Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Sensamic

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Mar 26, 2010
3,072
689
I already own the iPad Pro 11 M1 and I’m thinking of buying the MK to use it as a laptop for web browsing, email, etc. Nothing too complicated. I’d like a laptop, but the MBA M2 is too expensive right now and the M1 version feels outdated.

Those who have this combo, are you happy with it? Still using it?

My biggest concern is the size of the keyboard and trackpad. They are a little bit small to use for long periods of time, like a laptop. Screen size doesn’t bother me.
 

Sheepish-Lord

macrumors 68030
Oct 13, 2021
2,529
5,148
It’s ok, trackpad and keyboard were definitely small so it can be cumbersome. Additionally the trackpad clicks are annoying especially coming from a haptic trackpad. My biggest issue was I never wanted to remove the iPad from the MK so it never really felt like a tablet after that but that could just be a ‘me’ issue.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jazz1

TightLines

macrumors 6502
Jun 10, 2022
338
464
I have the 11” with the magic keyboard… no trackpad… i use a Apple Magic Mouse (black) and love the setup… the only complaint i have is occasionally it will lose connectivity… but its just for a micro second… like a couple missed keystrokes… and then it resumes… its not bluetooth so its not being dropped like that can at times… but apart from that its perfect. I actually supplement it with a screen protector and the only case that is compatible right now… a fancy space age material that allows the magnets to work with it… and its a georgous finish protecting the rear of the iPad and even recesses the camera just a little more, giving those lenses a little extra protections too… add the pencil and you have a great setup that looks good too!! The case itself is a bit expensive for what it is/does… but thats becuase it really is the only game in town that will work with using one of the magic keyboards… the keyboard itself is compact, so you have to adjust to that when using it, but that is not that hard really…
 

temende

macrumors 6502
Oct 28, 2021
321
1,372
I have a 2018 11" iPad Pro and the Magic Keyboard. It's decent but feels cramped after 10-15 min of use. I also only have the MK since I got it as a gift, but now that I've owned one I don't think I would pay $300 for it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Sensamic

Sensamic

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Mar 26, 2010
3,072
689
I have a 2018 11" iPad Pro and the Magic Keyboard. It's decent but feels cramped after 10-15 min of use. I also only have the MK since I got it as a gift, but now that I've owned one I don't think I would pay $300 for it.
Thanks. That is my fear. I’ve tried it at the store and, indeed, after 20 minutes or so my fingers start to hurt.
 

Macalway

macrumors 601
Aug 7, 2013
4,184
2,934
Yes (maybe, just got it)

Seems to me, the saving on these is great. The Mini-Led is wonderful, but these are fine. I'm liking it (them, AMK+Air). Some other things are missing or reduced.
 
Last edited:

chrfr

macrumors G5
Jul 11, 2009
13,709
7,280
I use it all the time and have no issues with the keyboard size. I do have fairly large hands as well.
 

paulmeyers42

macrumors regular
Sep 17, 2014
115
106
I already own the iPad Pro 11 M1 and I’m thinking of buying the MK to use it as a laptop for web browsing, email, etc. Nothing too complicated. I’d like a laptop, but the MBA M2 is too expensive right now and the M1 version feels outdated.

Those who have this combo, are you happy with it? Still using it?

My biggest concern is the size of the keyboard and trackpad. They are a little bit small to use for long periods of time, like a laptop. Screen size doesn’t bother me.

I’ve had the Magic Keyboard since it came out, 2 years ago. I’ve used it pretty much every day since with my 11” iPad Pro. For me, it was a total game changer. I was very much opposed to having a pointing device on the iPad, but this completely turned me around.

The keys are definitely “tight” but I got used to it pretty quickly. The trackpad is on the small size but again, I got used to it pretty quickly. I use it all the time as my personal laptop and occasional work laptop.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Shifts

snipr125

macrumors 68020
Oct 17, 2015
2,011
3,125
UK
I got the MK and use it with my Ipad Air 4, and its so easy and convenient to use. Just magnetically attach and away you go, no charging or anything needed. The keyboard and trackpad are of the same industry leading quality of a Macbook. With this set up, I can do 90% of the normal things i do on a macbook pro. The MK is expensive though, I got mine for £150 with a work voucher, I would not recommend to pay the full RRP price though, but there are discounts to be had if you look around.
 

