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Apple Magic Keyboard for 12.9-inch iPad Pro
84
Engadget Review
The iPad Pro is a phenomenal tablet, and the Magic Keyboard makes it feel more like a bonafide computer than ever. Typing is a pleasure thanks to Apple’s updated scissor-switch keys, and the fact that its key layout is nearly the same size as the 13-inch MacBook Pro’s means acclimating doesn’t take long. The glass trackpad is a star, too, thanks in large part to improvements Apple made to iPadOS. That said, the iPad only has a 40 degree range of motion on its hinge so it’s not quite as flexible as a laptop, and we have questions about how well these keys will hold up to everyday grit and grime. If money is no issue, or if you’re just willing to splurge, the Magic Keyboard is the gold standard of iPad keyboards. Just know that it’s not ideal for every situation.
This best-in-class keyboard is going to cost you.
Chris VelazcoApril 20, 2020
Pros
- Typing on the keyboard feels great
- Excellent and precise trackpad
- Has a USB-C port for charging the iPad
- Usable in your lap
Cons
- It’s expensive
- Limited range of motion
- Can’t connect accessories through its USB port
Apple
Magic Keyboard
Engadget
84
Critics
10 reviews84
AVERAGE CRITIC SCORE
Users
18 reviews74
AVERAGE USER SCORE
View All Critic & User Reviews
Apple Magic Keyboard for 12.9-inch iPad Pro
- Critic Reviews (10)
- User Reviews (18)
- 84AVERAGE CRITIC SCORE10 ReviewsTechCrunch90Laptop class typing comes to iPad ProIf you work seriously with the iPad and that work is based on typing, the Magic Keyboard is essentially mandatory. It’s the dream keyboard for all of us who found ourselves crossing the Rubicon into iPad as primary computer over the past couple of years. It’s not without its caveats, but it is a refreshingly straightforward and well executed accessory that makes even older iPads feel like better laptops than laptops.SlashGear90Your fingers will thank youThe Apple Magic Keyboard, though, is hands-down the best keyboard and trackpad experience money can buy for the iPad Pro. If you still have room in the budget after buying the 2020 iPad Pro itself, your fingers will thank you.CNBC90Magic Keyboard is expensive but will change how you work on your iPad ProIt’s a tough time to recommend such an expensive keyboard when millions of people have lost their jobs. But this is also a time when millions of people are also changing how they work. And if it means the difference between spending hundreds or thousands on a new laptop, or simply turning your iPad Pro into a more efficient work computer, then you’ll love it.Gear Patrol80The Magic Keyboard Really Is the Ultimate iPad Pro UpgradeBut as somebody who uses a Mac every day and has used many different iPads over the years, I can say that this the accessory that makes the iPad Pro feel most like a laptop. And it’s not even close.Daring Fireball90The iPad Magic Keyboard reviewThe combination of excellent hardware — truly exquisite, from the hinges and magnets to the keyboard and trackpad themselves — and outstanding pointer and gesture support in iPadOS 13.4 make it hard to believe we haven’t been able to convert an iPad into a great laptop for years. This is an altogether new experience with an iPad, but it’s so natural it feels longstanding.Forbes80The Final Piece That Turns Apple's Tablet Into A ComputerThis is expensive no matter which way to look at it—you can get an entire Android tablet with a keyboard for under $350 if you know where to look—but again, creatives and working professionals will likely pick this up.The Verge70The Best Way To Turn An iPad Into A LaptopFor all the other things I want to do with my iPad, the ergonomics of the Magic Keyboard are noticeably worse, which is why it’s nice that it’s so easy to remove the iPad and use it without a case at all. It makes the iPad a better iPad by its absence.Hardware Zone80The ultimate keyboard for the iPad Pro?Buy the Magic Keyboard only if you have deep pockets and if you type a lot on your iPad Pro. It has a cool floating mechanism, but more importantly, the keyboard and trackpad are top notch. It's a worthy accessory for Apple's flagship tablet. But I wonder, must it be this expensive?Mobile Syrup80Apple's Magic Keyboard makes the iPad Pro a viable laptop replacementDespite the advancements Apple made with the launch of iPadOS and most recently, iPadOS 13.4, most people will still need to change their workflow in some way to suit the limitations of Apple’s tablet operating system. If that’s not something you’re interested in doing, you’re better off with a MacBook Air or a comparable Windows 10 laptop.Tech Guide90Takes the iPad Pro to a whole new levelApple’s Magic Keyboard enhances your experience with the iPad Pro and makes it an even more powerful and productive tool.
