bought a smart keyboard for my ipad pro 11 from Amazon. i have until middle of January to return it, so i still have time to switch it out with a magic keyboard. can anyone in plain English stating the benefits of that over the smart keyboard for an ipad pro? thanks in advance.
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iPad Pro is magic keyboard really worth the extra $$$ over smart keyboard for ipad pro?
- Thread starter kevjen888
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Built-in trackpad. Of course, if you prefer mouse input or are fine constantly reaching for the screen for touch input, then the Smart Keyboard is fine.
I went the Logitech Combo Touch route for my Pro 10.5 and Air 3 since with that, the case and keyboard are separate so I can still use my current slimmer, lighter folio case.
If I do get keyboard+trackpad for the newer Air 4 and iPad Pros, I think I'll probably pony up for the Magic Keyboard since the Logitech version for those are hard to take off when you want to go pure tablet mode.
I went the Logitech Combo Touch route for my Pro 10.5 and Air 3 since with that, the case and keyboard are separate so I can still use my current slimmer, lighter folio case.
If I do get keyboard+trackpad for the newer Air 4 and iPad Pros, I think I'll probably pony up for the Magic Keyboard since the Logitech version for those are hard to take off when you want to go pure tablet mode.
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Advantages, in order of importance:
1. Trackpad
2. Much better as a laptop than the Smart Keyboard. It is very stable when actually used on the lap.
3. A better keyboard with backlight.
Disadvantages:
1. So heavy! Only that.
I switched from a smart keyboard to a magic keyboard. I use the iPad a lot as a tablet, carrying it around in the magic keyboard, and it works very well switching between tablet and laptop mode. What I have never gotten used to is the heft of the combination. That’s the real downside.
At least from personal experience, you generally get used to it after a while.
For me, it has been worth the $300. I doubt i would be using my iPad Pro as much as I have been without it. It has helped make using the iPad Pro a real pleasure.
I think I can speak for many in this forum when I say that the Magic Keyboard has changed the experience and usage of the iPad Pro for the better.
The benefits of the Magic Keyboard for me are;
Disadvantages;
- Much better keyboard feel and sound (like a MacBook)
- Backlit keyboard (great for using in poor light)
- Greater adjustability of viewing angles for iPad Pro
- Trackpad (although I mostly use for gestures such as swipe up and still use touch predominately)
- Pass through charging port allowing the main USB-C port to be used for other purposes
- Grease on keyboard does not get imprinted on screen like Smart Keyboard folio
- Cooler and more premium design with iPad floating above keyboard
Disadvantages;
- Heavier (about double the weight)
- Not so stable on uneven surface, or for lap use (although quite acceptable, so no big worry)
- Drink spilt on keyboard could be disaster, where as can just be wiped off Smart Keyboard folio
- The extra height and depth of Magic keyboard makes it less suitable to use on aircraft tray table or in other confined spaces
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I’ll offer an opposite view. I tried out the Magic Keyboard before returning it.
I agree with all the pros and cons up above.
The main reason I returned is for my own use case vs value. I bought the Magic Keyboard to see if it’ll help me with using the iPad as a laptop replacement for work. I’ve been using Logitech Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for months to do work on the iPad. Keyboard is fine, but mouse experience isn’t great (scrolling jankyness and missing “back“ in Safari).
I didn’t realize how missing a dedicated Esc and forward delete keys negatively affected how I use the keyboard (especially when I log into remote computers using VIM text editor). I know about remapping the keys and keyboard shortcuts and did use it. I noticed I used the 11” Pro more like a laptop instead of a tablet when I had the Magic Keyboard. I kinda felt like I’m picking between using the iPad as a tablet vs as a laptop. Say when I take off the iPad to use as tablet, then I want to type more, I’d have to get up and grab the Magic Keyboard or bring it with me at home. With the smart keyboard, it seems like you have the flexibility to transform to typing mode and tablet mode more seemless.
Then I realized I want to enjoy the ipad in tablet mode more when not working. If I want a laptop like experience, my laptop offers a much better laptop experience without the iPadOS limitations. The keyboard experience is better on my bluetooth keyboard. That and the $300 in my opinion would be better applied to a Apple Silicon MacBook since that'll have a much better laptop experience since one. If the Magic Keyboard was much cheaper, I’d have kept it.
The only way for you to really know if you’d like the Magic Keyboard is to buy from a place with good return policy and try. Or go try it in the Apple Store..but sometimes it’s hard to from the store experience vs a longer term at home feel.
I agree with all the pros and cons up above.
