Testing Apple's New Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro

[TrickyTreeRed]

Yeah, I also have an 10.5" iPad Pro. I was also pleasantly surprised that the new logitech keyboard/touchpad combo HAS a function key row, and also protects the iPad when you detach the keyboard.

I might give the logitech a try when its available in Canada.

I'm also in Canada. On the Logitech website, the company states the Combo Touch will sell for a penny under $200 and be available starting in May. Given the exchange rate with the USD, it's a very good price.

As like most others, I'm not going to travelling too far in the near so I don't exactly need it right away! But I will place an order for one once it's in stock in Canada.

 

[Mayniyak]

A 12.9” iPad Pro + keyboard is roughly identical in both price and weight to a 13” MacBook Pro and other similar laptops. And the MacBook Air is even lighter and cheaper.

And if you’re doing the kind of work which makes a keyboard useful, the laptop wins every time. So you’re not really gaining anything by taking out the iPad instead, aside from the pencil.

I’ll stick to my combo of a 15” MBP + iPad Mini.

 

[sideshowuniqueuser]

I'd like one in theory, but the lack of function keys (including an escape key) and the high price make it a deal breaker for me. I'll stick to a bluetooth keyboard and a Magic Mouse 2 for now....

Why do you need function keys for iPadOS? What apps would use them?

 

[mi7chy]

The kickstand + the keyboard occupy a larger area than a traditional laptop (or this MK). And, the connection system between the tablet and the keyboard is not rigid, and in some situations (like on the bed) that’s pretty uncomfortable

Had no issue with kickstand or magnetically attached keyboard but it probably boils down to how tall or short a person is. Smart Keyboard is probably better for shorter people that can tolerate the limited 120 degree viewing angle and how the screen is positioned closer to the user to maintain balance since it's top heavy. Kickstand is better for average and taller people for the 150 degree viewing angle and screen positioned further away from user.

 

[KAZphoto]

Not exactly sure why everyone in this thread is so obsessed with comparing an iPad Pro with this keyboard to a MacBook Air. They seem to serve two different purposes. And the main price point difference there is speed. Even the current third gen iPad Pro has about double the multi core benchmark speed than the Airs do. That‘s a huge difference in power. That is the biggest contributor to cost there. Just get the tools you need to for the job you have. Or buy fancy things because you want to.

 

[pshady]

so i got the Magic Keyboard today for my 11-inch IPP. my conclusion is that if you want to turn you iPad into a laptop, this is the best way to do it. What you gain with the trackpad and keyboard, you lose the frictionless convertible nature of the IPP with the ASK. using the IPP with the Magic Keyboard makes you think twice every time you want to use your IPP as a tablet. yes, you just need to take the iPad off the keyboard, and that’s easy enough, but you never want to do it because it’s not always convenient to just leave the keyboard on its own.

 

[MTD's Mac]

Why do you need function keys for iPadOS? What apps would use them?

A lot of people say they want function keys when I think what they really mean is a row of system controls (volume, screen brightness, keyboard brightness) and maybe an escape key.

I’d probably like these too. I wonder if Apple left them out to make the keyboard more “simple and elegant” or for some engineering reason having to do with space. I know that on the Smart Keyboard Folio there is technically room for the keycaps, but there might not be room underneath given all the magnets everywhere, plus in its “forward” position you might not be able to avoid bumping the iPad glass while using these keys. I wouldn’t want to feel like I was reaching under the floating iPad to get at a top row of keys on the Magic Keyboard.

 

[tubomac]

I agree, the device is indeed incredible powerful (considered the weight and the absence of fan). The problem is that I have to use Office. I try hard to use "Numbers" when I can, but it's only for personal use, for company files I have to use what they ask me to use.

 

[KAZphoto]

I agree, the device is indeed incredible powerful (considered the weight and the absence of fan). The problem is that I have to use Office. I try hard to use "Numbers" when I can, but it's only for personal use, for company files I have to use what they ask me to use.

