[ad_1]
Design and Specifications
We are before two keyboards Compatible with 2018 and 2020 iPad Pro, either 11 or 12.9 inches. In the case of the Smart Keyboard we also find other versions for iPad older or of different ranges, although we will only take into account the equivalent for the ‘Pro’ range. In operation they are identical, since they are connected through the Smart Connector of the iPad without configuring them and usable from the moment they connect.
In design we see a main difference in terms of the keyboard itself, since in the Smart Keyboard we have a short-distance keyboard with keys in a material that mixes silicone and plastic, making it more dust and splash resistant. It sins of not having a backlight, something that the Magic Keyboard does have in addition to a wider key travel and similar to that of the iMac and latest MacBook Pro and Air.
Another very obvious difference in view is that the Magic Keyboard has a small trackpad to navigate the iPadOS interface, which is an advantage to be able to do without other trackpads or external mice. It also has a USB type C connector on the left end of it to be able to charge the tablet without occupying the only connector it has, being able to take advantage of that to connect external storage devices or any other accessory. Unfortunately, it is not possible to connect anything to the keyboard connector other than a power cable.
Smart Keyboard Comfort
The Smart Keyboard was already controversial since its birth due to the lack of some already mentioned features such as the backlight. Other keyboards on the market already incorporated this function at a better price, but the truth is that this keyboard won integers among iPad Pro users for a key factor: comfort. This keyboard is very comfortable, being able to put it on and take it off the iPad with great ease and also having two positions with more or less inclination depending on the way in which we want to use it.
This keyboard, despite its light weight, it does not tremble when used because it remains fixed and it is extremely comfortable to use even in public transport, on your knees, lying on a bed or any other use. It also highlights the fact that you can roll over and use the iPad like a traditional tablet without removing the keyboard. Perhaps in this last sense it is not entirely comfortable for many people because they will be playing the keys from behind, although it must be said that these are deactivated at that time and therefore there will be no false touches.
Productivity with the Magic Keyboard
The negative and positive parts of the Smart Keyboard are reversed in the Smart Keyboard, since for this we can enjoy a much more professional keyboard in the sense that the mechanical keys provide a better feeling when writing for hours. The fact that they are backlit will also allow them to work better in low light conditions. But if there is something that takes the cake trackpad, which is a definitive point in productivity bringing the pointer to the iPad anywhere without having to take the mouse away.
In positions there is a very clear point in favor of this and that is that it can recline at different angles and with its structure above the iPad it gives the feeling that it stays floating in the air and is very pleasant to handle with your finger in a comfortable posture. However, it must be said that the angles do not reach certain points that would make it even more practical, since it loses ergonomics and prevents us from a correct vision and handling being with the iPad on our knees or another situation far from a flat surface.
Hence, this keyboard does not allow using iPad in tablet modeIt will not lean back as the Smart Keyboard does. In any case, it is not complicated to remove the device from the support and start using it comfortably, especially if we take into account that this keyboard is pretty heavy. In fact, the sum of everything brings the weight closer to that of a MacBook Air, so in portability is lost a lot despite still being somewhat lighter than most computers.
Determining price
The price is always a factor to take into account when buying a device or accessory of these characteristics. Beyond the purchasing power of each person or the value that is taken into account to determine if something is expensive or cheap, the truth is that both have high prices for what we could find in third brands. Apple’s official prices are:
- Smart Keyboard for 11-inch iPad (2018 and 2020): 199 euros.
- Smart Keyboard for 12.9-inch iPad (2018 and 2020): 219 euros.
- Magic Keyboard for 11-inch iPad (2018 and 2020): 339 euros.
- Magic Keyboard for 11-inch iPad (2018 and 2020): 399 euros.
You must be the one to draw a conclusion now depending on your use. Our recommendation is that the Magic Keyboard is best for those who make simple use of the iPad or do not need to carry a whole set and can work well with or without an external mouse. If you also get used to doing work with the device from places like a train, bus or in bed and on the sofa, it will be much more comfortable.
If, on the other hand, you think you can get the most out of the trackpad and its gestures, as well as that it suits you to take the whole set to work on comfortable surfaces at all times, the Magic Keyboard can come in handy. The price may seem high, but if you think you are going to take advantage of it, you can quickly amortize it.
