Brydge Max 13 challenges Magic Keyboard with more flexibility

The Brydge Max 13 brings a full aluminum keyboard, a multi-touch trackpad, and a hinge that rotates the 13-inch iPad Pro a full 270 degrees. Priced at $249 in the U.S. (or $224.10 with a promo code), it undercuts Apple’s Magic Keyboard while adding dedicated e

For anyone who’s tried to use an iPad on a bed. couch. or even their lap. the frustration is familiar: the setup shifts. the iPad tips. and your “productivity moment” collapses into readjusting hardware. Brydge built its Max 13 to fight that exact kind of inconvenience—starting with a hinge that lets a 13-inch iPad Pro rotate a full 270 degrees.

The Brydge Max 13 is an all-in-one keyboard, trackpad, and stand for iPad Pro. In the U.S., it carries a price tag pushing $400 post-tax, but the base price is $249. That puts it below Apple’s Magic Keyboard, which has a $349 MSRP.

The review here focuses on the Brydge Max 13 in Graphite Black for the M4 or M5 13-inch iPad Pro.

The case is built like it means to last: the keyboard is all aluminum, with a thin back panel. Inside, the back panel is foam-covered to protect the iPad Pro that attaches magnetically. The camera module remains exposed, so the iPad can still be used while it’s attached.

The keys feel like they were designed to mimic Apple’s. This is a traditional chiclet keyboard with full-size keys and 1.3mm of travel. There’s also backlighting for night use. Along the top row are essential media keys for media playback, invoking Siri, adjusting volume, and changing screen brightness. That top section also includes a dedicated power button for the keyboard, which powers the Bluetooth keyboard on. Next to it is an adjacent button that puts it into pairing mode.

Above the keyboard is a spacious multi-touch trackpad. It supports all multi-touch functionality within iPadOS, including zooming in and out, scrolling, and entering the app switcher. There’s also a way to disable the trackpad—useful when you’re watching a movie in “movie mode” and don’t want accidental taps. The toggle is built into the keyboard: you press the function key located on the left alongside the spacebar. The trackpad stays disabled until you press that keystroke again.

What really changes how you use the iPad, though, is the Max View hinge. Brydge calls it that for a reason: it enables a full 270-degree rotation for the tablet. In practice, the iPad can rotate back almost into a kiosk view so someone on the opposite side of you can see what’s on your screen.

There are also two dedicated operating modes meant for specific moments. The iPad can pivot forward into a tablet or easel mode where using Apple Pencil feels “uber convenient.” In easel mode. the back of the setup is lifted just an inch or so. and the review describes it as ideal for editing photos. and something artists and students would likely enjoy.

Then there’s movie mode. In that setup. the iPad Pro comes down towards the bottom of the keyboard keys. repositioning and lowering the center of gravity to increase stability while watching a movie. The review says it’s more comfortable. especially for watching in tight spaces—like on a plane. on a lap at home. or in bed.

On performance, the comparison point is unavoidable. The review says it has been hard to deviate from the Magic Keyboard—so Brydge needed to match first-party reliability. The Max 13 delivers with an instant-wake feature: when the keyboard opens, everything turns on and connects. Wake is delayed “once or twice,” but the review calls that rarity. After that, tapping the trackpad wakes the iPad and you’re ready to work.

Bluetooth does mean there may be a “very, very slight delay” compared to wired setups, but the review says it wasn’t something noticed during day-to-day use. iPadOS integration is described as smooth and lag-free. The keyboard was used for writing reviews, editing videos, and working on photos.

Small engineering details also show up. As the iPad tilts back, bumpers rotate around the metal to prevent scraping against a desk. The backlight is cast evenly behind the keys, the keys don’t wobble, and easel mode ends up being used more than expected.

Brydge also avoids a common accessory trap: unlike older versions, there’s no app required. That’s framed as freeing, because the hardware doesn’t demand downloading another program just to function.

Switching fully to the money and the tradeoffs, the review lays out why Brydge chose this fight. Magic Keyboard is $349 MSRP, while Brydge Max 13 is $249—presented as about $100 less while still aiming for a similar performance level. The Max 13 also brings a far larger range of motion, including several viewing options Apple can’t match.

The trackpad is slightly bigger too, with the review treating the extra space as a welcome upgrade on a portable device.

The harshest complaint in the Magic Keyboard comparison is its balance on uneven surfaces. The review says the Magic Keyboard is great on a flat surface. but frustrating on anything uneven—like a bed or couch—because the weight sits too far back. When the surface isn’t stable, the iPad falls backwards, happening “constantly” in the reviewer’s experience.

Brydge’s power approach is also different. The review argues the Max 13 won’t drain the iPad’s battery because it has its own power. The tradeoff is clear: since it uses Bluetooth. it needs to be charged. and the review says Bluetooth has its own battery toll. The conclusion is that it’s “likely a wash,” though the reviewer prefers the Smart Connector approach.

Bluetooth brings one practical advantage the Magic Keyboard lacks: this keyboard can be used with other devices too, including a Mac, PC, or iPhone.

Magic Keyboard still has its own persuasive feature. The reviewer’s “make-or-break” point is the dual USB-C ports. Magic Keyboard includes a secondary USB-C port in the spine that can be used for charging. That placement is described as more convenient, and it frees the side USB-C port for accessories or hubs. The reviewer says they used that feature constantly and that not everyone needs it—but if you do. it makes a big difference.

The wrap-up is blunt about who Brydge is for. Apple’s Magic Keyboard is “a great piece of tech,” but the price tag is frustrating. Cheaper keyboards made of plastic can be found for about a quarter of the asking price, and the review says there’s a reason people pick alternatives.

For buyers who want Apple’s quality without the price tag, the reviewer says Brydge has nailed that audience. Brydge Max 13 is described as well designed, reliable, fast, intuitive, sturdy, and delightful—coming in for around 30% less than Apple’s asking price.

There’s no escaping one downside: the Max 13 needs charging. The reviewer also points out it lacks an additional USB-C port like the Magic Keyboard.

At the end of the review, Brydge Max 13 is rated 4.5 out of 5.

As for availability and discounts, the review says you can buy the Brydge Max 13 directly from Brydge’s website for $249 in Graphite Black or silver. The cost drops to $224.10 with exclusive promo code BRYDGEAPPLEINSIDER_10, which knocks 10% off the iPad Pro keyboard.

Brydge Max 13 Magic Keyboard alternative iPad Pro keyboard iPad Pro trackpad 270-degree hinge easel mode movie mode Bluetooth keyboard Graphite Black USB-C tradeoff