iPad Pro Is it ever better to use the iPad Folio with the iPad Pro compared to the iPad magic Keyboard?

[jaybar]

I have an iPad Pro 11. I don’t do much typing on the iPad I have both the Magic keyboard and the folio. The Magic Keyboard adds weight. I am using the iPad Pro for consumption.

Anyone prefer the folio over the Magic Keyboard?

When is it more appropriate to use the Magic keyboard over the folio or the other way around?

 

[Shanghaichica]

I also have the iPad Pro 11 and use it for consumption. I prefer the magic keyboard because it’s a better keyboard than the Smart Keyboard. The trackpad is also nice for navigation.

 

[freakomac]

I have the folio and I prefer that for general use especially when used with the pencil.

 

[ApfelKuchen]

There's no one right answer. If your review any discussion of keyboards you'll find plenty of passionate opinions, mostly related to the feel of each keyboard.

I have a first-generation 12.9" iPad Pro, so the Magic Keyboard is not an option for me. I've used the Smart Keyboard (not Folio) all this time. I've tried the Magic, though, and love the feel compared to the Smart. The feel of the Smart keyboard is still good enough for my needs - I don't do a whole lot of writing on my iPad these days. If I was using the iPad heavily for typing I might prefer to have a Magic Keyboard (for my next iPad, of course).

Still, when I was writing extensively on the iPad I was also traveling (iPad in backpack, wearing backpack all day long). The lighter weight of the Smart could become a consideration, but the difference isn't so great that I might not choose the heavier keyboard anyway.

One consideration might be airline tray tables - I'd imagine the higher position of the iPad when using the Magic Keyboard might affect just how well the iPad fits on the tray table.

 

[ecatomb]

Why not using a bluetooth keyboard (like MX keys) at home and iPad Folio when you are away

 

[jaybar]

Why not using a bluetooth keyboard (like MX keys) at home and iPad Folio when you are away

I don’t take the iPad out. Would that change your recommendation?

 

[ecatomb]

So you could think about using a bluetooth keyboard ?
You can use keyboard even if iPad is vertical. Other keyboard are only for landscape mode.
And no need to have the keyboard close to the iPad.

It's like with iMac or mac mini

 

[FMRWin10Boy]

I use the Logitech Combo Touch keyboard. I‘ve owned the magic keyboard and didn’t care too much for it. My fingers constantly bumped against the iPad when typing on the number keys. The trackpad is also too small. Lastly, the lack of full position on the magic keyboard proved too much for me. I really like the Logitech keyboard. I also like that there’s a protective case on the iPad when detaching the keyboard. Overall I’m very happy with it on my iPad Pro 11.

 

[rui no onna]

Couch surfing and stuff, I'm more than content with the onscreen keyboard so it's just Folio-type cases for me.

 

[Zazoh]

So you could think about using a bluetooth keyboard ?
You can use keyboard even if iPad is vertical. Other keyboard are only for landscape mode.
And no need to have the keyboard close to the iPad.

It's like with iMac or mac mini

Exactly why and what I was going to recommend.

 

[GMShadow]

I switch between the folio (not the keyboard folio) and the MKB depending on what I'm doing.

 

[jaybar]

I switch between the folio (not the keyboard folio) and the MKB depending on what I'm doing.

When do you use the folio?

 

[GMShadow]

Folio is when I want to cut the overall weight - the 12.9 isn’t exactly light by itself. If I’m just planning to consume content, then I take the folio.

I actually use the MKB more at home than anything.

 

[The Game 161]

I have both and tend to only use folio when I want to use it as a tablet the rest of the time it’s always on the MK

 

[dasjati]

I‘m typing this sitting in my chair with my iPad Pro 11 sitting in its Magic Keyboard. It‘s stable on my lap and relatively comfortable to use. The Keyboard Folio would be too floppy for me away from a desk or table. I also have a folio cover (without keyboard) as a protection and I switch my iPad into that one when I use it as a tablet or if I carry it somewhere.

The Magic Keyboard (and here mostly its touchpad) has changed how and how much I use my iPad Pro. It definitely has become more of a secondary computer for me. And I still love to use it as a tablet to read emails, magazines, books, websites etc. or watch videos, play games and so on.

So it all comes down to your usecases and your preferences.

 

[Ungibbed]

I use a folio with my 12.9 since I also find myself using it more for media consumption.

I do most of my typing is on my phone or on my desktop.