iPad Pro The Everything Magic Keyboard Thread

[TDDM]

My 2c worth after playing around with the 11" Magic Keyboard for a couple of hours: weight is acceptable given that anything less would make it impossible to use on your lap. Keyboard is a joy to type on after the Brydge I've been using for the last two months.

I can't see a way to enable tap-to-click, so hoping that's just buried in settings somewhere and I haven't come across it yet.

Also the material it's made out of isn't great. I had the iPad Smart Folio (non-keyboard); after a couple of months' use it was showing fingerprints that couldn't be cleaned off, and the surface eventually developed a 'tacky' feel that felt like the plastic was starting to perish. This thing is made of the same stuff. There are already a couple of marks on the case that won't rub off. So I guess, prepare for this thing to show some serious wear and tear on the outside. Due to the materials alone it doesn't feel like it's worth the price-tag.

Hope that as I use it more, the pros will feel like they outweigh the cons.

Would you mind testing something on the trackpad? Can you try scrolling with two fingers, then stop and let go? There’s a glitch with various pointer devices right now where it’ll keep scrolling even if you’re not touching the trackpad.

It doesn’t happen on the Magic Trackpad 2, but seems to be affecting other devices. Just curious if the Magic Keyboard has the same bug.

 

[NewZealandMatt]

Tested on the same page on apple.com - when I let go I get inertia, but it doesn't continue as though I'm still scrolling.

I plugged in my Magic Trackpad and tested it on the same page and from what I can see, the Magic Trackpad and the Magic Keyboard's trackpad perform identically. Hope that helps

 

[NewZealandMatt]

I am actually curious if the Magic Keyboard can be use upside down like this:

Its one of the various way / hack for Smart Keyboard Folio to get good drawing /writing angle. Looks rather silly but its actually quite functional and firm.

Happy to confirm you can use the Magic Keyboard like this. If you press too hard with the pencil you'll collapse the hinge - but you'd have to be pressing extremely hard.

 

[devindjs411]

If anyone is interested, I just had a chance to upload a (more proper) review of the keyboard after I've had it for 24 hours. I hope it answer more of the questions I missed on the previous videos.

If anyone is interested, I just had a chance to upload a (more proper) review of the keyboard after I've had it for 24 hours. I hope it answer more of the questions I missed on the previous videos.

Hey, tried searching for an answer before asking, but what screen protector is that & where’d you get it, if you don’t mind me asking? Thanks!

 

[Fat.tofu]

Happy to confirm you can use the Magic Keyboard like this. If you press too hard with the pencil you'll collapse the hinge - but you'd have to be pressing extremely hard.

Wow thank you so much for testing it i really appreciate it! Now it ticks all my checklists 😃

Also the material it's made out of isn't great. I had the iPad Smart Folio (non-keyboard); after a couple of months' use it was showing fingerprints that couldn't be cleaned off, and the surface eventually developed a 'tacky' feel that felt like the plastic was starting to perish. This thing is made of the same stuff. There are already a couple of marks on the case that won't rub off. So I guess, prepare for this thing to show some serious wear and tear on the outside. Due to the materials alone it doesn't feel like it's worth the price-tag.

Hope that as I use it more, the pros will feel like they outweigh the cons.

Yeah its kinda unfortunate it uses same material as the folio. After a year of daily usage my smart keyboard folio has some marks that wouldn’t rub off. Not a big fans of the rubbery material as well. But i kept using it as nothing else beat its function. I hope the same for the magic keyboard. Dbrand should come up with a skin for it 😁. Enjoy your MK thanks for the review!

 

[NewZealandMatt]

I actually already emailed Dbrand and requested one - please do the same! I'm sure the more requests they get, the more likely it'll be to happen.

 

[Fat.tofu]

I actually already emailed Dbrand and requested one - please do the same! I'm sure the more requests they get, the more likely it'll be to happen.

Done! Req for MK and SFK haha 😄

 

[Boardiesboi]

Just received mine.

The build is very solid and high quality and typing on it feels great.
The track pad is of the right size compared to the overall size of the keyboard.
Gestures work well.

