Upgrades are necessary to our modern world. Without them, we would be on a constant loop and wouldn’t take any steps forward. Every tech company wants to make our everyday lives more exciting and easier. Recently Apple said ”Your next computer is not a computer”. And released the Magic Keyboard.
The first Apple Keyboard was released in 2015, but recently Apple announced that there will be an update in March of 2020. This redesigned Magic Keyboard has a lot of new features. This version is suitable for the 2018 and newer iPad Pros and now also for iPad Air.
Want to know more about the benefits of the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro? Without further ado, let’s get started!
Pros and cons
People always want to know the upside and downside when they are purchasing a new item, accessory and we aren’t different we like the same thing, it makes it easier to make a decision.
Pros
- Responsive trackpad
- Extra USB charging port
- Adjustable view angles
Cons
- Price
- The case has limited angles
- Keyboard lacks function keys
- Only suitable for 2018 and 2020 iPad Pro
Technical details
| Item weight | 1.3 pounds (0.58 kg) |
| Item dimensions | 9.7 x 7.5 x 0.6 inches (24.6 x 19 x 1.5 cm) |
| Wireless type | Smart connector |
| Connectivity distance | About 33 feet (10m) |
Build
Magic Keyboard has the dimensions of 9.7 x 7.5 x 0.6 inches (24.6 x 19 x 1.5 cm). And weighs 1.3 pounds (0.58 kg). It’s even a bit heavier than the iPad Pro itself. This may be uncomfortable if you want to lay down and are too lazy to take out the tablet from the case.
This accessory comes only in one color – dark gray. But despite not having a color range, dark gray looks amazing with all the iPad Pro color options – silver and space gray.
There is an extra USB-C charging port on the left side of the keyboard. It provides power to the iPad Pro, although it doesn’t deliver as much power as the standard power adapter would.
You can adjust the case angle from 90 degrees to 130 degrees. Yes, it’s amazing that the keyboard case is suitable for such. But if you want to lay down and put your knees up, you may wish to extend the angle to 180 degrees. Sadly this case can’t do so.
Keyboard
The Magic Keyboard uses the same scissor-switch mechanism that Apple installed on the 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro and the 2020 MacBook Air.
In the scissor-switch mechanism, the keys are attached to the keyboard with two plastic pieces, which make a scissor-like look. It uses rubber domes but still manages to make shorter key travel and reduces the loud clicking sound that is typical in most keyboards. The scissor-switch type keyboards are usually more expensive.
The Magic Keyboard has five rows of keys. Their key travel is only one millimeter. The keys on the Magic Keyboard have backlight and the brightness adapts to the ambient lighting in the room. The keyboard itself works smoothly and with no glitches.
Nice thing to know is that if you hold the command button, on the screen is displayed all the possible keyboard shortcuts at the time.
One big con is the lack of a function key row, without it, you can’t regulate the volume and brightness of the tablet. If you want to change them manually you have to dig through your iPads settings and in ”General” find the Magic Keyboard.
Some people may find unpleasing the arrow key placement. They are placed in the inverted ”T” design.
Trackpad
Apple-designed this trackpad with a built-in touch-first interface for the iPad. They made multi-touch and cursor possible.
While using the trackpad a circle pops up on the screen, to make the control over the cursor easier. Why a circle you ask? Apple stated that they chose it because it looks similar to a fingertip. When not in use the circle disappears.
You can easily edit texts, scroll through Safari, open apps, and much more.
Despite this, there might be some problems with apps that are not Apples. For example, hard to select the text.
Software requirements
To run the Magic Keyboard you need to update your device to iPadOS 13.4 or higher. This enables the mouse and trackpad support.
Attachment and connection
To attach the Magic Keyboard you have to put the tablet in landscape position. When you do so, the iPad Pro will instantly stick to the case, because of the built-in magnet system. These magnets are really strong, even while shaking it hardly the tablet won’t pop off.
To connect the Magic Keyboard to the iPad you need to do just one simple step. Attach it to the case. Yes, no more worrying about Bluetooth. This feature is possible because of the Smart connector installed on the iPad Pro.
Buyer’s Guide
Who is this accessory for?
This keyboard was created to make your day with tablets easier. This accessory will surely enhance your work speed.
Usually seen in hands of students that are willing to upgrade their iPad Pro to a more like laptop device. Also, this may be a good solution for video editors, designers, or even 3D model creators.
