Magic Keyboard for iPad Review: "to buy... or not?"

The best looking, most feature packed and expensive iPad keyboard out, but is it worth it?
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I recently got the new iPad Air 5 and if you’ve seen my full review, you’ll know that love using it and that it plays integral role in my workflow and day. Am happy with the purchase, so naturally I wanted to see if I could build on this functionality with some accessories. This brings me to the Magic Keyboard and after a week of using it, let’s just say, I have some thoughts… The Magic Keyboard comes in at $299 or £279 - and yes that is half the price of the iPad Air itself. It supports both the iPad Air and iPad Pro models. Attaching the iPad couldn’t be easier. Just align the camera with the cut-out and drop it into place. The iPad then magnetically aligns itself. The keyboard instantly pairs using the smart connector pins and also doesn’t need to charge since it uses the power from the iPad. When it comes to the setup, it doest get more seamless than this. Like the display on the iMac, the iPad floats above the keyboard, almost looks futuristic. Opening and closing the magic keyboard uses a two stage hinge setup. These hinges are tough, while they do require a bit force to adjust, the iPad is secure and will not move on it’s own. The Magic Keyboard as a whole feels well made. The case has this grippy silicone texture, similar to that of Apple’s iPad smart folio. I like the USB-C pass though port on the left hand side though this can only be used for power not data. But what it is like to actually use? The scissor switch mechanism offers a comfortable type. Of course the size of the keyboard cannot be larger than the iPad so is not a full-size keyboard but when it comes to iPad keyboards, this is as good as it gets. I can comfortably type on it for hours at a time, day and night, thanks to the backlit keys. Much like the keyboard, the trackpad is best in class. The trackpad can be clicked anywhere and the click is present and tactile. The glass surface feels smooth to the touch. In terms of size it is big enough, very much usable. The Magic Keyboard is by far the most over designed, feature packed and expensive keyboard accessory for the iPad that exists. The question is, is it worth it? After using the Magic Keyboard for a week, I cant say this accessory is worth it and here’s why. The iPad Air with Magic Keyboard weights in at 2.3 pounds and costs at least (599+299) $898. That is for 64gb, realistically if you are using your iPad as a full computer, you need more storage, so with the 256gb iPad Air the price comes to (749+299) $1048, even more if you go for the iPad Pro. Now let’s look at the MacBook Air, the MacBook Air starts at $999 and has 256gb. The MacBook Air weight 2.8 pounds, not much more than the iPad Air with Magic Keyboard. And with comparable storage it actually costs less than iPad Air with Magic Keyboard. With the MacBook Air you get Mac OS, a desktop OS, larger 13” display and full-size keyboard. This is why I cannot recommend the Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air or iPad Pro. If you use, or plan to use, your iPad in a way that requires a keyboard to be attached to it all the time, or even most of the time, which presumably you would if you want to pay $300 for one and are ok with the weight, then I don’t think the iPad is best for you. Instead, a proper laptop like the MacBook Air would much better suit those needs. Again, the iPad is best like this, a truly fantastic product for productivity, content consumption and content creation. With this Magic Keyboard, I feel Apple tried to turn the iPad into something it is not.

Disclaimer: Links included in this description may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Thank you for watching, let me know if you have any questions, take care.

Dion Schuddeboom




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