Why choose a Smart Keyboard instead of Magic Keyboard for iPad

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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Reveal available keyboard combinations by long-pressing the CMD-key in any app

Don't underestimate the powers of the CMD / OPTION / Arrow / Shift keys: I bet I am faster than most folks using a mouse

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

iPad Pro Smart Keyboard Folio as seen from the side

Cropping and rotating photos feels natural, making multiple adjustments (size, rotation, dimensions) with one gesture instead of multiple mouse clicks

Smart Keyboard Folio (11-inch) with iPad Pro and Apple Pencil weighs 528 grams

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