Magic Keyboard For IPad Pro 12.9 (2021): Is It Worth It?

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Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 12.9" (2021): Is it Worth it?

Hey guys! So, you're thinking about getting the Magic Keyboard for your 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2021)? Let's dive deep and see if it's the right fit for you. We’ll explore everything from design and functionality to the overall user experience, helping you make an informed decision. After all, it's a significant investment, and you want to be sure it's going to enhance your iPad experience.

What is the Magic Keyboard?

The Magic Keyboard isn't just any old keyboard case; it's a game-changer for the iPad Pro. Designed by Apple, it attaches magnetically to your iPad Pro, offering a full-size keyboard, a trackpad, and a floating cantilever design that lets you adjust the viewing angle. The backlit keys provide a comfortable typing experience, even in low-light conditions. But what really sets it apart is its seamless integration with iPadOS. The trackpad supports multi-finger gestures, making navigation a breeze. It essentially transforms your iPad Pro into a powerful, versatile device that can handle everything from writing emails and creating documents to editing photos and videos.

Now, let's talk about the key features. First off, the floating design is pretty slick. It allows you to adjust the iPad to the perfect viewing angle, which is great for long work sessions or watching videos. The full-size keyboard means you won't have to compromise on typing comfort, unlike some other iPad keyboards. And the trackpad? Oh, the trackpad! It supports all the gestures you're used to on a MacBook, like swiping between apps, opening the app switcher, and accessing the Control Center. Plus, it has a USB-C port for pass-through charging, so you can keep your iPad powered up while using the keyboard. The Magic Keyboard truly blurs the line between tablet and laptop, offering a unique and compelling experience for iPad Pro users. It's this blend of features that makes it such a popular accessory, but let's delve deeper to see if it lives up to the hype.

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to Apple products, design and build quality are always top-notch, and the Magic Keyboard is no exception. It sports a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that perfectly complements the iPad Pro. The exterior is made from a durable fabric material that feels premium to the touch and provides a good grip. The keyboard itself is sturdy and well-built, with keys that offer a satisfying tactile feedback. The hinge mechanism is smooth and reliable, allowing you to adjust the iPad to various angles without any wobbling. Everything feels solid and well-engineered, which is what you'd expect from a premium accessory. The color options are limited to black and white, but both look equally stylish and professional.

The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the Magic Keyboard. The magnetic attachment is strong and secure, ensuring that your iPad stays firmly in place. The keys are evenly spaced and have a comfortable travel distance, making typing a pleasure. The trackpad is smooth and responsive, with precise cursor control. Even the packaging is well-designed, adding to the overall premium experience. However, it's worth noting that the Magic Keyboard does add some weight and bulk to your iPad Pro. While it's still relatively portable, it's not as lightweight and slim as some other keyboard cases. But considering the functionality and features it offers, the added weight is a worthwhile trade-off for many users. The design is really aimed at professionals and power users who want to get the most out of their iPad Pro. It’s a tool designed to enhance productivity and provide a seamless user experience. So, if you value premium design and exceptional build quality, the Magic Keyboard is definitely worth considering.

Typing Experience

The typing experience on the Magic Keyboard is where it truly shines. The keys are full-size and well-spaced, providing a comfortable and familiar typing experience, similar to that of a MacBook. The keys have a decent amount of travel and a satisfying tactile feedback, making typing feel precise and responsive. Whether you're writing emails, working on documents, or coding, the Magic Keyboard makes typing a breeze. The backlit keys are a lifesaver in low-light conditions, allowing you to work comfortably even in dimly lit environments. Plus, the keyboard is incredibly stable, with no noticeable flex or wobbling, even when typing aggressively. It's a huge improvement over the on-screen keyboard and other third-party keyboard cases.

Compared to other iPad keyboards, the Magic Keyboard stands out for its superior key feel and layout. Many cheaper alternatives have cramped keys or mushy feedback, making typing a chore. But with the Magic Keyboard, you get a premium typing experience that rivals that of a laptop. The scissor mechanism under each key provides excellent stability and responsiveness. The keycaps are slightly concave, which helps your fingers find their position easily. And the keyboard is incredibly quiet, so you won't disturb others around you while typing. Some users might miss having a dedicated row of function keys, but the on-screen controls are easy to access and customize. Overall, the Magic Keyboard offers a fantastic typing experience that can significantly boost your productivity. It's a game-changer for anyone who uses their iPad Pro for writing or other text-intensive tasks. So, if you're looking for a keyboard that feels great to type on, the Magic Keyboard is definitely worth the investment.

