iPad Pro Magic keyboard vs Smart Keyboard folio

[flur]

Have had both the Keys-to-go and Microsoft Foldable, and the Foldable is a much better typing experience and build quality

What’s the weight difference between these two? Do you find it noticeable?

 

[Porterhouse]

I use the Studio Neat Canopy with Magic Keyboard with my 2017 12.9 IPP. Returned the previous Smart Keyboard as I found the typing experience atrocious.

https://www.studioneat.com/products/canopy

I've tried several keyboard cases over the years but I haven't liked any of them. They've all been budget keyboards, and as we all know, the ASK isn't budget. So far, I really like it, though I'll still use my MBP for heavy keyboarding.

I'm intrigued by this; I've heard great things about the Magic Keyboard. How does it feel? I'm still within my 14 days, so perhaps this is the time to try it.

 

[dljor]

I've tried several keyboard cases over the years but I haven't liked any of them. They've all been budget keyboards, and as we all know, the ASK isn't budget. So far, I really like it, though I'll still use my MBP for heavy keyboarding.

I'm intrigued by this; I've heard great things about the Magic Keyboard. How does it feel? I'm still within my 14 days, so perhaps this is the time to try it.

apple magic keyboard? it's great for typing. not sure if you want to be carrying it all day though. as small as it is, it's still a solid slab..

 

[The Game 161]

Sure if you use your iPad only at a desk.

 

[mdwsta4]

I had the keyboard folio on my 10.5" iPP, but rarely used it. I also had the standard front cover which was normally what I traveled with. I'd only put the keyboard on when I knew I'd be typing a lot. When thinking about the new 11", I have a spare magic keyboard and figured I'd just use that when I need to type a lot and use the normal front folio cover to protect the screen.

Here is basically the case I use when traveling with the magic keyboard
https://www.ebay.com/i/232373022211...rk=11&rkt=30&sd=183401317898&itm=531644704594

I still want to have a smart folio so I will most likely reorder the Ztotop Smart Folio when the new batch is in stock. I had to return my 1st one because the auto wake/sleep function did not work. The manufacturer got in contact with me to let me know they were indeed fixing the issues.

It’s only $26 and was a heck of a 3rd party knockoff.
https://www.amazon.com/Ztotop-12-9-Magnetic-Minimalist-Trifold/dp/B07J4K6ZK6

Are the front cover and back case separate or is it all one piece? Seems like a great alternative to Apple's overpriced cover, but I don't need the rear case.

 

[BaddAdvice]

I've tried several keyboard cases over the years but I haven't liked any of them. They've all been budget keyboards, and as we all know, the ASK isn't budget. So far, I really like it, though I'll still use my MBP for heavy keyboarding.

I'm intrigued by this; I've heard great things about the Magic Keyboard. How does it feel? I'm still within my 14 days, so perhaps this is the time to try it.

I’m using the Magic Keyboard as my desk-bound keyboard. I only picked it up this morning, but I like the extra functionality it provides. I definitely won’t be carting around with me when I travel - I’ll use the keyboard folio for that. I’d say if your iPad’s going to live at a desk and keyboard portability isn’t a priority, any of the BT keyboard options out there are worth a look. The Magic Keyboard is pricey, that’s for sure, but it’s a pretty nice piece of kit.

 

[flur]

Can anyone tell me how the magic keyboard compares to the older Apple Wireless keyboard? I have the older one and I can’t get it to pair with my new IPP, so I’m wondering if maybe it’s time to upgrade. I really like the typing experience on the older keyboard - is the magic keyboard similar?

 

[dljor]

Can anyone tell me how the magic keyboard compares to the older Apple Wireless keyboard? I have the older one and I can’t get it to pair with my new IPP, so I’m wondering if maybe it’s time to upgrade. I really like the typing experience on the older keyboard - is the magic keyboard similar?

tried it. it connects fine.

