Should I use cheaper Magic Keyboard alternatives?

Keyboard cases can significantly increase productivity with iPad. 

Magic Keyboard's price is not commensurate with what it brings

Apple's Magic Keyboard has changed the way many people use iPad Pro for work. It offers great integration with features like passthrough charging, seamless connectivity, and an excellent touchpad. But overall, at $349, the Magic Keyboard isn't really the best choice.

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The other reason, besides price, is the soft rubber material that Apple uses for the Magic Keyboard. Over time, this material is susceptible to dents and tears.

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So, considering the fact that keyboards aren't easy to repair or replace for many people, that's a bad thing. Additionally, alternatives can offer the same experience at half the cost or less.

Why are cheap alternatives to the Magic Keyboard better?

If you look at why the article thinks the Magic Keyboard is a poor product, you will understand that long-term usability is the main factor to consider here. Most people don't upgrade their iPads every two years because they're powerful enough to last for years. Therefore, the accessories you combine with it must have a comparable lifespan.

Replacing a cheap keyboard may be easier. You also don't feel sorry for your money if you have the habit of using it carelessly

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Cheap alternatives make more sense since many of them closely emulate the way the Magic Keyboard works and go beyond it by offering additional features like a row of function keys, pairing multiple devices, color backlit keys, etc. Some third-party options even give it a visual aesthetic.

The best Magic Keyboard alternatives to consider

These days, you'll find Magic Keyboard alternatives that rival Apple's offering for a little more than $100. Most of these options come from ESR, but if you're willing to spend a little more, you can find options from other popular brands like ZAGG, UAG, and Logitech.

The cheapest option that makes a great add-on for the iPad is the ESR keyboard case. It copies the Magic Keyboard's cantilever design but improves functionality by offering a portrait mode for mounting. It still connects to the iPad via Bluetooth, so it's not the most seamless experience, but it's worth considering, and it only costs $110.

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Next is the ZAGG Pro Keys case, which offers the convenience of having a multi-device Bluetooth keyboard and an iPad protective case in one accessory. The sleek design also makes it one of the popular options on the market. Overall, it's ideal if your keyboard case usage is limited.

And completing this list of alternatives is the Logitech Combo Touch. This keyboard is the only third-party option that features Apple's Smart Connector. This allows it to provide the same level of seamless connectivity as Apple's Magic Keyboard. The Combo Touch is also pretty solid, so if you're a student, this might be worth considering.

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Tip : If you're not looking for a keyboard case, consider the best Bluetooth travel keyboards available on the market as they are portable and often easy to pair with multiple devices for use.

Overall, if you don't mind paying a premium for tight integration and a smooth trackpad experience, the Magic Keyboard for iPad is a worthy investment. Its new version, compatible only with M4 iPad Pro, also improves some of the shortcomings that the article listed here.

However, if you're on a tight budget or concerned about the Magic Keyboard's long-term durability, you can find many alternatives on the market that are much more affordable.

Jessica Tanner

Update 03 July 2024