iPad's Magic Keyboard vs Magic Keyboard Folio: Shockingly Weird Differences

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[richarddcrossley]

As someone who has the Logitech combo touch for 10.5 iPad Pro and a surface go with keyboard I do prefer the iPad Pro Magic Keyboard. I miss the function keys but it’s actually usable in smaller areas like a plane/train and especially some lecture halls chairs with small attached tables. Even the surface go took up a fair bit of space and you are always worried the kick stand will fall off the back! Plus you can use iPad Magic Keyboard on your lap.

[elliottonyt]

I’m a mini user of both iPad and iPhone. With the iPhone I use the swipe to type keyboard.
This would be a cool dedicated integration in an iOS update if you could elect to have iPhone as an additional keyboard option when using iPad.

[louritter]

Having recently gone through this evaluation for 12.9” 2021 M1 iPad Pro, I can offer a few points. I did first purchase the Logitech Combo touch, and wanted to like it (fabric, slightly lighter weight, function keys, etc.), but returned it. It was painfully frustrating to open, Magic Keyboard is much easier to open. I also often use on a glass table - the kickstand would frequently slide and flatten. I did not try the newer folio style from Apple, which only recently released. I did replace the Logitech with Apple Magic Keyboard (open box buy saved some $s). It is easier to open, still needs two hands but does open much easier, and it is a bit heavier. Obviously, as you mentioned, it lacks the function keys - but Control Panel has most and that is just a finger swipe( or trackpad click) away. It is MUCH more stable, as you clearly mention, and the backlit keys may be the best I’ve seen yet - minimal, to almost none, light bleed surrounding the keys - pretty much light only comes through the actual “letters” on the individual keys (which I Love, love, love). I did also get a Pitaka case for the iPad when off the Magic Keyboard case. I also found two sort of “hacks” for writing/drawing on iPad while using the Magic Keyboard case: 1) has more angle, slide the iPad off the magnetic backing and lower it to align the lower edge of the iPad to the ridge/lip just below the keys and just above the trackpad, laying the upper edge of the iPad against the magnetic back (does not magnetically grab) - this is stable and works well. 2) turn the entire Magic Keyboard case upside down so that the keys are perpendicular and facing you, and slide an iPhone (or other cellphone) into the gap between the iPad and keyboard keys (to prevent the iPad/magnetic-back from flattening); this too is stable, less angle and works well. Granted, you clearly point out different iPad sizes are also a factor, as is price. For me, Apple Magic Keyboard case is what works for “me”, and I also like the height of the iPad on it, how it brings the iPad a bit closer to me, and also the orientation for use with MBP and sidecar. Overall, I think it is all subjective - to each user’s preferences and needs. There are also some other areas I find some savings to offset some of the price difference; the pencil, there are several 3rd party options that offer pretty much the exact same functionality as Apple Pencil - only found two differences (other than 1/5 the price): while they magnetically sit on iPad, no magnetic charge (requires cable) and no tap-pencil for erase, which is just a tap on the erase function on the screen - so $25 vs $125 is an easy compromise. Pitaka is also doing something interesting, while proprietary, Pitaka does use the 3-dots (Magic and Logitech use) to extend those connections into their own version of a MagSafe type charge function in the center of the Pitaka case back (uses either the Pitaka charge stand and/or Pitaka charge disc - both “wireless” to the iPad, even though both have their own wire to AC as does any other MagSafe). I did not get this option, as I use my iPad mostly in the Magic Keyboard case, but I did get the Pitaka for edge protection while in the Magic Keyboard case, and overall protection when off the Magic. Pitaka iPad case does leave one iPad edge exposed, so Magic Keyboard can close - but while in the Magic case, that edge is covered (against the Magic hinge) and only exposed when off the Magic Keyboard case. Yeah, its a lot to digest, and it certainly IS all subjective to the user’s preferences and needs; all considered, I found Magic better serves “my” preferences and needs. Each will find their own, just hope these points become helpful to others wrestling with these decisions.

