Magic Keyboard (makes iPad a bit redundant)

[James Godfrey]

Just want to see how you all feel about the Magic Keyboard now it’s been out for a while...

I have found using the Magic Keyboard sort of enforces using the iPad more as a laptop rather than a tablet, I think this is mainly due to the fact there is no ‘tablet’ mode with the Magic Keyboard.

For me trying to keep the iPad protected means I need to remove the iPad from the MK and put it in the Smart folio just to start using it in tablet mode which is quite annoying in all honestly...

I am starting to feel that the Magic Keyboard is primarily for people who want to use their iPad as a laptop the vast majority of the time... but it sort of baffles me, because if that is the case for the user, would it make sense to get an actual MacBook as it is cheaper, lighter, more durable and more capable... which leans me towards feeling the Magic Keyboard makes the iPad a bit redundant now...

I am seriously considering just getting a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse and keeping the iPad in its folio and pulling them out when I need them...

I was looking at the Smart Keyboard Folio but I just don’t think I would like the keys and would miss the trackpad when I want to use my iPad as a laptop...

What’s is everyone’s thoughts... does the MK make the iPad a bit redundant, or am I just missing something...???

 

[sparksd]

I don't think it makes the iPad redundant at all. An iPad on an MK can be readily turned into a tablet form factor; a MacBook can't at all. And not everybody puts the iPad into a case when removing it from the Mk and even when doing that, it is not a matter of significant inconvenience.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Sounds like you bought the Magic Keyboard on impulse and it really doesn't match how you use your iPad.

I use my iPad as a tablet and as a laptop when I am at work. It is much more portable versus a MBA or MBP.

Removing the iPad to place in a Smart Cover is not a big to deal me.

 

[James Godfrey]

Sounds like you bought the Magic Keyboard on impulse and it really doesn't match how you use your iPad.

I use my iPad as a tablet and as a laptop when I am at work. It is much more portable versus a MBA or MBP.

Removing the iPad to place in a Smart Cover is not a big to deal me.

Yeah it may be because I don’t do a huge amount of typing, but need a decent keyboard now and again when the need arises that is making me feel this way... I can’t stand keyboards with hardly any travel so that’s why I don’t think I will like the Smart Keyboard folio.

I’m not 100% sure what to do, but having a keyboard attached to my iPad the majority of the time isn’t something that is required for my use case... maybe that’s the reason I am leaning towards a Bluetooth keyboard and trackpad rather than the MK...

 

[Robbosan]

I agree, I prefer the iPad as a iPad, and don’t like the 11” naked so use the folio, tried the mkb I did like it but a pain to keep swapping to the folio, bought a M1 Air so best of both.

 

[James Godfrey]

I agree, I prefer the iPad as a iPad, and don’t like the 11” naked so use the folio, tried the mkb I did like it but a pain to keep swapping to the folio, bought a M1 Air so best of both.

Yeah I think when I got the Magic Keyboard, I was really sold on the idea of using the iPad as a laptop... but for a quite a few reasons, I don’t think the Magic Keyboard isn’t for me, including:

1. Adds quite a lot of weight.
2. No ‘tablet’ mode.
3. On the 11” the keyboard and trackpad are a bit too small.
4. Cumbersome to have to switch cases when wanting to use the iPad as a tablet.
5. Difficult to open.
6. The case is geared more towards desk use, something which I don’t have the space for unfortunately.
7. The price is quite expensive.
8. The material wears easily, probably be screwed after a couple of years.
9. Having to get a new case each time Apple decide to change the design of the iPad and Magic Keyboard whenever you upgrade.

For me as I will likely use my iPad as an iPad a lot of the time, this makes the Magic Keyboard a bit pointless for me I think, I have decided I am going to get apples Bluetooth keyboard and trackpad, for those occasions I need to type stuff up etc... as I feel this options has a lot of pros going for it:

1. Can keep my iPad in the same case, no need to keep switching cases.
2. These are made from better materials and will last a lot longer with general use.
3. They will be compatible with future iPad’s I upgrade to so no need to rebuy.
4. Full size keyboard and trackpad.
5. Not too big to carry around if I need them away from home.

I think in future if Apple came up with a Magic Keyboard that is made from a more durable material and collapses into a tablet mode I would likely consider it again, but until then I just don’t think that set up is for me, which I am a bit gutted about to be honest.

