I had the iPad Pro 11 M1 and decided to upgrade to the new for 2025, iPad Pro 11 M5. Not only did I have to buy the new Apple Pencil Pro to work with the new iPad, but my keyboard case for the iPad M1 was no longer compatible. I could have bought the new Apple Magic Keyboard, but really? It's over $300. So off to research new Keyboard cases and ESR, a company I trust (I have two ESR Cases for my iPhone 17 Pro Max and every device we own has ESR Armorite Screen Protectors) and this iPad Pro 11 M5 Rebound 360 case was very favorably reviewed. It comes nicely packaged and includes a USB C to USB A cable (though that's the only thing ESR should change as it should be USB C to USB C) with an easy to follow multi-language user guide and warranty card, you can scan to extend the warranty to two years. Setting up the Keyboard Case couldn't be simple. I did charge it out of the box, but it must have had a good charge to begin with as it was fully charged in about 20 minutes. Then press the power button for about 2 seconds to wake the keyboard. To pair it with your iPad, press the FN/Globe key and the B key until you see the Bluttooth blue pairing light flash. Open settings on your iPad > Bluetooth - look for the ESR Keyboard and tap there to pair. Boom, you're all ready to go. While the 11 inch keyboard case doesn't come with dedicated function keys (the 13 inch one does), you still have all the functions you need. Just tap hold the FN/Globe key and look at the number keys, where all the functions can be adjusted, like Volume Up/Down, Screen Brightness, Changing Audio Tracks, Etc. The Keyboard also has 12 RGB backlit key colors you can choose from or the ability to not use any backlit option. The case is very Apple Magic Keyboard-esque in its design. Of notable goodness is you put your iPad in a nice quality protective case and then attach the case with your iPad magnetically to the Keyboard case. The case doesn't take much effort to open and it offers significantly more flexibility in terms of where you can place your iPad. You can for example, raise the iPad higher if you want, which the Apple case can't accommodate. And you can even place the iPad in Portrait orientation, which the Apple case can't accommodate. Do note that if you place your iPad in a higher position, it needs to be on a very stable workspace as it could topple over. This case as mentioned is Bluetooth. I prefer that over the way Apple's case works, which powers the keyboard by three pins on the back of the iPad when attached to their case. The reason I prefer ESR's approach is if your iPad isn't plugged in when using Apple's case, the iPad is using the battery to power the keyboard. If you're out and about, it can drain your battery pretty quickly (and yes, I had an Apple Magic Keyboard). Since the ESR case isn't using power from your iPad to run your Keyboard, there's much less to worry about if you can't get to a power source to plug your iPad in to charge. Finally, ESR provides a magnetic flap to keep your Apple Pencil Pro safely stored on the case when you're not using it or traveling about virtually eliminating any risk of losing your Pencil. All the buttons on the case your iPad is in are clicky and responsive and all they cutouts for speakers and USB C charging port are perfectly aligned. I'm mightily impressed with this ESR Keyboard Case for iPad Pro M5. For less than a THIRD of the cost of the Magic Keyboard, you get a high quality, yet affordable option, which coming from ESR means it will stand the test of time.
