iPad Pro Ok… I LOVE the Magic Keyboard

[Sensamic]

Just bought today the Magic Keyboard for my iPad Pro 11 after owning the tablet for 8 months. Previously was using the apple wireless keyboard and magic mouse 2, but I use both with my iMac 27 and I had to reconnect them both to the iMac every time I used them with the iPad and viceversa. It was a pain.

The MK is too expensive though. I would have bought it long ago if it were cheaper. Anyway, it has excellent quality and having the iPad floating is such a great feature. Also being able to charge the tablet from both sides, unlike with a MacBook. Just came in handy a few minutes ago.

I haven´t had problems with the trackpad size. Being playing with the keyboard for a few hours, just using my iPad more like a laptop now. At the stores I was not convinced but at home I haven´t had problems yet. I finally decided to buy the MK because I wanted to use the iPad Pro more like a laptop, but also still being able to quickly change to use it back again as a tablet. With my previous setup that wasn´t possible. Now, I just connect or disconnect the iPad from the MK seamlessly and so fast. Awesome.

Ive used it on my lap (with a big book underneath for more stability and comfort, this is personal) and on the desk. I also love the size for couch use, being smaller than a 13 inch laptop. Screen is more than adequate for this kind of scenarios.

So, overall, extremely pleased with this setup. I know I´m in the honeymoon phase right now. I will be extremely careful with the MK so it can last me years in good condition. I was thinking of buying an M2 Air, but with this setup I get 120hz, faceID, tablet + laptop combo and always on device. I work on my iMac so just wanted something to web surf, chill, streaming and such. I hope this setup, thanks to the M1 and 8GB RAM and 120hz screen, can last me at least for the next 6 years.

Juat wrote all of this with the MK, so great typing experience. Bought the black color, which I believe will stay cleaner in the long run and also looks better with my space grey iPad Pro. It is amazing how just buying the MK can enhance so much the iPad experience, turning it into a mini laptop. I now also have another benefit of this setup, which is to web surf and do everything on the iPad without needing to hold the tablet with my hands, therefore it is much more comfortable and enjoyable to do any task on it.

EDIT: I hope Apple manages to add function keys in a future version of the MK. It needs them to be 10/10.

 

[Abazigal]

I would have loved the magic keyboard too, except I found it too heavy and unwieldy, and it couldn't fold on its back.

I had this idea of using it as a keyboard dock (eg: leave it at my desk, bring my iPad with me into class (with a cheap magnetic folio protector I got on amazon), attach it back after class when I want something to type with. Maybe I will try this with the next iPad Pro refresh if stage manager proves compelling enough.

 

[Sensamic]

Stage Manager will make my setup even better. Like I previously said, I don’t do intensive stuff with the iPad. For that I have my iMac 27 inch, so having more options to multitask with the iPad, even though not perfect still, will come really in handy for my workflow with the iPad. Really excited for that. For those that have an external monitor I bet it will be great if they just do normal tasks.

 

[ndouglas]

Glad to hear you’re enjoying it. I do too, although the edges bug me as they cut into my legs uncomfortably when using it on my lap, that’s a minor gripe. Similarly, its outer material is peeling off at corners and at the back, so it doesn’t seem to be very sturdy. (Again given the price.)
I’ve had it close to a year now, maybe 9 months.
As you and many have noted, it’s way too expensive, nevertheless, after all the pros and cons, I’m pretty happy with it, as it provides a good overall experience and facilitates using the ipad as a “best of both worlds” type of tablet+laptop combo device. Good points about how much it can enhance the experience.

 

[Dealmans]

Stage Manager will make my setup even better. Like I previously said, I don’t do intensive stuff with the iPad. For that I have my iMac 27 inch, so having more options to multitask with the iPad, even though not perfect still, will come really in handy for my workflow with the iPad. Really excited for that. For those that have an external monitor I bet it will be great if they just do normal tasks.

stage manager is hopeless on the 11", have turned it off

 

[Sensamic]

stage manager is hopeless on the 11", have turned it off

I find the screen size ideal for light usage. I mean, using it in the couch is way more comfortable than having a 13 inch laptop or iPad Pro 12.9. It also allows me to use the iPad just as a tablet holding it with my hand, whereas with the bigger one that would be really uncomfortable.

