Apple’s Magic Keyboard for The iPad Pro
I’ll save you some time, Apple’s Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro is great.
The keyboard unlocks a whole new level of productivity and usability for the iPad and, stop me if you’ve heard this one before, brings the iPad that much closer to actually replacing your computer.
But, it’s still just a keyboard, and one with a hefty price tag. If you can look past that or laugh in the face of budgets, you won’t be disappointed.
Here are a few thoughts on the new Magic Keyboard.
Build Quality
As with all things Apple, build quality is great. The Magic Keyboard is well built and carries a bit of heft that inspires confidence that it will be able to last for a good while.
Apple gets extra points for whatever witchcraft went into the construction of the aluminum (?) hinge that makes this keyboard possible. Every once in awhile Apple reminds us of how far ahead it is in terms of building things that not only work well but look incredible, the hinge on the Magic Keyboard is one of those things.
Unfortunately, the same can’t be said, for the outside of the case. It seems to be the same rubbery material being used in the Smart Keyboard, but with a slightly different texture. At least to my touch. Time will tell, but my Smart Keyboard’s cover has not faired well over time and its disappointing that Apple chose not to upgrade it for a keyboard at this price point.
Typing Experience
The Magic Keyboard’s Keys and Trackpad provide a incredibly enjoyable user experience.
For as much as Apple tends to get right when it comes to user experience, it was quite surprising to see them stick with and double down on keyboard that was globally deadpanned for so long.
Thankfully, the typing experience on the Magic Keyboard is an absolute pleasure. The keys provide just the right amount of travel and click, giving me confidence in what I’m typing. The same cannot be said about my MacBook Pro typing experience.
The Magic Keyboard also includes a trackpad to take advantage of iPadOS’ new cursor functionality. I hadn’t used the feature prior to getting the keyboard, but it’s been a useful feature that I’m glad to have. It makes writing a much easier and more pleasant activity, especially when having to place the cursor in a specific spot. Highlighting text is also much easier to do. I also enjoy not having to reach out and touch the screen while typing, an admittedly first world problem, but it makes writing on the iPad a much more productive endeavor.
Overall, it’s nice inclusion and one that was absolutely necessary as Apple continues to push the iPad as the machine that can replace your laptop.
A number of reviewers have mentioned that they have found themselves running into the iPad when trying to type with the top rows of the keyboard, but I’m happy to report that it’s not an issue I have really run into myself. It has happened a few times, but it has been more a case of user error, than design flaw on Apple’s part.
Some Additional Thoughts
Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro
The keyboard is also backlit, which is a nice touch, but the addition of the backlighting and trackpad have had a small, but noticeable, impact on battery life. However, the keyboard does include a USB-C charge only port that allows the iPad’s port to remain free for all of your dongle needs. The trade off is, in my opinion, well worth it.
I would appreciate the ability to turn off the backlighting during the day automatically in an effort to conserve more battery life. One way I could see that being implemented: tie it to the night mode settings so that it stays off until sunset.
I do wish the hinge allowed for just a few more viewing angles. It’s admittedly nitpicky, but at this price I should be allowed to angle my iPad however I want.
All these features do result in a hefty package that is quite noticeable. It’s not quite as heavy as my 15in MacBook Pro, but it’s pretty close.
The additional weight does, however, make the iPad much more lappable (possibly a made up word) than the Smart Keyboard ever has. If you’ve found yourself getting frustrated when trying to use the iPad and Smart Keyboard on the couch, the Magic Keyboard (and its ridiculously strong magnets) solve that problem for good.
Like all accessories, the Magic Keyboard is a luxury not a necessity. But it’s a luxury that makes using your iPad Pro an even more enjoyable experience. Thankfully, Apple has also made it backwards compatible with the first generation iPad Pro. But again, it’s a luxury. You don’t need it to enjoy your iPad and the Smart Keyboard also gives you a full keyboard at half the cost.
But if you do get it, you won’t be disappointed.