Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro Reviews and Unboxing Videos: Huge Jump Forward in Usability, But Expensive and Heavy

[MacRumors]

Last week, Apple began accepting orders for its new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro, several weeks earlier than anticipated. Now, the media has shared several hands-on reviews and unboxing videos of the keyboard on YouTube.

The Magic Keyboard attaches magnetically to the iPad Pro and has a floating cantilevered design that allows the viewing angle to be adjusted up to 130 degrees. In addition to the full-size keyboard with backlit scissor switch keys, there is also a built-in trackpad, taking advantage of trackpad and mouse support added in iPadOS 13.4.

The Verge's Dieter Bohn was mostly impressed with the Magic Keyboard, noting that the keys both sound and feel better than the Smart Keyboard. Two downsides he pointed out include the overall keyboard case being quite heavy and the keyboard lacking function keys for common tasks. Bohn added that the trackpad is small but works smoothly.

Earlier today, we learned that the combined weight of a 12.9-inch iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard is slightly heavier than the MacBook Air.

Reviews

• The Verge
• Engadget
• TechCrunch
• MobileSyrup
• Gear Patrol
• Daring Fireball

Video Reviews and Unboxings

The Magic Keyboard is available on Apple.com at price of $299 for the 11-inch iPad Pro and $349 for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Article Link: Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro Reviews and Unboxing Videos: Huge Jump Forward in Usability, But Expensive and Heavy

 

[haruhiko]

The keyboard is very sturdy and supports the iPad very well, typing is very good and it has deeper travel than my 2018 MacBook Pro! Keys are backlit it’s so cool. It’s a bit heavy but that’s why it can hold the iPad so firmly. It cannot fold completely to the back.

 

[fokmik]

who thinks to buy an ipad pro with the need for the magic keyboard, should go for the macbook instead....the weight is gone, the dimensions are near...but one runs just ipadOS....the other ipadOS apps, macOS apps, windows apps and linux
So if you need in general a keyboard clear go for macbook air or wait for the 14" Mbp

 

[jcshas]

The Verge review nails it. 👍🏻

 

[Aluminum213]

The keyboard I needed to keep me safe during this pandemic...

 

[jetjaguar]

Yes! iJustine!

 

[Mydel]

Why oh why not to find a spot for holding and charging Apple Pencil. Im loosing them constantly as they detach in the bag!

 

[benshive]

Crazy to think this keyboard case costs more than the HomePod. Looks great but I can't justify spending $350 for it

 

[GuruZac]

The Verge review was excellent. It’s a great, albeit expensive, accessory that I just can’t justify having already own the Smart Folio.
[automerge]1587389774[/automerge]

Crazy to think this keyboard case costs more than the HomePod. Looks great but I can't justify spending $350 for it

Yeah, and for me in Tennessee, it’s 9.25% sales tax on top, so we’re talking about $380 for an accessory...ouch!

 

[petvas]

The Verge review nails it. 👍🏻

All these reviews cannot tell you the truth. They are just too shallow. How much time did the reviewers spend with the keyboard? These videos are just first impressions, nothing more.

 

[hagjohn]

I do not need to pay $300+ dollars for a case/keyboard. $179 was enough for the Smart one for my iPad 11 Pro.

 

[fel10]

Yeah, Im sticking with my Smart Keyboard and Magic Mouse for now.

 

[The Game 161]

Can’t wait for mine to arrive tomorrow. Will he what I’ve needed as my laptop replacement

 

[Rogifan]

The Verge review nails it. 👍🏻

I didn’t get that review. Sites like the Verge have been complaining about the iPad not being a real computer, just being a consumption device for years and now with this review the complaint is it makes the iPad too much like a laptop. Even though the screen is apparently very easy to detach from the keyboard when you want to use the device just to consume.

 

[Veinticinco]

Yes! iJustine!

If you’re referring to her tech review skills (doubtful) I agree her decision to film (or smell, hug and gush over it like a 12 year old) the dark grey keyboard case with space grey iPad Pro on an almost black table for that first 3 minutes is absolute genius 🙄

 

[Rogifan]

The Verge review was excellent. It’s a great, albeit expensive, accessory that I just can’t justify having already own the Smart Folio.

What was excellent about the Verge review?

 

[rp2011]

Ok, after watching the videos i still want it.
Don’t need it. Still want it.
Can’t wait until the camera is switched from portrait to landscape on the iPads.

 

[petvas]

I don’t care about the reviews. I only care about how I feel about the device. I like it very much so far and I don’t share most of the arguments made in the video of TheVerge. My only caveat is that the trackpad could be a bit bigger. I would very much appreciate it, especially when used on my lap, with my legs raised. I would prefer something bigger, but I understand the limitations of the current design.
The built quality is really good, so I believe that the price is justifiable.

 

[nylonsteel]

ugh... no func keys
otherwise promising if i can afford new ipad pro

 

[Joniz]

Okay, if it actually smells like a cinnamon roll, it’s worth the price.

 

[petvas]

ugh... no func keys
otherwise promising if i can afford new ipad pro

Function keys are mostly useful on a desktop OS, but on the iPad I don’t really see the use. I don’t see any apps that support function keys. I would prefer though to have a dedicated multitasking (expose) button.

 

[Herrpod]

Weighs more than a MacBook Air and costs more than one too. And has less functionality! Where do I sign up?!

Only the geniuses at Apple would make a keyboard built specifically for their own devices and leave off something as important as function keys. And then charge 300+ dollars for it. Line up, suckers.

 

[jmgregory1]

The thing that is going to get me to spend the money on it, is the USB-C hinge port for charging. The current cord sticking out the side of the iPad Pro has bothered me for a long time. I use my iPad Pro 12.9 as my daily work device, so when I am at my desk, I keep it plugged in. When traveling, it’s not an issue as I generally don’t charge until I’m done working at night.

Having spent the past month+ using a Magic Trackpad 2, I do wonder if going to such a small trackpad will feel limiting - not to mention having it be beneath the keyboard, compared to my current setup where it’s to the right of my keyboard. I’ve not used my 15” rMBP for more than 2 years, so I’m not used to this format any longer. Maybe it will go back to feeling more natural and faster to slide one hand down, as opposed to moving to the right of the keyboard.

 

[GuruZac]

What was excellent about the Verge review?

He concisely pointed out the pros and cons in his opinion. He demonstrated the rigidity, outlined the build quality, the typing experience of the keyboard and compared directly to the Smart Folio, showed the range of motion with viewing angles, and again reiterated the cost. It was just well done and not overly long.

 

[The Game 161]

He concisely pointed out the pros and cons in his opinion. He demonstrated the rigidity, outlined the build quality, the typing experience of the keyboard and compared directly to the Smart Folio, showed the range of motion with viewing angles, and again reiterated the cost. It was just well done and not overly long.

His content is very good Generally.

looking forward to using mine as a true laptop replacement