- 74AVERAGE USER SCORE18 ReviewsParpy60August 17, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!It is HEAVY! Its folding configuration is too restricted, making its function as a tablet to a minimum. Its flat keyboard layout does not allow too much typing comforts. Not too much manual configurations that you can do with it thoughIts typing noise and tactile worth some praises though. The magic keyboard maintained its sensitivity you can get from a Macbook.daryl90August 16, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Much easier to use Excel4jazmine100August 14, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I first want to say that I am typing up this review on my Apple Magic keyboard. I love this keyboard and I must say that this is the best keyboard I have ever owned. I have owned the Brydge keyboards for the IPad Pro and they just did not cut the mustard. But this fine piece of machinery here is the best on the market. The attention to detail that Apple shows in all their products, especially this one. It is very portable and quiet and I just love that it is backlit. I have and will continue to recommend this fine piece of technology to others in spite of what some may say about the price. To me, money well spent!!!DANIEL80August 14, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!First and foremost, this is an excellent keyboard and it does fill the gap between a full laptop vs. tablet to some extent. There are other non-keyboard related issues that need to be resolved to completely fill this gap, but that's for a different discussion. Adding the keyboard case to the iPad pro makes it a bit on the heavy side, but to keep it sturdy and avoid it from tipping over, I suppose this is a compromise. It feels at least twice as heave with the keyboard attached.The design is slick and the keys have good response under the fingers. The outer shape of the keyboard has a sharp edge around it, which makes it prone to dents and other damages over time. The touch pad is useful and offers the mouse experience similar to that of a laptop. But, with only one button you cannot use it for VNC'ing into virtual desktop for more serious work. If you stick to IOs apps then the keyboard and trackpad is sufficient to improve usability over using just the touch screen keyboard. I find that I'm making far fewer typos when I have an actual keyboard to type with. I love the fact that the keyboard doesn't need external charging. It relies on the iPad battery to charge the keyboard. This enables backlit keys which helps typing in dark environments. The Apple pencil can sit on top of the iPad even when attached to the keyboard, but it's sort of sticking out so when the iPad is packed in a bag/suitcase, it will easily come off.The keyboard case doesn't really offer any protection for the iPad in case it's dropped on the floor. The sides of the iPad are completely exposed, so I'm having to be extra careful when my kids are using the case.Overall, it's a good addition and I'm happy I bought the magic keyboard instead of other alternatives I've looked at. But let's see after a year how the iPad and the keyboard case will look like (and work).Ron80August 14, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Nice design, good typing feel, not as heavy as I expected. Pricey, limited trackpad real estate. Overall I am pleased.Jonathan90August 14, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetGudieveNing50August 14, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Right!, I do NOT have one, but I have had time to try one in an Apple Store. 1. No function key strip makes it a pain to use. 2. Cannot fold in such a way that the iPad is just a tablet. 3. I already own something WAY better that I'm amazed the Apple blogs have not covered, (no, I don't work for them), the SNUGG backlit iPad swivel keyboard case. The keys are superb to type on, the backlighting is like a gaming keyboard, the function key strip is very innovative, even includes CUT and PASTE keys! And an ESC key too. The iPad pops into the case part at the top and can swivel around facing the other way or fold down OVER (and protecting the keyboard) putting it all into tablet mode. And under £100!IVAN H50August 14, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Don't worth the price and broke my ipad pro screen.It is a beautiful and good keyboard but the experience is bad. You can. Use your ipad as tablet and have it protected. You can only use it naked, so I used it 90% of the time on the stand.After ten days I woke up, went to my desk, opened the iPad (its pretty hard to open it with all the weight and the magnets) and there was a crack on the corner. Next to the power button.Apple replaced the price but I d rather dropped it to the ground than having this weird crack; since I don't know what caused it, I'm worried all the time. But I would guessed the force of the magnets broke the screen.Ar the and, it's a pretty well finished keyboard but with a bad usability: it's heavy, weird and doesn't protect the iPad at all. It's too bad for the price it costs. Even worse in Brazil (the magic keyboard costs two minimum wages, no joke)Gordon90August 14, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Overall, my experience with the Magic Keyboard has been fantastic. The keyboard feel is perfect for me, the trackpad is flawless, the design excites me and the additional port takes the iPad experience to another level for me. Do I wish the hinge tilted back a bit more? Yes, but it is far from a deal breaker. Do I wish the external material showed less scuffing? Yeah, but again, I can easily get past this. It is a pricey case, and is not for everyone. This is not the case to buy if you want to use the Apple Pencil and do art most of the time. But if you want a flawless typing and trackpad experience for the iPad Pro (especially the 12.9 version), this is the best option on the market.Galgomite70August 13, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The Magic Keyboard continues the iPad’s identity crisis, making a better argument for an Apple hybrid device than this combo. Keyboard and trackpad feel wonderful but it’s clunky, heavy and unbalanced. This would be solved if the guts of the iPad were in the keyboard instead. The iPad just doesn’t work like an iPad when it’s attached and it doesn’t fold away so you have to kind of leave it somewhere when you don’t want the keyboard.Henry70August 13, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!My hands are large so typing can be cumbersome, especially at the top of the keyboard, because the iPad edge is in the way especially when you have the pad tilted to its max position. So to type comfortably I have to tilt the pad back, making it a bit difficult to see my document. I cannot wrap my entire issues into this writing. Working with Pages or even a PDF is difficult. I got rid of my iMac because it died, 15 years old and I did not want to spend $1+k on a new device. The iPad was almost free (turned in my travel points) and purchased the keyboard at a 10% discount. I am making it work by being patient and learning how to use the Keyboard and Pad to my advantage. The cost of moving up forces me to learn differently.Jamie90August 13, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I have the 11” version, and I love it! The buttons have great travel and tactile feel. It is much easier to type on than other keyboards I have used, including the Logitech Folio Touch. The keys and typing experience remind me of the polycarbonate MacBooks. Backlighting is nice, but it would be better if you didn’t have to dig into settings to adjust it. I’ve heard that eventually there will be some kind of update for this, but for now it’s tedious to change the brightness.The weight is significant, but eminently forgettable due to the portability. It’s just so easy to slap your iPad Pro in and go, and taking the iPad out is a breeze as well. I think the weight just makes it feel more premium, and definitely more balanced. Its “lapability” is much better than say, a Surface Pro or the Logitech Folio Touch. The MK takes up far less room, which is great on flights.The built-in USB-C port is a very welcome addition. It would be nicer if it could support data transfer as well, but I’m not sure that the Smart Connector is set up that way. Still, it’s nice to be able to charge AND use a USB hub at the same time. The only issue I have had with it is that it doesn’t play nice with some other brands’ cables, you have to use Apple’s to get it to work.The floating hinge is just magical (pun intended). It places the iPad Pro at just the perfect angle to ease neck and eye strain, at least for me. It also seems (to me at least) on the 11” version to make the keyboard feel even bigger than what it is, making for a more typical typing experience.The material feels good under hand, but I have heard many people complain about it not holding up for long, getting dirty easily, etc. So far, that has not been the case for me. Yes, you can tell where you touch the case due to the oils on you fingers, but it wipes away immediately. Time will tell if this will become a real problem.The trackpad is as smooth as silk, just what you’d expect from an Apple trackpad. The beauty of it is you can click anywhere on it and feels exactly the same no matter what. Scrolling is buttery smooth, with no lag whatsoever. The cursor tracking is top-notch as well. Gestures are well supported, unlike some other keyboard/trackpad combos.If I had one real complaint, it would be for the inability to fold the keyboard all the way to the back for “tablet mode”. If you want to write or draw on the iPad, you HAVE to take the iPad out of the MK. For me it’s not a deal breaker by any means, but others may want to invest in either a skin or MK-compatible case (the SwitchEasy CoverBuddy comes to mind) to protect your iPad from scratches/dings.Cost will definitely be a consideration for most people looking at purchasing this product. It’s crazy expensive, especially considering the Logitech Folio Touch can give roughly the same experience for roughly half the price. The biggest drawback to the Folio Touch is the amount of bulk it adds, but that means more protection as well. I guess it will boil down to if the added expense is worth a streamlined product with minimal protection