Magic Keyboard review: Is this the iPad Pro's missing piece?

The closest you'll get to the laptop experience.

June 11, 2020

Magic Keyboard review: Is this the iPad Pro's missing piece?

The iPad Pro has never been used as just a tablet. At least, looking back, I don't I think I've ever actually seen someone use it without a keyboard case attached to it — you know, like a laptop. So, it makes sense that Apple would offer a nearly all-in-one accessory like the Magic Keyboard that makes it easier for Pro users to switch between the two form factors.

Creative professionals already appreciate the iPad Pro for its ability to act as a portable design tool, running a wide range of heavy-duty apps, like Adobe Creative Cloud, Final Cut Pro, Pixelmator, and more thanks to its powerful A13 chipset. But add in a keyboard and mouse, and suddenly you have a neat laptop-like solution that makes it easy to accomplish more basic tasks, like browsing the web or answering emails. Plus, it also features a camera for video conferencing.

But given that the iPad Pro (2020) already starts at a pricey US$799, buying additional accessories, like the US$299 Magic Keyboard, just to recreate the laptop experience adds an unnecessary financial burden. That's especially true when you consider that, for only US$200 more, you can get the base model MacBook Air (2020) which is an actual laptop.

But, for those who need it most, the Magic Keyboard makes switching back and forth from tablet to quasi-laptop a lot less painful.

At US$299, it's certainly an expensive add-on. But for that price, you're getting a case, a redesigned keyboard, and a trackpad all packed into one compact piece. Unfortunately, it's only compatible with the iPad Pro, specifically the 11-inch model (first or second generation) and the 12.9-inch model (third and fourth generation).

And, even though the keyboard alone is good enough reason to ditch the current case you're using, its built-in touchpad is another added bonus, considering the trackpad capabilities recently added to iPadOS 13.4.

An intuitive, comfortable design

If you're using the Magic Keyboard with anything older than the 2020 model, there's a slight detail to be aware of: the camera cutout. It's in the shape of a square to accommodate the dual camera on the newer iPad model, so the extra space might look a bit odd if you're attaching older versions to the case. It's not a dealbreaker, though.

On the outside, the case looks identical to the company's Smart Keyboard Folio. The silicone exterior is sleek, but also durable enough to protect both the front and back of the device.

The iPad attaches to the case magnetically, which creates the illusion that it's "floating." Essentially, the top half of the device stays connected while the bottom half is free to be adjusted anywhere between 90 to 130 degrees. While that's not as far back as you can push a laptop, I found that it was plenty for me whether I was working at my desk or on my bed. It's also a refreshing change to the setup required for Apple's Smart Keyboard Folio case which basically sits the iPad on top of the keyboard.

The case also features USB-C pass-through charging on the left side which allows you to connect to an external display, as well.

The iPad Pro attaches to the case magnetically.

Then there's the actual keyboard which has a scissor-switch mechanism under each key with 1mm of key travel. I've raved about this extensively in both my review of the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro, so, I'll keep it short: It features one of the most comfortable set of keys I've ever typed on. Unlike Apple's awful butterfly keyboard, the Magic Keyboard offers a satisfying amount of travel that I have yet to grow tired of even months after trying it out on multiple devices.

I'm also a huge fan of the built-in trackpad. When I used the Folio case, I had to pair it with Apple's Magic Trackpad and the experience actually turned out to be really frustrating. Not only would I forget the trackpad was even there and end up just using the touchscreen display, but the whole setup also felt like a lot of work.

But with the Magic Keyboard, having that trackpad built into the same spot you'd find it on a laptop feels... revolutionary. All of the frustration I'd experienced with my previous convertible setup had vanished. The trackpad is responsive, smooth, and makes navigation super easy.

And, while the case is expensive, it's the cheaper alternative to the folio keyboard and trackpad combo — which will set you back a total of US$1,327 if you own the 12.9-inch model. Meanwhile, the same model paired with the Magic Keyboard comes out to US$1,298.

Keep in mind, it's fairly heavy to carry around both the case and iPad Pro, especially if you're coming from a daily driver like the MacBook Air. I definitely got used to it after a while, but something tells me I'd complain about carrying it in my tote everyday if I wasn't currently working from home.

The closest you'll get to the laptop experience

When I reviewed the iPad Pro (2020), I concluded that, without the Magic Keyboard, it was just a very expensive tablet. At the time, I already knew the upcoming case would have everything I needed, as opposed to piecing together accessories for what felt like a disorganized setup.

It looks like a laptop, acts like a laptop, but it's ... a tablet.

And, I'd like to make it clear that I was correct. So, you're welcome for that early prediction.

