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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[DionMedia]

What are your thoughts on the Magic Keyboard for iPad, do you think it's worth it?

[Cainfoe]

As a psychology student and macbook air user, I can say this is totally worth it.

I feel my iPad Air 5 Gen is way more comfortable for long periods of reading and visual note taking. I use the keyboard to finish my assignments on the go and everywhere.

[martincalise]

For me, the magic keyboard is definitely worth it. Optimises the screen estate especially when you have the 11” ipad and you need to type in lengthy documents. I’ve had mine for about a year already and I couldn’t imagine not having it. The hinge has been very durable which made my ipad a comfortable companion in watching youtube while in bed.

[roccom.]

Another great video Dion-- I used this accessory for my first year of college since I didn't have a great computer and it served me well writing papers and browsing the web and things. Now I am using a 14" MacBook Pro for all these purposes and more!

[blooblelinus]

Gorgeous review. And it’s nice to see someone reviewing the MK with an Air model instead of the most expensive IPP. You got my sub!

[gasbulla]

Thanks, I was considering buying one but this was a pretty solid review. Some pros and cons. It’s just way too expensive for what it is. Appreciate the honesty! Subscribed.

[RachelB_AC]

I agree with Annette, although I have never tried the Apple Magic Keyboard, I have used the Logitech folio keyboard and have been very pleased with it. The only thing that has happened is the magnets broke, however Logitech customer service is very good and as they come with a 2 year warranty they replaced it straight away.

[DirkStraussOnline]

Thanks for the great video. One of the few I have seen with the iPad Air. I tend to write a lot, and having to use my Macbook all the time, seems like such a slog sometimes. Having an iPad with the Magic Keyboard frees me from having to use my Macbook when I just quickly want to write some content. I do think, however, that the Magic Keyboard is a "nice to have" accessory. You can definitely use the iPad without the Magic Keyboard, but the typing experience for long form content is not too great with the built-in iPad on-screen keyboard. This is why I like the Magic Keyboard as an accessory.

[Bliss_YT]

I honestly do like the idea of the keyboard and honestly it looks really useful!! But for 279 dollars? It seems a bit to much.. i’d rather get a cheaper keyboard but thanks for the reveiw

[canyoncanyon]

Your videos are so intricate and precise and once again I love your hand gestures 😊 love ❤️ from Nigeria 🇳🇬

[nolanfaselt]

I would switch to iPadOS from MacOS if they updated the magic keyboard to have normal computer function keys (volume, esc screenshot), adding HDMI and Data passthrough on the USB-C Port. Then is could truly become a laptop replacement.

[theabraham]

I actually find it very useful as a graphic designer. With Adobe Illustrator, when designing with text, it’s quite painful to input with the screen keyboard. Creating shapes and masking frames are a lot easier as well. When traveling, it’s such a joy not having to tote around my brick of a Macbook Pro 16!

[slottedpig]

I think this was a great perspective for sure. However I don't think its supposed to be a computer in that way. I more or less feel like what they're doing is catering to the Artist, Musician and potential student that is needing a iPad for the features it offers yet need something that bridges the gap in-between a computer and iPad. So thus they released the keyboard to allow them to write papers, music, business needs, etc. Gives you the ability to design and draw and record / make music. You would use the USB-C port on the iPad itself to be able to attach multiple plug-ins like an external hard drive for more memory space, flash drives, keyboards for music, microphones, etc. Its just a way to get more out of the iPad. For people that don't already have a PC or iMac / Mac Book then the iPad just isn't for them.

[kevinwallis]

Agree completely. iPad must be kept light as possible. Also agree iPad is not a Mac. Appreciate your review

[deadmetalbr]

The iPad+MK combo _does_ turn the wildly overpowered iPads compatible with it into laptop competitors. The hardware's definitely got the speed and build quality. iPadOS (and iOS with it), on the other hand, is the most successful toy operating system I've ever seen.

[brentjohnson]

Excellent review. I am a new subscriber as a result of your excellent review. I just purchased an iPad Air 5 with MK. Best Buy had a $150 off so that softened the blow or high prices. Apple has long been proud of their product. I had been using a iPad Air 3 with keyboard folio and prefer to have a keyboard with it. The MacBook Air wasn’t touch screen enabled when I looked in the past so this fits my needs. But you make great points in your video. Keep up the honest and good work you do. All the best from north Texas.

[ripebelly]

This is the most informative video I’ve seen on this key pad!

[willarias]

Spot on, as always, Dion. For the total price alone, it’s almost silly not considering the MacBook Air instead. Thank you!

[nicoleamio]

I've got a regular keyboard off of Amazon, and believe it does the job. I'll see later if it is needed.

[pnevill]

Well done and honest ... best review I have seen in awhile.