iPad Pro would work wit the new one. The only option for a keyboard case from Apple is the $300 Magic Keyboard which, even if I was willing to spend that much, forces you to use the iPad like a laptop all the time, you can’t fold the case cover back and use it in your hand like a tablet.So I went looking for an alternative and I found this keyboard case and decided to give it a try.It’s a bargain for the price, very reasonable, and the quality appears to be quite decent. The iPad is inserted into a rubberized “frame” which protects the sides and back of the iPad, and then the entire iPad in the rubber “frame” magnetically attach to the rest of the case. In the full case, the protection is very robust and it’s unlikely you’d cause any damage at all to the iPad if it was dropped.The keyboard connects via Bluetooth and must be paired before the first use. It is backlit and the keys have a great feel, it types like a quality keyboard. There is a power button to turn the keyboard on and off, and it has its own USB-C charging port where you need to occasionally charge it. So it’s a little less convenient than Apple’s old keyboard folio (which isn’t available for the iPad Pro M4) but much more robust and protective with a better-typing keyboard.BUT – and it’s a pretty big but – it’s very heavy. I’d estimate that the keyboard case weighs 2-3x what the iPad Pro itself weighs. So in the case, the total weight is 3x-4x the weight of the tablet alone. I’m sure I’m going to notice the difference in my backpack when I travel.Still, for the price, I’m more than satisfied. While time will tell, the ESR Ascend keyboard case feels like a product that will last, and if it does, this will have been a really good buy.One other note: you can flip the cover all the way back around to use the tablet as a tablet without removing it from the case. You can also instantly detach the iPad in the rubberized “frame” and carry that around when you don’t need the keyboard. So it’s pretty versatile and will largely let me use my iPad in all the ways I like to use it.