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Not going to get a better Magic Keyboard alternative than this

E

eyeseeyou

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Feb 4, 2011
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I saw that ESR had released yet another Magic Keyboard alternative clone but with this one I saw a couple things that actually made it pretty unique even when compared to the OG so I picked one up on sale for my 2018 iPad Pro.

I’ve tried a few of these Bluetooth “Magic Keyboards” so here is my experience so far compared to the OG Magic Keyboard and others.

I’ll start off with the cons

CONS
- no direct iPad charging when plugging a usb c cable into the keyboard
- no media keys (just like the MKB)
- slightly smushy/flexible keyboard compared to the MKB
- keyboard needs to be charged
- trackpad isn’t as accurate as the MKB
- heavier than the MKB
- when “raised” the iPad cannot be leaned back too far or it will tip unless you don’t mind pressing down on the keyboard while typing. Still deciding if this defeats the purpose of being able to raise the keyboard

PROS
- on sale it’s around $100ish
- comes with a iPad case
- has latch that protects Apple pencil
- has a usb c port to charge keyboard in same place as the MKB
- can mount the iPad even higher than the MKB possibly making a bit more ergonomic
 
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MacCraig Pro said:
What’s the magnet like? On some of these fakes they’re really weak and render them useless.
Click to expand...
I can’t measure the magnet strength with a number but the iPad sticks to the keyboard strong enough to lift it up.

I’ve never tried one of these types of setups where it had a “weak” magnet though.
 
Macalicious2011 said:
Totally. No keyboard case is perfect. Each one is a compromise with pros and cons depending on how and where you want to use it.
Click to expand...
For me, my main issue, probably with using an iPad as a laptop replacement in general, is how low it is whenever I use it. For that reason, I’ve purposely switched to a Bluetooth setup so I can put the iPad higher somewhere and still use the keyboard.

I actually have a combo touch clone that’s Bluetooth. Works well but the trackpad isn’t as good
 
eyeseeyou said:
For me, my main issue, probably with using an iPad as a laptop replacement in general, is how low it is whenever I use it. For that reason, I’ve purposely switched to a Bluetooth setup so I can put the iPad higher somewhere and still use the keyboard.

I actually have a combo touch clone that’s Bluetooth. Works well but the trackpad isn’t as good
Click to expand...
Excellent point. I have used my iPad on a laptop stand with a mouse and external keyboard. The absence of an on-screen keyboard with the ipad closer to my eyes, makes the screen feel bigger.

I mainly upgraded to an M1 iPad + LCT to serve as a hybrid tablet, laptop, gaming console(with Xbox controller) when I stay at my GF’s house. I have tried hard to push it as a substitute for my M1 MacBook. Unfortunately iPad OS is too limiting and many iPad apps offer a reduced feature set compared with OSX versions.
 
eyeseeyou said:
View attachment 2244039I saw that ESR had released yet another Magic Keyboard alternative clone but with this one I saw a couple things that actually made it pretty unique even when compared to the OG so I picked one up on sale for my 2018 iPad Pro.

I’ve tried a few of these Bluetooth “Magic Keyboards” so here is my experience so far compared to the OG Magic Keyboard and others.

I’ll start off with the cons

CONS
- no direct iPad charging when plugging a usb c cable into the keyboard
- no media keys (just like the MKB)
- slightly smushy/flexible keyboard compared to the MKB
- keyboard needs to be charged
- trackpad isn’t as accurate as the MKB
- heavier than the MKB
- when “raised” the iPad cannot be leaned back too far or it will tip unless you don’t mind pressing down on the keyboard while typing. Still deciding if this defeats the purpose of being able to raise the keyboard

PROS
- on sale it’s around $100ish
- comes with a iPad case
- has latch that protects Apple pencil
- has a usb c port to charge keyboard in same place as the MKB
- can mount the iPad even higher than the MKB possibly making a bit more ergonomic
Click to expand...
Thanks for sharing your detailed experience with the ESR Magic Keyboard alternative! The pros like the affordable price, iPad case, and elevated iPad mount are definitely appealing. Yet, the cons like the lack of direct iPad charging, keyboard feel, and trackpad accuracy do raise some considerations. Your insights are invaluable for those exploring keyboard options.
 
sinango said:
Yet, the cons like the lack of direct iPad charging, keyboard feel, and trackpad accuracy do raise some considerations.
Click to expand...
This is a weakness with most 3rd party keyboard. The Logi Combo Touch has a great touch pad that feels as OEM as my M1 MPB keyboard.

If you want an iPad propped up, you could consider supplementing a LCT with a foldable keyboard when you want the device to be propped up. With the keyboard detached, the iPad is sturdy on the stand and has flexible angles.

Foldable keyboards are not expensive and you can pickup a used one on eBay for £10-15. I know, it's not ideal but as outlined in this thread. No single keyboard covers all use cases.
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