Chesona H1 Pro keyboard

The standard iPad attachable keyboard is relatively primitive — but all that is about to change.

Chesona H1 Pro keyboard.

Apple’s iPads are changing. They are no longer just entertainment devices.

The combination of faster processors, a more sophisticated operating system, more tablet apps, longer battery life and reduced cost means they are used as serious work productivity devices — so-called 2-in-1s with a keyboard attached.

Technology research firm Telsyte says more business people are using iPads as their main computing device.

But there’s a problem. The standard iPad attachable keyboard is relatively primitive. It’s lightweight but doesn’t include port attachments and the keys are not backlit.

However, third party vendors are filling the void with keyboards that offer more. Chesona has launched a detachable iPad keyboard case that includes backlit keys and a 5-in-1 hub. It’s available for the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro with the first units shipping in April.

The Chesona H1 Pro keyboard case has one USB-C port, two USB-A ports, a 3.5mm audio output port for headphones, and a 4K HDMI port for displaying iPad contents on another screen.

Chesona H1 Pro keyboard for the iPad.

Chesona says the video output supports the standard 4K at 30Hz and 2K at a fast refresh rate of 60Hz which is suited to gaming.

A 60W adaptor offers pass-through charging. You can charge the iPad Pro without removing the keyboard case. Chesona says the 11-inch and 12.9-inch models will charge in 2.35 hours and 2.65 hours respectively.

Keyboard backlighting comes in seven colours and three levels of brightness, and the keyboard includes a slot for an Apple pencil.

You don’t need to power the keyboard separately or insert batteries as it is powered through Apple’s smart connector.

Chesona says the connectivity of the H1 Pro keyboard means you won’t need to carry around dongles.

The start-up raised $274,000 through Indiegogo, which is more than the $236,000 target needed to launch the project. It has 1400 backers. Early bird units cost $137 (11-inch iPad Pro) and $183 (12.9-inch). Moe details here.