Keyboard for ipad - essential/desirable/not required?

[steve_h]

Hi, Just wondering if a keyboard is desirable or essential for affinity photo on the iPad? Or can you get by without one? I have just ordered a new ipad pro and have just discovered this software, it looks promising coming from longtime LR user and more recently capture one on imac. I realise a pencil is in order but do you recommend a keyboard as well?

Thanks

[Dan C]

Hi steve_h,

Welcome to the forums

10 hours ago, steve_h said:

Just wondering if a keyboard is desirable or essential for affinity photo on the iPad? Or can you get by without one?

A keyboard certainly isn't required, however depending on the work you're doing (especially if it's text heavy) then a keyboard could certainly speed up your workflow.

Affinity iOS apps have all been developed to function with or without an Apple Pencil, and with or without an external keyboard - meaning these choices are personal preference and there is no 'wrong' answer!

I hope this helps  

[steve_h]

Ok thanks Dan, I'll hold off on the keyboard for now but I've got a pencil coming. Cheers.

[Paul Mudditt]

8 hours ago, steve_h said:

Ok thanks Dan, I'll hold off on the keyboard for now but I've got a pencil coming. Cheers.

If and when you do decide to get a keyboard since you are getting an iPad Pro then obviously get one that uses the Pro’s smart connector.
I can’t recommend the Apple Smart Keyboard though as they are far to flimsy, mine lasted just over a year then started failing and they also don’t protect the rear of your iPad at all.

I replaced it with a Logitech Smart Keyboard (I’m sure other makes are okay too just not the Apple one) that also uses the smart connector at half the cost, better quality key presses, and with all round protection, backlit keys and cursor keys which for some reason the Apple one didn’t have. Very much gives that laptop feel to using it when you need it. Serif have also implemented a lot of the desktop shortcuts with the keyboard which are especially useful if you use Designer power duplicate function on cmd-J etc.

[steve_h]

Thanks Paul, yes I've heard the apple keyboard is not that flash - already discounted that one. Hear good things about the logitech but I've actually gone for a Zugu Muse case and if I get a keyboard I would look seriously at this one:

 https://www.amazon.com.au/iClever-Rechargeable-Bluetooth-Smartphones-IC-BK06/dp/B01JA6HG88/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1537392959&sr=8-6&keywords=iclever+keyboard+bluetooth&linkCode=ll1&tag=tomsolid-20&linkId=cd38a19467eba43db2ca01859459acb4

Thanks for the info

[Paul Mudditt]

On 1/29/2020 at 6:56 AM, steve_h said:

Thanks Paul, yes I've heard the apple keyboard is not that flash - already discounted that one. Hear good things about the logitech but I've actually gone for a Zugu Muse case and if I get a keyboard I would look seriously at this one:

 https://www.amazon.com.au/iClever-Rechargeable-Bluetooth-Smartphones-IC-BK06/dp/B01JA6HG88/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1537392959&sr=8-6&keywords=iclever+keyboard+bluetooth&linkCode=ll1&tag=tomsolid-20&linkId=cd38a19467eba43db2ca01859459acb4

Thanks for the info

Really not keen on Bluetooth keyboards I’m afraid, the smart connector gets rid of the hassle.