Apple Magic Keyboard for 12.9-inch iPad Pro (Previous Gen) - Russian Language Layout - Perfect for Typing, Work & Study

Ordering the Magic KeyboardThe Apple Magic Keyboard that I ordered through Amazon on July 15, 2020 arrived this evening about 5:15 p.m. I first ordered it through Apple with an arrival date of August 1, 2020, but then saw that it was $20 cheaper though Amazon with a three day shipment date. The shipment arrived through Amazon on July 18, 2020 as scheduled with no requirement that I be home to receive the product. With products that I have ordered through Apple there has generally been a requirement that someone be home to receive the product. Amazon doesn’t have that restriction, apparently assuming the risk of theft or loss through its delivery policy. I appreciate this feature of Amazon delivery, since I can’t always be home when it is convenient for the delivery person.PackagingThe packaging was typical Apple and I have grown to expect no less. I’m like a kid when I open new Apple products and today was no different. The Amazon shipping carton contained the white box of the Apple packaging wrapped in a very thin folia within which was the product wrapped again in a translucent plastic sheet with a tab for removing it. There is a paper spacer between the keyboard and the magnet mounting surface with a special little compartment for the instructions, which I judiciously ignore. I do save all the packaging for a period of time just in case the product has to be returned for some reason.I opened the keyboard and placed my iPad Pro 2018 on the magnetic back and shifted the iPad to a position that I found comfortable. Many people have been impressed by how rigid the hinges work. I didn’t notice that at all, but did notice that the main large hinge snaps into one place and the secondary hinge then moves independently, but I was surprised by how little tilt the whole arrangement allows. Everyone, including Apple, mentions the maximum angle of 130 degrees, but I didn’t realize from reading how little that actually is. No big deal, because the “default” angle, and there is one, seems just about perfect.The weight is not a factor at all, though the set up is a little heavier than the Smart Keyboard set up. Realistically it takes two hands to carry the 12.9” iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard around while it is open, though if you wanted to prove a point you could probably do it with one hand. There is no problem closing the keyboard and carrying the iPad around closed, one hand or two. I compared holding my MacBook Pro 13” and the iPad Pro 12.9” with Magic Keyboard and the latter seemed slightly heavier. Granted this test was not scientific, but go figure. That’s the way it seemed to me. I’m not going to actually weigh each to get real data, for feel is more important than objective data in this regard.Typing on the KeyboardOnce I started typing it took me a little while to get used to the action, and I’m still hitting a key wrong on occasion, but not often and not anymore than I do typing on either my 15” or 13” MacBook Pros or my Smart Keyboard for the iPad Pro. As has been noted in other reviews, the number keys are underneath the cantilevered iPad Pro and it takes a few minutes of typing to get used to that, but within minutes I had learned how to sneak my fingers into the cantilever gap and hit the numbers that I need to. I am a touch typist so the first thing that I did was turn the backlighting for the keys down as far as I could. I don’t look at them anyway, but it still leaves a very minimal amount of backlight on. From time to time would still hit my typing fingers on the bottom of the iPad Pro while trying to type numbers, but it really is nothing, and as I get used to this keyboard it won’t be a problem at all. Also, I notice that from time to time I don’t hit a key hard enough for it to register. It is not that one has to pound away on the keys, but if you have a very light touch you might have to get used to pressing a bit harder than one would on a well oiled MacBook Pro. Once again, this is just the newness of the feel of the keys. I also find that it helps a lot if I take a second to get the right posture at the keyboard with my fingers on the home keys, before I start hammering out sentences and paragraphs. The feel of the keys is definitely much nicer than Smart Cover Keyboard for the iPad Pro, but I wouldn’t say it is immeasurably better than the keyboard on a MacBook Pro. Unsurprisingly, the more I type on the Magic Keyboard the more I like the feel of the keys.TrackpadLet me just say right off that not having to use my clumsy fingers to move around most apps on the iPad screen itself is a game changer for me. The trackpad is good for this, but I broke down and also bought a Magic Mouse 2 to go with the new set up. I find myself using the mouse a lot more than the trackpad. It is simply more convenient, but I think that this is a matter of taste. I haven’t used a mouse with my MacBook Pros for years, relying solely on their trackpads. So I can use the trackpad with the Magic Keyboard. I just don’t. Note that when the Magic Mouse 2 is paired with another device (MacBook Pro) it will not work with the iPad Pro. In that case you have to use the trackpad on the keyboard to move around (or go back to your finger on the screen).Battery LifeThe iPad Pro did not lose much power when I left it off the charger over night. It had 100% when I went to sleep and 8 hours later it had 96%. That is about the same as when it has been attached to the Smart Keyboard. After 6 hours of steady use typing this review, answering emails, checking twitter and some news sites, and reading some pages on the web, the gauge is showing that I still have 68% battery left.Overall ImpressionSo far I like the Magic Keyboard a lot. Perhaps even more than I thought I would. I’m glad that I bought it for two reasons. I like the cantilevered angle that the iPad sits at on the cover and raised position closer to eye height, and I like the feel of the keys. I can definitely type faster than I can on the Smart Cover. I’m glad I spent the money, but not everyone will find that the benefit to cost is worth it. I spend so much time in front of my iPad Pro that any improvement to the experience is well worth it.Does It Make the iPad Pro a Notebook?Not by a long shot, but not because of the hardware. If all one does is type reports and format them oneself, or surf the web, or watch movies then it is fine as a sole machine. However, I work with many different companies and they all have their own styles that they insist be used in documents. With