(third party) Brydge keyboard for iPad

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Level 9

78,568 points

(third party) Brydge keyboard for iPad

I really like this keyboard; however, there is one thing it apparently cannot do (which is frustrating):

Since Apple/ASC often logs you out (or you need to log in to another site), the software iPad keyboard works great; you click on the user name area > the keyboard slides up > it displays "use account (name)" > you click on that > a window pops up telling you to use touch > voila, the log in entries are all there. Works like a charm.

Not so with the third party keyboard - unless I am missing something, nothing at all happens when I need to enter the info unless I actually pull out my "cheat sheet" and type in my info. I cannot find a way to make the keyboard recognize Touch ID. Is there a way?

iPad Pro, iOS 12

Posted on Jul 23, 2019 6:03 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

lobsterghost1

Level 10

186,469 points

Jul 23, 2019 6:18 PM in response to babowa

On the Brydge Keyboard, just tap the Keyboard key on the top row of keys to bring up the Onscreen (as you say software) keyboard for a quick moment, do as you're accustomed to doing, then tap the same Keyboard key on the Brydge and go right back to typing on the Brydge.

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Answer 2

babowa Author

Level 9

78,568 points

Jul 23, 2019 6:29 PM in response to lobsterghost1

Wow, you ARE good! Here I've had it for 3 years and never even looked at the top row, LOL. Pity that I do need to bring up the onscreen keyboard though). Also did not know what the other keys do (the square - first key) and the little lock - I now know! Thanks! As you can tell, iPad/accessories are not necessarily my forte; no idea how I wound up with the silly dots under the iPad "specialty".

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Answer 3

Jul 23, 2019 6:57 PM in response to MichelPM

It's not lightweight, that's for sure. But then a solid hunk of aluminum isn't supposed to be light. We also have the Logitech Slim Folio (a misnomer as it's certainly not slim) for the other iPad Pro 11 in the house and it doesn't weigh any less than the Brydge. Actually, I think the Logi weighs a few grams more than the Brydge.

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Answer 4

babowa Author

Level 9

78,568 points

Jul 23, 2019 7:20 PM in response to MichelPM

I like it because it is and responds like a "real" keyboard. I do not care for the thin, soft ones - can't type on them all that well. I also cannot type well and fast on the onscreen keyboard - drives me nuts because I have to go back and add a letter or delete one which is also a pain with a finger (nothing like a mouse or trackpad - yes I know, I am not expecting to get one, LOL). And, I like the fact that you can attach the Brydge - or not.

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Answer 5

MichelPM

Level 10

81,535 points

Jul 23, 2019 7:33 PM in response to babowa

I use a third party virtually software keyboard called PadKeys.

It has key flicks, easier access to special characters and most important has navigation arrow keys.

Been using this iOS software keyboard for years!

I think it works much better than Apple's own built-in iOS software keyboard.

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Answer 6

Jul 23, 2019 7:45 PM in response to babowa

You have no idea how many keyboards I've been through this year trying to find one that really works for me. 4 cheapo's from Amazon (all Chinese). The Zag SlimBook for iPad Pro (returned it, didn't like it at all). The Logitech Slim Folio (gave it to my partner). Then the Brydge finally came and I'm SO SO SO Happy with it. The typing feel is as good as my very high end HP Spectre 360, it's backlit, it has all the iOS shortcut keys you could want, including a dedicated Siri key. And the battery can last up to a full year (depending on how many hours a day you type and whether you use the baclights continuously.

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Answer 7

babowa Author

Level 9

78,568 points

Jul 23, 2019 7:53 PM in response to MichelPM

I am used to touch typing (if that is what it is called in English) and type reasonably fast - it just seems to work better when keys are actually being pressed down and come back up. As well, I do not appreciate having to change the screen for special characters (if I have to type in my complicated/convoluted password, it requires about 5 screen/keyboard changes and wastes a lot of time).

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Answer 8

MichelPM

Level 10

81,535 points

Jul 23, 2019 8:19 PM in response to babowa

The PadKeys keyboard works diffrent for special characters.

When you hold down certain keys on the PadKeys software keyboard, a linear array of optional special characters appears that you slide your fingers across to tap the apprpropriate special character key.

Once you learn what keys have the special characters under them that you use all the time, you never have to switch to a different keyboard layout.

It is really a well thought out third party software keyboard.

It really shines on larger screen iPads and iPad Pro models.

It has a dark mode feature and it uses a sliding sensitivity scale for grammar auto correction.

This is a very good third party iOS software keyboard.

Obviously, I can’t recommend this enough as a regular software keyboard replacement to Apple’s own iOS software keyboard.

If curious, here is a link to the devs Website and the app and description in the iOS App Store.

https://padkeyskeyboard.com/

PadKeys Keyboard by Natural Designs Software, Inc.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/padkeys-keyboard/id975022995

Check it out if you like.

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Answer 9

MichelPM

Level 10

81,535 points

Jul 23, 2019 8:38 PM in response to lobsterghost1

I guess a lot of users do prefer a real keyboard with their mobile computing devices.

I don't like the extra bulk of having to use external keyboards/keyboard cases with mobile tablets.

I think that is why I have always gravitated toward iPads instead of just spending my money on any type of laptop or Macbook.

After 9 years, I have gotten pretty fast at typing on a glass screen and virtual software keyboard.

It took some time, patience, dedication and perseverance to get good just using an iPad solely by itself.

Took time to find all of the right software tools, too!

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Answer 10

babowa Author

Level 9

78,568 points

Jul 23, 2019 8:51 PM in response to MichelPM

Hmm, I looked at it - I may actually try it when I'm out and about and didn't take the Brydge along.

@rbrylawski:

Exactly - it's the tactile feel that just seems to work so much better for me. Maybe it's because I learned to type on older (but electric) typewriters.

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