---
title: "Apple Magic Keyboard vs Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad Pro"
language: en
topics: ["apple", "design", "iPad", "review", "tablet"]
full_article_url: https://willem.com/en/2020-08-11_the-best-keyboard-for-ipad/
---
# Apple Magic Keyboard vs Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad Pro

*Better typing is not the same as a better iPad.*

> After using both on my iPad Pro in 2020, I preferred the Smart Keyboard Folio: lighter, water resistant, and it keeps the iPad a tablet. The Magic Keyboard types better but adds weight, bulk and a laptop mindset.

The Magic Keyboard is a metal enforced folding stand with backlit scissor keys (1 millimeter of travel), a great glass trackpad and a superb, laptop-like typing feel. It is heavier, and its folding mechanism does not let you flap the keyboard away, so the iPad stops being a tablet while attached. The plastic edge of its palm rests irritated my hands during long writing sessions.
The Smart Keyboard Folio is a lightweight folio made from a single fabric-like polymer; the keys have no openings underneath, which makes them water and dust resistant, and it flaps to the back for tablet use.
Price matters too: in 2020 a MacBook Air started at 1199 euro, while a 12-inch iPad Pro with Smart Keyboard came to 1518 euro. If you want a laptop, buy a laptop.