This. You win 2020.More cash left in your pocket and more room on your desk for a can of beer
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
iPad Pro Now I have the Magic Keyboard, I’m regretting getting the 11” iPad Pro.
- Thread starter The Cockney Rebel
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
The only ... ONLY advantage the 12.9 has over the 11 is the size.
I've got the 12.9 and wouldn't go smaller, but it's heavier by a great deal and costs more. I would only recommend the 12.9 if you're truly looking for a laptop replacement (it's not, but it's close)
Saying that, if you think of it as a laptop and treat it like one then you'll love it. If you're looking for a portable tablet then the 11" is the way to go.
I've got the 12.9 and wouldn't go smaller, but it's heavier by a great deal and costs more. I would only recommend the 12.9 if you're truly looking for a laptop replacement (it's not, but it's close)
Saying that, if you think of it as a laptop and treat it like one then you'll love it. If you're looking for a portable tablet then the 11" is the way to go.
11” is a tablet. 13” is a Laptop and I already have one of those. As Steve Jobs describes it. Motorcycle, Sports car, SUV, Trucks
iPhone = motorcycle
iPad Pro = sports car
Laptop = SUV
Desktop Gaming PC tower = Truck
Each serves a Unique and important part of unleashing my full creativity and not having any limits on life.
IIRC, the 11" Magic Keyboard key spacing is 18 mm, which means that technically it is actually classified as a full size keyboard. However, it's a smaller form of full size, since 12.9" and MacBook/Pro keyboards are 19 mm, which are also classified as full size. This is based on ergonomic classifications, which are in turn based on studies looking at comfort and typing reliability. It should be noted that Apple advertises both these sizes as full size, and they would be right.
However, personal preferences matter. Not everyone is going to like 18 mm spaced keyboards, particularly those with big hands. For me, I really dislike 17 mm spaced keyboards, but 18 mm and 19 mm spaced keyboards are both perfectly fine for me. That's why I like the Smart Keyboard for my 10.5" Pro so much. It is also 18 mm.
The one I don't like is the keyboard for the 9.7" Pro, which is around 17.5 mm. And I absolutely despised the Logitech one for my iPad Air 2. At 16.9 mm my typing was not only very unreliable, it actually made my wrists hurt.
I personally believe Apple chose 10.5" to 11" in part specifically to be able to fit an 18 mm spaced full sized keyboard.
Note that the 12" MacBook has a 19 mm spaced keyboard. I'd love to see an ~11.9" iPad Pro with 19 mm spaced keyboard. The 12.9" iPad Pro is too big and awkward IMO.
Last edited:
Thank you for the informative post. Typing on my 11” MK I find very good. Of course I owned a 11” MBA 10 years back and had no Complaints of that either. A new 12” iPP would probably do very well on the market.
The 11" MacBook Air was actually 11.6", and it had big bezels, so it could fit a 19 mm spaced keyboard. That's the same spacing as say a 27" iMac Pro.
BTW, if you want to measure this yourself, it’s very easy to do. Just measure from the left edge of the A key to the left edge of the “ key and divide by 10.
iMac keyboard with 19 mm spacing:
iPad Pro 10.5” Smart Keyboard with 18 mm spacing:
One difference though is on the smaller keyboards, to make them fit smaller form factors, they do more significantly reduce the size of keys like return and =+ and shift, etc., but that's usually OK for most people. And of course on the iPad Pro Smart Keyboard, they got rid of the function keys completely. No escape key either.
iMac keyboard with 19 mm spacing:
iPad Pro 10.5” Smart Keyboard with 18 mm spacing:
One difference though is on the smaller keyboards, to make them fit smaller form factors, they do more significantly reduce the size of keys like return and =+ and shift, etc., but that's usually OK for most people. And of course on the iPad Pro Smart Keyboard, they got rid of the function keys completely. No escape key either.
The key at the top left hand corner of the Magic Keyboard would be perfect for an Escape key.
I don’t even know what the key is used for?
I reckon they’ll add it to the customisable key list in Settings at some point.
As far as magic keyboard, Ive been typing on the 11” for over a year now, so I’m pretty used to how they keys are spaced out In regards to my muscle memory (Since the on-screen keyboard is about the same size). I was on the fence on upgrading to the 12.9” for the additional screen space, especially when paired with the magic keyboard. However, one of the reasons I love the magic keyboard so much is because its so easy to remove my iPad and use it in tablet mode. That being said, and since I mostly use the iPad in portrait mode when not on the keyboard, the 12.9” was a dealbreaker simply because I could not type on the iPad when holding it. I’m very happy with the size and portability of my 11”, and I don’t regret the choice.
However... If apple makes an iPad mini pro, I’m just going to throw my money at that one and “downgrade” as the mini was 100% the perfect size for me for on the go usage.
However... If apple makes an iPad mini pro, I’m just going to throw my money at that one and “downgrade” as the mini was 100% the perfect size for me for on the go usage.
Having owned both 11” and 12.9”, I can honestly say that I prefer the larger screen and keyboard on the 12.9. I am old enough that I need the larger screen size, and, as a professor, I touch type at fairly high speeds so I prefer the larger key spacing on the 12.9” magic keyboard. As others have said; get what works best for you by trying both form factors. It seems to me that only you can decide what is best; best is a normative construct; what is best for you may not be what is best for others.
Agree - personal preference matters, and everyone is different.
Just to be clear though, for touch typists IIRC there hasn't been good evidence to show a significant difference in touch typing speed between 18 mm and 19 mm spaced keyboards. OTOH, when you drop below 18 mm, decreases in touch typing speed become more apparent. However, this is based on relatively small studies, and YMMV of course.
Hello Prof.
Thanks for informative response.