 

[satchmo]

I agree, I prefer the iPad as a iPad, and don’t like the 11” naked so use the folio, tried the mkb I did like it but a pain to keep swapping to the folio, bought a M1 Air so best of both.

But a MBA can’t be used as a vertical tablet iPad.

Yeah it may be because I don’t do a huge amount of typing, but need a decent keyboard now and again when the need arises that is making me feel this way... I can’t stand keyboards with hardly any travel so that’s why I don’t think I will like the Smart Keyboard folio.

I’m not 100% sure what to do, but having a keyboard attached to my iPad the majority of the time isn’t something that is required for my use case... maybe that’s the reason I am leaning towards a Bluetooth keyboard and trackpad rather than the MK...

Until Apple decides to ‘fix’ the MK, consider a third party keyboard case like Logitech. But frankly Apple positions the MK more as a docking solution. I’m more disappointed that it’s missing a row of media keys.

 

[Apple_Robert]

But a MBA can’t be used as a vertical tablet iPad.



Until Apple decides to ‘fix’ the MK, consider a third party keyboard case like Logitech. But frankly Apple positions the MK more as a docking solution. I’m more disappointed that it’s missing a row of media keys.

Don't forget an escape key. I realize escape can be triggered using the key combination but I don't think we should have to do that especially on a $300 keyboard.

 

[Robbosan]

But a MBA can’t be used as a vertical tablet iPad.

No kidding, I have a 11" pro for that.

 

[saninl]

I understand the discussion about the use of iPads. For me, a more hybride way of working with the iPad is comfortable. Therefore, look at other types of cases, like the ones that I mention below. They all have some protection and when needed, you can use a keyboard. But also, you can grab the iPad and get on a chair to use some of the entertainment that the iPad can offer you.

I use the iPad without the keyboard (&trackpad) at home. And going to work, I take the whole package.

Logitech Combo Touch (https://www.logitech.com/nl-nl/products/ipad-keyboards/combo-touch.html)
Zagg Pro Keys (https://www.zagg.com/en_us/pro-keys-ipad-10.2)

 

[satchmo]

Ah, I misunderstood. I thought you replaced the iPad with the MacBook Air.

 

[BigMcGuire]

Yeah it may be because I don’t do a huge amount of typing, but need a decent keyboard now and again when the need arises that is making me feel this way... I can’t stand keyboards with hardly any travel so that’s why I don’t think I will like the Smart Keyboard folio.

I’m not 100% sure what to do, but having a keyboard attached to my iPad the majority of the time isn’t something that is required for my use case... maybe that’s the reason I am leaning towards a Bluetooth keyboard and trackpad rather than the MK...

As someone who has about 5-6 keyboard (bluetooth) laying around I could never justify a $300 keyboard for my iPad. I have several multi-device keyboards too that work really well with my iPad. In fact, I’m using one right now to write this via my iPad Pro 11 (Logitech K811). It doesn’t require any attachment or removal and the only problem I have is forgetting to turn off the keyboard when I walk away and need to type something out, lol.

Considering I have a MacBook - yeah, no way I could justify it imo.

 

[Necassery_Dot_9121]

As someone who has about 5-6 keyboard (bluetooth) laying around I could never justify a $300 keyboard for my iPad. I have several multi-device keyboards too that work really well with my iPad. In fact, I’m using one right now to write this via my iPad Pro 11 (Logitech K811). It doesn’t require any attachment or removal and the only problem I have is forgetting to turn off the keyboard when I walk away and need to type something out, lol.

Considering I have a MacBook - yeah, no way I could justify it imo.

I feel the same way. I love the mkb but i cant justify it. I have the apple bluetooth keyboard for when i need to type something out. But i hardly use it. Only when I’m on the go and I only take my ipad Pro. Which doesn't happen a lot in lockdown. I have the m1 macbook air for work. My ipad is for drawing, mail, browsing, reading etc and it compliments my work setup. the MKB is great but only if you use your ipad as your main personal computer.

 

[danmart]

I don’t do a huge amount of typing, but need a decent keyboard now and again

I think this is the heart of your conundrum. I see the range of diffferent cases as suiting people with different levels of need for a keyboard. Spend 90% of your time typing? The Magic Keyboard case is for you. 50/50? Maybe the Smart Keyboard case. 25% of the time? Use a Bluetooth keyboard. Only occasional typing? Touch screen.