Have you tried using the office iOS apps? They get great reviews on the App Store. It says an Office 365 subscription required is required, unsure if your work already pays for that. I’m genuinely curious as I haven’t tried them myself. I’m not a Word or Excel power user. I only need get proposals and such done when needed and my work doesn’t care how we do it, and Apple’s versions are free with the hardware. We may be paying for a family subscription soon. I like using Apple’s versions and everything always syncs fantastically.

 

[cmaier]

A lot of people say they want function keys when I think what they really mean is a row of system controls (volume, screen brightness, keyboard brightness) and maybe an escape key.

I’d probably like these too. I wonder if Apple left them out to make the keyboard more “simple and elegant” or for some engineering reason having to do with space. I know that on the Smart Keyboard Folio there is technically room for the keycaps, but there might not be room underneath given all the magnets everywhere, plus in its “forward” position you might not be able to avoid bumping the iPad glass while using these keys. I wouldn’t want to feel like I was reaching under the floating iPad to get at a top row of keys on the Magic Keyboard.

For Escape, use cmd-period.
For volume/screen brightness, jam the trackpad to the top right corner and click for control center. Not as good as dedicated buttons, but not too bad in practice.

 

[BASboy]

First?? Ha!

I gotta say, a "real" keyboard turns an ipad into what is possibly the worst computer available....thanks solely to the software! And the price? I'll leave that to someone else. I'm surprised to get here before those comments!

Well its the worst software for you. Not for me. SO tell me, what software have you designed for? What ways are you helping apple to improve their operating system? Dont just be complaining about something you really are doing nothing and are just impotent to change.
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If only it could fold backwards for tablet mode.

Why does it have to fold backwards. What is so hard about snatching it off the stand and using the LIGHTER and More Manageable iPad by itself??? I have the old Apple keyboard folio and I always take the iPad off the folio for easier use.

 

[tubomac]

Have you tried using the office iOS apps? They get great reviews on the App Store. It says an Office 365 subscription required is required, unsure if your work already pays for that. I’m genuinely curious as I haven’t tried them myself. I’m not a Word or Excel power user. I only need get proposals and such done when needed and my work doesn’t care how we do it, and Apple’s versions are free with the hardware. We may be paying for a family subscription soon. I like using Apple’s versions and everything always syncs fantastically.

Actually I have an Office 365 subscription and I have installed Office on my Macbook Pro, on my Windows virtual machine (because office for Mac is full of bugs and it's very unpleasant to use) and on my iPads.
I confirm what I said: iPad are NOT very productive devices, expecially if you use Office (maybe the situation is much better for other categories of jobs). I'm an Excel power user and I use also a lot of macros to automate some tasks. I tried, when I don't need to use macros, of course, ( ....and because office for iPads doesn't support them) to put in my working bag only my iPad. The result is the same: It's a disaster it's not even comparable with the cheaper PC. If you need to access to many different EXCEL sheets and some other different files with your iPad you waste 10 times the time you spend with your PC, period.

 

[KAZphoto]

Actually I have an Office 365 subscription and I have installed Office on my Macbook Pro, on my Windows virtual machine (because office for Mac is full of bugs and it's very unpleasant to use) and on my iPads.
I confirm what I said: iPad are NOT very productive devices, expecially if you use Office (maybe the situation is much better for other categories of jobs). I'm an Excel power user and I use also a lot of macros to automate some tasks. I tried, when I don't need to use macros, of course, ( ....and because office for iPads doesn't support them) to put in my working bag only my iPad. The result is the same: It's a disaster it's not even comparable with the cheaper PC. If you need to access to many different EXCEL sheets and some other different files with your iPad you waste 10 times the time you spend with your PC, period.

