iPad Pro 2024 Magic Keyboard hinge protector

[ManuCH]

So I got my 11" M4 iPad Pro with the new Magic Keyboard. The only thing bothering me is the exposed aluminum hinge. I am used to resting the iPad vertically on the desk to open up the keyboard, but doing it this way will scratch the desk and/or the hinge.

Did anyone make some sort of "hinge protector" yet? Or any other smart way of protecting it with existing products (some tape for example) that doesn't look too ugly? I'm looking for ideas 😊

 

[ZombiePete]

I haven’t seen any protective skins or anything, but I have adjusted to opening my MKB up by placing it flat on the desk and prying the iPad up rather than setting it down vertically and pushing it open like I used to. The reason I do it is because the aluminum hinge is so slippery on certain surfaces I am worried my tablet will slip out from under me while opening it that way.

 

[ManuCH]

I haven’t seen any protective skins or anything, but I have adjusted to opening my MKB up by placing it flat on the desk and prying the iPad up rather than setting it down vertically and pushing it open like I used to. The reason I do it is because the aluminum hinge is so slippery on certain surfaces I am worried my tablet will slip out from under me while opening it that way.

Yes, I am doing the same thing now for the same reason you mentioned. But it was much more comfortable before somehow. By doing it this way, I always end up with some fingerprints on the screen 😂 ah well

 

[earthdog]

So I got my 11" M4 iPad Pro with the new Magic Keyboard. The only thing bothering me is the exposed aluminum hinge. I am used to resting the iPad vertically on the desk to open up the keyboard, but doing it this way will scratch the desk and/or the hinge.

Did anyone make some sort of "hinge protector" yet? Or any other smart way of protecting it with existing products (some tape for example) that doesn't look too ugly? I'm looking for ideas 😊

Looking forward to seeing one.

 

[EugW]

One of the issues that some are complaining about with the new bare hinge is rocking when tapping on the screen.

Does your M4 iPad Pro (2024) Magic Keyboard rock / wobble?

See this video: He says his old one didn't rock at all because the metal hinge bar sits flush with the table, but the 2024 M4 model Magic Keyboard rocks when tapping the screen because metal hinge bar sits above the table. I believe he has the 13" which is a 4:3 / 1.33:1 aspect ratio. I...

forums.macrumors.com

Some people have added material to the surface of the hinge, not to protect it, but to prevent the rocking. I got some silicone 1.x mm thick nose pads for glasses, which as it turns out are uncomfortable for me to use as nose pads, but I'm thinking they may be useful repurposed as Magic Keyboard hinge protectors and to prevent rocking.

Does your M4 iPad Pro (2024) Magic Keyboard rock / wobble?

I bought some silicone nose pads for my glasses a few weeks ago off AliExpress. It turns out they are uncomfortable, so I won't use them for that purpose, but they may come in handy for my iPad Pro. :p They are listed as 1 mm thick, but are probably closer to 1.3 mm or something like that. I...

forums.macrumors.com

I have yet to try them for this purpose though, because I don't have the iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard yet. I won't be ordering them until the Back-To-School promotion hits.

I haven’t seen any protective skins or anything, but I have adjusted to opening my MKB up by placing it flat on the desk and prying the iPad up rather than setting it down vertically and pushing it open like I used to. The reason I do it is because the aluminum hinge is so slippery on certain surfaces I am worried my tablet will slip out from under me while opening it that way.

One potential added benefit of silicone bumpers like I described above is the added grip.

 

[madat42]

So far I have had good luck with no-residue electric tape on the space black kb hinge to protect it. Looks decent enough but if someone puts out a better hinge protector I’d also consider it. Gaffer tape should also work but might have to be replaced more often as it wears.

 

[earthdog]

Seems like an opportunity for someone with a 3D Printer. A snap on cover add a slight ridge that raises the back 1/8-1/16" and that would help the balance issue.

 

[EugW]

Seems like an opportunity for someone with a 3D Printer. A snap on cover add a slight ridge that raises the back 1/8-1/16" and that would help the balance issue.

I expect some Chinese manufacturer in ShenZhen or somewhere will create a mold for snap-on covers in various colours (white, black, clear), and sell them for $5 on AliExpress.

 

[kitt9000]

100% agree with OP, its the biggest annoyance for me too with the MKB this year. I believe the Dbrand skins for the magic keyboard for this generation have a skin that goes around the aluminum hinge. I dont have any experiences with Dbrand in the past (except for their crazy sponserships to pretty much all tech youtubers), but I did pre-order a skin from them and really hoping that the aluminum spine has good coverage as in the pictures.

 

[TheWraith]

I believe the Dbrand skins for the magic keyboard for this generation have a skin that goes around the aluminum hinge. I dont have any experiences with Dbrand in the past (except for their crazy sponserships to pretty much all tech youtubers), but I did pre-order a skin from them and really hoping that the aluminum spine has good coverage as in the pictures.

Report back and let us know! I’m thinking of going the same route, though I’ve never applied these things before. I worry it will be horrible to put on, and my other fear is it will pill up as I use it—it does seem like a good solution if it works.

 

[sparksd]

Report back and let us know! I’m thinking of going the same route, though I’ve never applied these things before. I worry it will be horrible to put on, and my other fear is it will pill up as I use it—it does seem like a good solution if it works.

Same - I'm also curious. That's a nice-looking skin in the pic.

 

[Aka757]

This may help some of you wondering about dbrand skins covering the hinge. It completely covers the outer portion; only the inner portion is exposed.

 

[kitt9000]

This may help some of you wondering about dbrand skins covering the hinge. It completely covers the outer portion; only the inner portion is exposed.

That looks great, TY for sharing! Does look like its protecting the aluminum spine from getting dinged up. I am hoping the leather skin I ordered creates some texture as well so as I place the ipad/MKB down on the table, the leather texture makes that spine less slippery.