Apple Magic Keyboard iPad Pro: Is It Worth the Investment?

Madiha Samreen

The iPad Pro is one of Apple’s most powerful and versatile devices, offering a blend of performance and portability that makes it a favorite among professionals, students, and creative enthusiasts. With its advanced display, M1 or M2 chip, and robust iOS ecosystem, the iPad Pro has redefined what a tablet can do. However, for many users, the missing element for turning the iPad Pro into a full-fledged productivity tool has been a proper keyboard. Enter the Apple Magic Keyboard iPad Pro—a premium accessory designed to transform the iPad Pro into a more laptop-like experience.

But with a hefty price tag, the Apple Magic Keyboard iPad Pro prompts the question: Is it worth the investment? In this article, we will delve deep into the features, pros, and cons of the Apple Magic Keyboard, and whether it’s the right choice for iPad Pro users looking to elevate their device for productivity.

1. Design and Build Quality

The design of the Apple Magic Keyboard iPad Pro stands out at first glance. It features a sleek, minimalist look, and, true to Apple’s design philosophy, it exudes premium quality. The keyboard attaches to the iPad Pro magnetically, and the device “floats” above the keyboard due to the unique cantilever hinge. This hinge allows users to tilt the iPad Pro to their desired angle, making it more ergonomic for typing, viewing, or browsing.

Key Features of the Design:

Cantilever Floating Design: The iPad Pro can hover above the keyboard, offering a distinct design that stands apart from other tablet keyboards.
Backlit Keys: The keys on the Magic Keyboard are backlit, which is a must for users who frequently work in dimly lit environments.
USB-C Pass-Through Charging: The Magic Keyboard includes a USB-C port on the hinge, allowing users to charge the iPad Pro while keeping the main USB-C port free for other peripherals.
Sturdy Build: The construction of the Magic Keyboard is robust, providing a secure platform to type on, and the iPad stays in place even during movement.

The build quality is impressive, but the keyboard is heavier than you might expect. The combined weight of the iPad Pro and the Magic Keyboard makes it almost as heavy as some laptops, which may detract from the overall portability for some users. However, if durability and aesthetics are high on your priority list, the Magic Keyboard certainly delivers.

2. Typing Experience

One of the primary reasons for investing in a keyboard accessory is, of course, the typing experience. The Apple Magic Keyboard iPad Pro brings an excellent typing experience that’s nearly on par with Apple’s MacBook keyboards.

Key Aspects of the Typing Experience:

Scissor Mechanism Keys: The Magic Keyboard uses Apple’s scissor-switch keys, which offer a good amount of key travel (1mm) for a satisfying typing feel. Each keystroke is responsive and tactile, which is great for long writing sessions.
Full-Size Layout: Despite its compact design, the Magic Keyboard features a full-sized layout, including all the essential keys, making it easy to transition from a laptop or desktop.
Stability: The keyboard feels stable and rigid, allowing for faster and more accurate typing without the flex that many cheaper tablet keyboards experience.

For users who plan on typing a lot—whether it’s writing reports, emails, or even coding—the Apple Magic Keyboard iPad Pro offers a comfortable and efficient typing experience. The backlit keys add extra convenience when working in low-light conditions, such as during travel or at night.

3. Trackpad Integration

A game-changing feature of the Apple Magic Keyboard iPad Pro is the inclusion of a built-in trackpad. This effectively turns the iPad Pro into a hybrid between a tablet and a laptop, offering a complete multitouch experience.

Benefits of the Trackpad:

Multitouch Gestures: The trackpad is fully integrated with iPadOS, supporting a range of multitouch gestures, including scrolling, zooming, and switching between apps. This makes the iPad Pro feel even more like a laptop replacement.
Cursor Support: iPadOS has evolved to include a dynamic cursor, which changes its form based on what you’re interacting with. This is useful for precision tasks like editing documents, spreadsheets, or even working with creative software.
Productivity Boost: The trackpad’s precision is especially useful for tasks such as navigating long documents, selecting text, or working in apps like Photoshop or Excel. It adds a level of productivity that was previously missing from the iPad Pro experience.

For users who find themselves performing tasks that require pinpoint precision, such as photo editing, graphic design, or extensive text editing, the trackpad is a standout feature. It adds to the overall functionality of the iPad Pro and eliminates the need to carry around a separate mouse.

4. Portability and Convenience

One of the main reasons users love the iPad Pro is its portability. But how does the Apple Magic Keyboard iPad Pro affect that portability?

