Can I have a cover on my iPad pro while using the smart keyboard?

I don't understand why this is the only option for the iPad Pro! For the price of this keyboard it should have way more features than this. It should be a (keyboard /case) that spins and drops so you can use it as a laptop or tablet. It should also light up. I have a case for an iPad Air I bought on Amazon. Not only is it built solid, its Bluetooth works well also. The battery lasts forever on one charge and you you have the option to light the keyboard at night if your working in the dark. Oh!, and the keyboard lights up 6 different colors. I payed 50 bucks for this thing. It was worth every penny. The Smart Keyboard is more then 3 times the price! ($159....for what exactly?!). This is just another example where Apple dropped the ball... I'm starting to get tired of this. When your a lifetime customer you expect more. You guys need to seriously step your game up.

While not as beefy as an Otterbox, there are 3rd party back covers sized to fit the 10.5" iPad Pro that also allow the Smart Keyboard to be connected and work easily. A back cover will protect the iPad back from scratches and the Smart Keyboard acts to protect the front when folded up. Many match the Smart Keyboard color and texture and some even have built in Apple Pencil Holders. I have one that fits like a glove and still keeps the whole iPad Pro (with case and keyboard) very slim and easy to carry. A quick search for "iPad Pro 10.5" back case" will reveal tons of them - choices of colors, styles and prices. Just be sure to check that the specific cover "works" with the Smart Keyboard and has all the proper cutouts for buttons and connectors, etc.

The smart keyboard works by connecting via 3 little dot like connectors. So to use the keyboard AND have it in a case you'd need a case that leaves those connectors accessible.

For your otterbox case you'd need a regular bluetooth keyboard that doesn't require a physical connection

Not only would the case have to leave the smart connector uncovered, but it would need to not raise the bottom of the iPad when in the smart keyboard cover for use, as the smart connector connection requires the iPad be tight against the keyboard hinge area where the magnetic smart connector sits.

What might be better with the smart keyboard would be a sleeve for carrying - slip the whole device with keyboard cover in place into the sleeve when carrying around.

Ponyboy38 wrote:

You guys need to seriously step your game up.

This is a user forum, not Apple Corp. Support. ”We guys” are just fellow users like yourself volunteering the best advice and help we can given our own experience with the products. Apple employees almost never participate here, and if or when they ever do, they will clearly identify themselves as such.

There are alternatives to the Apple keyboard from Logitech and others so if you don’t like the Apple option, check out the others.