[howardeastin]

I chose the Magic Keyboard in the end for my iPad Pro 12.9 for a few reasons. Before arriving to the Magic Keyboard I did try some alternatives. Alternative 1. The Folio touch keyboard from Logitech. What I did not like about the Logitech was the bulk added to the iPad. The iPad 12.9 is already a big tablet, and to add anything that adds bulk just makes the iPad seem that much more bigger. 2, Alternative was the Max+ Brydge keyboard. What I did not like about that Keyboard was the added weight. Now when you weigh the Magic Keyboard against the Brydge keyboard only comes to .5lb more. However because of the weight management on the Brydge keyboard, makes the iPad feel like a 50 lb brick in your bag.

So the Magic Keyboard. 1. I love the typing experience. I able to type the fastest using this keyboard case. The trackpad, although small, is very precise and sensitive so that it never misses a beat when needing it. I also bought the Magic Mouse to go with the iPad, just because I prefer mice over trackpads and the fact that the Magic Mouse supports iPad gestures make it that much more of a necessary accessory and is cheaper than Apples Magic Trackpad.

[marksuter]

I love the floating keyboard. My only complaint is that it’s so heavy

[egauci]

I couldn’t care less about function keys. I rarely use them when they’re available. The pro version holds the iPad in just the right spot. The basic one looks so far away

[alexisschiffer]

I bought the iPad Air 5 for the start of this school semester for taking notes in university classes. I was so confused when I saw classmates also using iPads to take notes but their keyboard looked different from mine. Thanks for explaining the situation.

[BenjaminDenverstone]

I use the 12.9" iPad Pro with the floating Magic Keyboard. I would love the function keys but it's a great keyboard.

[extremelucky]

iPad Pro with a Magic Keyboard easily became my favourite Apple product - super versatile. I barely need my Mac or PC anymore.

[jovimax]

Surely this is a redundant argument. If they both fitted the same iPad then it would be relevant, but they don’t so pointless really.

[edwardwilliams]

I think I still prefer the Logitech vs the Apple just due to the fabric of the Logitech but what should I really know because I can’t afford either lol

[araffaelegmw]

Great accessory for a iPad or any tablet that supports this kind of keyboard cover. Makes a tablet into a portable laptop computer. Expensive but worth it

[fredro]

To me it all just depends on how a person uses their iPad…. If you plan to use you iPad like a laptop or you are a writer I’d say get the Magic Keyboard. If you plan on using your iPad like a tablet, like I do personally, the flexibility from being able to type, use the Apple pencil, hold the iPad in your hand and use fingers like a tablet…get the folio or Logitech folio. I use the folio. I type long papers on my MacBook Pro.

[LeahDykema]

As a writer who’s a visually impaired iPad relying user, I gotta say, having backlights is extremely important and I rarely use function keys on my Logitech Keys to Go keyboard for my iPad 9th gen.

[msteppling]

I’m in the Logitech Combo touch for my iPad Pro after seeing many videos comparing that to the Magic Keyboard. Best of all worlds right now with one exception: the Apple Pencil can separate from the side if jostling around in a bag or tote. I wish all the case and keyboard options had some kind of magnetic strap to secure the Apple Pencil to the side.

[TurboPikachu]

Thrilled I could score a new open-box Magic Keyboard Folio for $90, a much more appropriate price for a base model iPad accessory

[CookieCft]

I was just looking for one of these videos, thanks

[fihgvqc]

The biggest annoyance of the OG magic keyboard is no media keys. It's very "charger port on the bottom of the mouse" design.

[Goblue]

This also depends on what iPad you have or are going to get. The white one only supports the 10 generation and the black one only supports the iPad Pro.

[DaisoOne]

I’ve been using the Logitech slim folio for about 2 years now .. but the whole keyboard is starting to peel.. vinyl outer layer just frays and comes off.. I’ve trimmed some of it out and pasted stickers on it .. but I am considering upgrading to the magic keyboard.. the Logitech slim folio is very heavy though and has the added protection around the areas.