Mark Stone

macrumors 6502
Mar 20, 2022
497
551
In its case.
I have the MK on my M1 Air 5th Gen, and it is awesome. I’ve used it for about three months and have strangely avoided the “problems” others seem to constantly encounter. I think it’s popular on forums to dis the MK, but in practical use (using an iPad as a PC) it is bulletproof.
 

Geekett

macrumors member
Sep 17, 2021
57
42
This MK is fantastic. I have it with an iPad pro 11' 2020. It feels like a real keyboard. The only downside is the price and no escape key.
 

NavySEAL6

macrumors 6502a
Dec 13, 2006
614
79
Very satisfied for typing out responses and texts here and there, even the occasional longer email or document. Never experienced pain. But I can objectively say I type faster on my desktop keyboard. Seeing as you have a Mac for heavy lifting I say go for it
 

Isamilis

macrumors 68020
Apr 3, 2012
2,191
1,074
I already own the iPad Pro 11 M1 and I’m thinking of buying the MK to use it as a laptop for web browsing, email, etc. Nothing too complicated. I’d like a laptop, but the MBA M2 is too expensive right now and the M1 version feels outdated.

Those who have this combo, are you happy with it? Still using it?

My biggest concern is the size of the keyboard and trackpad. They are a little bit small to use for long periods of time, like a laptop. Screen size doesn’t bother me.
I am very satisfied, bought few months ago. I have few cases before, but recently I only use MK. It’s sturdy (to avoid bend), good view angle, comfortable on lap / small space, plus extra Usb-c port are some of my preferences. I also like the very light case-less experience for reading and browsing.
 

doolar

macrumors 6502a
Nov 25, 2019
644
1,128
I would try out the Keyboard Folio too, I chose that over the MK. I don’t need the trackpad on my iPad Pro 11”. I’m typing on forums like this mainly. The Folio is easier to use in bed or in my lap too. It’s way lighter too.

If I would use my iPad as a desktop replacement I would use an external mouse/trackpad instead.

Not saying the MK is bad - because it’s not, it’s great. But do check the Folio out too, it’s a different use case though.
 

spiderman0616

Suspended
Aug 1, 2010
5,670
7,499
I liked mine when I had it, other than a couple minor complaints:

1) The outside gets gross. I highly recommend a decal or something to keep it clean. Decal Girl makes good cheap ones.
2) It's heavy and can be difficult to open and pick up off a flat surface.
3) My fingers often hit the bottom of the iPad while I was typing.

These were never major hardships--I used it happily for about a year.
 

Student of Life

macrumors 6502a
Oct 13, 2020
791
915
I would suggest trying the Logi combo keyboard case. It gives you more space, the keys are great, they have backlighting, and it’s removable and keeps the iPad safe. It basically turns the ipad into a surface pro.

 
  • Like
Reactions: VaruLV

Sensamic

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Mar 26, 2010
3,072
689
I would suggest trying the Logi combo keyboard case. It gives you more space, the keys are great, they have backlighting, and it’s removable and keeps the iPad safe. It basically turns the ipad into a surface pro.


Almost bought that but after reading many negative comments of issues and bugs on the internet I decided to finally buy the MK, and as of now I’m really happy.

I would have preferred the combo because it is cheaper, bigger trackpad and more resistant materials IMO, plus being able to detach the keyboard, but many people complain about disconnection issues with the trackpad and other stuff. The MK has some benefits: official Apple accessory so no software bugs, iPad floating or elevated for more comfortable viewing, better keys and trackpad quality, more elegant design, more seamless operation when just connecting it or disconnecting it for tablet use only (with combo touch it would be a pain to take off the case if I want to use the tablet naked) and in the future it could maybe be used with other iPad models like the Air if I ever downgrade and it can still work with newer models in the lineup.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.