 

[Mosschops]

What’s the weight difference between these two? Do you find it noticeable?

I noticed very little weight difference. The big advantage of the MS Foldable was the size

 

[flur]

tried it. it connects fine.

Thanks. I was wondering about the difference in weight and typing experience between the two.

 

[otozuz]

I’m honestly having the same doubt. I have the Folio (without keyboard) and now I’m wondering if I should have bought the Smart Keyboard Folio or if I should buy the Magic Keyboard. My main issue with the Smart Keyboard Folio is that you can’t put the iPad in this position, which I find very useful when drawing or on when I’m on the couch in weird positions

I don’t take my iPad with me all the time and I don’t type a lot, so I’m leaning more toward to the Magic Keyboard.

 

[RevTEG]

I use the Studio Neat Canopy with Magic Keyboard with my 2017 12.9 IPP. Returned the previous Smart Keyboard as I found the typing experience atrocious.

https://www.studioneat.com/products/canopy

I also use the Logitech Keys to Go when out and about sometimes. Thin, light and much better than the Smart Keyboard to type on IMO.

Thanks for posting this. That’s a really cool option. Is it difficult to use gestures between the keyboard and lower part of the iPad screen?
[doublepost=1543176393][/doublepost]

I had the keyboard folio on my 10.5" iPP, but rarely used it. I also had the standard front cover which was normally what I traveled with. I'd only put the keyboard on when I knew I'd be typing a lot. When thinking about the new 11", I have a spare magic keyboard and figured I'd just use that when I need to type a lot and use the normal front folio cover to protect the screen.

Here is basically the case I use when traveling with the magic keyboard
https://www.ebay.com/i/232373022211?rt=nc&var=531644704594&_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIM.MBE&ao=2&asc=20160908110712&meid=30d27424c461427a8f7e177732799fd6&pid=100677&rk=11&rkt=30&sd=183401317898&itm=531644704594

I have this same style keyboard cover. I think mine was made by Incase. I’ve had it for a really long time. Works great, but a few of the new gestures are hard to use in the lower edge between the keyboard and the iPad. Are you still using yours? Really cool design in my opinion.

 

[flur]

I’m honestly having the same doubt. I have the Folio (without keyboard) and now I’m wondering if I should have bought the Smart Keyboard Folio or if I should buy the Magic Keyboard. My main issue with the Smart Keyboard Folio is that you can’t put the iPad in this position, which I find very useful when drawing or on when I’m on the couch in weird positions

I don’t take my iPad with me all the time and I don’t type a lot, so I’m leaning more toward to the Magic Keyboard.

I use this position probably more than any other, and I often use it for typing in cafes where the counter isn’t as high relative to the chair height. What really frustrates me is that you can put the iPad in this position on the keyboard folio if you flip the top part of the back of the folio down toward the keys and rest the iPad on it. If Apple put the smart connector on both sides of the cover, this would be a completely usable position, but as it is, the keypad isn’t usable like that.

 

[Porterhouse]

Thanks for posting this. That’s a really cool option. Is it difficult to use gestures between the keyboard and lower part of the iPad screen?
[doublepost=1543176393][/doublepost]

How does the Magic Keyboard compare? I found a fair deal on one because of Black Friday, but it won’t be here for another week.

 

[Hatreyx]

My parents got me the Smart Keyboard Folio for Christmas although I don’t expect to do too much typing as I’m a student with a mbp. Would it make more sense to return the Smart Keyboard folio and get a Zugu muse case for multiple viewing angles plus the magic keyboard for the occasional essay writing between classes at university?

 

[otozuz]

My parents got me the Smart Keyboard Folio for Christmas although I don’t expect to do too much typing as I’m a student with a mbp. Would it make more sense to return the Smart Keyboard folio and get a Zugu muse case for multiple viewing angles plus the magic keyboard for the occasional essay writing between classes at university?

