The Brydge Max 11.0 is a premium iPad keyboard case with the potential to dethrone Apple’s own. The two products have much in common, including a cantilever design, but the Brydge version stands out with much wider viewing angles and a gorgeous aluminum exterior.
It fits recent 11-inch iPad Pro models. A version for earlier 11-inch iPads is also available, and one for 13-inch iPads comes out soon.
UPDATE: Brydge Max 11.0 was announced in February and is now shipping.
Brydge Max 11.0 offers premium laptop-like keyboard experience for iPad users
For many iPad users, adding an external keyboard like the Brydge Max 11.0 isn’t just about typing faster — it’s about turning a tablet into a real productivity powerhouse. Writers, students, executives and remote workers often choose iPad keyboard cases because they deliver a laptop-style typing experience with tactile, backlit keys and a built-in trackpad that makes using the tablet far more efficient. And when they’re finished, they still have the portability and touch experience that make the iPad so appealing in the first place.
While a variety of companies make iPad keyboard cases, the standout is the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad. It has an eye-catching shape that holds the tablet seemingly floating over the keys and trackpad. But the accessory offers minimal options to adjust the iPad’s viewing angle and has a plastic exterior that belies its premium price.
The designers of the new Brydge Max 11.0 clearly noticed. This new offering includes dual hinges that enable the iPad to be viewable across a 270-degree angle. It can even flip around so the keyboard is hidden behind the tablet.
Plus, the iPad keyboard case is “machined from premium aluminum with a finish that matches your iPad,” according to Brydge.
The accessory maker promises Bluetooth “Instant-On” connectivity, months of use on its built-in battery and backlit keys.
Photo: Brydge
Pre-order now
Brydge Max 11.0 went up for pre-order in February. The cost is $229. For reference, Apple’s rival product costs $289.
Order from: Brydge
The initial Brydge Max 11.0 version fits the iPad Pro 11-inch (M4 & M5).
An upcoming variant fits earlier versions of the 11-inch iPad Pro, as well as the iPad Air (4th & 5th Gen) and the iPad Air 11-inch (M2 & M3).
And the Brydge Max 13.0 for larger iPad Pro and iPad Air models is scheduled to launch in April.
Photo: Brydge
Ed Hardy has been writing full-time about tech for 25 years, and using it for much longer than that. His intro to Apple was a Macintosh SE/30 (which he still has), but now he uses a 13-inch iPad Pro as his primary computer.
That’s because he’s a “tablet first” type of guy. Rather than use a Macbook, he connects a keyboard case to the iPad. And instead of a desktop Mac, he connects his tablet to a 27-inch display and full-size keyboard. (So don’t try to tell him that everyone has to use a Mac to be productive.)
Before coming to Cult of Mac, Ed wrote for NotebookReview, TabletPCReview and Brighthand, as well as other sites.
8 responses to “Apple’s iPad keyboard case gets compelling new rival [Now shipping!]”
HI Ed.
How much does the key board weigh? I could’nt find any specs on the Brydge website either. I have bought an ESR key board and it weighs a ton so I tend not to carry it around with me.
ThanksRegards Warren.
Hi Warren, This is Brydge Support here, the 11 Max is 590grams.
The weight is listed on the Brydge Pre-Order page. It weighs 1.23 lb. And I’m replacing the ESR 360 Rebound with the Brydge, which will be a million times better as a keyboard, which much more flexibility and better construction.
Do you think this will work with the Spigen Pencil holder? It does work with the Magic Keyboard setup, it is thin enough.
Just curious if palm rejection issues on the track pad have been addressed with this new version. This has been the primarily hiccup preventing me from going all in with Brydge! It’s clearly a premium keyboard but the palm rejection failure was pretty rough as to make the older versions impractical.
I’ve been promised a review unit. I’ll let you know!
when you say “It can even flip around so the keyboard is hidden behind the tablet.” can it sit flat on a table with just the screen showing and the keyboard underneath?
Any update on a review unit? because I can’t find a single review for this case online
Based on this image, I think the Brydge Max 11.0 can do what you describe. But I can’t say for sure until I get the delivery from Brydge. Sorry, I’m still waiting.