vs a bulkier product with added protection.Andrew60August 13, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!While the keyboard is fantastic if rated only on the keys and typing function, it falls short as an accessory to the iPad Pro. The iPad's greatest strengths are portability and flexibility. The Pro keyboard undermines both, adding substantial weight and greatly reducing flexibility: the keyboard is limited in how it can be adjusted, it cannot be folded back, and it makes it difficult to use the pen. At the end of the day, it's a slightly worse version of a MacBook Air.While I applaud the effort, I'll have to wait for them to strike a better balance between tablet and PC. Given the choice between flexibility with the pen and touch, or this keyboard, I'll choose the pen with the already passable keyboard folding cover.Walter70August 13, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I have used many iPad keyboards over the years. I would not own an iPad without a good keyboard. I find the new Magic Keyboard to be the best one I have used. I like that it is not Bluetooth (Very much), using the direct connect to the iPad. I like its response rate. I like the typing feel very much. I would like it to be more configurable—ability to create true function keys etc. I like the keyboard backlighting. I don’t like the price given some of its limitations compared to other iPad keyboards such as the newest Logitech competitor—it should be under $200 in my opinion. I like the ergonomics and look and feel. It does make my iPad more of a laptop with the trackpad which was one of the purchasing criteria. It works well on my lap when sitting down. Over all a great iPad keyboard, just too pricey.icwhatudidthere70August 13, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!It's a good first effort, but there some areas which need work. The limited display angle limits usage. When using it outdoors, the limited angle means it's harder to find a good angle without glare. The whole thing is surprisingly heavy, to the point where I usually decide to just bring my MacBook Pro instead. Many apps also still need to be updated to support the same keyboard behavior as in Mac OS. I've found some apps for example that don't work with using the arrow keys for scrolling up/down Lack of a standard escape key also means many apps don't support it, even if you configure one in Preferences.There also needs to be some kind of tab to make it easier to open.Garrett70August 13, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I’ve been using the iPad since it came out, but this is my first time using a keyboard with it. I’ve always thought the external keyboards seemed unnecessary because they never included a trackpad. It seemed exhausting to toggle between touching the screen and typing. So, I will say that the inclusion of a trackpad has completely changed the way I think about the iPad in general. It’s amazing to be able to write emails quickly with less mistakes and zoom around the internet (the inertia on the cursor is such a nice detail). I have rarely been using my MacBook Pro since I got it. I have a few issues. The trackpad itself is a little intense as it requires quite a deep click. It makes more sense when the trackpad is larger on the MacBook Pro, but it feels like I’m being super aggressive when the trackpad is this small. Also, I really enjoy sitting on the couch with my laptop. But it’s a bit of a balancing act with this setup in your lap or on the edge of the couch. I also wish that it could fold backward somehow so I can draw, without removing the keyboard entirely. Overall, it’s definitely a plus. Because it’s really increasing the time I use my iPad where as before I mostly used it for casual browsing and drawing. I just hope that in the future it can encompass all of the functions the iPad has to offer.Paagal70August 13, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A dependable product that doesn't really stand out from the competition. - EngadgetMale_emotions70August 13, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!If you are looking for the best keyboard and trackpad experience on an iPad Pro this is definitely it. Typing on the Magic Keyboard isn't quite as nice an experience as on a MacBook Pro - but it is pretty close. Similarly, the trackpad works great. It has the build quality you'd expect of an expensive Apple product and it not having to rely on Bluetooth is nice.Its biggest detractors, beyond its price or weight, would be its limited positions or orientations. It is great for typing or doing anything that benefits from a trackpad, but it lacks the versatility of the other iPad covers.You can't wrap it around the back of the iPad like a folio and it doesn't intuitively provide a great means of using the Pencil. In those situations you're better of removing it from the Magic Keyboard, which kind of sucks.The Magic Keyboard is great for transforming your iPad into a laptop, but when you want to use it as a tablet again you have to remove it from the Magic Keyboard.
Key Specs
TYPE
Portable / handheld
CONNECTION TYPE
Wireless
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