Magic keyboard makes iPad a different beast
I have never enjoyed my iPad as much as I do now. I have always found them to be useful but when it came to real work, I had a hard time using it over my MacBook Pro. I just wasn’t enjoying having to take my fingers off the keyboard to touch the screen. I felt like it took me out of the typing experience. It really felt like it took more time to complete any task than it did if I just did it on my laptop. That feeling changed with the release of Apple’s Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro. I have a totally new love for my iPad.
DETAILS
Apple’s Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro has been completely redesigned for the 2020 iPad Pro. It is specifically designed to work with iPadOS and even has a built-in USB-C port for pass-through charging. The keyboard is built into a front/back wrap-around case to protect the iPad Pro while not in use. The keyboard also features a floating cantilever design that allows users to adjust it to the perfect viewing angle while the iPad is in use. The keyboard is full-size and backlit. The keys are outfitted with a scissor mechanism so that it feels more like typing on a laptop. There is also a built-in trackpad designed for multi-touch gestures. The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro is compatible with 12.9-inch (3rd and 4th generation) & 11-inch (1st and 2nd generation).
USER EXPERIENCE
So far, my time with the Magic keyboard has been short. Since I received it in the mail I have been using it for all my daily tasks. I actually turned off my MacBook Pro for a few days to let it rest since it’s usually on 24/7. I’m impressed. The keys feel amazing — so much better than the smart keyboard and even better than my 2018 MacBook Pro’s keyboard. In fact, I prefer this keyboard to my laptop’s keyboard. I have seen some users make complaints about the weight but for me, it’s not been too noticeable. One thing I am not impressed with is the price. Apple products come at a premium but this price is a sticker shock even for Apple.
I look forward to switching to the 16” MacBook Pro in the future whenever Apple finally adds support for WiFi 6 but that’s a different story for another article. The backlit keyboard is outstanding. It comes in very handy when I’m working on the iPad in the evening from the living room or even late at night from the bed. My favorite feature is the folding cantilever design. It makes it possible for me to hold the iPad at a proper viewing angle without having a sloppy Smart Keyboard that must be flipped around to hold it up.
When I read how small the trackpad was I thought I would be unhappy using it but honestly, it’s a good size for the iPad. I haven’t had any issues using it to swipe around. Most of the shortcuts work the same as they do on the Mac and when I need a list of them, I simply hold down the Command key inside of any app and I am presented with the commands I need. That is not a new feature but since we are talking about the new Magic Keyboard it just seemed relevant to mention. You can read Apple’s “How to use the Trackpad” here. https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/trackpad-gestures-ipad66ce6358/ipados
Like all Apple products, the unboxing did not disappoint. Once the UPS driver dropped it off at my door it needed to go through sanitation. Due to the virus, I am not taking any chances with packaging. I am wiping down all boxes outside with disinfectant. After it was clean, I ripped the keyboard out of the shipping box. It’s standard Apple packaging. They provide a nice pull tab to remove the plastic wrap. Inside you will find the keyboard and a pullout pamphlet of how to use the iPad Magic Keyboard. It’s sort of a waste of paper since it’s so basic. The keyboard requires the iPad to work so no cables are needed or included. I was a bit disappointed before even getting it on my iPad because my keyboard already had a small scuff on it from the factory but that’s not a big enough deal to send it back and be without this awesome new device.
CONCLUSION
When Apple calls this the Magic keyboard they do mean magic. But they also mean keyboard. It’s a wonderful keyboard that really brings new life to the iPad. Unlike the Smart Keyboard, you can’t just flip the keyboard behind the iPad when you want to use it as a tablet. The way this is designed, you use it as a case to keep the front and back from getting damaged and you use it as a keyboard. When you want to use it as a tablet you must remove the iPad from it. This is wonderful for me as I am not a big case/cover fan. Most of the time with my last iPad I would only use the Smart Keyboard when I was traveling or needing to type. Outside of that, I would pop it off. Because this does not flip around you will not have any sort of protection on the iPad so for people who feel insecure when their device is not in a case, this might not be the device for you. If you are like me then this is the best thing since sliced bread.
For more details, visit Apple
