2024 Magic Keyboard iPad Pro Review: Is it Improved?
The launch of the 2024 Magic Keyboard for iPad brought with it a lot of anticipation and excitement. Apple has always been at the forefront of innovation, and their accessories often set the bar for others to follow. However, not all innovations hit the mark, and sometimes, even Apple misses the target. In this article, we’ll dive deep into why the 2024 Magic Keyboard for iPad might not be the best choice for you, despite its flashy upgrades and premium price tag.
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Design and Build Quality
Function Keys: A Redundant Addition?
One of the most noticeable changes in the 2024 Magic Keyboard is the addition of function keys. On the surface, this seems like a great idea, especially for users who rely on shortcuts for productivity. However, when you look closer, these function keys aren’t anything special. In fact, every other third-party keyboard on the market has had function keys for years. This begs the question: was this really a necessary upgrade, or just Apple playing catch-up?
Comparison with Third-Party Keyboards
Third-party keyboards have long offered function keys, often at a much lower price point. The inclusion of these keys in the Magic Keyboard feels more like Apple trying to stay relevant in a feature that competitors have mastered long ago. The real value of this addition is questionable, especially when considering the overall package.
The Rubber Gasket: Necessary or Overkill?
Another design change is the introduction of a rubber gasket surrounding the keys. Apple claims this gasket is meant to prevent dust and debris from getting under the keys. While this might sound like a thoughtful addition, it’s worth asking if it’s truly necessary.
The Impact on Dust and Debris Protection
Sure, keeping dust and debris out is important, but the old Magic Keyboard didn’t have a significant problem in this area. The gasket may help a bit, but it’s not a game-changer. Instead, it seems more like a solution in search of a problem that didn’t really exist.
Key Differences Between Old and New Versions
Thickness and Weight Reduction
The new Magic Keyboard is slightly thinner than its predecessor, measuring about 13.4 mm thick, roughly 2 mm thinner than the old version. While this might make the keyboard a bit more portable, the difference is so minor that most users probably won’t notice it. In terms of weight, the reduction is similarly negligible.
Hinge Design: Improvement or Downgrade?
Apple also made changes to the hinge design, shortening it by about half an inch. This alteration, however, comes with its own set of problems.
The Challenge of Port Accessibility
With the shorter hinge, it’s much harder to access the USB-C port. The old keyboard’s longer hinge allowed for easier access, but the new design makes plugging in cables a bit more of a hassle. It’s a small change that has a surprisingly big impact on usability.
Charging Capabilities
One of the few truly positive changes in the new Magic Keyboard is its charging capability. The new model supports full-speed charging, delivering up to 35W, compared to the old model’s 22W.
Full-Speed Charging: A Significant Upgrade
This upgrade is one of the rare improvements that users will actually benefit from. If you often find yourself needing to charge your iPad quickly, this is a feature that you’ll appreciate. However, it’s worth considering if faster charging alone justifies the purchase of a new keyboard.
User Experience
Trackpad Upgrade: Larger But Not Better?
Apple has increased the size of the trackpad in the new Magic Keyboard, which they touted as a major improvement. However, many users, myself included, never found the smaller trackpad on the old model to be a problem.
The new trackpad isn’t mechanical like the old one; instead, it uses haptic feedback. While this change might sound modern and high-tech, the reality is that it doesn’t really offer a better experience. All the gestures you could perform on the old trackpad can still be done on the new one, so the supposed improvement is minimal at best.
Material Change: Metal vs. Rubber
The new Magic Keyboard features a metal interior instead of the rubbery fabric found in the old model. This change raises some concerns, especially when it comes to protecting your iPad’s screen.
Potential Impact on Screen Protection
Metal on glass isn’t an ideal combination. The rubbery fabric on the old keyboard offered a soft surface that helped protect the screen when the case was closed. With the new metal design, there’s a concern that it might not provide the same level of protection. While Apple has added some rubber padding, it’s still a gamble that might not be worth taking.
Palm Rest Comfort: A Subtle Improvement
One of the few ergonomic improvements in the new Magic Keyboard is the placement of the palm rest. Unlike the old model, where your palms rested over the edge of the keyboard, the new design allows them to rest on the actual keyboard surface. This might seem like a minor change, but it does make typing a bit more comfortable.
Price vs. Value
Longevity of the Old Model
One of the strongest points in favor of the old Magic Keyboard was its durability. Users, including myself, have reported that the keyboard held up exceptionally well, even after years of daily use. It worked seamlessly with multiple generations of iPads, making it a worthwhile investment.
Comparing Longevity with Third-Party Alternatives
When compared to third-party alternatives, the old Magic Keyboard’s longevity stands out. Many third-party keyboards start to show signs of wear much sooner, which makes the old Magic Keyboard’s performance even more impressive. However, whether the new model can match this longevity remains to be seen.
The $300 Question: Is It Worth It?
At around $300, the new Magic Keyboard is significantly more expensive than most third-party options. While Apple products often come with a premium price tag, this one feels especially steep considering the relatively minor upgrades and the new issues introduced with the design.
The Fatal Flaw
The Rocking Issue: A Major Dealbreaker
Perhaps the most significant problem with the new Magic Keyboard is the rocking issue. Every time you tap the iPad or use the stylus, the keyboard rocks, creating an unstable and frustrating user experience. This issue alone might be enough to deter potential buyers.
Hinge Design Flaw: Poor Engineering or Overlooked Detail?
The source of the rocking problem lies in the hinge design. Unlike the old model, the new hinge doesn’t sit flush with the table, causing the entire setup to wobble every time you touch it. This flaw raises questions about the quality control and design process at Apple.
Conclusion
The 2024 Magic Keyboard for iPad offers a few nice upgrades, such as full-speed charging and a slightly more comfortable typing experience. However, these improvements are overshadowed by significant flaws, especially the rocking issue and the questionable changes in design. For a $300 accessory, these issues are hard to overlook. If you’re considering buying the new Magic Keyboard, it might be worth holding on to your old one or exploring third-party options.
