Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4)

The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4) is a premium accessory designed to elevate the iPad experience by transforming it into a highly capable and portable workstation. It features several significant upgrades over previous generations, focusing on enhanced functionality, improved ergonomics, and a more refined, MacBook-like design.
Design and build
The 11-inch Magic Keyboard for the M4 iPad Pro introduces several key design improvements.
Premium materials
Aluminum construction: The top case, which includes the keyboard deck and palm rest, is now made of machined aluminum. This provides a more rigid, sturdy, and premium feel compared to the older model’s soft-touch material, which was prone to showing wear.
Thinner and lighter: Despite the switch to more robust materials, the new keyboard is surprisingly thinner and lighter, complementing the incredibly thin design of the new M4 iPad Pro.
Available colors: It comes in black and white finishes, with the white version proving easy to clean in early reviews.
Floating cantilever design
Adjustable viewing angles: The floating cantilever design allows for smooth and precise adjustment of the iPad to a variety of viewing angles, making it comfortable for typing, watching videos, or presenting.
Instant magnetic attachment: It connects instantly and securely to the iPad via the Smart Connector, which eliminates the need for Bluetooth pairing or batteries.
Enhanced functionality
The new Magic Keyboard features improvements that boost productivity and user experience.
Improved trackpad
Larger size: The glass trackpad has been enlarged, bringing it closer to the size and feel of a MacBook’s trackpad.
Haptic feedback: It incorporates haptic feedback, which provides a more responsive and satisfying “click” feel. This, along with support for Multi-Touch gestures in iPadOS, significantly improves navigation and precision tasks.
New function row
14-key layout: A dedicated function row has been added above the number keys, a feature absent on the previous generation.
Expanded controls: This row offers quick access to essential controls like screen brightness, media playback, volume, and an Escape key.
Pass-through charging
USB-C port: A USB-C port is integrated into the durable, machined aluminum hinge.
Freed-up iPad port: This feature allows for pass-through charging of the iPad, freeing up the iPad’s own USB-C port for other accessories like external storage or displays.
Typing experience
The Magic Keyboard provides a familiar and satisfying typing experience.
Responsive keys: Backlit keys with a refined scissor mechanism and 1mm of travel offer a quiet, responsive, and comfortable typing experience.
MacBook-like feel: The typing experience is very similar to that of a modern MacBook, making it an excellent choice for users who frequently type for work or school.
User considerations
While the M4 Magic Keyboard is a high-quality accessory, some trade-offs exist.
Portability and balance
Increased weight: While the keyboard itself is lighter, the combined weight with the iPad Pro can be comparable to or even heavier than a MacBook Air.
Top-heavy design: The combination can feel top-heavy, which affects stability when using the device on your lap compared to a traditional laptop.
Tablet mode limitations
No fold-back functionality: The keyboard cannot be folded all the way behind the iPad for tablet-style use. For tablet-first tasks like drawing with an Apple Pencil, the keyboard must be completely removed, leaving the iPad unprotected.
Protection
Full coverage when closed: When closed, the keyboard folds into a case, providing comprehensive front and back protection for the iPad Pro.
Exposed aluminum hinge: The new exposed aluminum hinge could be more susceptible to scratches than the polyurethane-covered hinge of the previous version.
Compatibility
The Magic Keyboard for the 11-inch iPad Pro (M4) is exclusively compatible with the latest 11-inch iPad Pro model featuring the M4 chip.
It is not compatible with any older 11-inch iPad Pro or iPad Air models due to changes in chassis size and magnet placement.
Summary
The Apple Magic Keyboard for the 11-inch iPad Pro (M4) is a significant upgrade that delivers an exceptional typing and trackpad experience. Its premium aluminum build, dedicated function row, and larger haptic trackpad make it the ideal accessory for professionals and students seeking a powerful, laptop-like experience. While its high price and some ergonomic compromises should be considered, the M4 Magic Keyboard is an indispensable tool for unlocking the full productivity potential of the M4 iPad Pro.