But damn this thing is a chunk. It feels like I’m carrying around my MacBook Air and it is quite difficult to handle the iPad single hand when it is docked onto the MK.

If you previously used the Smart Keyboard and wanted this as a replacement, don’t cos it’s not.
The SK was much lighter and good for use in both landscape and portrait tablet mode.
This is a dock that you snap the iPad to when you want a better typing experience and need it for lengthy emails and word processing.

 

[anthonyd]

Received my 11” Magic Keyboard today. Coming from a Brydge 9.7 (from existing iPad 6th gen), I though I’d share a few thoughts on using with a 11” 2020 iPad Pro with cellular:

• Weight (601g) - it’s about 20% heavier than the Brydge. Alone I notice the difference, but as a package the weight difference isn’t really noticeable. I did notice (see pics) that the parcel felt really heavy, but over 450g is all the packaging.
• Backlighting - awesome. Absolutely top quality and leaps and bounds better than other iPad keyboards I’ve tried, and better than most non-Apple laptops too.
• Typing - interesting....I’m making heaps of typing errors. I think I few things are contributing to that:
  • Firstly the iPad is hovering above the top row of keys. So I think I’m adjusting my typing position slightly which is unnatural for me. I’m still ever so slightly touching the bottom edge of the iPad every 30 key presses or so.
  • The key spacing is much wider than anything I’ve used previously for the iPad, so I’m getting used to that too.
  • Overall I’m typing much faster as the key feel itself is great. Requires a much less definitive key press compared to Brydge and Logitech iPad keyboards I’ve used previously (never used the Apple keyboards on my previously 6th gen iPad).
• Trackpad - feels normal all of the sudden. Still adjusting to when I should use the trackpad versus it just being quicker to use screen. I will say gestures are good, but multiple finger detection isn’t as robust as a Macbook. It occasionally misses the extra finger(s). Three finger swiping up is the only one it always seems to get right. Time will tell I guess.
  • It is definitely a mechanical click. Very visible when the iPad it removed (no power).
• Hinge - stiff as. Will take some time to get used to. In particular to it causing the ”screen” to be at least 5cm closer to you since it hovers over the keyboard top row. I actually wish it tilted back further in some usage situations.
• On lap usage - not as stable as the Brydge. The Brydge seems very well counter balanced, almost like a lot of the weight is at the front of the keyboard. Whereas the Magic Keyboard feels like the weight is mainly around the primary hinge. To improve the balance I need to tilt the primary hinge forward, but then the secondary hinge doesn’t tilt back far enough. It really seems like the primary hinge is designed to be used in a fully open or closed position - nothing inbetween.
• Charging port - really stiff to insert/remove Apple cable. Kind of disappointing given the weight of the keyboard it doesn’t have an additional battery, both to reduce drain on iPad and provide a little extra capacity.
• Portrait usage - don’t bother. Totally not designed in any way shape or form for portrait use.
• Writing mode - flip it around and it works great. I use my pencil a fair bit for taking notes. While it probably looks awkward, flipping the whole lot around so the volume buttons are closest to you and the keyboard in the air actually works. The hinges are stiff enough that writing pressure doesn’t make them collapse. Again time will tell if they loosen up and don’t make it possible. Certainly it’s a better experience than removing the iPad and dealing with the wobble from the camera bump on a flat surface.
• Build quality - ok, but not perfect. Bit disappointing for such an expensive item that the outside coating has a few cuts in it straight after removing it from the packaging.

Overall I’d give it 8.5/10.
As a comparison, I’d give my Brydge 9.7 (w/o trackpad) 8/10. It’s slightly better, but certainly has it’s own set of compromises.

 

[mdjasrie]

Great to know the overall weight of the Magic Keyboard itself. This will definitely help people who are on the fence on whether to get it or not, especially if they place higher priority to the overall weight when coupled with the iPad Pro.

