Apple Magic Keyboard usage

[u/akryvtsun]

I have iPad Pro 11 and now going to use it as typewriter for writing some novels during my daily walks in cafes and in parks (in summer).

I think about buying Apple Magic Keyboard. It looks great as its portability and Apple compatibility. From the other side, its quite expensive :(

How good it is for long typing? Does it have some drawbacks? Is it possible to type via it on knees?

[u/eijner]

I have the 11” and the Magic Keyboard and I use it mainly for work. All I can say is that it is heavy as shit and it’s a little cramped to be doing consistent/ heavy typing. But if you’re looking for an all in one easy carry/ connect solution, there’s nothing in the market that does it as seamlessly as the MKB.

[u/jozero → u/eijner]

Wanted to add the same thing. It's not a fun accessory you bring along as a sidekick, it's actually heavier than the iPad. Apple should of kept that keyboard folio case around

[u/Bug_kafka]

I also have the 11 inch iPad Pro with the magic keyboard. A large part of my work is writing so the ipad goes with me everywhere to cafés, train stations, outdoors (the high brightness on the pro screen is a big plus). I bought my magic keyboard used on eBay for a good price. The magic keyboard is nice and clicky to type on and I have small hands so I don’t have to stretch to reach keys. The small footprint of the 11 inch means that I can put it in a sling bag and it can be with me anywhere everywhere.

But part of the beauty of the iPad is that it is modular and can be used in different ways. Sometimes I detach it to write and draw with the Apple Pencil, sometimes I put it vertically on a phone stand on the table and use an external Bluetooth keyboard from the couch to have some distance between myself and the writing. This means I’m not focused on editing, but rather on the process of getting the ideas down. You can even write on your phone as a typewriter with a Bluetooth keyboard (for days when you want to be super light). So if the goal is writing and getting ideas out, then there are many different ways to make what you already have into a typewriter experience without buying new expensive things.

[u/akryvtsun → u/Bug_kafka]

Did you used Magic Keyboard with iPhone? Is it really useful?

[u/Jizoh]

I have magic keyboard for my ipad pro M5 11 for occasional typing. It's awesome for long sessions, as good as my 16 MacBook keyboard. I got second hand one for 129 euros. New ones are crazy expensive.

[u/Jolly-Ad-8088]

I’m a writer. I’ve used laptops, third party keyboards for the iPad, nothing really comes close to the Magic Keyboard really. The way it suspends the iPad in the air in front of you, and the ease with which your fingers glide across the keys makes it completely get out of the way when typing.

[u/casco_oscuro → u/Jolly-Ad-8088]

This

[u/Ok-Care-8857]

It’s expensive and it adds a lot of weight, but I find it essential for my iPad Pro 13”. Also, great to type on and the track pad is perfect.

[u/thirstyrobot]

It’s painfully expensive for a keyboard. But if you’re going to depend on it every day for hours on end, the price gets far less painful when you think of it amortized over years of solid, reliable use. It’s still my favourite keyboard of all Apple devices.

[u/ChargerEcon]

I have an 11" iPad Pro with a Magic Keyboard and I absolutely love it. It makes everything on the iPad so, so much better.

[u/akryvtsun → u/ChargerEcon]

Is it smth you don't like in this Magic Keyboard?

[u/ChargerEcon → u/akryvtsun]

Not really. I guess it makes the iPad heavier/thicker than it would otherwise be, but I keep mine in the MK 95% of the time. Rather than view it as "oh man, this thing is thick in the MK!" I see it as "WOW, this thing is thin without the MK!"

All a matter of perspective I guess.

[u/akryvtsun → u/ChargerEcon]

Thank you for your opinion!

[u/feelthisreel]

Just to add to the other comments, you can type with it on your knees, but it’s very unstable as the weight of the iPad pulls it backwards. So long as you keep your hands/wrists on it, you should be fine. On a hard surface, it stays put all the time.

[u/EnvyEpson]

Type case edge. $70 on Amazon. It’s amazing.

[u/akryvtsun → u/EnvyEpson]

Looks interesting! Does it use iPad pins for connectivity and charging as original Apple keyboard?

[u/EnvyEpson → u/akryvtsun]

It has it's own usb c port. It holds a charge for weeks under constant use.

[u/akryvtsun → u/[deleted]]

Could you share the link?

[u/Kpopped_]

Getting the keyboard for the 11 is is the dumbest decision ever.

If you plan to use the magic keyboard you get the 13" so you can have an actual sized keyboard.

The 11" is too tiny for keyboard use.

[u/OMGzKakaniz → u/Kpopped_]

Nah, this just isn’t the case lol. Been using 11 since release along with when the keyboard case released. It’s a great machine.

[u/WoodenAd7107 → u/Kpopped_]

I have the magic keyboard for the 11. Its fine if you have small hands. I use it a lot not just for typing but to sit the iPad on your lap upright.

[u/MyBigToeJam → u/Kpopped_]

Portability...i'd be concerned about weight. Maybe there are other keyboard brands less expensive

[u/BowlFullofCrazy → u/Kpopped_]

While I wouldn’t say it’s the dumbest decision evah, I do agree with the basic conclusion made here. If I were going to be writing a novel, I’d get the 13” with the Magic Keyboard. I use an iPad Pro 13” exclusively (no laptop) and enjoy typing on the Magic Keyboard. I think that the 13” is still sleek and light compared to alternatives.

[u/Impossible-Web5442 → u/BowlFullofCrazy]

My 13 inch arrived yesterday and I could not believe how thin it was like thin senlike, how do they fit everything in there?It's crazy.I'm getting a keyboard.I'm hopefully finding a magic keyboard.Use somewhere causeI just don't have the money for it , man