Bummer to hear. However, it sounds like iPads are just not a productive device for you. There are many, including myself, which have experienced a greatly improved work experience all the way around. Actually I’m quite blown away with how mine has increased my work flow. Awesome note taking capabilities. I import raw DSLR images into Lightroom. Those original raw files then upload to Adobe cloud along with my adjustments, which are then downloaded to my iMac when I’m able to work there. And photoshop, although still in its infancy on the iPad, has been a more than welcomed addition to my workflow when using the pencil, while not having to take a Wacom tablet with me on the road. And battery life is just incredible for all of the power.

For anyone with first hand experience, does the onboard battery to the keyboard get charged via the iPad at all? Or will it eventually need to be plugged in itself to stay charged? I did not see this bit of info in the video and of course Apple does not list how this works exactly. It would be great to never have to plug it in and switch between this and my folio case quickly. Not a deal breaker, just wondering. Also does the power level show up in the today view like the pencil and AirPods do? Thanks in advance!

 

[D3ggy]

I had no idea you had to buy Mac Pro wheels to go with your iPad Pro Magic Keyboard. That *is* a bit unreasonable! Bring back Woz...

Of course you do to cope with the extra weight

 

[darkslide29]

A 12.9” iPad Pro + keyboard is roughly identical in both price and weight to a 13” MacBook Pro and other similar laptops. And the MacBook Air is even lighter and cheaper.

And if you’re doing the kind of work which makes a keyboard useful, the laptop wins every time. So you’re not really gaining anything by taking out the iPad instead, aside from the pencil.

I’ll stick to my combo of a 15” MBP + iPad Mini.

I think that your usage of a MacBook Pro 15” with an iPad mini is an awesome combo. It’s something I definitely looked into. I personally have a Mac Mini 2018 with an iPad Pro 11. For music production, a Mac Mini tethered to a desk makes sense, and the iPad with a magic keyboard scratches that laptop itch for casual use that’s not at a desk. For those even more casual times I sit on the couch or in bed, I love having just the iPad with no keyboard. And one detail that I haven’t seen so many mention is that it’s a 120hz screen on the iPad Pro. I use a 144 hz desktop monitor, so 60hz is like molasses (jokingly, but once you get used to it, it’s true). The 120hz of an iPad feels buttery smooth. It’s interesting how split opinions are depending on usage, but it works for me and am looking forward to my delivery tomorrow.

 

[joecomo]

I am getting one, but am not sure about it. I tend to use my iPadPro (12.9) more for work - but for “real“ stuff, I still resort to a laptop (given iOS restrictions). The ability to switch between pen and key-input and the option to tear-off the keyboard and have a tablet might make this an interesting machine. Problem is the combined weight.

 

[aaesta]

Wait, stop! I want to know what temper glass you are using ?

 

[code-m]

For those griping about the weight of the MK and/or that it doesn’t fold all the way over, I think Jason Snell’s review on Macworld nails it:

“There’s a reason Apple’s videos about the Magic Keyboard always show someone grabbing the iPad with one hand and walking away with it. That’s the killer feature. That’s what separates it from every Mac laptop. It’s a laptop—until the moment you decide you don’t want it to be that anymore. And then it’s not.”

What would be an innovative idea if any iPad is attached to a keyboard and trackpad accessory, iPad OS becomes a more functional desktop type experience. When detached it becomes a more tablet friendly experience. Now maybe Apple is already working on or planning on expanding iPadOS in this direction but it only makes sense to have more functionality when accessories are attached.
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Why do you need function keys for iPadOS? What apps would use them?

That is like saying why do you need function keys on MacOS.

 

[ShizumiAoki]

No worse than CMD-Q, CMD-S, CMD-C,…

You can also change the “Glob, Control, Option or Command“ Key to a single press escape key (I changed the glob key to the escape key since I never use this button.
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For my self the Magic Keybord is somthing I’ve been waitning for since the first iPad Pro. I wanted a keyboard I can simple dock when in use then in-dock when not.

