iPad Pro Ok… I LOVE the Magic Keyboard

[ndouglas]

Hmm that’s good to hear, thanks for the idea. I’ll look into that, especially for a future laptop purchase.

 

[Isamilis]

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 may not be as usable in 11" compared to 12.9" due to smaller screen. I am also very happy MK user - mine is same 11". Have you tried to use it for taking family picture? Or watching movie in car dashboard? Even in cramped situation, like in a bus, it's still very usable.

 

[Retskrad]

I bought the Magic Keyboard and I love typing on it. It feels great.

However… the trackpad is shockingly subpar. If you compare it to the trackpad on the MacBooks, you need to apply twice as much force when you press down to click and the clicking noise is twice as loud. It’s unusable in quieter places like the library.

Honestly, the trackpad on the Magic Keyboard belongs with Windows laptops and not MacBooks. It’s unacceptable for a $350 accessory.

 

[Digitalguy]

I bought the Magic Keyboard and I love typing on it. It feels great.

However… the trackpad is shockingly subpar. If you compare it to the trackpad on the MacBooks, you need to apply twice as much force when you press down to click and the clicking noise is twice as loud. It’s unusable in quieter places like the library.

Honestly, the trackpad on the Magic Keyboard belongs with Windows laptops and not MacBooks. It’s unacceptable for a $350 accessory.

I am glad I am a touch to click person, this makes these issues irrelevant to me. Same with the fact that you can click anywhere or not (something Mac users use as an arguments against Windows trackpads). For me what matters is that the trackpad tracks perfectly and that the gestures specific to each OS work perfectly, the rest is irrelevant.

 

[Retskrad]

I am glad I am a touch to click person, this makes these issues irrelevant to me. Same with the fact that you can click anywhere or not (something Mac users use as an arguments against Windows trackpads). For me what matters is that the trackpad tracks perfectly and that the gestures specific to each OS work perfectly, the rest is irrelevant.

Tap to click is off by default on Mac and iPad because Apple knows the vibration feedback you get when you press down to click is a better experience. I think Apple couldn't put a solid state trackpad on the Magic Keyboard for the iPad because it's too thin. I am sure they know the mechanical switch trackpad is subpar but they had no choice.

 

[Digitalguy]

Tap to click is off by default on Mac and iPad because Apple knows the vibration feedback you get when you press down to click is a better experience. I think Apple couldn't put a solid state trackpad on the Magic Keyboard for the iPad because it's too thin. I am sure they know the mechanical switch trackpad is subpar but they had no choice.

Better experience? Not in my book. I hate clicking. On any device. Even on MacBooks (and I have 3)

 

[savagewatts]

I agree. I bought my first one with my iPad Air a couple of years ago. I couldn’t believe how good it was. Then I bought one for my 12.9 Pro and I never really use my MacBook anymore. In my opinion, the MK brings the iPad closer to a laptop replacement than ever before.

 

[ndouglas]

Better experience? Not in my book. I hate clicking. On any device. Even on MacBooks (and I have 3)

Totally agree, once I discovered that setting for Macbook trackpads, to use “touch to click” instead of down-pressing, I could never go back. That being said however, while I agree the MK click noise and the obligation to click is annoying, it doesn’t bother me much to have to do it. Same with the lack of Esc button, ya it’s a nuisance but an acceptable tradeoff to have such a portable keyboard that in most ways is a joy to use.

 

[RLRabb]

I’m a bit confused by your comment. How are you obligated to click on the Magic keyboard trackpad? Settings>General>Trackpad>Tap to click

 

[ndouglas]

Ah wow, thank you for pointing that out! You’re correct, for some reason I didn’t realize that was a setting in there. Awesome. I love the Tap to Click feature so much!

 

[ndouglas]

I bought the Magic Keyboard and I love typing on it. It feels great.

However… the trackpad is shockingly subpar. If you compare it to the trackpad on the MacBooks, you need to apply twice as much force when you press down to click and the clicking noise is twice as loud. It’s unusable in quieter places like the library.

Honestly, the trackpad on the Magic Keyboard belongs with Windows laptops and not MacBooks. It’s unacceptable for a $350 accessory.

Settings>General>Trackpad>Tap to click

Try this —^ unless you have already?
No worries if it’s not your thing, but for me it’s a godsend, to be able to touch only.

 

[ndouglas]

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.

Posting an update after receiving this skin. Overall, it’s better than nothing, and the points in that Youtube review you posted are true about it being easier to clean than the “rubber“ or whatever the MK is made of. Given the dings and scratches my MK has got, even though I use it carefully, it’s clear I should have added such protection 9 months ago when I got the MK. Something about getting a case for a case though, and I didn’t realize it would deteriorate in such short time, especially given the pandemic making this MK usage ~90% at home on the couch.
A few disappointments I find include the lack of protection for the corners, and how the trackpad often won’t work with “tap to click”, as the video guy stated also.
In the end, it’s good for me since clearly I need some protection for my MK, but also a drag that most of the deteriorated areas still won’t be protected.

 

[Ivabign]

I'm nuts as I have the MK for my 12.9 Pro 4th gen - and I bought the 12 leather Book Book as a case for it. Then my daughter asked to use it on her 12.9 3rd gen for her college class - she used the iPad for drawing and one of her classes recommended it for use - so I let her use mine and found a refurb on Woot for $179 - when it arrived, I let my daughter keep my old one - it was perfect. Not a bad place to check for a lower price. My wife just got a pink iPad Air and I had to buy a white MK for her - and a 12 South Book Book - they are really gorgeous and keep the iPad and Magic Keyboard in pristine shape - and when I want to use the iPad without the keyboard - I just pop it off and place it on the case. So 1 magic Keyboard turned into 3 pretty quickly - but you can get a deal if you look look.

