ESR Ascend for iPad Pro 13 Inch (M5/M4, 2025/2024), Keyboard Case with Trackpad, Magnetic Detachable Keyboard with Backlit Keys, Fully Adjustable Portrait/Landscape Stand, Black

*For this purchase keep in mind that going 3rd party on Apple accessories always comes with a couple drawbacks backs, like seamless connectivity for example. So this review has those downsides in mind and is not incorporating them into the rating, always do your research.* I have to say I am very satisfied with this purchase. The keyboard is smooth and connects quickly and has a premium feel. For my use I have only charged it twice and purchased it about 3 months ago, and the battery didn’t die on me I just topped it off. I would say it’s on the heavier side but I use my iPad as my laptop so it’s lighter than most laptops on the market. I do wish there were more color options but I like black and am satisfied with the matte finish on this case. Now for the important bit here, with this case on I accidentally dropped my iPad onto a hard tile floor( about a 4ft drop). It landed right on the corner and I had zero damage to my device, the case received a small minuscule dent to the corner of the keyboard, which I’ll gladly accept over a broken iPad. All in all I couldn’t be happier with ESR. They are committed to proving high quality, budget friendly consumer products! You can’t go wrong with this purchase.

If you are reading this review, you have found the hidden gem keyboard case! I have used this keyboard case for about 1 month now, and it has been an excellent experience. This case almost turns your iPad into a Chromebook with iPadOS while keeping the ability to be an iPad. Pros: The stand is very sturdy and provides viewing angles from 0-80 degrees with flat being 0. The keyboard doesn't feel too cramped and can fold back 180 degrees under the stand to enable a "viewing" mode with the keyboard not in front of the screen. Detachable, sturdy case. Portrait mode stand! I own an apple pencil with my iPad and love the clasp, as it gives me the peace of mind that I won't lose my pencil. Don’t like the clasp? Folding the clasp back onto the stand causes it to attach magnetically, keeping it out of the way! The magnets that connect the iPad case to the keyboard and stand are quite strong yet not too strong to prevent easy removal of the iPad case. A full row of top function keys. If the iPad isn't charging, the cable that comes with the iPad can be connected to the iPad and keyboard to charge the keyboard. I only have 3 minor complaints: The fabric is black and a little hard to keep clean. The trackpad doesn't work after connecting 50% of the time. (Can be fixed by turning Bluetooth off and on, then pressing the power key again. I was able to create a shortcut to turn off and on Bluetooth from my home screen or with a Siri command) When in "viewing mode" on a rough surface, like a lap, the power key and other keys are likely to be pressed accidentally by the weight of the iPad pushing down on the surface. I did a lot of research on which iPad keyboard to get, and I am very happy with my choice. This keyboard case is very similar to the Logitech combo touch case, but I ended up going with this one because of the price (1/2 as much) and the magnetic clasp. Keep in mind that the Logitech one does have the smart connector and this one doesn't, but it only saves about 3 seconds of pairing time and minor inconveniences. When compared to ESR's other magnetic keyboard, the Rebound, this keyboard comes with a magnetic case to provide protection and enable portrait mode. The trackpad is bigger, there is a row of function keys, a wider selection of viewing angles, and it's about $35 cheaper! Granted, the floating does look quite cool, but you do have to sacrifice a lot. (Note: I have not tried either of these keyboard cases. These comparisons are just going off of the information provided by the manufacturers and reviewers) Either one of these cases is a great choice, but I am incredibly happy with the Ascend. Well done ESR! UPDATE: After further use, I have discovered 2 new ways to view the iPad using this case/keyboard. The first is a great option for quickly getting the iPad ready to do drawing on a flat surface. To do this, you remove the iPad from the stand, flip it around (so the pencil magnets are facing towards you), flipping the screen rotation with it, and connecting the bottom magnets to the magnetic line above the keyboards. This method works great for securing the iPad to the case for drawing. It also allows you to use the magnets in the stand as an Apple Pencil holder. The 2nd option is a second, less stable viewing option. To do this, remove the iPad and case from the stand, flip the keyboard up onto the stand, and try to connect the case to the weak magnets on the back of the keyboard. This option is very unstable, but as long as you are just watching something (and don’t experience an earthquake), the iPad should stay up and the keyboard will stay out of the way.

I got this keyboard to try for my 2024 iPad Pro 11” (M4 Series). I have the Apple Keyboard on-hand, as well as a few Amazon brand keyboards and a Logitech one and from my experience, this performs equivalent to the Logitech keyboard for less than half the price! 💰 They keyboard itself functions great—it’s super responsive and I feel minimal lag on its functionality, much unlike some of the (similarly priced) Amazon off-brand keyboards I have tried previously. My one star off was because the only noticeable lag I’ve noticed was when it comes to using the touchpad. It works well still, but you can tell its less responsive compared to the official Apple brand. It’s connect very quickly too—but obviously nothing connects as fluidly as the Apple ecosystem accessories, but this comes pretty damn close nonetheless. A perfect alternative for the Logitech keyboard if that one is out of your budget. The keyboard feels sturdy as well, and the cover cases attaches magnetically so you can take it on and off at any point and convert your iPad to a mini laptop. It folds uniquely different compared to the Logitech brand and the Apple brand, and personally, I’m pretty neutral on how I like the way it stands 🤔 I do like that it has more range of motion compared to the official Apple Keyboard though and I prefer the way the iPad is taken off the keyboard here compared to Logitech. Also a BIG plus that this keyboard comes with a touchpad, because a lot of the off-brand Amazon keyboards seem to not have those, even some of the ones in a similar price range. It does NOT charge wirelessly, so you do have to charge it separately from your iPad, but they use the same USB-C charger. Pictured on my review is the charging hole and where it’s at in the keyboard. Overall, I actually LOVE this keyboard. I honestly didn’t expect I would love it as much as I do but here I am—shooketh 😅 I do still have to get used to the Shortcuts here tho, as it is slightly different from the official Apple one (which was what I was most used to), but the keyboard sparing is very similar so I can type here without much muscle memory adjustment period needed.

Item as advertised

Only a couple days of use so far but I am very happy. Installation was breeze and quality looks great.

Excelente, lo acabo de recibir y me parece una opción bastante buena en comparación al Magic Keyboard. Me ha gustado mucho, no me causa problema si pesa, es entendible. Recomiendo ampliamente porque tiene una case, por lo que si retiras el iPad del teclado sigue protegida lo cual es muy útil. Otra cosa es que es muy fácil de conectar al iPad, el tamaño de las teclas me parece adecuado, puedo escribir sin ningún problema pero mis dedos son delgados, por lo que tal vez para un hombre no sea la misma experiencia. Si hay algún inconveniente con el producto después volveré a editar el comentario, por lo pronto muy satisfecha.

Everything about the case and keyboard is perfect except the incorrect camera cut that covers the camera flasher.. If this is fixed. This would be the perfect alternative for a folio keyboard..

Overall, Amazing. Just too good.