Review: Apple’s Magic Keyboard: Read This Before You Buy

Apple’s Magic Keyboard

$200 - $350
4.15

Stability

4.5/5

Design

4.8/5

Key response and feel

4.5/5

Viewing angles

3.5/5

Protection

3.5/5

Pros

  • Slim design
  • Responsive keys
  • Integrative track pad
  • Back lit keyboard
  • No pairing or charging required

Cons

  • Limited viewing angles
  • Heavy: Total weight, 3 pounds
  • No storage for accessories
  • No “function row” keys

The 2020 Apples magic keyboard is finally here

 

Today’s article will cover the long awaited, highly anticipated, Apple’s magic keyboard that became available in March 2020

Does it live up to its reputation? Is it everything to be expected from an apple product? Or are there some drawbacks?

We will cover the pros, cons, and some little unknown facts that may influence the buying decision.

Let’s talk about how it works

The keyboard has a cantilever design that magnetically connects the iPad Pro to the case. After insertion, the keyboard syncs up to the iPad Pro. The iPad Pro doesn’t have to be paired and connected via bluetooth.

The integrated USB-C port located on the spine, allows the iPad to charge when attached to the case.

The keys are back lit which helps working in low-light conditions. There is a solid responsive feel when typing, just like a laptop computer. The keys use a scissor type action with one milimeter of depth, which means silent key striking. You can use it in public places without disturbing others while typing.

 Pros

  • Sleek design
  • The keys have solid feel while typing. The response is faster and more accurate than the previous generation of keyboards.
  • The integrated track pad enables easy clicks on the screen which eliminates the need for more hand gestures.
  • The iPad magnetically attaches to the folio case and charges while attached.
  • Backlit keyboard
  • The key board doesn’t require pairing or Charging.
  • Cantilever design easily adjusts to various viewing angles.
  • The Charging port frees up the port on the iPad for other accessories
  • Folds into a case for front and back protection.

Cons:

  • Heavy and thicker than the previous models.
  • The case doesn’t provide protection around the sides
  • Doesn’t have a “function row” keys. Which eliminates “shortcut” keystrokes.
  • The iPad can only be placed horizontally in the case. The iPad has to be turned vertically for certain games and apps.
  • The case doesn’t open flat. 130 degrees is the maximum viewing angle.
  • No additional storage for accessories.
  • The USB-C port on the case is limited to charging only and does not support data transfer.
  • Adapters are needed for connecting to things like an external display

Specs:

  • Product Dimensions: 11.48 x 0.86 inches
  • 2.47 lbs.
  • USB-C port for pass through charging
  • Full-size backlit keys and a scissor mechanism with 1mm travel for a quiet responsive typing.

System requirements: iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd or 4th generation) iPad Pro 11-inch (1st or 2nd generation), or iPad Air(4th generation) iPad OS 13.4 or later.

 Thoughts

The stability is a HUGE selling point for me as I type on my lap all the time. Other folio cases tend to tip over and need to be supported against the edge of a desk or something else. Not very practical if sitting on a couch or bench.

The cantilever design which holds the iPad magnetically in place and allows different viewing angles. The keyboard is responsive and provides a solid feel when typing.

The strength of the magnet and the polyurethane case provides stability and balance for typing on the lap.

The keyboard’s USB-C port doesn’t allow data transfer to other devices.  And the iPad won’t charge as fast when connected to the case. For me this is not a big deal, I just plug the cord into the iPad.

Applications that run in portrait mode requires turning the iPad vertical. (Below)  For example, Instagram, Pinterest, and certain other apps run in portrait mode.

The “number row keys” are located near the bottom of the iPad and can restrict keystrokes. Some People with larger hands bump into the bottom of the iPad while typing numbers.

 

The maximum viewing angle of 130 degrees does not allow the case to open flat or flip around to the other side. If you do a lot of collaborating with people you would have to turn the case around or take the ipad out to show others. As for drawing you could turn the case upside down like this.

 

The magic key board doesn’t have a “function row keys” if you’re a “short cut” user. I never used the function keys except for the volume control so I don’t miss it.

A bluetooth keyboard with the function row keys on top

Would I recommend Apple’s Magic Keyboard to a friend?

Yes, if that friend does a lot of typing. It is an amazing companion to the iPad Pro with a fluid typing experience. The cantilever design allows you to adjust to different viewing angles.

If money is an issue there are Bluetooth keyboards that are just as good but it doesn’t attach to the iPad and will have to be transported separately.

The lack of storage/holder is a minor disappointment but not a deal-breaker. The good news is a pencil holder can be purchased for about fifteen dollars which can be attached to the case via elastic band.

Slow charging issues and data transfer are not real issues for me. I just plug charging cord directly to the iPad and I am good to go.

The average user or gamer, could get by with cheaper folio cases that offer more protection when dropped. For example, Logitech Folio Touch iPad Keyboard Case with Trackpad  allows the iPad to open flat, spin around and protects the sides. Keep in mind that the case will have to be removed to charge the apple pencil on top of the iPad. 

Where to buy the product

  • Amazon
  • Best Buy
  • Apple online store

Check with Amazon sometimes they have renewed keyboards for a cheaper price.

 Let me know in the comments if this helped in the buying decision. And if you a different case I would love to hear about your experience.

 

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