When iPad Pros awesome processor is paired with the Magic Keyboard they both make a pretty strong combo. This duo may be stronger than some laptops nowadays.
What can you do with this accessory?
You can easily write word documents or texts. Our hands are used to work faster on a computer type keyboard. For some, this will increase their day-to-day productivity.
With this keyboard, you can edit videos much better, than without it. Of course, Magic Keyboard isn’t a must while talking about editing videos. But it will step up your game.
You can even make 3D models! The iPad Pro has a strong enough processor to carry high-demand apps, like those to create 3D models. With this keyboard, you will be more precise and accurate.
With this awesome keyboard, you can do so much on Safari. You can swipe up and down. Opens web pages and scroll through e-books. Watch your favorite TV shows and films in a comfortable laptop position.
Compatability
With which devices the Magic Keyboard is compatible? You can use the keyboard with both iPad Pro models – 2018 and the new 2020 model. It’s also now compatible with the newest edition to Apple’s ecosystem – Apple iPad Air. There are two sizes for the keyboard one for the 11-inch model and one for the 12.9-inch model, incredibly important to get this detail right, in order to use it.
Which is better? Magic Keyboard or Smart Keyboard Folio
The first Smart keyboard was introduced in 2015. But in November of 2018, it was replaced by the Smart Keyboard Folio which was made for the 3rd iPad Pro generation.
Build
The Smart Keyboard comes in the same dimensions as the Magic Keyboard. But it is much lighter, just 0.6 pounds (0.279 kg). Both come in the same color options.
The good thing about the Smart Keyboard Folio is that it’s almost water-resistant. That’s because Apple makes them out of woven fabric that is stiffened around the keycaps. These features assure that no liquid is capable of getting into the keyboard itself, and the same goes for dust.
A seemingly big con is that the Smart Keyboard Folio has only two viewing angles, one for productivity, and the other one for watching movies or so. To change these angles you just need to put the iPad in the other grove. There it will stick with really strong magnets. Regardless of the Magic Keyboard, you can adjust viewing angles from 90 to 130 degrees.
Magic Keyboard also has one extra USB-C port, the Smart Keyboard Folio hasn’t got one.
Keyboard and trackpad
The Magic Keyboard has a scissor-switch mechanism, with a key travel of 1 millimeter. The keys on the Smart Keyboard Folio are covered in a canvas-like material that makes the key-travel almost non-existent.
The Magic Keyboard also has a backlight for its keys, that automatically adjust to the ambient light in the room. The Smart Keyboard Folio doesn’t have such an extra.
Some people would be more used to the Smart Keyboard Folio. We say this because it has a brick type arrow key layout.
Both devices lack the function key row, which is considered as a big con.
The answer about the trackpad is really simple – Magic Keyboard has one, but Smart Keyboard Folio doesn’t. Its easier to work with a trackpad, you don’t need to attach an external mouse to get the same effect.
Compatibility
Both of these keyboards work with the iPad Pro 2018 and 2020. But we would suggest using the Smart Keyboard Folio with the iPad Pro 2018. Because the camera cutout on the case is a bit smaller than the actual camera square on the iPad Pro 2020. So the case will be a bit uneven and the magnets may lose some strength.
Connectivity
Both accessories connect with the help of a Smart Connector. So in terms of connectivity their the same.
Our thoughts on both keyboards
In our opinion the Magic Keyboard would be a better keyboard to buy, judging by its functionality. Why so? Because it has more extras than the Smart Keyboard Folio – key backlight, extra USB-C port, and a trackpad.
On the other hand, the Smart Keyboard Folio would be a cheaper solution that covers all the basic needs. Comparing both keyboards meant for iPad Pro 12.9, the Smart Keyboard Folio is half the price of the Magic Keyboard.
So you need to think through the real need of the keyboard while keeping in mind your planned budget.
So here you have it – the pros and cons of the Magic Keyboard. Before considering to buy this accessory, keep in mind the above-mentioned factors. Is this the right keyboard for your tablet? Is it good enough for your needs? There’s a lot to consider. Because nowadays there are a lot of keyboard cases to choose from.
We hope this article was helpful and now you know what to expect after buying the Magic Keyboard. If you have any comments, drop them down below, and we will make sure to respond to them. Have a good one!
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