Apple recently released news regarding their new Magic Keyboard for the Apple iPad Pro. Fans around the world have come out in support of the original design, calling it well-made and classy. The new keyboard case comes with a trackpad, and this allows users to use the iPad as a laptop. Such a move will make the iPod so much more convenient than before, much to the fans’ delight. So, what are the features of the new keyboard, and why is it so great? Here’s a look at Apple’s new keyboard, and why it is a much-needed reprieve for fans.
Convenience Upgrade
The keyboard is extremely comfortable to type on, making the iPad more convenient, as it allows it to function as a laptop. However, it is quite expensive, coming out at $299 (11-inch) and $349 (12.9-inch), whereas, in comparison, the iPad comes in at $329. But, the keyboard does allow you to use the iPad as you would a traditional laptop. The Magic keyboard comprises of well-backlit keys and a trackpad that supports various gestures that the iPadOS configures.
Keyboard Features
The Magic keyboard itself is a great keyboard that is comfortable to use. The new keyboard makes use of the same scissor-switch technology that runs the other counterparts in the Magic series of consoles. These keyboards had come out earlier for the iMac and MacBook Pro. Therefore, the model is easier to use than the prior butterfly-switch keyboard that the older MacBook Pros use to have. It is also better than the fabric-lined Smart Keyboard that the older iPad Pro boasted. Unlike other keyboard designs wherein Apple focused on the board’s thinness, this time around, they have focused on comfort. It is thick enough to give users an excellent feel when typing, making the experience of typing much more comfortable. However, unlike the Magic Keyboard sported by the MacBook Pro, the keys on this one are a little wobblier. But, there’s nothing to worry about, as the keys are sturdy enough to last you long enough.
As fans expected, the keys on this keyboard are backlit and adjust as per the ambient lighting. Therefore, for most of the time, the keys are perfectly lit, improving your typing experience by maintaining the right brightness. But, the problem here is that they aren’t easy to switch off completely. Imagine you are watching a horror movie at night on your iPad Pro, and want to create the right ambiance by turning all the lights off. You can’t switch off the backlighting directly. Instead, users will have to head to the Settings, go to General, and then over to Keyboard Hardware. From there, users have the option of adjusting the keyboard’s backlighting via a slider.
Furthermore, the keyboard does not have an Escape button, but you can toggle a keyboard to enable that function from this same setting bar. Another major issue that the keyboard’s Type C port only supports charging and not data transfer. Therefore, in case you want to extract data from a third-party source, you will need adapters and wires.
Lack of a Function Bar
These two issues could have been quickly resolved if the keyboard had a function bar on top. Most popular consoles have a function row above the number row on the keyboard. Most of the buttons on standard function bars have all the necessary function shortcuts that users would need, including adjusting brightness and sound levels. Having dedicated buttons related to volume, backlighting, screen brightness and Escape would have made it easier for users to control the device. The lack of such a function bar prompts the user to approach the Control Center to manage their functions.
Trackpad Functions
However, the new trackpad, although small when compared to other Apple keyboards, works excellent and is a great addition to the board. If users are familiar with the trackpads on the MacBook Pro, they will find this one quite small to use. When using the 12.9-inch board, the trackpad has dimensions similar to the trackpad on the Surface Pro. The trackpad itself, works brilliantly, being smooth, accurate and extremely lag-free. Also, GUI for the cursor is excellent too. While the tracker resembles a dot most of the time, it quickly changes to a text cursor whenever the situation demands it.
Furthermore, the cursor grows and falls in size, mimicking the size of the icons or text on the screen. You can also use the trackpad to navigate within the system, and users can use up to three fingers simultaneously on the keyboard. The biggest issue regarding the trackpad comes into play while using third-party apps. Applications that do not utilize Apple’s APIs when making their texts and icons affect the trackpad negatively. These icons make it difficult for your fingers to swipe across the trackpad, difficult to type or select texts, and the image stops shifting its shape.
The Magic Keyboard, which is built like a tank, is a blessing for users around the world. It sits stably on your lap or tabletop and is exceptionally well-balanced. The floating position of the iPad angles the screen onto a more comfortable position. The keyboard can also tilt up to 130 degrees, allowing users to adjust it as per their needs. While the keyboard is on the heavier side, weighing around three pounds, it is quite satisfying to use. It is quite safe to say that the new Magic Keyboard transforms the iPad Pro into an efficient laptop, much to the joy of users around the world!
Being a cinephile with a love for all things outdoorsy, Athulya never misses a chance to chase inspiring stories or poke fun at things, even when the subject is herself. Currently pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, she is someone innately interested in technical and scientific research. Music reviews and op-eds define her as they allow her to explore different perspectives. Though sometimes she thinks she makes more sense playing the guitar than she does while writing.