Comparing different Apple iPad keyboards

Smart Keyboard Folio compared to Magic Keyboard

Aug. 11, 2020 - Willem L. Middelkoop

The tablet is at the frontier of mobile computing and its hardware form factor is evolving. This year Apple introduced a new Magic Keyboard for iPad that includes a trackpad. Everybody is raving about it, yet I think there is something to be said for the "mouse-less" Smart Keyboard Folio. Read along for some key differences.

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The Magic Keyboard is made like a laptop keyboard (with distinct keys and ditto mechanisms) - the Smart Keyboard Folio is made with a woven fabric from a single piece of material

The trackpad on the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro is great - you can see the 'cursor' being a grey circle (just between the FaceTime and Zoom icons)

If you want a laptop experience, why not just buy a MacBook?

iPad Pro Magic Keyboard as seen from the side, it is thicker and it has a dark aluminium hinge sticking out (on the left side)

Smart Keyboard Folio (11-inch) with iPad Pro and Apple Pencil weighs 844 grams (that's about 59% heavier than the Smart Keyboard Folio)

Smart Keyboard Folio vs Magic Keyboard for iPad

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