Trackpad Functionality

The trackpad on the Magic Keyboard is a game-changer for iPadOS. It brings a whole new level of functionality and precision to the iPad Pro. The trackpad supports multi-finger gestures, allowing you to navigate the operating system with ease. You can swipe between apps, open the app switcher, access the Control Center, and much more, all with simple gestures. The trackpad is also incredibly responsive and accurate, making it a pleasure to use for tasks like selecting text, editing photos, and browsing the web. It's a huge improvement over using your fingers to interact with the screen, especially for precise tasks. The seamless integration with iPadOS makes the trackpad feel like a natural extension of the operating system.

With the trackpad, the iPad Pro starts to feel more like a laptop. You can easily move the cursor around the screen, click on icons, and drag and drop files. The trackpad is also customizable, allowing you to adjust the tracking speed and enable or disable certain gestures. Compared to other iPad trackpads, the Magic Keyboard's trackpad is significantly larger and more responsive. It also supports haptic feedback, providing a subtle tactile sensation when you click or perform gestures. This adds to the overall premium experience and makes the trackpad feel even more precise. While some users might take a little getting used to using a trackpad on an iPad, once you get the hang of it, it can significantly enhance your productivity and workflow. The trackpad functionality alone is a compelling reason to consider the Magic Keyboard, especially if you use your iPad Pro for tasks that require precision and efficiency. It truly transforms the iPad Pro into a versatile and powerful device.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the pros and cons to give you a clear picture:

Pros:

  • Excellent Typing Experience: Full-size keys, comfortable travel, and backlit keys make typing a breeze.
  • Responsive Trackpad: Multi-finger gesture support and precise cursor control enhance productivity.
  • Premium Design: Sleek, minimalist aesthetic and durable build quality.
  • Seamless Integration: Works perfectly with iPadOS, offering a smooth and intuitive experience.
  • Adjustable Viewing Angle: Floating cantilever design allows you to find the perfect viewing angle.
  • USB-C Port: Pass-through charging keeps your iPad powered up while using the keyboard.

Cons:

  • Price: It's an expensive accessory.
  • Weight: Adds noticeable weight and bulk to the iPad Pro.
  • Limited Protection: Doesn't offer full protection for the iPad Pro when closed.
  • No Function Keys: Lacks a dedicated row of function keys.

Who is it for?

The Magic Keyboard is perfect for professionals, students, and anyone who uses their iPad Pro for productivity tasks. If you frequently write emails, create documents, edit photos or videos, or work on the go, the Magic Keyboard can significantly enhance your workflow. It's also great for anyone who wants to transform their iPad Pro into a laptop-like device. However, if you primarily use your iPad for entertainment or casual browsing, the Magic Keyboard might not be worth the investment. It's a tool designed for serious work, and its price reflects that.

Ultimately, deciding if the Magic Keyboard is right for you depends on your needs and budget. If you value productivity, comfort, and a premium user experience, it's definitely worth considering. But if you're on a tight budget or don't need the extra functionality, there are other more affordable keyboard options available. Consider how you use your iPad Pro and whether the Magic Keyboard's features align with your workflow. If they do, it could be a game-changing accessory that transforms your iPad Pro into a powerful and versatile device.

Final Verdict

So, is the Magic Keyboard for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2021) worth it? The answer is a resounding maybe. It really depends on your specific needs and usage patterns. If you're a heavy iPad Pro user who relies on it for work, content creation, or anything that involves a lot of typing, then the Magic Keyboard is an absolute game-changer. The typing experience is fantastic, the trackpad is incredibly useful, and the overall design is top-notch. It truly elevates the iPad Pro to a new level of productivity and versatility.

However, the high price tag is a significant barrier for many people. It's one of the most expensive iPad accessories on the market, and you need to seriously consider whether the benefits justify the cost. If you only use your iPad Pro for casual browsing, watching videos, or playing games, then you can probably skip the Magic Keyboard. But if you're a professional, a student, or anyone who wants to get the most out of their iPad Pro, then it's definitely worth considering. Just be prepared to shell out some serious cash. But hey, if you're already invested in the iPad Pro ecosystem, the Magic Keyboard is the ultimate accessory to complete the experience. Think of it as an investment in your productivity and a way to unlock the full potential of your iPad Pro. Ultimately, the choice is yours, but hopefully, this in-depth review has helped you make a more informed decision. Happy typing!