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omelet1978

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Sep 22, 2012
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Hi,

I was just wondering if there are any known upcoming cases that are compatible with the iPad Pro Magic Keyboard. I’ve used the i-Blason case that was compatible with the Smart Keyboard and I was able to put it onto the Magic Keyboard. IT IS NOT A PERFECT FIT AND THE USB C CONNECTOR ON THE SIDE IS NOT USABLE, but it’s a good work-around case for me until something is released.

The reason I would want a case is that I’ve found out the hard way that I’d need some sort of side protection. I dropped my iPad Pro (fortunately I had AppleCare) and it fell off the smart keyboard and the front shattered. I’ve found that with the iPad Pro Magic Keyboard if you handle it the wrong way it can pop off the magnets on the back and easily fall. Below is a link to the case and I attached a picture of it on the iPad Pro Magic Keyboard. I put it on the scale and total weight is now 2.6 pounds.

 

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Switch Easy Coverbuddy is the only one that I am aware of, but have no first-hand experience with it.
 
Certainly plenty of hype for the CoverBuddy at the moment

The lengths that people go through to make their Apple accessories work in the real world...

Fingers crossed it actually provides enough protection for when the time comes.
 
Just thought I’d post an update. Even though the i-Blason case I have on my iPad Pro 11 Magic keyboard does not fit perfectly and the pencil holder at the top isn’t to my liking, I’m keeping the case on for the time being.

I’m not sure what you guys have noticed, but I’ve noticed that even with the magnets a wrong accidental move can pull the iPad off of the Magic Keyboard and potentially break it. I learned that the hard way one time where the iPad bounced off my my car seat, fell on to the asphalt, and cracked the screen. Fortunately I had AppleCare.

Don’t know if anyone else has any experiences or opinions on this though.
 
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Hi,

I was just wondering if there are any known upcoming cases that are compatible with the iPad Pro Magic Keyboard. I’ve used the i-Blason case that was compatible with the Smart Keyboard and I was able to put it onto the Magic Keyboard. IT IS NOT A PERFECT FIT AND THE USB C CONNECTOR ON THE SIDE IS NOT USABLE, but it’s a good work-around case for me until something is released.

The reason I would want a case is that I’ve found out the hard way that I’d need some sort of side protection. I dropped my iPad Pro (fortunately I had AppleCare) and it fell off the smart keyboard and the front shattered. I’ve found that with the iPad Pro Magic Keyboard if you handle it the wrong way it can pop off the magnets on the back and easily fall. Below is a link to the case and I attached a picture of it on the iPad Pro Magic Keyboard. I put it on the scale and total weight is now 2.6 pounds.


This looks like a nice setup. I was thinking about the same thing. By the USB C connector you mean the one on the ipad, right? How is it when you close the device with the i-blason halo case? Would appreciate if you posted more pictures of the ipad setup with the halo case
 
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This looks like a nice setup. I was thinking about the same thing. By the USB C connector you mean the one on the ipad, right? How is it when you close the device with the i-blason halo case? Would appreciate if you posted more pictures of the ipad setup with the halo case

Here are a few more pictures and yes the USB C port on the right side. THIS WORKS and protects the sides but you just kind of have to cram it in and then at the bottom pull the plastic case covering over the bottom corners of the iPad (they stay there after you do that.

For the USB Charger on the right side, you need to push down on the iPad to align the USB C port with the connector since the plastic blocks it. I try not to put pressure on one spot bc I worry about the screen and am slowly trying to stretch the plastic a bit (don't want to break it) to make it easier to charge.
 

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So this is interesting - seems the seller (on Amazon) says it's not compatible with the Magic Keyboard for the 12.9" ?
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So this is interesting - seems the seller (on Amazon) says it's not compatible with the Magic Keyboard for the 12.9" ?
View attachment 911546
See thread:

11 inch is already compatible, they are working on a version for 12.9.
 
I am using the CoverBuddy from SwitchEasy and it fits well and works fine on my 12.9" iPad Pro (2018 edition) with Magic Keyboard. Holds on tightly and does not impede in any way on the working of the iPad or Keyboard. The only issue I have is that with this case (with or without the Magic Keyboard) the volume controls area bit hard to use because they're sort of hidden behind the Apple Pencil holder and the Pencil removal could be easier (see photos).
 

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I am using the CoverBuddy from SwitchEasy and it fits well and works fine on my 12.9" iPad Pro (2018 edition) with Magic Keyboard. Holds on tightly and does not impede in any way on the working of the iPad or Keyboard. The only issue I have is that with this case (with or without the Magic Keyboard) the volume controls area bit hard to use because they're sort of hidden behind the Apple Pencil holder and the Pencil removal could be easier (see photos).

If you read the thread linked above the issue isn’t related to the open, in-use position. It is said to put stress on the hinge because it is too thick, when it is closed.
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Just thought I’d post an update. Even though the i-Blason case I have on my iPad Pro 11 Magic keyboard does not fit perfectly and the pencil holder at the top isn’t to my liking, I’m keeping the case on for the time being.

