I absolutely love mine. It is very expensive but it has been worth it for me. Being able to type on a proper keyboard is a God send (I couldn’t get on with the folio keyboard). Also being able to dock it and have adjustable angles when watching video is great.
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iPad Pro is magic keyboard really worth the extra $$$ over smart keyboard for ipad pro?
- Thread starter kevjen888
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I bought it for my my 12.9" Pro back in November. I really planned on returning it but didn't feel like going to the Apple store to do so so I kept it. I use it sometimes although all I really do on it is internet stuff but I prefer to type out things like this reply on my MBP. Most of the time I keep my smart cover on the iPad.
I purchased the magic keyboard and smart cover together with my new iPad Pro 11" just a couple of weeks ago.
I did not seriously consider the smart keyboard after looking at the magic keyboard - trackpad, pass-through charging, and so forth.
It is expensive but for those who can afford it, I think that it is the absolute best choice.
I did not seriously consider the smart keyboard after looking at the magic keyboard - trackpad, pass-through charging, and so forth.
It is expensive but for those who can afford it, I think that it is the absolute best choice.
I considered both for my 2018 12.9 Pro but elected to go with the K380 keyboard and Trackpad 2 and MX Master 3 mouse for home use and Logitech Slim Folio Pro for outside the home. I prefer the availability of function keys and use of a larger, separate trackpad or mouse to a smaller, center-situated fixed trackpad.
Did I miss something? Are you not allowed to open the package & try it out before returning?
Because if you can, crack that baby open, and make up your own mind. Your own personal observations for yourself will outweigh ours by a 100X.
I could go on about the flexibility of the system with easy on & off of the tablet from keyboard. Backlight, keyboard travel, built in mouse pad, it actually does look like a cool little iMac on your desk and yes the increased weight. All of that is great for those of us who like the product & use it regularly, but if you have the opportunity right in front of you to try it out... Do it.
For what it's worth, I wish I didn't buy one. I miss the ability to close it behind the iPad to write. Trade the trackpad for that any day.
Sounds like my setup is a bit similar to yours (same keyboard but a different Logitech mouse). I just need a Magic Trackpad 2 to complete my setup! 🤣
I use this stand for working:
https://smile.amazon.com/KABCON-Adjustable-Foldabele-Eye-Level-Etc-Silver/dp/B074J159V5
It brings the iPad much higher than the Magic Keyboard when I tried the Magic Keyboard. The stand is super stable (for the angle I have it) and takes up much less dining table space since I place the K380 on top of the stand. If I pickup the Magic Trackpad 2, it'll almost double the space my iPad setup it takes on the dining table! 😜
lol - I have the exact same stand. It's excellent. And the K380 and mouse switch readily between my iPad and docked laptop. Great setup.
The short answer is - Yes and no.
The long answer is:
Both keyboards, the smart folio keyboard and magic keyboard exist for two totally different use case scanarios.
Smart folio - for those who use the iPad mostly as an iPad/tablet with a little typing.
Magic - for those who use the iPad mostly as a notebook and type a lot and only do a little touch screen stuff and don't often hold the iPad like a tablet.
Both have pros and cons.
Smart folio - can flip the keyboard over and use the iPad as a tablet with the keyboard attached (ie full range of folding). Lighter weight. Cheaper price. Only a couple of standard viewing angles. Better waterproofing. Butterfly keys.
Also added portability (thanks @satchmo )
Magic - can not flip the keyboard over and use the iPad as a tablet with the keyboard attached. Heavier weight. More expensive. Any viewing angle, up to a certain point. Integrated trackpad. USBC port for charging on the keyboard, to free up the iPad's port for everything else. More traditional style notebook like keys (ie not butterfly). Backlit keys. Uses a little more power from the iPad to run.
The smart folio is not better or worse than the magic. Both are different products with different use case scenarios. Which one is better totally depends on how you use your iPad.
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I am surprised it took this long for someone to mention that fact that the Magic Keyboard adds a second USB-C port for charging. Plus, it is at table level too. That is a pretty big deal IMO.
I find that if I want to use my iPad Pro 10.5 as a hand-held tablet, these days I usually just take off my Smart Keyboard. No sense in holding the extra weight.
I would add portability to the Smart Folio pro column.
For instance, you're using the Magic keyboard in one room. Then remove the iPad for tablet and pencil use walking to another room. You realize you need to go back to keyboard mode again. You have to go back to the other room to dock again.
Obviously you carry a Magic keyboard with you room to room, but it's heavier and a bit more cumbersome.
The Smart Folio is a lighter an all-in-one that goes from keyboard to tablet mode in any environment.
My only wish was that the keyboard was traditional, and backlit instead of fabric covered.
The magic keyboards are ~$49 off at Amazon so that should help for those that are interested. For me since I like using my device as a tablet I opted to just use the Logitech BT keyboard I had laying around with a magic trackpad from work when I'm using the iPad from my desk.
On the contrary, that's the one thing I have not gotten used to. The fact that it does not fold back as the keyboard folio is something I have found ways to deal with, but not the weight.
See, I still don't understand that.
From a design standpoint they made it clear from the earliest videos it was intended that you remove the iPad completely from the keyboard.
