Compared: Magic Keyboard versus Smart Keyboard Folio
Apple now sells two choices for iPad Pro keyboards. AppleInsider compares the Smart Keyboard Folio to the new Magic Keyboard to see how they stack up and which one is worth it for the price.
iPad Pro 12.9-inch on the Magic Keyboard (left) and the Smart Keyboard Folio (right)
As it stands, iPad Pro users have two official options when it comes to Apple-branded keyboard cases. Users could use any of Apple's Bluetooth keyboards, but the Magic Keyboard and the Smart Keyboard Folio are the only two available just for iPad.
Each of these supports the same models. There is both a Magic Keyboard as well as a Smart Keyboard Folio for both the 12.9-inch and 11-inch iPad Pros from 2018 and 2020.
On the surface, it appears the primary differentiator is the inclusion or lack of a trackpad. But actual differences go far beyond that with a huge array of functional, design, and cost differences.
Typing on the Smart Keyboard Folio
But the Smart Keyboard Folio isn't without its merits. Between the two, the Smart Keyboard Folio is far lighter than the Magic Keyboard, lending itself better to travel when you want to keep your weight down as much as possible.
Fabric keys of the Smart Keyboard Folio
The Smart Keyboard Folio also has the benefit of being almost entirely water-resistant. Apple makes these keyboards from a woven fabric that is stiffened around the keycaps. Because of this, no liquid is capable of getting into the keyboard itself, and the same goes for dust or other small debris.
There are two viewing angles on the Smart Keyboard Folio, a more vertical one for watch media and a more inclined angle for productivity. It connects via the Smart Connector and has minimal draw on your iPad's battery life.
Magic Keyboard
Using a scissor-switch mechanism for the keyboard is a big change. It isn't water-resistant like the Smart Keyboard Folio, but it is far more responsive for typing. The fabric keys have a "click" to them but it is very soft and can even become "stuck" even when they aren't being pressed.
Magic Keyboard is also backlit. It adjusts automatically based on the ambient lighting in the room but can be manually adjusted from settings.
Overall, the Magic Keyboard is far nicer and more reliable.
Magic Keyboard arrow keys versus Smart Keyboard Folio
One small, but critical detail, is the arrow keys. On the Smart Keyboard Folio, Apple has a compact design to the arrow keys but are a bit harder to identify. Apple reverted back to the inverted "T" design with the 16-inch MacBook Pro and they changed it on the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro as well.
By choosing the Magic Keyboard, you are also adding a second USB-C port to your iPad Pro as well. This is great for charging the iPad and leaving the port on the side of the tablet free for other accessories.
While the Magic Keyboard is heftier, it is due to metal plates within the keyboard itself. This makes it much more rigid and easier to move about. If you pick up the Smart Keyboard Folio by just they keyboard, it bends and warps while the Magic Keyboard stays firm.
iPad Pro 12.9-inch on the Magic Keyboard (left) and the Smart Keyboard Folio (right)
But if you want the best of the best, you will have to shell out for the Magic Keyboard. The keys are better, more durable, backlit, and the entire body is more stable. You are also buying an additional USB-C port to the iPad Pro and a fully articulated hinge -- not to mention the trackpad. But you will pay for the privilege.
iPad Pro 12.9-inch on the Magic Keyboard (left) and the Smart Keyboard Folio (right)
As it stands, iPad Pro users have two official options when it comes to Apple-branded keyboard cases. Users could use any of Apple's Bluetooth keyboards, but the Magic Keyboard and the Smart Keyboard Folio are the only two available just for iPad.
Each of these supports the same models. There is both a Magic Keyboard as well as a Smart Keyboard Folio for both the 12.9-inch and 11-inch iPad Pros from 2018 and 2020.
On the surface, it appears the primary differentiator is the inclusion or lack of a trackpad. But actual differences go far beyond that with a huge array of functional, design, and cost differences.
Smart Keyboard Folio
Apple's Smart Keyboard has been around for several years now. Debuting with the original 2015 iPad Pro before being redesigned as the Smart Keyboard Folio in 2018 with the redesigned iPad Pros. The redesign wasn't well-received and for the past year and a half users have been exploring other options.Typing on the Smart Keyboard Folio
But the Smart Keyboard Folio isn't without its merits. Between the two, the Smart Keyboard Folio is far lighter than the Magic Keyboard, lending itself better to travel when you want to keep your weight down as much as possible.
Fabric keys of the Smart Keyboard Folio
The Smart Keyboard Folio also has the benefit of being almost entirely water-resistant. Apple makes these keyboards from a woven fabric that is stiffened around the keycaps. Because of this, no liquid is capable of getting into the keyboard itself, and the same goes for dust or other small debris.
There are two viewing angles on the Smart Keyboard Folio, a more vertical one for watch media and a more inclined angle for productivity. It connects via the Smart Connector and has minimal draw on your iPad's battery life.