 

[DirtyBasH]

Received my 11” Magic Keyboard today. Coming from a Brydge 9.7 (from existing iPad 6th gen), I though I’d share a few thoughts on using with a 11” 2020 iPad Pro with cellular:

• Weight (601g) - it’s about 20% heavier than the Brydge. Alone I notice the difference, but as a package the weight difference isn’t really noticeable. I did notice (see pics) that the parcel felt really heavy, but over 450g is all the packaging.
• Backlighting - awesome. Absolutely top quality and leaps and bounds better than other iPad keyboards I’ve tried, and better than most non-Apple laptops too.
• Typing - interesting....I’m making heaps of typing errors. I think I few things are contributing to that:
  • Firstly the iPad is hovering above the top row of keys. So I think I’m adjusting my typing position slightly which is unnatural for me. I’m still ever so slightly touching the bottom edge of the iPad every 30 key presses or so.
  • The key spacing is much wider than anything I’ve used previously for the iPad, so I’m getting used to that too.
  • Overall I’m typing much faster as the key feel itself is great. Requires a much less definitive key press compared to Brydge and Logitech iPad keyboards I’ve used previously (never used the Apple keyboards on my previously 6th gen iPad).
• Trackpad - feels normal all of the sudden. Still adjusting to when I should use the trackpad versus it just being quicker to use screen. I will say gestures are good, but multiple finger detection isn’t as robust as a Macbook. It occasionally misses the extra finger(s). Three finger swiping up is the only one it always seems to get right. Time will tell I guess.
  • It is definitely a mechanical click. Very visible when the iPad it removed (no power).
• Hinge - stiff as. Will take some time to get used to. In particular to it causing the ”screen” to be at least 5cm closer to you since it hovers over the keyboard top row. I actually wish it tilted back further in some usage situations.
• On lap usage - not as stable as the Brydge. The Brydge seems very well counter balanced, almost like a lot of the weight is at the front of the keyboard. Whereas the Magic Keyboard feels like the weight is mainly around the primary hinge. To improve the balance I need to tilt the primary hinge forward, but then the secondary hinge doesn’t tilt back far enough. It really seems like the primary hinge is designed to be used in a fully open or closed position - nothing inbetween.
• Charging port - really stiff to insert/remove Apple cable. Kind of disappointing given the weight of the keyboard it doesn’t have an additional battery, both to reduce drain on iPad and provide a little extra capacity.
• Portrait usage - don’t bother. Totally not designed in any way shape or form for portrait use.
• Writing mode - flip it around and it works great. I use my pencil a fair bit for taking notes. While it probably looks awkward, flipping the whole lot around so the volume buttons are closest to you and the keyboard in the air actually works. The hinges are stiff enough that writing pressure doesn’t make them collapse. Again time will tell if they loosen up and don’t make it possible. Certainly it’s a better experience than removing the iPad and dealing with the wobble from the camera bump on a flat surface.
• Build quality - ok, but not perfect. Bit disappointing for such an expensive item that the outside coating has a few cuts in it straight after removing it from the packaging.

Overall I’d give it 8.5/10.
As a comparison, I’d give my Brydge 9.7 (w/o trackpad) 8/10. It’s slightly better, but certainly has it’s own set of compromises.
View attachment 907546View attachment 907547
View attachment 907553

Could you compare the Bridge which has NO Trackpad. Lets wait which weight it will have with trackpad.

 

[c14nhl]

Appreciate that the Magic Keyboard is designed for landscape “laptop” mode and note for placing on a table for taken handwritten notes.

However, keen to see, if you place the iPad flat on its back while connected so that the keyboard is raised into the air, if the keyboard feels like it would remain in that position. Would really appreciate if someone gets theirs today to try that out please?

Would work at a push I think although far from ideal.

 

[Boardiesboi]

Appreciate that the Magic Keyboard is designed for landscape “laptop” mode and note for placing on a table for taken handwritten notes.

However, keen to see, if you place the iPad flat on its back while connected so that the keyboard is raised into the air, if the keyboard feels like it would remain in that position. Would really appreciate if someone gets theirs today to try that out please?

Would work at a push I think although far from ideal.

You mean like this?

The hinges are very stiff so the keyboard is secure and would remain in that position.