I’m not sure what you guys have noticed, but I’ve noticed that even with the magnets a wrong accidental move can pull the iPad off of the Magic Keyboard and potentially break it. I learned that the hard way one time where the iPad bounced off my my car seat, fell on to the asphalt, and cracked the screen. Fortunately I had AppleCare.

Don’t know if anyone else has any experiences or opinions on this though.

Have you been testing magnet strength... with the case on? It’s unclear whether you took it off and still found the iPad detached easily.
 
If you read the thread linked above the issue isn’t related to the open, in-use position. It is said to put stress on the hinge because it is too thick, when it is closed.
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Have you been testing magnet strength... with the case on? It’s unclear whether you took it off and still found the iPad detached easily.


With the I-Blason case on you'd have to like hold it upside down and shake it or do something extreme to make it fall out. With the iPad Pro just on the Magic Keyboard it's still very secure, BUT if you hit it at the wrong angle (like at the bottom of the iPad where it's jutting out) it will come off and could fall. Would it happen on day 1 probably not. On day 100 if you aren't careful then yes it could fall. Like I said, I learned the hard way one time with my Smart Keyboard and my iPad Pro which resulted in a shattered screen.
 
Sorry, I should shave added that I have absolutely no issues with the case closed either. Nothing interferes with the hinge at all. The magnets are fine too. Removing and re-attaching is fine.
 

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SwitchEasy does not make a case that is compatible with the 2020 12.9 inch iPad Pro - If you use the 2018 version it will not close all the way. Does anyone know if/when SwitchEasy will release a compatible 2020 12.9 version? Are there any alternatives to the cover buddy?

Is it just me or does this not seem like a pretty big void in the market? I mean, you can use your iPad like a laptop but of course people want to use it like a traditional iPad AND still have it somewhat protected.
 
Is it just me or does this not seem like a pretty big void in the market? I mean, you can use your iPad like a laptop but of course people want to use it like a traditional iPad AND still have it somewhat protected.

I agree. If I had one iota of manufacturing knowledge, I’d be all over this.
 
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SwitchEasy does not make a case that is compatible with the 2020 12.9 inch iPad Pro - If you use the 2018 version it will not close all the way. Does anyone know if/when SwitchEasy will release a compatible 2020 12.9 version? Are there any alternatives to the cover buddy?

Is it just me or does this not seem like a pretty big void in the market? I mean, you can use your iPad like a laptop but of course people want to use it like a traditional iPad AND still have it somewhat protected.

I’m at a loss to explain why people have problems with the CoverBuddy on the Magic Keyboard. I bought mine for my 12.9” iPad Pro (2018 edition) to use with the Smart Keyboard (the iBlaise I tried before was useless). When the Magic Keyboard was released I ordered one and tried it with the CoverBuddy AND I HAVE NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER. It closes fine (and fully), holds on to the magnets fine, I can easily remove and re-attach it and I have no other problems bar the position of the volume controls (but that’s not related to the Magic Keyboard) and the slight difficulty of taking the Pencil out of its holder (again, nothing to do with the Magic Keyboard).
I posted photos earlier that shows this clearly.

Perhaps there‘s a different version floating around on the market? I don’t know, but mine works fine.
 
I’m at a loss to explain why people have problems with the CoverBuddy on the Magic Keyboard. I bought mine for my 12.9” iPad Pro (2018 edition) to use with the Smart Keyboard (the iBlaise I tried before was useless). When the Magic Keyboard was released I ordered one and tried it with the CoverBuddy AND I HAVE NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER. It closes fine (and fully), holds on to the magnets fine, I can easily remove and re-attach it and I have no other problems bar the position of the volume controls (but that’s not related to the Magic Keyboard) and the slight difficulty of taking the Pencil out of its holder (again, nothing to do with the Magic Keyboard).
I posted photos earlier that shows this clearly.

Perhaps there‘s a different version floating around on the market? I don’t know, but mine works fine.

Yeah, I've seen a video of an asian brother using the same setup as you with no flaws. I've been researching like crazy regarding this so in case anybody is stuck here this is my conclusion:

2018 CoverBuddy works with both 11 inch & 12.9 inch + Magic Keyboard
2020 CoverBuddy works with 11 inch 2018/2020 but only 12.9 inch 2018 model + Magic Keyboard

So it seems the people who are having issues are fellow 2020 12.9 iPad Pro users like myself.

Just to confirm which one do you use with your 2018 iPad Pro 12.9?
 
Yeah, I've seen a video of an asian brother using the same setup as you with no flaws. I've been researching like crazy regarding this so in case anybody is stuck here this is my conclusion:

2018 CoverBuddy works with both 11 inch & 12.9 inch + Magic Keyboard
2020 CoverBuddy works with 11 inch 2018/2020 but only 12.9 inch 2018 model + Magic Keyboard

So it seems the people who are having issues are fellow 2020 12.9 iPad Pro users like myself.