The main reason I returned is for my own use case vs value. I bought the Magic Keyboard to see if it’ll help me with using the iPad as a laptop replacement for work. I’ve been using Logitech Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for months to do work on the iPad. Keyboard is fine, but mouse experience isn’t great (scrolling jankyness and missing “back“ in Safari).
I didn’t realize how missing a dedicated Esc and forward delete keys negatively affected how I use the keyboard (especially when I log into remote computers using VIM text editor). I know about remapping the keys and keyboard shortcuts and did use it. I noticed I used the 11” Pro more like a laptop instead of a tablet when I had the Magic Keyboard. I kinda felt like I’m picking between using the iPad as a tablet vs as a laptop. Say when I take off the iPad to use as tablet, then I want to type more, I’d have to get up and grab the Magic Keyboard or bring it with me at home. With the smart keyboard, it seems like you have the flexibility to transform to typing mode and tablet mode more seemless.
Then I realized I want to enjoy the ipad in tablet mode more when not working. If I want a laptop like experience, my laptop offers a much better laptop experience without the iPadOS limitations. The keyboard experience is better on my bluetooth keyboard. That and the $300 in my opinion would be better applied to a Apple Silicon MacBook since that'll have a much better laptop experience since one. If the Magic Keyboard was much cheaper, I’d have kept it.
The only way for you to really know if you’d like the Magic Keyboard is to buy from a place with good return policy and try. Or go try it in the Apple Store..but sometimes it’s hard to from the store experience vs a longer term at home feel.
Yes it is. I spent 2.5 years with the Smart Keyboard on my 10.5 inch iPad Pro. The month before I upgraded to the 11 inch pro I got the Logitech combo. It was miles better the Smart Keyboard. Better keyboard, the trackpad changes the experience and having more than one fixed viewing angle is important too.
Then I upgraded to the 11 inch pro. I got the Smart Keyboard because I didn’t want to pay for the magic Keyboard. Going back to the Smart Keyboard was awful. The keyboard was hard, not enough travel and the experience was cumbersome without a trackpad. I bit the bullet and got the Magic keyboard. I can honestly say it’s worth every penny. It’s miles better than the Logitech combo and the Smart Keyboard shouldn’t even be mentioned in the same breath.
Then I upgraded to the 11 inch pro. I got the Smart Keyboard because I didn’t want to pay for the magic Keyboard. Going back to the Smart Keyboard was awful. The keyboard was hard, not enough travel and the experience was cumbersome without a trackpad. I bit the bullet and got the Magic keyboard. I can honestly say it’s worth every penny. It’s miles better than the Logitech combo and the Smart Keyboard shouldn’t even be mentioned in the same breath.
I got two iPads recently. Air for kids (school, games, drawing). Pro for me (video/photo editing, typing, reading, computer replacement). For us, these combos is the only way it could have worked out for our individual needs:
Air4 + Smart Keyboard
- Folds back for drawing/tablet use (more protection, less clutter)
- Lightweight (doesnt seem to add any weight over a regular cover)
- Keyboard (Considering limitations, its actually a comfortable keyboard)
- Price ($99 black friday sale)
Pro11 + Magic Keyboard
- Trackpad (makes traditional computing easier)
- Keyboard (feels like a Mac keyboard)
- Screen Elevation/Hinge (more comfortable angles)
- Detachable Base (Easily go from sturdy computer to lightweight tablet)
Personally, I prefer the 11+MK but whenever I use their Air/ASK then I do get jealous at how lightweight it is. So, while I think the MK is worth it for users that can afford it, I dont think that choosing to save money/weight on a Smart Keyboard is entirely a downgrade. In fact, my decision to buy my kid an Air was heavily due to the cross compatibility of accessories because once we are able to go back into the world again then I plan on “borrowing” that lightweight Smart Keyboard a lot.
Air4 + Smart Keyboard
- Folds back for drawing/tablet use (more protection, less clutter)
- Lightweight (doesnt seem to add any weight over a regular cover)
- Keyboard (Considering limitations, its actually a comfortable keyboard)
- Price ($99 black friday sale)
Pro11 + Magic Keyboard
- Trackpad (makes traditional computing easier)
- Keyboard (feels like a Mac keyboard)
- Screen Elevation/Hinge (more comfortable angles)
- Detachable Base (Easily go from sturdy computer to lightweight tablet)
Personally, I prefer the 11+MK but whenever I use their Air/ASK then I do get jealous at how lightweight it is. So, while I think the MK is worth it for users that can afford it, I dont think that choosing to save money/weight on a Smart Keyboard is entirely a downgrade. In fact, my decision to buy my kid an Air was heavily due to the cross compatibility of accessories because once we are able to go back into the world again then I plan on “borrowing” that lightweight Smart Keyboard a lot.
