New Magic Keyboard [left], Old Magic Keyboard [right]
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Apple updated the Magic Keyboard accessory at the same time as the iPad Pro line. This is what is updated in the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro compared to the previous version.
The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro has become a stunning accessory for Apple's premium line of tablets. Magnetically holding the tablet computer, it floated the iPad Pro above the keyboard thanks to its floating cantilever design.
This is also the first real modernization of the accessory from Apple. Apple has made several key changes to it that improve the overall experience.
This is what Apple has updated with its new iPad Pro Magic Keyboard.
Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro comparison – aluminum and covers
The original Magic Keyboard used a soft-touch material, which caused fingerprints and smudges to show up on the black model. The white version also quickly collected dirt, which spoiled the appearance.
The new version has the same soft-touch material on the outside. At the very least, it can be washed like the original.
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Everything is different inside. The old material covering is gone and has been replaced with an aluminum palm rest.
This change dramatically changes the stiffness of the wrist rests as well as the appearance. When opened, the aluminum looks like a MacBook Pro.
Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro comparison – hinges
The original Magic Keyboard for iPad is quite easy to disassemble. It opens with a circular hinge to the rear before placing the iPad Pro in place.
At least according to our testing, the new one is a little more difficult to open. The metal-on-metal design required some struggle and needed to be scraped around the edges to open properly.
Old and new Magic Keyboard hinges
The old metal tube hinge was replaced with a metal one, flattened into a thinner oval. It's not much larger than the built-in USB-C port.
Unlike the previous closed loop, the new one is open. This means you'll have to be a lot more careful when installing it or you might scratch something.
Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro comparison – Weight
Although Apple added more aluminum to the accessory, it also managed to reduce the weight slightly. Add to that the iPad Pro's weight loss and it becomes much easier to carry around.
Magic Keyboard Size Comparison
The old 12.9-inch Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro weighed 699 grams, while the new 13-inch version weighed 699 grams. 658 grams. . The included 12.9-inch keyboard and iPad Pro weigh 1,388 grams, while the new pair weighs 1,239 grams.
Magic Keyboard's weight loss may be quite minor, but overall it helps.
Comparison of Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro – trackpad
Another way Apple has improved the Magic Keyboard is with its trackpad customization. It is now significantly larger compared to the first version.
The new Magic Keyboard has a much larger trackpad
Apple achieved this by moving the keyboard itself back along the body. This freed up space for a new trackpad.
The larger surface area makes it easier to perform multi-touch gestures on iPad Pro without touching the display. It's not as expensive as the MacBook Pro, but it's a little closer.
Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro comparison – Keyboard
The position of the keyboard is not the only change. There is a completely new row of keys for the game.
New row of Magic Keyboard keys
While the top row of the old keyboard consisted of numbers and a delete key, the new version now has a function key row. This row is similar to a Mac keyboard, including a dedicated Esc key and buttons for brightness, volume, and media playback.
They still have backlighting and a cantilever design, so that hasn't changed either.
Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro Comparison – Durability
The only thing that hasn't improved is overall durability. In fact, it's a little less durable to use.
Because the keyboard and iPad are lighter, you'll have less pressure to press them against the screen when you touch the screen. Removing material from the hinge also has an impact, as does the iPad Pro's tilting back due to keyboard movements.
The new Magic Keyboard is less resistant to impacts on the iPad Pro.
All this leads to the whole assembly becoming more wobbly and bouncing when touched by the iPad itself. Push too aggressively and the front end may lift as everything rolls back.
Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro comparison: Changes are (usually) good
Apple's new Magic Keyboard will greatly improve the user experience. The use of aluminum, a row of keyboards, and a larger trackpad greatly improve the situation when using the iPad Pro for long periods of typing.
The changes have made it a little more difficult to touch the iPad Pro itself, but this is something to be more mindful of.
Some users may even feel like they have the perfect mobile workstation. Something that looks like a mini MacBook Pro, but also offers a stylus and touch functionality.
No matter what you think of the changes, you can't say which version of the Magic Keyboard you'll be able to use with the new iPad Pro M4. It works exclusively with the new 11″ and 13″ models.
The previous iteration is still available. It is only compatible with iPad Air and older iPad Pros released before the 2024 redesign.
Where to buy the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro
The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro M4 is now discounted using the promo code APINSIDER from authorized Apple reseller Adorama. Find the link to open the coupon code field during step 4 of checkout.
You can also purchase the Magic Keyboard from Amazon, B&H and Best Buy.
Those looking for a Magic Keyboard for the latest generation models can take advantage of Amazon's sale.
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