Personally, I have a Bluetooth Magic Keyboard that I use with my iPad Pro 12.9 for more extended typing, and stick to the touch screen the rest of the time.

 

[James Godfrey]

I think this is the heart of your conundrum. I see the range of diffferent cases as suiting people with different levels of need for a keyboard. Spend 90% of your time typing? The Magic Keyboard case is for you. 50/50? Maybe the Smart Keyboard case. 25% of the time? Use a Bluetooth keyboard. Only occasional typing? Touch screen.

Personally, I have a Bluetooth Magic Keyboard that I use with my iPad Pro 12.9 for more extended typing, and stick to the touch screen the rest of the time.

Yeah I think at the time of getting the Magic Keyboard I really was sold on it, but then realised how little I actually want to use my iPP as a laptop vs as a tablet... i think for me I won’t entertain the Magic Keyboard again in the future unless it was a lot lighter and has a tablet mode, I think if this happened I would give it another shot.

 

[C. Robert]

The MK makes the iPad a machine un like anything out there. It’s an amazing package.

 

[KittyKatta]

For me then ive gotten to the point where a tablet is landscape.

If I need a walk around device or if i use a portrait mode app then I would use my phone. But if I grab the iPad then its mostly in landscape and mostly in the magic keyboard. And that “mostly” is what makes me love the iPad so much. I “mostly” use my tablet as a computer but when I want to touch the screen or detach it or draw then I can.

 

[tops2]

@James Godfrey: I basically had the same conclusion as you the brief period that I had it. I ended up using my 11" iPad Pro as a "laptop" instead of a "tablet". And the whole time as a "laptop", the limitations of iPadOS was too annoying to me for work purposes.

The biggest deal breakers for me are:
- Missing physical "Esc" key/forward delete key: The keyboard combination for "Esc" and forward delete works in some iOS apps. But the apps I use to remote login into work servers, these keyboard combos don't work.
- Inconvenience of swapping between tablet and laptop mode like you mentioned. I have a tablet stand that I place a bluetooth keyboard and mouse under the iPad (with a folio case on). This stand doesn't have anything to clamp or adjust each time you take off or put on the ipad so its "seemless" to me. The adjustable height and angle of my stand is much much higher than the Magic Keyboard and more comfortable during extended use, while allowing me to keep my keyboard at a good angle.
- Stiff hinge: This is a double edge sword for me. It feels pretty secure to keep the iPad closed or when its opened. But when I'm at home, I just keep the case opened because I don't want to keep openining and closing the case..which makes it something I "think" about vs when I just use a folio case.

There's other issues like you mentioned.

To be honest, if the cost was much much cheaper, I can overlook most of the issues. The price is hard for me to justify (even at the sale price of $199) vs the issues I care about and my current setup. Maybe if I didn't have my existing setup for months, I wouldn't have noticed some of these issues.

My iPad setup for when at a table is a tablet stand, Logitech K380 (I have it paired to my iPad, Raspberry Pi, and Windows laptop), and a Magic Trackpad 2.

 

[Lotuskid]

for my uses the mkb has kind of made laptops redundant. And I still have the flexibility of using it as a writing device for handwritten notes (i recently began taking a language class) which can't be replicated with laptops easily.

also using the ipad is just a little more fun and intimate than using a laptop.

so i recently sold my macbook pro and am switching to a mac mini + ipad pro combo for my computing needs, and part of being able to do that is the added functionality of the mbk

 

[satchmo]

for my uses the mkb has kind of made laptops redundant. And I still have the flexibility of using it as a writing device for handwritten notes (i recently began taking a language class) which can't be replicated with laptops easily.

also using the ipad is just a little more fun and intimate than using a laptop.

so i recently sold my macbook pro and am switching to a mac mini + ipad pro combo for my computing needs, and part of being able to do that is the added functionality of the mbk

I'm dreaming of a day when we get the best features of Apple's two iPad keyboards.

The floating hinge with trackpad and backlit keys of the MKB with the lightweight foldability of the Smart Folio.
Oh, and throw in a row of media keys too.

 

[kht410]

I am starting to feel that the Magic Keyboard is primarily for people who want to use their iPad as a laptop the vast majority of the time... but it sort of baffles me, because if that is the case for the user, would it make sense to get an actual MacBook as it is cheaper, lighter, more durable and more capable... which leans me towards feeling the Magic Keyboard makes the iPad a bit redundant now...

