Gift This, Not That: Apple Smart Keyboard Vs. Zagg Messenger Universal

Unless you recently came into an inheritance, or that special someone has been extraordinarily good this year, the iPad Pro is a bit pricey for most holiday gift lists. However for those Apple fans in your life that have already upsized to the Pro, there are plenty of accessories that make nice gifts. For business users and students, none is more important than a keyboard and although Apple released the specially designed Smart Keyboard for the iPad Pro, it remains hard to get, meaning a Plan B is essential with Christmas just three weeks away. Not to worry, since there are several good alternatives that best Apple’s product on several fronts.

In my experience, there’s no better iPad Pro-sized portable keyboard than the Zagg Messenger Universal. I’ve used both the Zagg and Apple keyboards for the last couple weeks and unless you value form over function (in this case thinness versus features), the Zagg is a better choice.

See more: Gift This, Not That: The Tech And Science Gifts You Should (And Shouldn’t) Give This Holiday Season

As expected from an Apple product, the Smart Keyboard is well constructed and thin, make that very thinat only 3.2 mm. It has two key advantages over the competition:

• Doubles as a smart cover by incorporating the usual magnets and folding the keyboard portion under the rest of the cover. Like the traditional iPad Smartcovers (including a new Pro-sized model) the Smart Keyboard folds into a landscape-only stand.
• Waterproof keys: The key mechanisms are encased in a waterproof fabric that has a surprisingly good feel.

But the Smart Keyboard isn’t perfect. Here are the downsides:

• No iOS shortcut/function keys: To achieve its compact size, the Smart Keyboard forsakes the usual top-row shortcut keys for things like home screen, Siri, volume and brightness adjustment and app switching. Many of these features are available as command-key shortcuts, which were greatly augmented in iOS 9, however they’re not as convenient as direct key access, and easily missed by novice users.
• Shallow key action: Apple also sacrificed keyboard action in the name of thinness as the Smart Keyboard uses a similar mechanism to the new MacBook to achieve its low profile. Those used to a MacBook Pro, Apple’s wireless keyboard or Logitech equivalents may be disappointed.
• No Bluetooth: This is actually a plus and minus. The Smart Keyboard introduced a new direct connection (Smart Connector) meaning it doesn’t need pairing or recharging. However this also means that: (a) the keyboard isn’t usable when physically detached and (b) it only works with the iPad Pro.

Zagg Messenger Universal

Befitting the name, in the Messenger Universal Zagg designed a keyboard for a new generation of hybrid tablets like the iPad Pro and Microsoft Surface that can double as laptops. This means it isn’t customized for the iPad, but is more versatile, working with anything, including your smartphone, that has Bluetooth. Unlike the Smart Keyboard, the Messenger doesn’t double as a cover, however it does fold into a compact, self-sealing case that’s just slightly thicker than the iPad itself. Still, the Zagg has several things to commend it:

• A full row of iOS shortcut keys, including one I haven’t seen before to display the stack of running apps (equivalent to double-tapping the iPad home button).
• Better key action: With a deeper profile, the Zagg uses a more traditional key mechanism that offers a longer key stroke and better tactile feel.
• Works in portrait or landscape: Like all tablet keyboards, the Zagg folds into a stand, however since it’s wireless and not tied to a mechanical connector, the iPad Pro works in either portrait or landscape. Note, that due to the Pro’s size, it’s a bit top-heavy in portrait, so you have to be careful when using it on your lap in this orientation.
• Good battery life: Zagg claims three months between charges, but I haven’t had it long enough to verify; I’m still on my first charge.

The closing argument for choosing the Zagg Universal over the Smart Keyboard is price: $70 vs. $169 for the Apple. Even after factoring in $59 for an iPad Pro Smart Cover, since the Zagg doesn’t offer any screen protection, you still save $40 or almost 25%.

Note that I’ve used the iPad Pro with several other Bluetooth keyboards, including the Apple Wireless, Logitech K760 (solar) and Logitech Tablet Keyboard and while they all have nice key action, none can beat the Zagg’s combination of ergonomics, shortcut key convenience and tablet-optimized design. If your shopping list includes an iPad Pro keyboard, look no further than the Zagg Messenger Universal.