You may wonder why we try to find differences between two apparently very similar keyboards. However, we must remember that the traditional Magic Keyboard (the wireless keyboard developed by Apple for its Macs), has nothing to do with the Magic Keyboard for iPad . Although it is true that both share a name, and this is where many users are usually confused, their purpose is certainly different.
This is because the Magic Keyboard designed exclusively for iPad consists of a cover with keyboard and trackpad , so that it offers us the possibility of turning our touch tablet into a real laptop, a unique option when, for example, we make use of it. quite intensive for certain text editors.
But some time ago Apple decided to go one step further, and released the Smart Keyboard Folio , so choosing one and the other can be a bit complicated, especially if we do not know what some of their basic differences are. Something that we are going to review next.
Smart Keyboard Folio: lighter and more water resistant
It is true that, originally, Apple’s Smart Keyboard has been around for several years now. Specifically, it debuted for the first time in 2015, with the arrival of the already more than popular iPad Pro. However, in 2018 the company decided to launch the Smart Keyboard Folio , completely redesigned, in stores.
Although it is true that it was characterized as an option that users did not like very much, we must remember that the Smart Keyboard Folio is not without some merits that should be reviewed carefully.
In fact, if we compare it with the Magic Keyboard , it is true that the Smart Keyboard Folio is characterized by being much lighter , which can make it an ideal option for those who travel a lot, and prefer to keep a weight as light. possible.
It also has the advantage of being waterproof , thanks to the fact that Apple manufactures it with a woven fabric capable of hardening around the keys, which prevents any liquid from entering the keyboard. And, indeed, the same goes for dust or any other dirt.
On the other hand, it also offers the possibility of enjoying two viewing angles , a more vertical one useful for when we reproduce a film or much more visual content, and a slightly more inclined angle, in order to improve productivity to the maximum.
Discovering the Magic Keyboard
However, it is true that the Magic Keyboard stands out for being a little more complete. Although it also shares the use of Smart Connector, one of the aspects that I like the most is that it has a full keyboard based on the scissor mechanism , which greatly facilitates its use. In addition, it has a glass touch panel .
Although it is less waterproof, it incorporates a backlit keyboard , which can be adjusted automatically depending on the ambient lighting in the room (or manually). This offers interesting advantages, especially when writing in a dimly lit room.
If we choose this keyboard we must bear in mind that we would also be adding a second USB-C port to the iPad Pro, something ideal, for example, to charge the tablet while leaving the iPad port free for any other accessory.
Of course, the Magic Keyboard is characterized by being a little heavier , due to the metal plates that we find inside the keyboard itself, which helps make it somewhat more rigid and easy to move. In other words, while it manages to hold its own, the Smart Keyboard Folio can sometimes bend and / or warp.
And what is even more interesting: it has a comfortable trackpad , so it is like deriving the laptop function to our iPad. In the case of the Smart Keyboard Folio, however, we only find the keyboard functionality.
Which one to buy?
The decision depends on different aspects or factors. For example, the scissor mechanism that we found in the Magic Keyboard was a success, but it is also true that, at least personally, I like the design of the Smart Keyboard Folio much more.
However, the Magic Keyboard keys, in addition to being more comfortable, are characterized by being more durable and backlit, to which is added a very important aspect that we could not underestimate: its entire body is much more stable .
It also has a trackpad , and an additional USB-C port, which can end up being enormously useful for our iPad Pro. Therefore, if we opt for this option, it is also important to take into account another fundamental element: it is a little more expensive.