 

[Jamacfer]

• Weight (601g) - it’s about 20% heavier than the Brydge. Alone I notice the difference, but as a package the weight difference isn’t really noticeable. I did notice (see pics) that the parcel felt really heavy, but over 450g is all the packaging.

Just received mine (11”). The exact weight (on my the digital scale) is 590 grams, by the way it is really heavy but overall I am thinking of keeping it just for specific use while my daily case will be the Smart Folio.

 

[c14nhl]

You mean like this?

View attachment 907587

The hinges are very stiff so the keyboard is secure and would remain in that position.

Haha, perfect, thanks for sharing that!

You’re not telling me this keyboard is a one trick pony. Now you have a landscape note taking experience with built-in privacy screen!

 

[SeanLe]

Hey all,

just received my 11” MK today and I’m just wondering if anyone has a slight wobble? If you put it on a flat surface and press on the sides toward the top half does it rock left and right? I noticed this when I was pressing delete and had closer look and it looks like slight warp in the middle back part (hinge end).
Just wanted to know if anyone else has this.

thanks,

 

[Rivanov]

Got mine for my iPad Pro 11" (US English version)

 

[petterihiisila]

Hey all,

just received my 11” MK today and I’m just wondering if anyone has a slight wobble? If you put it on a flat surface and press on the sides toward the top half does it rock left and right? I noticed this when I was pressing delete and had closer look and it looks like slight warp in the middle back part (hinge end).
Just wanted to know if anyone else has this.

thanks,

Can’t reproduce anything like that. I can hammer away at will, and the iPad stays put. The only thing that wobbles is this old table. Is there somehow empty volume inside your keyboard? Mine is completely flat and solid, there’s no places where pressure could cause sideways wobble.

Tapping on the iPad top corners does produce a short back and forth (front-back) wobble, until the hinge stops it. With the gestures there’s not much need to touch the screen, so I don’t find that too distracting.

 

[Rivanov]

No wobble here. It feels fantastic.
Also, I read somewhere you can only use the trackpad as Clickable, but you can enable Tap to Click in the Settings.

 

[petterihiisila]

No wobble here. It feels fantastic.
Also, I read somewhere you can only use the trackpad as Clickable, but you can enable Tap to Click in the Settings.

True, the trackpad responds to taps. I don’t need to click it.

 

[kyorosweb]

Just got my 12.9 Magic Keyboard and I made a weight and thickness table for easy comparison.

The weight and thickness of the keyboard is measure by myself.
iPad and MacBook spec from wiki.

Also, I made a quick unboxing video on YouTube.
I am speaking Cantonese as living in Hong Kong.
May add English subtitle later.

Quick Edit in just 2 hours~

 

[Rivanov]

Magic Keyboard i.c.m. iPad Pro 11": 1068gr
Smart Keyboard Folio i.c.m. iPad Pro 11": 771gr

 

[SeanLe]

Can’t reproduce anything like that. I can hammer away at will, and the iPad stays put. The only thing that wobbles is this old table. Is there somehow empty volume inside your keyboard? Mine is completely flat and solid, there’s no places where pressure could cause sideways wobble.

thanks for that! Yeah I have a very slight warp on the bottom. Of the keyboard, if I put a ruler over it it’s slightly raised on the sides. The front end is flat though. So may do a return.
Love the design but not the material. So may return and re-purchase or just return.

thanks for checking!

 

[petterihiisila]

thanks for that! Yeah I have a very slight warp on the bottom. Of the keyboard, if I put a ruler over it it’s slightly raised on the sides. The front end is flat though. So may do a return.
Love the design but not the material. So may return and re-purchase or just return.

thanks for checking!

Oh no, not another bendgate ... but yeah, give them a call and I’m sure they’ll replace it.

 

[Hallstar]

I’m disappointed that there are no function keys, I thought they were a given as per MacBook Pro keyboard.

I have them on my Brydge Pro and use them often.

The more reviews, opinions and pictures that I see, the more I am becoming convinced that the Magic Keyboard isn’t going to be the right keyboard for me.

Mine arrived tomorrow, fingers crossed that it delivers all I need.