Apple sells two types of wireless keyboards for iPad – the Smart Folio Keyboard and the Magic Keyboard – but an investigation into their features and compatibility is important before deciding which one to buy. A keyboard is an important accessory that boosts the productivity of a tablet by transforming it into a laptop form-factor, allowing users to create and edit files such as word documents, slides, and spreadsheets easily.
Both the Smart Keyboard Folio and the Magic Keyboard are wireless, but they do not connect via Bluetooth. Instead, they connect to the iPad via smart connectors. Neither has a battery as they draw power from the iPad and therefore don’t need to be charged. They have the same number of keys (64) and provide protection for the iPad on both sides when closed shut. The Smart Keyboard Folio is the cheaper of the two keyboards with a starting price of $179, while the Magic Keyboard for iPad has a $299 starting price. The former is only available in black, while the latter comes black and white options.
Smart Keyboard Folio Vs. Magic Keyboard: Differences Explained
The main difference between the two keyboards is that the Magic Keyboard features a trackpad, while the Smart Keyboard Folio does not. This means users will need to connect a Bluetooth mouse or rely on the iPad’s touch screen for navigation. The Magic Keyboard also has a USB-C port built into its hinge that allows for pass-through charging, so users can plug in their charger to charge the iPad. This frees up the port on the iPad which can then be used to connect a peripheral or an external display. The Magic Keyboard features a floating design and allows the iPad to be adjusted between 90 and 130 degrees, while the Smart Keyboard Folio allows for just two incline positions.
The Magic Keyboard uses a scissor-switch mechanism and has a 1mm key travel. The keys are backlit, allowing them to be used in the dark. Unfortunately, the Smart Keyboard Folio doesn’t have backlit keys. Apple has multiple iPad models and a major difference between them is their size. Both the Smart Keyboard Folio and the Magic Keyboard come in two variants — one is designed to work only with the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, and 5th generations) while the other is compatible with all three generations of the iPad Pro 11-inch, and the 4th and 5th generations iPad Air which have a 10.9-inch screen.
Apple’s Magic Keyboard is the better option overall as it boasts several useful features including a trackpad, backlit keys, and pass-through charging. However, it costs a pretty penny – going up to $349 for the 12.9-inch model. If these aren’t must-have features, the Smart Keyboard Folio will suffice. Although the lack of a trackpad will surely hamper iPad productivity, there are affordable Bluetooth mice that can be purchased to fill the gap.
iPad Magic Keyboard Trackpad Gestures
If users are wondering whether it’s worth spending more on the Magic Keyboard just for the trackpad, the iPad‘s supported trackpad gestures are worth looking into. For example, Magic Keyboard’s trackpad lets users scroll up and down by swiping vertically with two fingers, and scroll left or right by swiping two fingers horizontally. Pinch to zoom, swipe up with three fingers to go home, swipe left or right with three fingers to switch between open apps, and swipe down with two fingers to open search are also supported.
In addition, users can press with two fingers to right-click and see quick menu actions, swipe down with one finger once to open the dock, swipe down with one finger twice to go home, and click and hold with one finger to drag items. With the refined iPadOS interface, using these gestures with a trackpad is as close as users will get to replicating the laptop experience on iPad. For those who need to use their iPad for work, investing more in the Magic Keyboard is well worth it to increase speed and boost productivity.