I think I’m just going to enjoy my 11” that I have right now, and step up to the larger size when the next models are released.
Wishing you well, buddy.
This dilemma always makes me question why Apple didn’t create a 12” iPad Pro. Still portable and also usable as a desktop.
Then again they did away 12” MacBook.
So they went with the 11” and 13” (12.9) instead of say perhaps a 12” and 14” option.
Then again they did away 12” MacBook.
So they went with the 11” and 13” (12.9) instead of say perhaps a 12” and 14” option.
Don’t expect for a minute that there would be less discussion about the best size with a 12 and a 14
To be honest, it sounds like you have no idea what you are talking about, my friend.
Use it more, you’ll get used to the 11” magic keyboard.
I have long fingers, at first my pinkies always hitting the wrong keys, now my muscle memory is adjusting (I felt I use my pinkies less now, and naturally adjusting to type using 8 fingers instead of 10. But find no problems typing back on the larger keyboards).
The iPad in my mind is a portable device, the 12,9” is simply too large every time I try to use it.
Unless you’ll always use it as a laptop on a desk.
If I have spare budget, I’d prefer for a larger storage and cellular connectivity rather than the bigger form factor.
*there, I tried to re-convince myself, 11” is enough 😁
I have long fingers, at first my pinkies always hitting the wrong keys, now my muscle memory is adjusting (I felt I use my pinkies less now, and naturally adjusting to type using 8 fingers instead of 10. But find no problems typing back on the larger keyboards).
The iPad in my mind is a portable device, the 12,9” is simply too large every time I try to use it.
Unless you’ll always use it as a laptop on a desk.
If I have spare budget, I’d prefer for a larger storage and cellular connectivity rather than the bigger form factor.
*there, I tried to re-convince myself, 11” is enough 😁
Regarding typing speed - I am a fast touch typist. Other keyboards I type on include a nice full sized Logitech MX keys keyboard, and my 12"MB/13"MBP keyboards.
My typing speed if I'm typing fast (according to typeracer and most other typing speed things on the internet anyway) is around 120-130 wpm, which I've previously done on the other keyboards (MX keys, MB/MBP keyboards).
Just did a few typeracer races with the 11" Magic Keyboard Folio, first one was 120 wpm, second one was 130 wpm, third one was 128 wpm. So for me, at least, it appears that I can type as fast on this keyboard as on the other full sized keyboards. I really do rather like typing on this keyboard!
Edit to add: the 12"MB/13"MBP I have sadly have butterfly keys, but I got used to typing on them! Have not yet tried the keyboards in the newer MBPs.
My typing speed if I'm typing fast (according to typeracer and most other typing speed things on the internet anyway) is around 120-130 wpm, which I've previously done on the other keyboards (MX keys, MB/MBP keyboards).
Just did a few typeracer races with the 11" Magic Keyboard Folio, first one was 120 wpm, second one was 130 wpm, third one was 128 wpm. So for me, at least, it appears that I can type as fast on this keyboard as on the other full sized keyboards. I really do rather like typing on this keyboard!
Edit to add: the 12"MB/13"MBP I have sadly have butterfly keys, but I got used to typing on them! Have not yet tried the keyboards in the newer MBPs.
I put the Magic Keyboard away a little while ago, and went back to the Folio.
I’m enjoying using my iPad as an iPad, once again.
What I have come to realise is that (for me) the 11” Pro is the sweet spot (best size) for everyday iPad use. I haven’t owned the 12.9” Pro, but I think it is the best option if you intend to use the Magic Keyboard exclusively. I found I couldn’t touch type with the Magic Keyboard on my 11”, as certain keys were too small. I actually type faster as I am right now: One fingered, with the onscreen keyboard.
I love the gestures on the Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro, but everything feels “squeezed in” on the 11”.
No doubt I’ll go back to the Magic Keyboard, but for now, I’m using my iPad as an iPad. Using just the Folio, it’s great for things such as reading the news, and posting here on MacRumors.
But each to their own, I guess.
Question: To those who have an 11” iPad Pro, and use the Magic Keyboard, do you also find things a bit cramped? Or do you find the experience to be ok?
I’m enjoying using my iPad as an iPad, once again.
What I have come to realise is that (for me) the 11” Pro is the sweet spot (best size) for everyday iPad use. I haven’t owned the 12.9” Pro, but I think it is the best option if you intend to use the Magic Keyboard exclusively. I found I couldn’t touch type with the Magic Keyboard on my 11”, as certain keys were too small. I actually type faster as I am right now: One fingered, with the onscreen keyboard.
I love the gestures on the Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro, but everything feels “squeezed in” on the 11”.
No doubt I’ll go back to the Magic Keyboard, but for now, I’m using my iPad as an iPad. Using just the Folio, it’s great for things such as reading the news, and posting here on MacRumors.
But each to their own, I guess.
Question: To those who have an 11” iPad Pro, and use the Magic Keyboard, do you also find things a bit cramped? Or do you find the experience to be ok?
My only complaint about the keyboard itself is the small hash and equal keys. When I need to use them, which isn’t a lot, it is very noticeable the two keys are a lot smaller and it slows down my typing, and I am apt to make a typo having to using those two keys.
I make you right.
I can’t touch type on the MKB, as I have to look for those small keys.
As I said, I love the gestures, but everything just feels cramped. I’m enjoying using it (my iPad) with the Folio for now, but I’ll go back to the MKB: One has to get their moneys worth!
Yes and no. It’s ok for writing short things (like this message). If I was someone who had to do a lot of typing then yes i would probably get cramped hands.
But i feel the MKB is really exactly for that. Short bursts of typing then I take it off and use it as a tablet.
Honestly if i had to do lots and lots of typing I’d just recommend to get a MacBook instead.