Allow me to make one thing clear, though: Using the iPad as a daily driver is not the lifestyle for me. But that's only because I don't have a need for a tablet and I also prefer the security of a beefy laptop, like a MacBook.

With the Magic Keyboard, however, I began to understand the appeal — particularly the ability to shift from a very comfortable laptop-like setup to a tablet whenever I wanted. Using it to write stories and answer emails throughout the day was a breeze, especially with the built-in trackpad. I also automatically used the trackpad to navigate the display without hesitation.

If you're wondering why I wouldn't simply opt for a cheaper case paired with a Bluetooth mouse, that's because I wouldn't be able to take advantage of the trackpad features built into iPad OS 13.4. With that update, users can now swipe up with three fingers to go Home or access the App Switcher, swipe left or right to switch between apps, pinch their fingers to zoom in or out, and more.

If you're already accustomed to using a MacBook, then all of these gestures will feel even more intuitive. And, even if you're new to the Apple ecosystem, you'll still find the movements are easy to catch onto.

I also love that I don't have to carry a mouse around anymore. Once I was done for the day, I'd simply close the case shut and put it away. It might sound like a minor detail (especially in quarantine), but having to lug the trackpad around the house got annoying after a while.

It's also super comfortable to use while watching Netflix or any other similar streaming service. At night, I'd prop it up on my bed to catch up on shows. More often than not though, however, I'd unclip it from the case and use it as a full-on tablet.

A couple of complaints

While there's clearly a lot to rave about when it comes to the Magic Keyboard, there are two things to be aware of: battery life and weight.

Let's start with the latter — as I mentioned earlier, this thing is heavy. Apple doesn't list the actual weight of the case on its site, but MacRumors reported that it's about three pounds when paired with the 12.9-inch Pro model. In comparison, the MacBook Air (2020) weighs nearly the same at 2.98 pounds, and that's an actual laptop.

Regardless, the case is hefty. But the most I had to do in quarantine was bring it from room to room, so it didn't bother me as much. However, it's certainly more of an issue if you tend to carry a lot with you on your commute already.

According to reports, though, it does have a bad habit of draining battery life, particularly due to the backlit keyboard. I didn't experience a significant difference in my time with it, but my iPad definitely didn't last as long as it did with the Smart Keyboard Folio case.

The iPad Pro lasted six hours in comparison to the seven hours I was able to squeeze out of it when using the Folio case. A one-hour difference in battery life isn't all that significant, but it's certainly something to be aware of.

Apple doesn't list the rated battery life for the iPad Pro when paired with the Magic Keyboard case, but the tablet itself is expected to last up to 10 hours with typical use. Regardless, if battery life is at the top of your list when it comes to choosing iPad accessories, then you might want to reconsider whether this is the case for you.

Apple has yet to get back to me on what exactly causes any battery drain. But I'll be sure to update this review if or when it does.

What are the alternatives?

If you're on the hunt for a quality keyboard case, you truly can't go wrong with the Magic Keyboard. While it is expensive, you're essentially paying for comfort and convenience.

There are other options, though. If a trackpad isn't as important to you, then consider the Smart Keyboard Folio which starts at US$179 (for the 11-inch model) and is a lot more lightweight than the Magic Keyboard.

For non-Apple options, there's the Brydge Pro+ case which is compatible with both the 11-inch and 12.9-inch Pro models and starts at US$199. The case also comes with a built-in trackpad, but, since it's made of aluminum, it's bit more heavy-duty than the Magic Keyboard. While I have yet to review it (stay tuned!), the Brydge case seems like a good option for those looking to mimic the feel of a MacBook Pro.

Trust me, it's worth the money

While using the Magic Keyboard with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2020) for a couple of months, I often forgot that I was working off of a tablet. It mimics both the look and feel of a real laptop, making it comfortable to use at my desk and even when working from my bed.

There's also the fact that the Pro/keyboard combo is super portable. I know that most of us will likely be working from home for a while, but with everything built-in, you won't need to carry around extra accessories (like an external mouse). Plus, it also sits comfortably on your lap. The case is on the heavier side, though. So, you'll probably want to pack light on those commutes.

By contrast, when I used the iPad with Apple's Smart Keyboard Folio, which also required the use of Apple's Magic Trackpad on the side, I had the opposite reaction. After only a couple of days of use, I got fed up with that awkward setup and switched back to using my MacBook Air.

Again, the Magic Keyboard is an expensive accessory, but an excellent choice. In addition to its wonderful keyboard, smooth trackpad, and sleek design, the case is Apple's best solution (so far) for transforming your iPad Pro into what feels like a fully functional laptop.