iPads are most useful when used with accessories. If a keyboard is attached to them, they can become a kind of small laptops to write documents and work on certain tasks. And Apple offers three keyboards in its catalog: the Smart Keyboard Folio (which is practically identical to the “regular” Smart Keyboard) and the Magic Keyboard. Although both serve to be more productive with the tablet, they have many differences.
Features Smart Keyboard Folio and Magic Keyboard
|
specifications |
Smart keyboard case |
magic keyboard |
|---|---|---|
|
type of keyboard |
full size keyboard |
Backlit keyboard with 1mm scissor mechanism for comfortable and quiet typing |
|
Touchpad |
Nope |
Yes, supports Multi-Touch gestures and cursor on iPadOS |
|
angles of view |
Two angles of view |
Precise adjustment of the viewing angle of the screen thanks to the “floating” design |
|
Connection Type |
smart connector |
Smart Connector and additional USB-C for charging iPad battery |
|
Drums |
No – powered by Smart Connector |
No – powered by Smart Connector |
|
Compatibility |
11-inch iPad Pro and 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation and above), iPad Air 4th and 5th generation |
11-inch iPad Pro and 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation and above), iPad Air 4th and 5th generation |
|
Price |
From 199 euro |
From 339 dollars |
Apple Smart Keyboard Folio (for 12.9-inch iPad Pro – 4th generation) – Spanish
Apple Magic Keyboard (for 12.9-inch iPad Pro – 5th generation) – Spanish – in Black
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Backlit Keyboard: let’s start by saying something “obvious”: the Magic Keyboard for iPad is more complete than the Smart Keyboard Folio, and one of the first sections where this is noticed is the keyboard. The first is backlit and with 1 mm scissor mechanism for more enjoyable writing. The feel provided by the Smart Keyboard Folio is quite different.
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Touchpad: while the Smart Keyboard Folio does not include it, the Magic Keyboard has a trackpad, so the iPad becomes a kind of small laptop that can be used without interacting with the touch screen. The trackpad supports gestures and its size is sufficient for an optimal experience.
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angles of view: The Smart Keyboard Folio only has two viewing angles, depending on what you are doing, one or the other is more advisable. However, the Magic Keyboard has a kind of support that makes it “float” and allows it to be adjusted much more.
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Connection Type: Both keyboards connect to the iPad through the smart connector, so they do not have a built-in battery or Bluetooth. However, the Magic Keyboard has an additional USB-C connection to recharge the tablet’s battery and free up its connection to connect a hub, microphone or external hard drive.
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Price: here there is a very important difference and also depends on the size of the iPad. The Smart Keyboard Folio starts at 199 dollars, while the Magic Keyboard starts at 339 dollars. You must therefore be very sure if you are going to take advantage of the trackpad to make the investment.
Smart Keyboard Folio or Magic Keyboard, which iPad keyboard to buy?
With the Smart Keyboard Folio and the Magic Keyboard, you will be able to write and work comfortably on certain office tasks. The key is whether the tablet is going to be used this way often to realize the investment in the Magic Keyboard.although you do get some nice additions: trackpad, extra USB-C, backlit keys and wider viewing angles.
Apple Smart Keyboard Folio (for 12.9-inch iPad Pro – 4th generation) – Spanish
Apple Magic Keyboard (for 12.9-inch iPad Pro – 5th generation) – Spanish – in Black