But a base M1 Air is not an iPad, and an iPad is not an M1 Air.
Sometimes I just want to lay on the couch and watch something with "just" the iPad screen. It's always going to be awkward trying to do that with an M1 Air/traditional laptop.
The Magic keyboard gives me >90% of the keyboard functionality of a traditional laptop, but often 100%. An Air can never give me 100% of the functionality of an iPad + Magic Keyboard.
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Personally I think the only benefit of the smart keyboard is if you are making your iPad your laptop replacement. If you use your iPad in addition to a regular computer, then it's way overpriced IMHO.
I have both. Bought the MK after the other one as it had not been released.
Yes, it is worth it. Highly recommended. Changed how I used my iPad Pro.
Yes, it is worth it. Highly recommended. Changed how I used my iPad Pro.
I bought and returned the magic keyboard. It’s not that it’s bad. It’s just not worth the idiotic price they’re charging for it.
Just noticed Costco has both the Apple Magic Keyboards for $50 off msrp...
At $250, a bit more tempting..just a bit more. 😂
At this point, I'm half wondering if a Magic Trackpad 2 is better purchase for me. I did love the trackpad gestures of the Magic Keyboard.
At $250, a bit more tempting..just a bit more. 😂
At this point, I'm half wondering if a Magic Trackpad 2 is better purchase for me. I did love the trackpad gestures of the Magic Keyboard.
I'm unsure which one to go with and given COVID restrictions, I'm not able to properly assess them in person.
I could certainly order online and have them delivered to my home.
Do you feel guilty buying both to try out at home and ultimately returning one or both?
Where does the returned item go? Refurbished or liquidators?
It feels wrong, even though Apple can afford it.
I could certainly order online and have them delivered to my home.
Do you feel guilty buying both to try out at home and ultimately returning one or both?
Where does the returned item go? Refurbished or liquidators?
It feels wrong, even though Apple can afford it.
It’s not for me. I tried the Magic Trackpad 2 with the Smart Keyboard because I didn’t want to pony up for the magic keyboard. It’s just not as convenient. Also the keyboard on the magic keyboard is a lot nicer than the Smart Keyboard. I ended up getting the magic keyboard less than 10
Days after picking up the Magic Trackpad 2.
To me the Magic keyboards feels cheap. Not at all like a 300 dollar product. The Magic Trackpad 2 very much feels like a quality device though. It won't be as convenient as an all-in-one accessory, but combined with a good keyboard and its a better combo, and cheaper, than the magic keyboard. I just can't get over the price of the magic keyboard. In no world is that thing worth that price.
It may feel cheap to you, although that is very subjective. It also isn’t worth the price to you and that is fine. Your personal world doesn’t extend to everyone else.
Same material as the folio cover, which easily gets marked, freys on the edges, wrinkles in it, all with mostly home use.
So yes cheap and way overpriced imo.
So yes cheap and way overpriced imo.
Is calling out the Magic Keyboard material considered subjective? Considering how good the keyboard is on the inside, the outside should be much more premium. No color options. Bland aesthetics. Permanent discoloration. Fraying edges. Slippery/lacks texture. Exposed metal underside frame for some. And we haven’t even actually used these outside of the house much yet.
These keyboards work great but that exterior material choice is not something Ive ever seen defended before.
Again, cheap is subjective. I didn’t buy the Magic Keyboard for looks, although I am not crazy about the outer material. I believe it was done to keep the weight down as well as being able to clean. I have had it since the end of June and I don’t have any fraying or any other wear problems and I am mobile with my iPad Pro quite often.
I also think the Magic Keyboard price should be lower than $300.
The member I was replying to wrapped his personal subjective “cheap” comment in a once size fits all wrapper and you can’t do that. That is why i made the logical retort I did.
I get some other people are harder on their devices than me. And if they are unhappy with the wear on the Magic Keyboard, pay the $29 AC+deductible and get it fixed or replaced. If someone didn’t buy AC+ and were unhappy with the keyboard from week 1 but, didn’t return it, that is on said person.
It is objectively overpriced.
The Magic Keyboard pays for itself within an hour or two from the productivity gains alone. It's a stunning piece of technology, beautifully designed and engineered. It makes using an iPad Pro an even more delightful experience and is well worth the price.