Just to confirm which one do you use with your 2018 iPad Pro 12.9?

Yes, 2 different versions would explain it. I’m a lucky one to buy it when I did. :) Curious to see if they improve on the 2018 version once the 2020 version comes out.
 
Hiya lads,

Just a heads up, preorders for the SwitchEasy Coverbuddy 12.9 iPad Pro 2020 which is tailor made for the Magic Keyboard have started. They're expected to ship on 30th May.

All the best,

Chef
 
I was told that the SwitchEasy Coverbuddy 11 inch is unable to be charge the IPAD pro from the USB C through the cover only the IPAD itself. Is anyone aware of this. Has anyone have any updates if and what covers are coming out for the 11 inch Magic Keyboard for the IPAD?

Thanks
Aron
 
I was told that the SwitchEasy Coverbuddy 11 inch is unable to be charge the IPAD pro from the USB C through the cover only the IPAD itself. Is anyone aware of this. Has anyone have any updates if and what covers are coming out for the 11 inch Magic Keyboard for the IPAD?

Thanks
Aron

Hi Aron,

I have not noticed any issues with that on my CoverBuddy (for iPad Pro 12.9” 2018 model). It charges fine.

Lucien.
 
Hiya lads,

Just a heads up, preorders for the SwitchEasy Coverbuddy 12.9 iPad Pro 2020 which is tailor made for the Magic Keyboard have started. They're expected to ship on 30th May.

All the best,

Chef

I just received mine this morning. Not fit for purpose. It does not stay attached to the Magic Keyboard.
 
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Hiya all,

I have received two versions of the SwitchEasy CoverBuddy for the iPad Pro 12.9 inch 2020 model. The first was intended only to be used with the Smart Keyboard/Folio, whereas the second is intended to be used with the Magic Keyboard.

I think there’s some real inconsistencies with these cases, which is unfortunate as I love the idea behind the smart connector pass through.

Here’s the main difference:

Magic Keyboard CoverBuddy has NO MAGNETS. Whereas the Smart Keyboard/Folio has additional magnets.

If you do not utilise a glass screen protector, I would suggest you get the original model (intended to be used for the Smart Keyboard/Folio), even if you have the Magic Keyboard.

You’re probably confused as to why I would suggest this over the newer model that was designed to be used with the magic keyboard, but I’ll tell you why.

The original model actually worked fine (for me) before I used a screen protector. It closed properly and I had absolutely ZERO issues with it closing even if the keyboard was on top, it didn’t have any gap. This is really weird because that model wasn’t supposed to be compatible with the magic keyboard, although I had absolutely zero issues

However, once I applied a glass screen protector it was game over. Neither the new Magic Keyboard CoverBuddy or the older Smart Keyboard & Folio one would close.

Either way, the older model was much sturdier as it had magnets that clipped onto the Magic Keyboard and kept it on there tightly. The newer model DOES NOT stay attached. It keeps falling off. What’s the point of having a protective case if it increases the risk of dropping it?

Btw if you’re wondering how I know about the magnets, with no iPad attached the older model clipped onto my Magic Keyboard and the newer one didn’t clip on at all. That’s how you know the iPads magnets are doing all the work with the newer model.

Since I’m always going to have issues with it not closing due to the glass protector I have applied, I will most likely keep the older model as it keeps it connected to the keyboard much reliably. Don’t get me wrong the gap is smaller and it closes more snugly with the newer cover buddy, but I’d prefer if there was no compromise with magnets as it stops the iPad from behaving the same way it does with no case on.

So to conclude. If you’re desperate for this case like I was, the older model is best suited until a better manufacturer puts in the research in making a case like this with no compromises.

I had no issues with the older model even with the Magic Keyboard, until the glass protector was applied. Even with the protector applied the newer one has a smaller gap but it’s not worth it for me since I’m always going to have a gap with this screen protector anyway.

If you don’t use any screen protector the older model might just work fine but this forum says otherwise.

Seems like they’re having manufacturing issues because some people tried the older model with the Magic Keyboard and it wouldn’t close properly, whereas I didn’t until I applied a screen protector.

It doesn’t feel weird keeping my iPad on top of the keyboard forcing it to be closed whilst on my table and I’ll continue to do so as it doesn’t seem to strain the hinge like people are worried about. But it’ll always pop open if the the iPad is on bottom and keyboard is on top (unless I take off the screen protector, which I won’t).

Hope this mini-review helps any future buyers!

Avoid the new one at all costs, and only get the older one if you can live with the drawbacks. At the end of the day my iPad’s protection is the most important factor and those gaps aren’t problematic if you care about protection.

Peace & Love

ChefYourNan
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I just received mine this morning. Not fit for purpose. It does not stay attached to the Magic Keyboard.

Yeah, look at my response above bro, I addressed that problem. I’m upset the new model was a flop. All that hype for nothing.
 
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