On one hand, the Magic Keyboard allows you to take full advantage of the iPad’s power in a variety of settings. Whether you’re working from a coffee shop, attending a meeting, or traveling, the Magic Keyboard enables you to quickly set up and start working as if you were on a laptop. Its compact design means it’s easy to carry around, and the fact that it magnetically attaches and detaches from the iPad makes it easy to switch between tablet mode and laptop mode.

On the other hand, the Apple Magic Keyboard iPad Pro adds significant weight to the setup. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro paired with the Magic Keyboard weighs around 3 pounds—similar to a 13-inch MacBook Pro. While the iPad itself is extremely lightweight, the additional weight of the Magic Keyboard might deter users looking for maximum portability.

Despite this, for many users, the convenience of having a keyboard and trackpad on the go outweighs the extra bulk.

5. Battery Life

The Apple Magic Keyboard iPad Pro does not come with an internal battery. Instead, it draws power directly from the iPad Pro using the Smart Connector, which means it doesn’t need to be charged separately. This is both a convenience and a limitation.

Battery Life Considerations:

Convenience: Since the Magic Keyboard doesn’t have a built-in battery, you never need to worry about charging it separately. It’s always ready to use as long as your iPad Pro has power.
iPad Battery Drain: However, using the Magic Keyboard can slightly reduce the iPad Pro’s battery life, as it draws power for the backlit keys and trackpad. In real-world usage, the impact on battery life is minimal, but it’s something to keep in mind if you are working without access to a charger for extended periods.

The Magic Keyboard also includes a USB-C pass-through charging port, which allows you to charge your iPad Pro while using the keyboard, keeping the primary USB-C port free for other accessories. This is a particularly useful feature for power users who need to keep their iPad charged while using external peripherals.

6. Price and Value for Money

The most contentious point when discussing the Apple Magic Keyboard iPad Pro is its price. The Magic Keyboard for the 11-inch iPad Pro starts at around $299, while the version for the 12.9-inch model costs around $349. This places the Magic Keyboard among the most expensive iPad accessories available.

Is It Worth the Price?

Premium Build Quality: There’s no denying that the build quality and design of the Magic Keyboard are top-notch. The typing experience, trackpad functionality, and overall integration with iPadOS make it a valuable accessory for those who plan to use their iPad Pro for serious productivity.
Laptop-Like Experience: If you are someone who wants to use the iPad Pro as a true laptop replacement, then the Magic Keyboard provides the best possible experience. It turns the iPad Pro into a versatile work machine, especially for professionals who are on the move or for students who need a flexible device for both entertainment and productivity.
Alternatives: However, there are cheaper alternatives on the market, such as third-party keyboard cases that offer similar functionality at a lower price. Brands like Logitech offer keyboard cases for the iPad Pro that cost significantly less but still deliver a decent typing experience.

Ultimately, the decision on whether the Magic Keyboard is worth the investment depends on how you intend to use your iPad Pro. If your primary goal is to turn the iPad into a portable workstation that can handle everything from emails and document creation to video editing and design work, the Apple Magic Keyboard iPad Pro is a worthy investment. However, if your needs are more casual, there are less expensive options that can offer a similar experience.

7. Who Should Invest in the Apple Magic Keyboard?

To determine if the Apple Magic Keyboard iPad Pro is right for you, consider the following:

Professionals: If you use your iPad Pro for work, especially tasks that involve typing, editing, or creative projects, the Magic Keyboard can significantly enhance your workflow. Its combination of premium typing experience, trackpad integration, and build quality makes it ideal for professionals.
Students: The Magic Keyboard is also an excellent option for students who need a device that can handle both note-taking and heavy research or writing tasks. The ability to quickly detach the keyboard and use the iPad in tablet mode for reading or drawing adds to its versatility.
Power Users: If you’re someone who already relies on the iPad Pro for productivity, investing in the Magic Keyboard can elevate your experience, making it easier to handle a wide variety of tasks in a seamless and efficient way.

Conclusion:

The Apple Magic Keyboard iPad Pro is undoubtedly one of the most premium accessories available for the iPad Pro, offering a laptop-like experience with the added benefits of iPadOS. It excels in design, typing experience, and functionality, with the trackpad being a major asset for productivity. However, its high price may be a sticking point for some, especially when there are cheaper alternatives available.

If you’re a professional or a power user who relies heavily on your iPad Pro, the Apple Magic Keyboard iPad Pro is definitely worth the investment. It not only enhances the iPad’s capabilities but also provides a seamless experience that can replace a traditional laptop for many tasks. However, if you’re a more casual user, you may want to explore other keyboard options before making the jump.

Whether you’re an avid iPad Pro user or someone looking to upgrade your productivity setup, the Magic Keyboard stands out as one of the best accessories for the iPad Pro—just be prepared to invest in this premium piece of tech.