I used the iPad for graphic design + Art (drawing) but the hole issue or no drawing/note taking mod but not annoy be since you can easily just take the iPad off (and it is a keyboard not a art stand) and for my self I use a iPad Draft Table stand while drawing (So I can easily just take it off the keyboard and place it on the stand)

Tho I understand that people would have like to be able to move it all the way around (like the folio keybord) But if the reason we lose the ability to do this was to have a stronger hinge I’m all for that.

 

[code-m]

so i got the Magic Keyboard today for my 11-inch IPP. my conclusion is that if you want to turn you iPad into a laptop, this is the best way to do it. What you gain with the trackpad and keyboard, you lose the frictionless convertible nature of the IPP with the ASK. using the IPP with the Magic Keyboard makes you think twice every time you want to use your IPP as a tablet. yes, you just need to take the iPad off the keyboard, and that’s easy enough, but you never want to do it because it’s not always convenient to just leave the keyboard on its own.

Here are some form and function observations for the MKB:

Pros:

1. Design.
2. Innovative cantilever in a portable and light form-factor.
3. Additional integrated USB-C port for passthrough charging.
4. Black-lit scissor keyboard.
5. All corners mechanical click trackpad.
6. Simple and elegant attaching and detaching method.
7. Relatively portable.

Cons:

1. No function keys.
2. Limited viewing angles.
3. No tablet/sketch mode when keyboard is attached while still providing protection to the device.
4. When attached and closed, awkward camera functionality usage.
5. No side protection when attached and device is being transported, not sure how it handles drops if the iPad disconnects.
6. Not sure if placing too much pressure while using ApplePencil makes the device unstable (see last picture of review where Dan is holding with his left hand the side of the iPad.
7. Questionable smart connector placement.
8. Price.

Conclusion: Good initial product, but has short comings at a steep price. Apple will get there eventually, hopefully...sooner.
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I am getting one, but am not sure about it. I tend to use my iPadPro (12.9) more for work - but for “real“ stuff, I still resort to a laptop (given iOS restrictions). The ability to switch between pen and key-input and the option to tear-off the keyboard and have a tablet might make this an interesting machine. Problem is the combined weight.

Best to see what the next version of iPadOS has to offer in-order to expand on this MKB case.

 

[ani4ani]

You know Apple...compromises are undocumented features that they never promote.

 

[TheDailyApple]

I never really understood Apple’s obsession with thinness and lightness until I started reading all the comments on the new Magic Keyboard. The way everyone seems to complain about it + the iPP being 0.18 lb heavier than the MacBook Air is amusing. (Comparing those devices based on weight is ridiculous, if one needs a powerful tablet, get the iPP; if one needs a base level laptop, get the MBA.)

I don’t know about most people, but I generally choose a device based off of what I need it to do. I don’t base a decision between two very different devices based off of a couple of ounces.

 

[Mr.Blacky]

ALRIGHT! If I buy this, I have a full computer replacement and can finally use Final Cut Pro on my iPad (or at least iMovie will suddenly be sommich better). 👍

 

[sintra1]

I'd like one in theory, but the lack of function keys (including an escape key) and the high price make it a deal breaker for me. I'll stick to a bluetooth keyboard and a Magic Mouse 2 for now....

The Fn Keys really aren’t that important since almost all those controls are in the right hand corner a simple swipe away on that track pad !
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I think it's worth it for heavy users. Lack of function keys is questionable though.

Again all accessible a simple swipe to the top right hand corner on the track pad

 

[Nozuka]

The weight doesn't bother me at all. Thought it would be annoying, but it is not a problem.

It is still light enough to use it for a longer time on your lap. And much less exhausting than holding the iPad (without Keyboard) constantly in your hand for a longer period of time.

If you want to use it in your hands, it's no effort to remove it from the keyboard. But i think i will rarely ever do that.

This is the first iPad Keyboard i can actually use, since my main usage is on the couch on my lap.
And the touchpad works so well for scrolling etc, that i often prefer to use it, instead of touching the screen...

My "old" iPad Pro feels like a completely new device now.