Stage Manager will obviously be better on the 12.9, but I think my usage will also benefit from this feature, since I only use my iPad for entertainment and simple tasks.

 

[Dealmans]

I find the screen size ideal for light usage. I mean, using it in the couch is way more comfortable than having a 13 inch laptop or iPad Pro 12.9. It also allows me to use the iPad just as a tablet holding it with my hand, whereas with the bigger one that would be really uncomfortable.

Stage Manager will obviously be better on the 12.9, but I think my usage will also benefit from this feature, since I only use my iPad for entertainment and simple tasks.

I have it now on my 11", it's too small to be any good believe me

 

[Mark Stone]

Just bought today the Magic Keyboard for my iPad Pro 11 after owning the tablet for 8 months. Previously was using the apple wireless keyboard and magic mouse 2, but I use both with my iMac 27 and I had to reconnect them both to the iMac every time I used them with the iPad and viceversa. It was a pain.

The MK is too expensive though. I would have bought it long ago if it were cheaper. Anyway, it has excellent quality and having the iPad floating is such a great feature. Also being able to charge the tablet from both sides, unlike with a MacBook. Just came in handy a few minutes ago.

I haven´t had problems with the trackpad size. Being playing with the keyboard for a few hours, just using my iPad more like a laptop now. At the stores I was not convinced but at home I haven´t had problems yet. I finally decided to buy the MK because I wanted to use the iPad Pro more like a laptop, but also still being able to quickly change to use it back again as a tablet. With my previous setup that wasn´t possible. Now, I just connect or disconnect the iPad from the MK seamlessly and so fast. Awesome.

Ive used it on my lap (with a big book underneath for more stability and comfort, this is personal) and on the desk. I also love the size for couch use, being smaller than a 13 inch laptop. Screen is more than adequate for this kind of scenarios.

So, overall, extremely pleased with this setup. I know I´m in the honeymoon phase right now. I will be extremely careful with the MK so it can last me years in good condition. I was thinking of buying an M2 Air, but with this setup I get 120hz, faceID, tablet + laptop combo and always on device. I work on my iMac so just wanted something to web surf, chill, streaming and such. I hope this setup, thanks to the M1 and 8GB RAM and 120hz screen, can last me at least for the next 6 years.

Juat wrote all of this with the MK, so great typing experience. Bought the black color, which I believe will stay cleaner in the long run and also looks better with my space grey iPad Pro. It is amazing how just buying the MK can enhance so much the iPad experience, turning it into a mini laptop. I now also have another benefit of this setup, which is to web surf and do everything on the iPad without needing to hold the tablet with my hands, therefore it is much more comfortable and enjoyable to do any task on it.

EDIT: I hope Apple manages to add function keys in a future version of the MK. It needs them to be 10/10.

Good post. This echoes my experience with the MK -

 

[xraydoc]

The Magic Keyboard and iPadOS 16 public beta definitely make my 12.9” M1 iPad Pro feel more like a MacBook (connecting to an external monitor and having a Zoom meeting on the iPad’s screen, and Safari and email open on the external monitor is pretty freaking cool for an iPad), but the MK is certainly more expensive than it needs to be. And I’m still disappointed that it can’t fold all the way back.

I also own the Logitech case with the kickstand and keyboard/trackpad (can’t remember exactly what it’s called) and I can’t decide which I like better — the Logitech or the Apple Magic Keyboard. Both are powered by the iPad itself, which is nice (one less thing to need to charge). And with the Logitech, the keyboard can be disconnected or flipped over backwards and the iPad remains encased. I feel like the Logitech offers much better drop protection.

The keyboard itself on the Apple Magic Keyboard is much better than on the Logitech. The Logitech isn’t awful, but the Apple is definitely superior. And when the case is open, the Apple takes up less room depth-wise than the Logitech, since the Apple MK doesn’t have the kickstand to take up rearward room and the iPad floats above the dead space at the rear of the keyboard itself. The Logitech gets a plus, however, for the iOS function keys.

Neither device is particularly light, though, and especially in the 12.9” size.