 

[ndouglas]

Haha, that is funny, and yes perhaps a bit “nuts” — but also smart if your devices stay in good shape!

I do like those Book Book cases, never owned one but they look quite protective, classy, and good quality materials.

Thanks for the tip about Woot, I hadn’t heard of the site before.

 

[Nhwhazup]

I bought the Magic Keyboard and I love typing on it. It feels great.

However… the trackpad is shockingly subpar. If you compare it to the trackpad on the MacBooks, you need to apply twice as much force when you press down to click and the clicking noise is twice as loud. It’s unusable in quieter places like the library.

Honestly, the trackpad on the Magic Keyboard belongs with Windows laptops and not MacBooks. It’s unacceptable for a $350 accessory.

I hate the loud click of the track pad as well. I use the tap method instead to avoid the loud clicking.

 

[TheRealAlex]

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.

The one from Logitech is better IMO

 

[Shanghaichica]

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.

I had the combo touch for my 10.5 inch pro before I got my 11 inch iPad Pro. Having had the magic keyboard and the combo touch I prefer the magic keyboard. The keyboard is better and more responsive, the trackpad is better and I like the attachment and floating design. Having said that there are a few things I prefer about the logitech keyboard such as the function row and the kickstand. The colour was a bit more appealing than black which is the colour I have, although I think it would have gotten dirty over time much like the white magic keyboard.

 

[Digitalguy]

I had the combo touch for my 10.5 inch pro before I got my 11 inch iPad Pro. Having had the magic keyboard and the combo touch I prefer the magic keyboard. The keyboard is better and more responsive, the trackpad is better and I like the attachment and floating design. Having said that there are a few things I prefer about the logitech keyboard such as the function row and the kickstand. The colour was a bit more appealing than black which is the colour I have, although I think it would have gotten dirty over time much like the white magic keyboard.

The combo 10.5 and the the combo 11 are very different (I have both). The combo 11 cover part is much lighter (and the set is actually lighter than the magic keyboard). The keys feel is also better (although I still slightly prefer the magic keyboard feel). The trackpad is larger and is clickable everywhere (for those who prefer clicking).

In general, the combo can take much more beating without wearing compared to the magic keyboard and protects the iPad much better. Its big downside, IMO, is that you cannot extract the iPad easily, as you could, for instance, with the old silicon cases. So it's there to stay, contrary to the magic keyboard (can be a downside for those that want to use the iPad without the cover. alternate keyboards or use other accessories)

 

[Shanghaichica]

The combo 10.5 and the the combo 11 are very different (I have both). The combo 11 cover part is much lighter (and the set is actually lighter than the magic keyboard). The keys feel is also better (although I still slightly prefer the magic keyboard feel). The trackpad is larger and is clickable everywhere (for those who prefer clicking).

In general, the combo can take much more beating without wearing compared to the magic keyboard and protects the iPad much better. Its big downside, IMO, is that you cannot extract the iPad easily, as you could, for instance, with the old silicon cases. So it's there to stay, contrary to the magic keyboard (can be a downside for those that want to use the iPad without the cover. alternate keyboards or use other accessories)

Thank you I didn’t realise they were different.

 

[saudor]

I had the combo touch for my 10.5 inch pro before I got my 11 inch iPad Pro. Having had the magic keyboard and the combo touch I prefer the magic keyboard. The keyboard is better and more responsive, the trackpad is better and I like the attachment and floating design. Having said that there are a few things I prefer about the logitech keyboard such as the function row and the kickstand. The colour was a bit more appealing than black which is the colour I have, although I think it would have gotten dirty over time much like the white magic keyboard.

The trackpad is definitely better on the MK as the Combo can be unresponsive until alt tabbing but i think it might be a iOS glitch too (im still running 14) The function keys were the biggest selling point as I used them so heavily with my previous Ipad Air 2 keyboard. The keys were also much better every other logi ive used so i was quite impressed - could barely tell it apart from the MK. The case part is also super light and much more compact than the other cases Logi offers (e.g. the "slim" folio is actually incredibly fat)

As for the cleaning aspect, Im actually impressed how clean the white combo touch is staying and looks easy to wipe down too. With the MK, i was constantly cleaning it. Other than that, both are solid products but it was mainly the function keys, and the protection when I wanted to use the ipad as a tablet (it's often on a hard surface) that pushed me to the combo.

The downside of course is the bending of the speaker grill areas which is annoying

 

[Shanghaichica]

The trackpad is definitely better on the MK as the Combo can be unresponsive until alt tabbing but i think it might be a iOS glitch too (im still running 14) The function keys were the biggest selling point as I used them so heavily with my previous Ipad Air 2 keyboard. The keys were also much better every other logi ive used so i was quite impressed - could barely tell it apart from the MK. The case part is also super light and much more compact than the other cases Logi offers (e.g. the "slim" folio is actually incredibly fat)

As for the cleaning aspect, Im actually impressed how clean the white combo touch is staying and looks easy to wipe down too. With the MK, i was constantly cleaning it. Other than that, both are solid products but it was mainly the function keys, and the protection when I wanted to use the ipad as a tablet (it's often on a hard surface) that pushed me to the combo.

The downside of course is the bending of the speaker grill areas which is annoying

I definitely did not regret buying the combo. I think for it’s price point it was very good value. It was miles better than the Smart Keyboard I had been using for years.

 

[cerberus1846]

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.

why could you not use Universal Control? - you could have used your keyboard and mouse connected to your iMac on your iPad.. and now you have a magic keyboard you can use this in reverse with your MK and trackpad being able to be used on your iMac - it's how I have mine setup..