Magic Keyboard vs Smart Keyboard - As an Architect, which one should you get?

Magic Keyboard vs. Smart Keyboard

I have been using the Smart Keyboard Folio for 9 months now. I really enjoy it. It has served me well. But when the Magic Keyboard was announced, I can't help but grab it and test it out for myself.

Here are my thoughts:

The Smart Keyboard is great. It is lighter, cheaper and more portable than the Magic Keyboard. Although most people struggle with the typing experience on it. I find it to be fun actually. It feels truly like a keyboard for a tablet.

The Magic Keyboard is a game changer. The trackpad and keys feel similar to what you would get with a Macbook. Which is one of the best (if not the best). The extra USB-C pass through is a great addition. It is worth noting that the Magic Keyboard is heavier and is probably more prone to breaking because dust and dirt can get within the keys.

So far, I find the trackpad a luxury. It is nice to have, but you can get away without it. Especially, if you have the Apple Pencil

Recommendation:

Magic Keyboard
- if you use the iPad as a primary device.
- if you type a lot
- if you use the iPad more as a laptop than a tablet

Smart Keyboard-
- if you use the iPad as a secondary device
- if you use the iPad more like a tablet than a laptop

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[JonImperial]

Let me know what you guys prefer the Magic Keyboard or the Smart Keyboard Folio?

[iamhasrizal]

Awesome review. I originally thought I resorted to smart folio keyboard because I simply didn’t have the budget for the expensive magic keyboard. But after using the smart folio keyboard, I believe that I made the right decision, saved money, and not burdened by the excessive weight of the magic keyboard. You got me as your new subscriber.

[christinefoster]

I have both keyboards. And like so many others I was super excited about the Magic Keyboard. After getting it and using it a few times I decided it just didn’t work for me. I take notes via pencil and keyboard a lot. When I use the pencil I don’t want to have to remove the iPad from the case to do so. I prefer a flexible light case which is why my magic keyboard sits in the box to this day. I keep thinking I will change my mind which is why I keep it.

[craySean]

I have both, and I use the smart folio the most. I mainly write on my ipad and sometimes type on it.. i like that you can fold the smart folio back without having to always take the ipad off to write on it like the magic keyboard

[scottmuir]

So I just upgraded my well used 2017 iPad Pro and I agonised over who I have keyboard to get - I’m a big believer in future proofing vs expense and normally I would go for the more expensive option (I just upgraded 1 month from the new iPad to hit us to a 12.9inch 256g Cellular option even though I will prob never put a sim in it as its far too easy to hotspot).... But as I had the smart folio keyboard on my 2015 I really like the typing experience on the keyboard! But to be fair I also have multiple Mackbook Pro’s and an iMac so my iPad isn’t my primary driver! Not ruling out the Magic Keyboard as I recon they look the business - but the Folio does everything I need and I like interacting with the screen using my pencil!

[GilesHoughton]

Amazing quality video and very informative. Keep it up! :)

[pepo]

Just helping with the algorithm!
Great video btw :D

[Zhequirinal]

Spot on man, the draining battery issue made me decide for the smart keyboard.

[xingxing]

I am still undecided on the Smart Folio keyboard vs the Magic Keyboard. On hind sight, my main go to device is the MacBook which does most of my corporate work. And my iPad Pro is simple a device to help me read documents, annotate and also take notes. So i dont really use it so much for typing. I rarely props up both devices my Mac and also iPad Pro to do side car multi tasking too. So i am really not sure what i should do with both keyboards. Please advice.

[EDLuke]

Thanks for the video, found it interesting 👍🏼
For the 11” iPad i would say any keyboard is a game changer because it gives you screen real estate back. This isn’t such a problem on the 12.9.
I also think the magic keyboard makes more sense for the 11” iPad. I got it for my 12.9” and it’s so heavy it barely gets used. I end up using my 11” iPad with Smart Keyboard folio for typing, and the big iPad for browsing and content consumption. I agree with you, the trackpad makes you try and use the iPad like a laptop and it’s not always better that way.

[jazznotes]

I think the iPad should be used as a iPad, not a laptop. Because of this I prefer the Smart Keyboard!
The people using iPad Pro with the Magic Keyboard should have just got a MacBook. (Considering the price of the Magic Keyboard)
iPads are built around a touchscreen, that’s what makes them great.

[mythoughts]

I got both. Prefer the magic keyboard its more sturdy and magnets are stronger. The Smart Keyboard folio I hardly used it. My iPad Air 4 has slipped off a couple times. But ill have both to use. I found the magic keyboard online Walmart for $178 2020 11 inch. Best Buy has the 12.9 inch for $199.

[michaelfox]

I'm still sticking with the Smart Keyboard Folio for now, but I would consider the Magic Keyboard when I can get it for a good price. I like the lightness of the Smart Keyboard, but a trackpad would be nice.

[daledevernon]

For me I have no issues with the designer both of his keyboard they both work very well, the bigger issue for me is that they offer 0 protection in the event of a fall and when you remove your iPad from these devices you'd have to put them into a secondary case which I find this quite ridiculous. I personally use a very good case on my iPad and just connect them to a wireless Bluetooth magic keyboard and Trackpad

[Ac_Amora]

Woah there! I live in Anchorage too! That’s so cool 😎 pretty rad man. Did you grow up here? And if so what Highschool did you graduate from?

[rachanabhat]

Hi Jon, my question is, is it enough to download windows via boot camp to support Softwares like AUTO CAD, REVIT, etc..., on MacBook Pro ?