 

[Mark Stone]

The Magic Keyboard and iPadOS 16 public beta definitely make my 12.9” M1 iPad Pro feel more like a MacBook (connecting to an external monitor and having a Zoom meeting on the iPad’s screen, and Safari and email open on the external monitor is pretty freaking cool for an iPad), but the MK is certainly more expensive than it needs to be. And I’m still disappointed that it can’t fold all the way back.

I also own the Logitech case with the kickstand and keyboard/trackpad (can’t remember exactly what it’s called) and I can’t decide which I like better — the Logitech or the Apple Magic Keyboard. Both are powered by the iPad itself, which is nice (one less thing to need to charge). And with the Logitech, the keyboard can be disconnected or flipped over backwards and the iPad remains encased. I feel like the Logitech offers much better drop protection.

The keyboard itself on the Apple Magic Keyboard is much better than on the Logitech. The Logitech isn’t awful, but the Apple is definitely superior. And when the case is open, the Apple takes up less room depth-wise than the Logitech, since the Apple MK doesn’t have the kickstand to take up rearward room and the iPad floats above the dead space at the rear of the keyboard itself. The Logitech gets a plus, however, for the iOS function keys.

Neither device is particularly light, though, and especially in the 12.9” size.

Great comparison and review. Do you know the approximate price for the Logitech?

 

[xraydoc]

Great comparison and review. Do you know the approximate price for the Logitech?

Combo Touch Keyboard Case for iPad | Logitech

Shop Combo Touch for iPad. Compatible with iPad (7th, 8th, 9th & 10th gen). Backlit, Multi-touch Trackpad

www.logitech.com

Logitech Combo Touch - retail is $229 (US dollars) for the 12.9" size; currently on Amazon for $182 (just looked it up).

 

[ndouglas]

The Magic Keyboard and iPadOS 16 public beta definitely make my 12.9” M1 iPad Pro feel more like a MacBook (connecting to an external monitor and having a Zoom meeting on the iPad’s screen, and Safari and email open on the external monitor ….

Good review indeed, it’s helpful to read about the Logitech experience and other options. For me the ease of use in the lap is the key part of the Apple keyboard case and how the tablet hovers above. Conversely before having this one, I used the also-“Magic” keyboard by Apple that accompanies iMacs etc., it was mostly great, except for the “flap” screen cover that folds into a triangle behind the ipad was decent for a desk, but certainly not great in the lap or on the go. I haven’t bought Logitech items recently but they’re on my short list for possibly trying out sometime.

 

[xraydoc]

Good review indeed, it’s helpful to read about the Logitech experience and other options. For me the ease of use in the lap is the key part of the Apple keyboard case and how the tablet hovers above. Conversely before having this one, I used the also-“Magic” keyboard by Apple that accompanies iMacs etc., it was mostly great, except for the “flap” screen cover that folds into a triangle behind the ipad was decent for a desk, but certainly not great in the lap or on the go. I haven’t bought Logitech items recently but they’re on my short list for possibly trying out sometime.

The Logitech Combo Touch is a little iffy when being used on ones lap. The iPad stands up with a kickstand, so it's not really all that stable on one's lap. And there's a longer distance from keyboard to iPad as compared with the iPad Magic Keyboard, so if you are using it in your lap (if you found a spot where it'll balance), then it puts the iPad screen further way.

However, one other nice thing about the Logitech is that the keyboard attaches magnetically like a Smart Cover, so you can take the keyboard off, flip it around backwards and reattach, and use the bottom of the keyboard to stabilize the iPad in your lap like a platform if you want to use it without typing on the keyboard (just with the on-screen keyboard), which works pretty well, actually.

The Microsoft Surface works same way, FYI.

 

[saudor]

...

However, one other nice thing about the Logitech is that the keyboard attaches magnetically like a Smart Cover, so you can take the keyboard off, flip it around backwards and reattach, and use the bottom of the keyboard to stabilize the iPad in your lap like a platform if you want to use it without typing on the keyboard (just with the on-screen keyboard), which works pretty well, actually.

The Microsoft Surface works same way, FYI.

