Ipad Pro 12.9 Magic Keyboard Vs Smart Keyboard
The iPad Pro 12.9 is undoubtedly one of the most powerful and versatile tablets on the market. With its massive screen and powerful hardware, it's more than capable of replacing your laptop in a lot of cases. But if you're serious about getting work done on your iPad Pro, you're going to need a keyboard. In this article, we're going to compare two of Apple's most popular keyboard options: the Magic Keyboard and the Smart Keyboard.
What is the Magic Keyboard?
The Magic Keyboard is Apple's newest keyboard option for the iPad Pro. It was released in the spring of 2020 and is compatible with the third and fourth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro models. The Magic Keyboard attaches to the iPad Pro magnetically and features a floating design that allows you to adjust the viewing angle of the screen.
The keys on the Magic Keyboard are backlit and have a scissor mechanism, which provides a more stable and comfortable typing experience compared to the Smart Keyboard. The Magic Keyboard also features a built-in trackpad, which makes navigating your iPad Pro even easier. The Magic Keyboard is available in two colors: black and white.
What is the Smart Keyboard?
The Smart Keyboard is Apple's first keyboard option for the iPad Pro. It was released in 2015 and is compatible with all iPad Pro models. The Smart Keyboard attaches to the iPad Pro using the Smart Connector, which eliminates the need for Bluetooth pairing or charging.
The keys on the Smart Keyboard are covered in a soft fabric material and don't have a backlight. The keys use a membrane mechanism, which is less stable and less satisfying to type on compared to the Magic Keyboard. The Smart Keyboard also doesn't have a trackpad, which means you'll have to rely on touch gestures to navigate your iPad Pro. The Smart Keyboard is available in one color: gray.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design and build quality, both the Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard are top-notch. The Magic Keyboard has an aluminum body that feels solid and durable, while the Smart Keyboard is made of high-quality fabric that is water and stain-resistant.
The Magic Keyboard is larger and heavier than the Smart Keyboard, which makes it more stable when typing on your lap. However, the Smart Keyboard is more portable and can be folded up to protect your iPad Pro when you're on the go.
Typing Experience
When it comes to typing experience, the Magic Keyboard is the clear winner. The scissor mechanism on the keys provides a more stable and comfortable typing experience compared to the membrane mechanism on the Smart Keyboard.
The Magic Keyboard also has a backlight, which makes typing in low-light environments much easier. The Smart Keyboard doesn't have a backlight, which can make it difficult to see the keys in certain lighting conditions.
Trackpad
The Magic Keyboard has a built-in trackpad, which is a game-changer for iPad Pro users. The trackpad allows you to navigate your iPad Pro without having to reach up and touch the screen, which can be tiring and uncomfortable over extended periods.
The Smart Keyboard doesn't have a trackpad, which means you'll have to rely on touch gestures to navigate your iPad Pro. While touch gestures are intuitive and easy to use, they can be slower and less precise than using a trackpad.
Battery Life
Both the Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard have excellent battery life. The Magic Keyboard has a built-in rechargeable battery that can last for up to a month on a single charge, while the Smart Keyboard draws power from the iPad Pro and doesn't require charging.
Price
When it comes to price, the Magic Keyboard is significantly more expensive than the Smart Keyboard. The Magic Keyboard starts at $299, while the Smart Keyboard starts at $169. While the Magic Keyboard is undoubtedly the better keyboard, it may not be worth the extra cost for some users.
Conclusion
Overall, the Magic Keyboard is the clear winner when it comes to keyboard options for the iPad Pro. It provides a more stable and comfortable typing experience, has a built-in trackpad for easy navigation, and has a backlight for typing in low-light environments. However, the Smart Keyboard is still a solid option for users who value portability and don't want to spend as much money on a keyboard.
Ultimately, the choice between the Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard comes down to personal preference and budget. If you're serious about getting work done on your iPad Pro, the Magic Keyboard is the way to go. But if you're just looking for a basic keyboard that gets the job done, the Smart Keyboard is a solid option.