Magic Keyboard
Apple's Magic Keyboard has much more going for it. It too uses the Smart Connector but has a full scissor-switch mechanism-based keyboard and a glass trackpad. This does eat up a bit more battery life, but not by all that much.Magic Keyboard
Using a scissor-switch mechanism for the keyboard is a big change. It isn't water-resistant like the Smart Keyboard Folio, but it is far more responsive for typing. The fabric keys have a "click" to them but it is very soft and can even become "stuck" even when they aren't being pressed.
Magic Keyboard is also backlit. It adjusts automatically based on the ambient lighting in the room but can be manually adjusted from settings.
Overall, the Magic Keyboard is far nicer and more reliable.
Magic Keyboard arrow keys versus Smart Keyboard Folio
One small, but critical detail, is the arrow keys. On the Smart Keyboard Folio, Apple has a compact design to the arrow keys but are a bit harder to identify. Apple reverted back to the inverted "T" design with the 16-inch MacBook Pro and they changed it on the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro as well.
By choosing the Magic Keyboard, you are also adding a second USB-C port to your iPad Pro as well. This is great for charging the iPad and leaving the port on the side of the tablet free for other accessories.
While the Magic Keyboard is heftier, it is due to metal plates within the keyboard itself. This makes it much more rigid and easier to move about. If you pick up the Smart Keyboard Folio by just they keyboard, it bends and warps while the Magic Keyboard stays firm.
Trackpad support on the iPad Pro through the Magic Keyboard
Trackpads are newly supported within iPadOS as part of the 13.4 update. It makes a huge difference if dealing with editing text, spreadsheets, and even video work. You can always use an external Bluetooth mouse, but having it integrated right into the trackpad it is much more convenient.Key features of the Smart Keyboard Folion versus the Magic Keyboard
| Magic Keyboard | Smart Keyboard Folio | |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | Smart Connector | Smart Connector |
| Key Type | Scissor switch mechanism | Woven fabric |
| Function Keys | None | None |
| Backlit | Yes | No |
| Arrow Keys | Inverted "T" design | Block design |
| Trackpad | Yes | N/A |
| Price | $299 and $349 | $179 & $199 |
Should you buy the Smart Keyboard Folio or Magic Keyboard?
The decision between the two is mainly down to if you need the trackpad or if you want to spend the lofty price Apple asks for the Magic Keyboard. If you don't want to spend the money, the Smart Keyboard Folio is a great, durable keyboard that uses the Smart Connector and offers up some protection.iPad Pro 12.9-inch on the Magic Keyboard (left) and the Smart Keyboard Folio (right)
But if you want the best of the best, you will have to shell out for the Magic Keyboard. The keys are better, more durable, backlit, and the entire body is more stable. You are also buying an additional USB-C port to the iPad Pro and a fully articulated hinge -- not to mention the trackpad. But you will pay for the privilege.
Comments
I had the iPad closed in the Magic Keyboard, and wanted to use it for reading handheld and without a keyboard. With the Folio, I open it, flip it over to the back of iPad Pro, but leave it attached; the move is completely natural to
me.
Only when I tried to do this I did notice that Magic Keyboard doesn’t flip over! It simply doesn’t.
if you want to use iPad in handheld tablet mode with this, you have to detach it. Big time change for me.
This difference is much bigger for me than either weight or price or keyboard quality....
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I still prefer the original keyboard on the original iPad Pro that worked as a cover, a keyboard, a stand, or to slightly prop up the iPad Pro when laying flat.
On top of the key appearance issues, there started being cases where commands would duplicate or continue being sent, even when my fingers aren’t on the keys any more. This isn’t limited to one key. If I do command-w to close a tab, it’ll close every single one, despite not having touched the keys down for longer than just once. In fact, I didn’t even know that such commands are even repeatable in the first place.
But then, that’s another part of what’s wrong here: the OS-level keyboard handling. I observe forgotten key presses that need repressing (modifier keys), and lots of missing UI Keyboard stuff that should be part of the basic OS APIs by default, but instead requires developers to specifically code for. This issue won’t differ from keyboard to keyboard, either, since it’s Apple’s OS’ failing.
I think you are a little misinformed. The iPad does not run macOS. It still is iPadOS and it still is a touch-based tablet that lets you use a keyboard if you want.
The difference now is that that the mouse is supported.
When I bought my iPad Pro 11” (2018 model) in December, I tried the Smart Keyboard. It was horrible, so I returned it the next day.
In contrast, this new Magic Keyboard is excellent! The keys feel great while typing, and the trackpad works very well. I also love that it has its own charging port on the left side, which charges the iPad through the Smart Connector, allowing me to use a Samsung T5 external SSD directly through the iPad’s USB-C port. Another feature I really like is being able to remove the iPad from its magnetic stand effortlessly and use it as a tablet.
The Magic Keyboard is, in my opinion, $300 well spent, and worth every penny. Good job, Apple!