This was the reason why i went with the combo touch (for my 11). Although the edges near the speaker grills are starting to bend like one of those cheap ipod touch rubber cases. Still prefer the combo since I can remove the keyboard and use it as a tablet and still have protection

Also tried the MK but wasn't really my thing. That thing attracted finger prints like crazy too and made them so visible.

But yeah for lap use, the MK was a bit better but the touch isnt the worst either.

 

[Sensamic]

I did consider the Combo Touch also before the MK. In the end I decided to ignore it because of the many posts on the internet about trackpad disconnection and weird software bugs. It was way cheaper (164 euros vs 309 for the MK) and build quality is nice, but didn’t want to deal with bugs.

The MK is also great to use in the lap. It’s another reason I went with it. Being using it that way a lot and have no issues. The tablet stays firmly and the screen has great angles. I don’t see the Combo Touch being to useful in the lap because it takes too much space.

I‘ve also read a lot about the case bending near the speakers.

 

[Gherkin]

I bought a used M1 12.9” iPad Pro and they basically threw in the MK they had for $50 extra.

I have it up for sale on a few sites as for my purposes a Smart Folio and Magic Trackpad make more sense, but the more I use the MK the more I’m thinking I’ll just keep it.

YES using it on my lap works great. I read some impressions that it wasn’t so great, but it doesn’t feel very different from using a laptop.

 

[Ludatyk]

I bought a used M1 12.9” iPad Pro and they basically threw in the MK they had for $50 extra.

Sweet! That’s a good deal.

I have it up for sale on a few sites as for my purposes a Smart Folio and Magic Trackpad make more sense, but the more I use the MK the more I’m thinking I’ll just keep it.

Smart Folio and Magic Trackpad is a good setup.

But nothing really can beat MK for portability use… since it’s much easier to travel with, just the price is tough to swallow. Luckily I got mine on a discount.. if not, I wouldn’t pay full retail for it.

 

[xraydoc]

I did consider the Combo Touch also before the MK. In the end I decided to ignore it because of the many posts on the internet about trackpad disconnection and weird software bugs. It was way cheaper (164 euros vs 309 for the MK) and build quality is nice, but didn’t want to deal with bugs.

The MK is also great to use in the lap. It’s another reason I went with it. Being using it that way a lot and have no issues. The tablet stays firmly and the screen has great angles. I don’t see the Combo Touch being to useful in the lap because it takes too much space.

I‘ve also read a lot about the case bending near the speakers.

I've not suffered any disconnects or trackpad weirdness or any other aberrant behavior. The case around the speaker grills is a little floppy/stretchy, but it's not really that bad.

It's not great in the lap, though, with the keyboard out, that is true. Nature of the kickstand design.

 

[RLRabb]

I have the same setup, 27” iMac plus iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard, and I’m very happy with the combo. Only difference from OP is that my iPP is the 12.9.

 

[Darth Tulhu]

I would have loved the magic keyboard too, except I found it too heavy and unwieldy, and it couldn't fold on its back.

I had this idea of using it as a keyboard dock (eg: leave it at my desk, bring my iPad with me into class (with a cheap magnetic folio protector I got on amazon), attach it back after class when I want something to type with. Maybe I will try this with the next iPad Pro refresh if stage manager proves compelling enough.

This is exactly how I use my Magic Keyboard. It's my main dock and the "I'm using the iPad as a laptop" device.

Otherwise, I use my iPad 12.9" with a magnetic folio from Amazon or "naked" (I have a skin on it) when using it as the awesome tablet it's intended to be (and actually is).

 

[Darth Tulhu]

Just bought today the Magic Keyboard for my iPad Pro 11 after owning the tablet for 8 months. Previously was using the apple wireless keyboard and magic mouse 2, but I use both with my iMac 27 and I had to reconnect them both to the iMac every time I used them with the iPad and viceversa. It was a pain.

The MK is too expensive though. I would have bought it long ago if it were cheaper. Anyway, it has excellent quality and having the iPad floating is such a great feature. Also being able to charge the tablet from both sides, unlike with a MacBook. Just came in handy a few minutes ago.

