iPad Pro Magic Keyboard - Still Unusable on Lap

[Simmias]

I received my 13” M4 iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard today. The first thing I did was test using it on my lap. My biggest issue with the previous Magic Keyboard was that it’s horribly unstable and top heavy for lap use.

The keyboard literally bounces up & down and threatens to tip over when you type unless you keep your hands on the palm rest at all times, which is not an ideal typing position.

Unfortunately, the weight distribution of the new Magic Keyboard is just as top heavy and prone to bouncing as the old one, nor are the viewing angles improved. I’d add that it’s not noticeably thinner or lighter than my 13” M1 iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard. If anything, the hinge on the new one feels even heavier and more lop sided.

I was hoping the new Magic Keyboard would be sleeker and better balanced, but it doesn’t seem to be much of an improvement on the last generation. It’s still thick, heavy and unbalanced. Probably going to send this back and stick with my M1.

 

[sparksd]

I received my 13” M4 iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard today. The first thing I did was test using it on my lap. My biggest issue with the previous Magic Keyboard was that it’s horribly unstable and top heavy for lap use.

The keyboard literally bounces up & down and threatens to tip over when you type unless you keep your hands on the palm rest at all times, which is not an ideal typing position.

Unfortunately, the weight distribution of the new Magic Keyboard is just as top heavy and prone to bouncing as the old one, nor are the viewing angles improved. I’d add that it’s not noticeably thinner or lighter than my 13” M1 iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard. If anything, the hinge on the new one feels even heavier and more lop sided.

I was hoping the new Magic Keyboard would be sleeker and better balanced, but it doesn’t seem to be much of an improvement on the last generation. It’s still thick, heavy and unbalanced. Probably going to send this back and stick with my M1.

This is a generic problem with tablets & 2-in-1 devices. I have an M1 12.9 & Surface Pro 7. Unlike a laptop, there is little weight in the keyboard and more weight in the upright element, a perfect setup for instability.

 

[hch720]

Yeah, I figured. even after all these years still garbage compared to a MacBook

 

[Macalway]

Like others are saying, you are in the minority. It's noticeably lighter than the last version, and not unstable.

 

[sparksd]

Yeah, I figured. even after all these years still garbage compared to a MacBook

What are you expecting? You think people would be happy if they put counterweights in the keyboard to offset the upright tablet?

 

[hch720]

What are you expecting? You think people would be happy if they put counterweights in the keyboard to offset the upright tablet?

Yes, I expect a keyboard that is useable and not one that only wins in the looks department. That means completely get rid of the silicone nonsense and make it heavier

 

[srikat]

It is fine as long as you have your hands on the keyboard. Not a big deal for me.

 

[sparksd]

Yes, I expect a keyboard that is useable and not one that only wins in the looks department. That means completely get rid of the silicone nonsense and make it heavier

I'd say you're in the minority as most have said they are happy with an even lighter keyboard for portability.

 

[DMG35]

I find it a big improvement over the last version. Lighter and more stable, and overall a massive improvement over the previous version.

 

[Macalway]

I find it a big improvement over the last version. Lighter and more stable, and overall a massive improvement over the previous version.

Yes, sort of surprising. It's better in several ways. They did a very good job. The reduction of weight and depth of the tablet I'm sure helps. The trackpad is better.

 

[Surfsalot]

Others have said opposite

 

[ukms]

Horses for courses, it works for some and not others. For me it’s fine on the odd occasion I actually will use it on my lap.

It’s very clear before you buy there is no significant weight on the keyboard part and the balance is somewhat down to the user setting the angle of the iPad and how you sit etc.

All round a great combo for me.

It’s not a MacBook or a laptop so why expect it to balance like one ?

 

[Cyberius11]

I haven't had any issues using it on my lap. It is much more stable than the previous keyboard; I'm using it on an 11" and really like it.

 

[Beau10]

While it's not a totally uncommon use case, it's likely not common enough to sacrifice portability by adding more weight to the base to balance at a downward angle.

 

[MacAndMic]

I haven't had any issues using it on my lap. It is much more stable than the previous keyboard; I'm using it on an 11" and really like it.

13” Air. No issues either. Literally as stable as my MBA.

 

[klasma]

Yes, I expect a keyboard that is useable and not one that only wins in the looks department. That means completely get rid of the silicone nonsense and make it heavier

There are companies you can custom-order nice CNC-machined stainless steel plates from, and glue one one the bottom of the keyboard.

 

[ofarlig]

Yeah I don’t see that, think it is at least as stable as my M1 with magic keyboard was. Can’t see how I could type without keeping my palms on the palm rests though, that is what they are for. As for weight it is noticeable lighter to pick up and carry.

 

[Pug72]

When I use my MacBook and previous iPad Pro+MK on my lap, it's always onto top of a cushion. Feels very secure.