I personally find the Smart Keyboard Folio a pleasure to use even if don’t type very often (even just to type in Safari, Notes and Messages). It makes the iPad much more similar to a laptop – which maybe is not what you want in an iPad

 

[EugW]

I have the Magic Keyboard. Never use it. I also have the Apple Wireless Keyboard with numeric keypad for my iMac, and I only use it plugged in (where it functions like a wired keyboard).

I have the Apple Smart Keyboard for my 10.5" iPad Pro. It's with it all the time. Light, compact, and no Bluetooth or battery to worry about. I like it so much that I bought one for my wife for my iPad 7.

It should be noted that the Apple Smart Keyboard for the 9.7" is not full size. Well under 18 mm and annoying.

10.5"/11" is 18 mm, which is on the smaller end of full size but is ergonomically considered full size nonetheless.
12.9" is 19 mm (which is the same full size spacing as the Mac keyboards).

 

[AutomaticApple]

I have the Magic Keyboard. Never use it. I also have the Apple Wireless Keyboard with numeric keypad for my iMac, and I only use it plugged in (where it functions like a wired keyboard).

I have the Apple Smart Keyboard for my 10.5" iPad Pro. It's with it all the time. Light, compact, and no Bluetooth or battery to worry about. I like it so much that I bought one for my wife for my iPad 7.

View attachment 884728

It should be noted that the Apple Smart Keyboard for the 9.7" is not full size. Well under 18 mm and annoying.

10.5"/11" is 18 mm, which is on the smaller end of full size but is ergonomically considered full size nonetheless.
12.9" is 19 mm (which is the same full size spacing as the Mac keyboards).

Does that make the 12.9" the best for typing?

 

[Harmonious Zen]

I have the Magic Keyboard. Never use it. I also have the Apple Wireless Keyboard with numeric keypad for my iMac, and I only use it plugged in (where it functions like a wired keyboard).

I have the Apple Smart Keyboard for my 10.5" iPad Pro. It's with it all the time. Light, compact, and no Bluetooth or battery to worry about. I like it so much that I bought one for my wife for my iPad 7.

View attachment 884728

It should be noted that the Apple Smart Keyboard for the 9.7" is not full size. Well under 18 mm and annoying.

10.5"/11" is 18 mm, which is on the smaller end of full size but is ergonomically considered full size nonetheless.
12.9" is 19 mm (which is the same full size spacing as the Mac keyboards).

Same here. I used to carry around my iPad and the really thin Logitech keyboard for iPads. But, it was a hassle having to get it out of my bag (which sometimes wasn’t in the same room), turn it on and then use it. It also didn’t make the iPad very useful as a “laptop” since I couldn’t use that combo on my lap. I bit the bullet and got the Smart Keyboard Folio and have absolutely loved it. It doesn’t add a lot of weight or bulkiness and I can immediately whip it out and start typing. No Bluetooth connections and nothing to turn on or off. It’s definitely overpriced, but I haven’t been this happy with paying too much in some time.

 

[EugW]

Same here. I used to carry around my iPad and the really thin Logitech keyboard for iPads. But, it was a hassle having to get it out of my bag (which sometimes wasn’t in the same room), turn it on and then use it. It also didn’t make the iPad very useful as a “laptop” since I couldn’t use that combo on my lap. I bit the bullet and got the Smart Keyboard Folio and have absolutely loved it. It doesn’t add a lot of weight or bulkiness and I can immediately whip it out and start typing. No Bluetooth connections and nothing to turn on or off. It’s definitely overpriced, but I haven’t been this happy with paying too much in some time.

I bought my Apple Smart Keyboard new on Amazon.ca in Canada from a third party for 2/3rds of retail price in spring 2019, and then another used - like new last week on Amazon.ca for half retail price.

However, that is for the iPad Pro 10.5 & iPad 7th gen 10.2. I didn’t see similar discount pricing on the iPad Pro 3rd gen Apple keyboards. I didn’t look on Amazon.com in the US though.