I used the Magic Keyboard for about a year but now I’m just using the iPad with a Smart Folio and Apple Pencil. No keyboard at all.

In my opinion, the iPad is best when it’s just used as a tablet. The touch input and Apple Pencil input is what really separates it from a MacBook. I see the iPad as a really powerful device for tasks involving digital handwriting, drawing and design, not as a laptop replacement. I don’t think it will ever match a MacBook as a laptop, just like how a MacBook will never be able to do some tasks that the iPad can. They are meant to complement each other. Having a keyboard, especially one that is as expensive as MKB, just doesn’t make sense to me anymore. The moment you buy a MKB for any compatible iPad, you’re in the MacBook pricing territory. Unless you really like iPadOS, at that price point why not just get an actual laptop if you’re already planning to have a laptop?

With that being said, this is just my experience. Everyone has different workflows and preferences. I’d understand it if anyone sees the value in the Magic Keyboard. It’s a really nice keyboard, just not for me unfortunately.

edit: simplified

 

[Bobcat32]

The iPad becomes a tablet once again without the MKB attached. It is a tablet first. The entire experience is centered around that fact. I love tablets. But I want a Laptop experience too. I do not wish to own 2 devices as it is redundant and unnecessary. Not to mention expensive. And I’m not a developer and require a laptop. And as a gamer there are video game consoles for the other side of things. So what exactly is the ancient imo laptops for anymore other than developers? No one. IMO. The tablet is king and will continue to be so even more as time progresses. And the incorperation of some legacy features related to the old way of laptops will continue to come over to the tablet from factor as time goes on. I.e the MKB. I personally keep my iPad docked all the time as now the entire experience is superior in every way other than the obvious software shortcomings we all know and gripe about. IMO. We will see what life looks like in 2040 in tablet land. I think we may be pleasantly surprised.

 

[usagora]

For me trying to keep the iPad protected means I need to remove the iPad from the MK and put it in the Smart folio just to start using it in tablet mode which is quite annoying in all honestly...

I am starting to feel that the Magic Keyboard is primarily for people who want to use their iPad as a laptop the vast majority of the time... but it sort of baffles me, because if that is the case for the user, would it make sense to get an actual MacBook as it is cheaper, lighter, more durable and more capable... which leans me towards feeling the Magic Keyboard makes the iPad a bit redundant now...

Seems pretty simple to me. The iPad is for people who want a touch interface and ultra-portability with the added bonus of being able to use a traditional keyboard and mouse when they want to for certain tasks. A Macbook doesn't have a touch screen nor a ton of apps that people use on the iPad (or if there is a Mac version, they prefer the iPad version for the touch interface, speed, etc.). I don't think it's a a logical conclusion to say "the Magic Keyboard is primarily for people who want to use their iPad as a laptop the vast majority of the time." I'd say "frequently" vs. "vast majority." In other words, there's still a large amount of time they use it without a physical keyboard.

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

Seems pretty simple to me. The iPad is for people who want a touch interface and ultra-portability with the added bonus of being able to use a traditional keyboard and mouse when they want to for certain tasks. A Macbook doesn't have a touch screen nor a ton of apps that people use on the iPad (or if there is a Mac version, they prefer the iPad version for the touch interface, speed, etc.). I don't think it's a a logical conclusion to say "the Magic Keyboard is primarily for people who want to use their iPad as a laptop the vast majority of the time." I'd say "frequently" vs. "vast majority." In other words, there's still a large amount of time they use it without a physical keyboard.

Exactly. I really don’t get the whole, why not just get a MacBook? Because the MacBook doesn’t do what I want. It doesn’t let me draw/write on a whiteboard for my students. It doesn’t give me the touchscreen interface I really enjoy when gaming. So what if sometimes I like to stick it on the MK and type as well? The MK isn’t taking away from the iPad, it is adding an option. If to you it is too expensive for something that is just used part of the time, then don’t buy one! I prefer the form factor of the MK to other keyboard options, so I did.

 

[Mobile923]

Apple released 3 cases, all targeting different ranges of how people use their iPad:

1) Smart Folio (for those who want to use it primarily as a touch tablet)

2) Smart Folio Keyboard (for those who want to use it both as a touch tablet but a desktop experience when it comes to typing)

3) Magic Keyboard (for those who want to use it more like a desktop all around)

Pick what’s best for you! There will be compromises, but that only makes room for their own advantages for each one