I haven´t had problems with the trackpad size. Being playing with the keyboard for a few hours, just using my iPad more like a laptop now. At the stores I was not convinced but at home I haven´t had problems yet. I finally decided to buy the MK because I wanted to use the iPad Pro more like a laptop, but also still being able to quickly change to use it back again as a tablet. With my previous setup that wasn´t possible. Now, I just connect or disconnect the iPad from the MK seamlessly and so fast. Awesome.

Ive used it on my lap (with a big book underneath for more stability and comfort, this is personal) and on the desk. I also love the size for couch use, being smaller than a 13 inch laptop. Screen is more than adequate for this kind of scenarios.

So, overall, extremely pleased with this setup. I know I´m in the honeymoon phase right now. I will be extremely careful with the MK so it can last me years in good condition. I was thinking of buying an M2 Air, but with this setup I get 120hz, faceID, tablet + laptop combo and always on device. I work on my iMac so just wanted something to web surf, chill, streaming and such. I hope this setup, thanks to the M1 and 8GB RAM and 120hz screen, can last me at least for the next 6 years.

Juat wrote all of this with the MK, so great typing experience. Bought the black color, which I believe will stay cleaner in the long run and also looks better with my space grey iPad Pro. It is amazing how just buying the MK can enhance so much the iPad experience, turning it into a mini laptop. I now also have another benefit of this setup, which is to web surf and do everything on the iPad without needing to hold the tablet with my hands, therefore it is much more comfortable and enjoyable to do any task on it.

EDIT: I hope Apple manages to add function keys in a future version of the MK. It needs them to be 10/10.

I bought the white version (it is less of a fingerprint magnet) from OWC for $100 less, and put a SopiGuard white carbon skin on it to reduce the dirt accumulation and increase ease of cleanup.

It also makes it look better.

 

[ndouglas]

——^ Nice looking skin, thanks for sharing. In retrospect it would have been a good idea for me a year ago, maybe still is. 🤔 Nice color options too!

 

[Sensamic]

I’m using the MK every day since I got it last Saturday and I’m really happy with it. Like I said on my original post, now I’m using the ipad more like a laptop, so I’m actually using my iPad Pro now more than before, since it is so nice to just use the trackpad to move around apps and the web.

If I keep using it this much in the coming months and years then the 300 bucks of the MK will be worth it. It’s like owning a laptop and a tablet for 1.100 buck combined. Not a bad deal if you think about it.

I’m sure if I had bought a MBA M2 I wouldn’t be using it this much these last couple of days. Maybe because I tend to turn off my computers when not in use, so it would be annoying having to turn on the laptop every time I just want to check something quick and then off again. That’s why I went with a tablet in the first place: always on.

 

[ndouglas]

I’m using the MK every day since I got it last Saturday and I’m really happy with it. Like I said on my original post, now I’m using the ipad more like a laptop, so I’m actually using my iPad Pro now more than before, since it is so nice to just use the trackpad to move around apps and the web.

If I keep using it this much in the coming months and years then the 300 bucks of the MK will be worth it. It’s like owning a laptop and a tablet for 1.100 buck combined. Not a bad deal if you think about it.

I’m sure if I had bought a MBA M2 I wouldn’t be using it this much these last couple of days. Maybe because I tend to turn off my computers when not in use, so it would be annoying having to turn on the laptop every time I just want to check something quick and then off again. That’s why I went with a tablet in the first place: always on.

Definitely agree with these points. Another bonus / benefit for me has been the “always on“ of paying $20/month or so for cellular service, which puzzles me why that can’t be added to laptops. I still have and use a laptop, but less often and mostly at home only. Many times I get more work done having the tablet+keyboard on me wherever I am, out and about, with less obligation/worry about finding wifi spots to connect to.

 

[rui no onna]

Definitely agree with these points. Another bonus / benefit for me has been the “always on“ of paying $20/month or so for cellular service, which puzzles me why that can’t be added to laptops. I still have and use a laptop, but less often and mostly at home only. Many times I get more work done having the tablet+keyboard on me wherever I am, out and about, with less obligation/worry about finding wifi spots to connect to.

They can.

Macs don't have that option but I know for sure you can customize business laptops from Lenovo and Dell to add WWAN. You'd probably have to pay dearly for the privilege though since most of the deep discounts and sales are on the pre-configured models and none of those have built-in WWAN.