If you are working in tablet mode, you take the tablet. If you are in typing mode you attach it to the keyboard that presents itself as a pseudo desktop/laptop formation.
Not getting used to an experience the device doesn't intend to present seems strange to me. It's saying that you don't like the thing ( the experience ) the device was NEVER intended to deliver. I do get if that was a necessity for some. On the other hand I specifically never bought those style of cases, because holding on to typing keys while working in tablet mode seemed like an enormous design fail.
My personal take of course.
Don't many already do this with their oversized iPhone Max?
Still, I don't think many actually do this on a tablet...at least for anything more than typing in a URL.
Tablet mode is primarily for surfing and scrolling and drawing/writing with the Pencil.
That's why folio style keyboards do work well for flipping between modes.
For me personally that is my use case.Don't many already do this with their oversized iPhone Max?
Still, I don't think many actually do this on a tablet...at least for anything more than typing in a URL.
Tablet mode is primarily for surfing and scrolling and drawing/writing with the Pencil.
That's why folio style keyboards do work well for flipping between modes.
When I am doing anything involving the pencil I remove it from the keyboard, as shown in the video. When I need to type, I easily slap it on the case, as shown in the video. The smart folio was intended for one to use it with keyboard flipped back, that wasn't a favorable experience to me. When NOT being able to use the magic keyboard as it wasn't intended is not an experience issue, that's a preference issue.
Drawing with a keyboard on the back is just not... normal. To me at least. I just want the tablet separate. To me the ORIGINAL smart folio where the keyboard itself detached was a great solution.
I guess I am a fan of a clear separation of tasks.
I suspect Apple believes this as well. Although initially it took them a while to commit to supporting stylus' and keyboards for the iPad.
Apple could easily created something like this, but won't.
Touchpad Keyboard Case for New iPad Air 4 10.9 Inch 2020 (4th Generation ), 360° Rotatable Backlits Magic Keyboard Style Trackpad & Smart Backlit Keys [Touch ID Compatible] (Black(360° Rotatable))
360° Rotatable iPad Air 4thGeneration Case 2020 with Keyboard & Touchpad,Backlits Bluetooth Flip Smart Keyboard Case for New iPad Air 4 10.9 Inch 2020 (4th Generation ) Q:how to connect the bluetooth? A:please check our picture carefully, we write how to connect. if you still can't connect it, pl...
www.amazon.com
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I imagine from an engineering standpoint Apple doesn't want to be anywhere near that design idea.I suspect Apple believes this as well. Although initially it took them a while to commit to supporting stylus' and keyboards for the iPad.
Apple could easily created something like this, but won't.
Touchpad Keyboard Case for New iPad Air 4 10.9 Inch 2020 (4th Generation ), 360° Rotatable Backlits Magic Keyboard Style Trackpad & Smart Backlit Keys [Touch ID Compatible] (Black(360° Rotatable))
360° Rotatable iPad Air 4thGeneration Case 2020 with Keyboard & Touchpad,Backlits Bluetooth Flip Smart Keyboard Case for New iPad Air 4 10.9 Inch 2020 (4th Generation ) Q:how to connect the bluetooth? A:please check our picture carefully, we write how to connect. if you still can't connect it, pl...www.amazon.com
I remember those early designs were prone to breaking. I can't imagine Apple would want to try such a design with the numbers they'd sell & the price they expect.
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I bought one when I upgraded to a 2020 11" iPad Pro, and love it. Previously, I was using either a cheap bt amazon kb or a standard apple kb. I've never used the smart. The features of the new magic kb combined with IOS improvements and cloud mean that I can comfortably bring just the kb and iPad when I travel, or for office hours (teacher). In the past when traveling I'd bring both a laptop and iPad. It's also the capabilities of IOS that make the magic keyboard a great accessory, but the trackpad, pass-through, and ease of use are stellar. I do wish I'd waited until the price dropped, since I wasn't planning on spending most of the year working from home!
Actually, what I meant is the weight of transporting it around in the case. It is no longer a lightweight device. It is a really hefty brick to carry around.
When I use it as a tablet, I of course take it out of the case. I do appreciate that it is lightweight then. Before, with the keyboard folio, I would fold it back when using as a tablet. Taking it out, as is necesary with the MK, actually makes for a nicer experience. I just put the MK next to me.
I understood that, which is why mentioned how the new presentation is set up as a desktop/laptop.
It's understandably heavier because of the weighted base/keyboard, which also helps when used as laptop to avoid the tipping over issue earlier with the smart folio on laps.
Again, if you compare it to an iPad Pro by itself, then sure - it is relatively more productive. If you compare the $1350 base price of iPP w/ Keyboard to a Macbook Air (which is almost $400 cheaper, with more storage and even better productivity), then whole "paying for itself" argument doesn't hold. I'll admit there are plenty of other use-cases where someone might want to spend more on an iPP and a magic keyboard instead of a macbook, but productivity isn't one of them.
i have a 2018 15" MBP for my laptop needs. Amazon is having a sale right now on the Magic keyboard, $249 for the 11" keyboard. but i think i'm gonna hold onto the the Smart keyboard, as i don't need a replacement for my MBP and my 256GB 11" IPP was already expensive begin with.