About the Magic Keyboard
The Apple Magic Keyboard comes in 2 different versions. One is for the 11” and the other is for the 13”.
The unit that I got specifically, is the 11” Apple Magic Keyboard and it is compatible with the iPad Pro 11” (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Generation) as well as the iPad Air (4th and 5th Generation).
The iPad Pro/Air connects to the Magic Keyboard via the magnets at the back to provide power. It is also kept relatively securely in place while also providing adjustments for viewing angles. This means that you don’t have to worry about providing additional power just to get the keyboard to work.
The Magic Keyboard comes in both Black & White and contains a USB-C port for charging. One thing to note, however, is that it costs $400 Canadian.
The Tech Guy Review Thoughts
If you’ve ever used a MacBook keyboard, you know that Apple has one of the best keyboards on the market, especially for a first party (yes I know Logitech has decent keyboards too). The Apple Magic Keyboard provides a great backlight function when using at night and also has great springs for the key presses to give a very satisfying type.
The one unfortunate omission is the lack of an ESC button. Many times I have gone to the ~ button, only to remember that there isn’t an ESC button there.
It is also a bit on the heavier side weighing in at approximately: 1.3 pounds which is pretty considerable, considering that the iPad Pro 11” weighs just over 1 pound.
With that said, it does provide a sufficient amount of protection however if you dropped your iPad from a decent height, it would not adequately protect the sides so expect that if that happens, there will be a ding in the frame of your iPad Pro/Air.
The trackpad provides good scrolling and mouse support. It also supports multi touch gestures.
Comparison to a Mac Keyboard
In comparison to an M1 MacBook Pro, the iPad Magic Keyboard provides a very comparable typing experience even without the ESC key. It does help make the iPad more of a computer replacement than a computer addition. If only it ran a full version of macOS….
Overall
Overall, the keyboard provides a desktop like class of typing and scrolling but it comes at a premium price. Combining the fact that the case provides adjustments for viewing angle, a backlit keyboard, it is definitely a worth while investment especially if you are in the Apple ecosystem.
