External Keyboards, iPadOS and VoiceOver

By Chamomile, 13 May, 2023

Forum
Apple Hardware and Compatible Accessories

Hi all,

I just recently bought an iPad 9th gen to replace my iPad Pro 10.5. I have been having keyboard issues on both with VoiceOver. This is with both the Apple Smart Keyboard and Logitech Slim Folio (I believe that's the name?).

It'll work as normal for a bit - I'll be able to type normally in, for example, Pages and Safari. But then it'll act like I have the Full Keyboard Access setting turned on (or off?). I believe I have toggled this setting.

So, for example, trying to enter a space in Safari brings up the Spotlight menu, pressing H goes to home rather than entering the H key, and certain keys will not work.

I also have Sticky Keys turned off.

This is extremely frustrating. I bought the 9th gen iPad thinking it was an issue with my old iPad Pro - stupid, impulsive decision of mine, and the iPads worked fine at the store. Completely defeats the purpose of having an iPad in my opinion.

I'm just wondering if anyone else is having a similar issue.

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Comments

By Maldalain on Saturday, May 13, 2023 - 23:53

Well, keyboards with smart connectors are just nightmares for iPad users. I got one then replaced it with a bluetooth keyboard. Experience is much better.

By Holger Fiallo on Sunday, May 14, 2023 - 00:19

Sad when it works it works well. This is an Apple issue. I am curious if the keyboard made by apple work better. If so, is that legal?

By Chamomile on Sunday, May 14, 2023 - 01:11

Sadly, I'm having the issue with the Apple Smart Keyboard and the Logitech keyboard. It doesn't make a difference which keyboard you use.

By Wenwei on Sunday, May 14, 2023 - 15:37

VO doesn't yet play nicely with pointer control. Get any bluetooth keyboard, like that zag option or anything you don't mind carrying around. Turn off full keyboard access and you should be fine. My complaints about sticky modifier keys have gone down significantly ever since i bought a third party bluetooth keyboard

By Holger Fiallo on Sunday, May 14, 2023 - 16:08

Slin folio from logitech is a bluetooth and have issues. Where do I go to turn off what suggested? I think I did but do not recall.

By Wenwei on Monday, May 15, 2023 - 00:18

Wanted to add a correction to previous comment. Full keyboard access is under accessibility > keyboard. Good luck!

By David Goodwin on Monday, May 15, 2023 - 12:36

Hey Oliver,

Your experience of using a Mac or iPad compared to a Microsoft Surface would definitely be of interest to many in our community, and I'm sure it would be valuable for those who are considering switching to or from a Mac or iPad. As a comparison article, it would comfortably be within our posting guidelines. We look forward to reading your insights and experiences!

By Holger Fiallo on Monday, May 15, 2023 - 14:58

OK. How it would affect the command, fn, control key? Would I be still able to use them?