iPad Pro Magic Mouse 2 or Magic Trackpad 2? Best accessory for iPad Pro?

[Populus]

Hi, I’m deciding what should I purchase to be able to use the pointer on an iPad Pro. I usually have my iPad Pro attached to the Smart Keyboard Folio. And no, I’m not interested in the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro, for many reasons, not only price, so please avoid suggesting me to spend nearly 400 bucks in one of those.

Currently I have a first gen Magic Mouse, and a first gen Magic Trackpad, none of which works well on the iPad. So I’m thinking about selling them and getting either a Magic Trackpad 2, or a Magic Mouse 2.

Cost is a factor to consider, right now I’m able to purchase a new black Magic Mouse 2 for just 50 bucks, because someone nearby is selling it. It is a Mac Pro one, so it is pretty cool, but it is essentially the same device on the inside as the white Magic Mouse 2. The Magic Trackpad, on the other hand, is available on the second hand market for 90 or even 100 bucks, which is a lot more.

Specifically, I’d like to know, from those of you who are actively using the iPad with a pointer and a mouse/trackpad, is the Magic Mouse 2 capable of the same gestures as the Magic Trackpad 2? Can I bring up the side bar window (swiping from the right side) with any of the accessories? I use the side-bar window a lot, and I need to keep using it through the mouse/trackpad.

Any other suggestions that may point me towards the Magic Mouse 2 or Magic Trackpad 2 for its use with the iPad Pro are welcomed. I like the Magic Trackpad 2 better, I’ve always liked it, but it is a bit expensive and when it comes to portability, the Magic Mouse 2 wins.

I will use the peripheral with my Mac as well, but anything goes well with my mac (I’ve used both on Mac and honestly I like both), so what’s your experience with gestures on iPad OS 13.5.1 with your MM2 or MK2? Gestures, ease to use, etc...

EDIT: I’m open to third party alternatives as long as they are full compatible with iPadOS and are capable of the same gestures as the Apple Magic accessories.

 

[Johnny Steps]

Unless you need precision, I recommend the magic trackpad 2. The gestures are the biggest advantage over the mouse. I recently had the opportunity to own both and I can tell you it was very annoying have to deal with the lack of gestures on the Magic Mouse 2. If anything, I think the mouse works better more on the Mac side of things, but the trackpad works fantastic for both iPad and Mac. If cost is an issue, I highly advise just saving a bit more for the trackpad.

 

[Foghorn leghorn]

I have both the magic mouse 2 and the trackpad 2. The trackpad 2 works much “smoother” on my iPad Pro. It has more gestures as mentioned and seems to me better paired to the iPad Pro.

 

[Populus]

I have both the magic mouse 2 and the trackpad 2. The trackpad 2 works much “smoother” on my iPad Pro. It has more gestures as mentioned and seems to me better paired to the iPad Pro.

Can you drag the side bar window when multitasking from the right border? With both the MM2 and MT2? Thank you!

 

[Ludatyk]

Can you drag the side bar window when multitasking from the right border? With both the MM2 and MT2? Thank you!

I currently use the MM2 and yeah, you can use the SlideOver with it. Now there’s no gestures to evoke the SlideOver, you simple move the mouse over to the right side and it will automatically show. And like you, I use SlideOver heavily.

I have a MT2 as well, but I primarily use that with my iMac. You really can’t go wrong with anyone of those. If anything... I would try to being price conscious, which ever one you can get at a decent price.

 

[jdb8167]

The Trackpad and Pencil is probably better than a mouse on the iPad Pro. An expensive option but it gives the best of both worlds. The trackpad does all of the new iPadOS gestures very fluidly and the Pencil will give you pixel accurate pointing and drawing. I haven’t used the MM2 on the iPad Pro but in general, I find trackpads work with gestures better than mice.

 

[Ludatyk]

I haven’t used the MM2 on the iPad Pro but in general, I find trackpads work with gestures better than mice.

I've used both. And yeah, you right... gestures work better with the MT2 over MM2. However, you can still evoke the dock or App Expose with the MM2. I can use both the MM2 and MT2 with no issues...

 

[Populus]

I currently use the MM2 and yeah, you can use the SlideOver with it. Now there’s no gestures to evoke the SlideOver, you simple move the mouse over to the right side and it will automatically show. And like you, I use SlideOver heavily.

I have a MT2 as well, but I primarily use that with my iMac. You really can’t go wrong with anyone of those. If anything... I would try to being price conscious, which ever one you can get at a decent price.

Thank you very much for your explanation.
Actually, I was going to ask you something more, but I think this will help me a lot:

iPad OS Trackpad Gestures:

Trackpad gestures for iPad

On iPad, use a trackpad to interact with items on the screen.

support.apple.com

iPad OS Mouse Gestures:

Mouse actions and gestures for iPad

On iPad, use a mouse to interact with items on the screen.

support.apple.com

 

[ejin222]

I have both and the gestures on the Trackpad 2 make it a better long term investment. Just the mere ability to pinch to zoom makes the Trackpad a better option for me. Good luck!