Need a mechanical keyboard for iPad? There’s a Razer keyboard for that

Perhaps slowly deprecating the Mac computers to favor big iPads and with Apple fervent push toward enterprise acceptance, there’s little doubt that a keyboard is required for that to happen.  Apple themselves produced one to go with the big iPad Pro.  Along with Microsoft ceding the mobile market and bring Office to iOS, there’s increased validity about using an iPad Pro for productivity and pivot the product line away from a purely consumer device.  So, what if someone wants a mechanical keyboard for that brand new iPad Pro?  Razer to the rescue.

Tech Report noted Razer has announced a mechanical keyboard designed to accompany the large iPad Pro, aptly named Razer mechanical keyboard case for iPad Pro (12.9").  Of course, I am geeking out on the mechanical switch design and specification.  To accommodate iPad’s profile, Razer has designed a new keyboard switch, named Ultra-Low Profile Switch.  The switch itself is colored green, thus meaning it’s a clicky type switch according to Razer’s nomenclature.  The video seems to demonstrate that point as well.  It’s force-distance curve seems to scale like that of a clicky switch as well with activation and reset points further apart.

The switch itself is a modified scissor switch with a cone or probably a plunger to facilitate a smoother force-distance relationship rather than a typical on/off switch feel that many scissor switches exhibit.  Since the switch has a relative short 2mm travel, Razer elected to go with a high resistance, 70g key weight.  So, someone who are used to touch typing or using a virtual keyboard might not like that; however, the design decision here is probably to make sure that the keys are not accidentally activated when gliding from one key to the next since the travel distance is so short.

The keyboard itself is a Bluetooth device and has an estimated battery life around 10 hours or so.  The cost is on par with high end desktop mechanical keyboards around $170 or so.  Maybe Razer didn’t license Smart Connector interface to save a few pennies.  However, I suspect Razer will roll this out to other mobile device if the market accepts it.  Also, if one really wants, this might be a useful platform for someone who wants to use it for laptop or desktop environment.  So, it’s not a bad decision per se.

Anyway, let's see if there's a demand for a good portable mechanical keyboard that is tailored for the iPads and like devices.  Otherwise, a good Bluetooth mechanical keyboard like Filco's Minila Air or Majestouch Convertibles might be better suited.