Accessory maker Brydge has today announced a pair of new keyboard accessories for the iPad mini 4 and iPad Pro. The BrydgeMini and BrydgePro are on display at CES this week in Las Vegas and feature a variety of unique capabilities that the company hopes will make them standout from the growing number of keyboard accessories on the market.
Both the BrydgePro and BrydgeMini feature the company’s 180-degree hinge system. This means that the cases can be folded into a laptop-like clamshell position when the device isn’t in use, a rarity for the iPad Pro so far. Brydge’s new offerings are made of 100 percent aluminum and feature backlit keys, as well.
More specifically, the BrydgePro weighs 1.60 lbs, is .27-inches thick, and connects via Bluetooth 4.0 technology. The combined thickness of the iPad Pro and BrydgePro make it thinner than the MacBook Air. The backlit keys also offer varying brightness levels, much like MacBooks.
For the BrydgeMini, the keyboard connects via Bluetooth 3.0. The case comes in at .29-inches thick and .66lbs in weight. The keys are backlit, but at a set level, unlike the BrydgePro which offers varying levels depending on the surrounding environment.
The BrydgeMini is available for pre-order now and costs $99.99, while the Brydge Pro is available for pre-order for $189 and will ship in April of this year. Both cases are available in gold, silver, and space gray and feature rechargeable three-month batteries.
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Brydge, the company that has set a new benchmark for iPad keyboards, today officially launched its keyboard lineup for the Apple iPad™ Pro and Apple iPad mini 4. The BrydgePro and BrydgeMini will be on display at CES 2016 at booth #36433 in the South Hall 4 as well as CES Unveiled on Jan. 4 at table #120.
Providing the perfect complement to the iPad, Brydge has engineered its keyboards to maximize the functionality of the iPad while providing the productivity of a MacBook. Following the same award-winning design as previous Brydge models, the BrydgePro and BrydgeMini are equipped with Brydge’s patented 180-degree hinge system, high-grade 100 percent aluminum build, backlit keys, and superb haptic key feel. The new product introduction comes on the heels of Brydge’s recent CES 2016 Innovation Awards Honoree win for the BrydgeMini for iPad mini 1, 2 & 3.
“The iPad Pro is a game-changing device, and as with previous iPad models, is further revolutionizing the way we work, learn and play. The BrydgePro aims to unlock the full potential of the iPad Pro and deliver the perfect blend between iPad and MacBook.” said Nicholas Smith, CEO of Brydge. “The combination of the larger format iPad and BrydgePro has numerous applications, whether it is in the smallest classroom or the largest enterprise. Brydge is dedicated to being the market leader in innovative devices that deliver the ultimate experience in mobility and productivity when working with the iPad.”
Both the BrydgePro and BrydgeMini boast a sophisticated, minimalistic design that includes adjustable brightness backlit keys, Brydge’s patented U-shaped silicon clamping mechanism for premium viewing angles and adjustments, Bluetooth connectivity, and a powerful rechargeable battery that lasts up to three months.
BrydgePro
Designed to deliver even greater versatility to the iPad Pro, the BrydgePro gives users the ideal balance between mobility and productivity. Currently the only 100 percent aluminum keyboard for the iPad Pro, the BrydgePro is an incredibly durable device—yet its combined thickness with the iPad Pro is less than a MacBook Air and up to 0.55 lbs lighter than some competing keyboards.
Technical Specifications:
- Thickness: 0.27-inches thick (same as the iPad Pro)
- Weight: 1.60 lbs
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0 Connectivity
- Colorways: Available in Gold, Silver and Space Gray
- 180-degree viewing angles
- Backlit, tactile keys with varying brightness levels
- Rechargeable three month battery
BrydgeMini
The BrydgeMini is designed to work with the iPad mini 4 and is precision-engineered to perfectly integrate with those who are looking for the ultimate portable solution. In all, the BrydgeMini offers an unrivalled experience that combines the convenience and functionality of the iPad mini with the productivity of a laptop.
Technical Specifications:
- Sizing Dimensions: 0.29-inches thick
- Weight: 0.66lbs
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 3.0 Connectivity
- Colorways: Available in Gold, Silver and Space Gray
- 180-degree viewing angles
- Backlit, tactile keys
- Rechargeable three month battery
The new keyboards, availability dates and pricing at www.brydgekeyboards.com are as follows:
- BrydgePro for iPad Pro is $189.00, available for preorder at www.brydgekeyboards.com and shipping commencing in April 2016.
- BrydgeMini for iPad mini 4 is $99.00 (preorder special offer), available for preorder at www.brydgekeyboards.comand will ship in January 2016.
Brydge will release details of its retail partners who will stock its new keyboard lineup in the coming months.
For more information please visit our CES 2016 press kit: http://ces.vporoom.com/BrydgeGlobal
CES 2016
Brydge will be exhibiting at CES 2016 in Las Vegas from Jan. 6-9 at booth #36433 in the South Hall 4 as well as CES Unveiled on Jan. 4 at table #120.
About Brydge
Brydge has redefined the standard for tablet keyboards. Starting out with one of the most successful Kickstarter campaigns of 2012 and now under new ownership, co-founders Nicholas Smith and Toby Mander-Jones have a vision to turn Brydge into a premium technology brand and global leader in Bluetooth keyboards. In 2014, Brydge launched the highly successful BrydgeAir range, the leading keyboard for the iPad Air 1 & 2, selling to customers in over 180 countries and establishing a core foundation for continued rapid growth. Brydge built on this success when it was named a CES 2016 Innovation Awards Honoree for its recently launched BrydgeMini for iPad mini 1, 2 and 3. For more information please visit www.brydgekeyboards.com, or connect with Brydge on Facebook (www.facebook.com/brydgekeyboards/) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/brydgekeyboards/) or Twitter (https://twitter.com/brydgekeyboards).
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“Brydge’s new offerings are made of 100 percent aluminum ”
Well, that’s not technically true, is it?!
I knew the pre-orders would open up today and was set to do this first thing this morning. But I just happened to check their website yesterday and pre-orders were live so I got my order in! I’ve had the original Brydge and the BrydgeAir for my iPad Air 2. Both were excellent keyboards so I can’t wait for the BrydgePro to arrive for my iPad Pro! Using the Logitech Create keyboard now and it’s ok. The Brydge is definitely better.
Really a shame it doesn’t use the smart connector. It would mean that you wouldn’t have to recharge the keyboard, plus would make it useable on the plane if you have to turn off radios. As long as it uses Bluetooth one might as well just use the Apple Bluetooth keyboard.
Does the Apple Bluetooth keyboard have backlit keys? @BillRey