Microsoft Word one can just take any report that uses the style and import it into any documents that have been properly set up using the the “Styles” feature of Word. My impression is that most people do not use the Styles feature in Microsoft Word, though I may be wrong about this. I’ve never taken a poll, but on different projects that I’ve worked on people don’t use the feature. I use it all the time, but the mobile Word App does not incorporate a “global” Styles feature. Also, there are accounting and tax programs for a notebook that don’t exist for tablets, or don’t have full functions for tablets. When I use a program or app I tend to learn how to use most of the features. I do not use a computer as a typewriter as many do. I employ most of the nifty innovations that word processing has introduced over the last thirty years, and they just aren’t there for a tablet. On one assignment overseas I brought only my iPad Pro 12.9 (2018) and did all my writing, research copying and pasting, and document management with the tablet. The split screen was a tremendous asset for legal analysis, having the law on one side and my report writing on the other. But ultimately I had to do all of the formatting on my MacBook Pro.# iPad Pro 2020 with Magic Keyboard - Random thoughts### Noticing a Change in How iPad Gets UsedIf you switch from an iPad with a home button, to a recent design with no Home Button - and you also purchased a Magic Keyboard - you’re more than likely going to change the way you used the device.The iPad has been one of the most diverse platforms ever:- it can function as a laptop;- with the Apple Pencil, it morphs into the Artist's sketchbook,- for the casual user, it can be the perfect social media consumption device / video player.It had a nearly perfect _hold-in-your-hand_ design. The viewable front was perfectly flat. The back blended into the front with a rounded edge that was so comfortable to hold. Even the bezel played into its ideal design - allowing a place to hold without blocking the display.The latest iPad designs without a Home Button have changed all that. Don’t believe me? Try to holding one of these iPads in hand. You’ll quickly notice the ever-present annoyance of the sharp edge pressing into your fingers. And … although a 12.9” with a Home Button is actually heavier (1.53 pounds) than the latest 12.9” that lacks a Home Button (1.42 pounds), the later _feels heavier_ due to all its weight being packed into a smaller space !When I purchased the Magic Keyboard, I thought I would make heavy use of _detaching the iPad_ for reading on the couch. But, surprisingly, I’m finding I’m discouraged from doing that for all the reasons above. At the same time, I’m finding that I’m encouraged to do all my light _couch use_ with the Magic Keyboard due to how well it performs in one’s lap ! With the Magic Keyboard, I have a perfect stand for the iPad that sits on my lap. Now, I can read _without holding it_ ! And … I find myself doing this on a regular basis now.**Recap** Apple as been successful in making the device usable in a laptop-like-session … always, no matter what kind of work you’re doing with it.### Quirks- `RETURN` key in Messages app sends a text immediately! With the virtual keyboard, the `RETURN` key would add a newline, and you had to hit the `Send Arrow` to _Send_ the message. Now, if you a new line in your text (such as a formatted addresses, lists, paragraphs, etc), you need to pull up the virtual keyboard, and use its `Return` key instead of the `Return` key on MK - they act differently.- No `ESC` key! And the `CMD-.` key doesn't always substitute for the `ESC` key as advertised.- Using `CMD-Q` to _quit an app_ doesn't really work! It only removes it from the `CMD-Tab` list of apps. If you don't believe this, execute `CMD-Q` and then pull up the **App Switcher** (which displays all apps running in the background). You'll see the app that you supposedly quit with the `CMD-Q` shortcut still running.- My really nice power bank (The RoMoss 20,000 maH) does not work from USB-C to the MK USB-C input. There is no _Charging_ (or even a "not charging") indication - nothing at all. When the RoMoss power bank is connected to the pass-through USB-C port, the backlighting of the keys flicker at a rate of once per second. Others have noted that the pass-through USB-C port also does not work for various other 3rd party power banks and PD bricks as well.### Personal Notes- Regarding Weight. Yeah, it's heavy, but I really don't think weight is a problem ... it's detachable, so hand-holding of the iPad is lighter than any other case that is not detachable. If you're _using the keyboard_ you're not holding it's weight - so, weight is not a problem ... (unless you're toting it in a back over you back, in which case, the extra weight is just not that noticeable). This is just my opinion.- Regarding case material getting dirty ... I have disdained most all Apple Cases made of this material. Until now, I avoided them and bought 3rd party cases/keyboards. Most are saying this case _gets dirty_. Perhaps it does with normal usage. I have not noticed this - but I am in a habit of never touching the case after eating anything greasy (chips, pizza, etc) ... and I always lay it down on a microfiber cloth (or else my lap, in which case I am wearing sweat pants or blue jeans). Surprisingly, I am not seeing this case collect spots or a dirty appearance on the outside yet. Still looks new to me ... just saying.### Bumper GuardI'm surprised that there is no company that has produced a desired product : I'm wanting to purchase a "_bumper guard_" that would: - fit around the outside edge, and work with the Magic Keyboard - make the iPad easier to hold - provide edge protection.It would be nice if they came in colors.### Pros- Fantastic typing experience !- iPad is super easy to attach and detach- Great lap usage sessions ... best I've seen in a keyboard case.- Trackpad is better than I thought it would be.- Does not rely on Bluetooth for its connection### Cons- Needs Volume and Brightness quick controls !- Price !- Quirks (listed above)- Compatibility of the _pass-through_ USB-C port. (Might as wells not be there at all for how I'd like to use it - just saying)- drains on iPad battery ... better would have been to allow _pass-through_ to charge both iPad and keyboard (and keyboard every month or so) with its own battery.Excelente complemento para el iPad, realmente quedas como con un portátilPro:- Das Schreibgefühl ist wirklich sehr angenehm. Es soll dem des neuen Macbook Pro 16 entsprechen, was ich auch prinzipiell so bestätigen kann. Die Größe der Tasten und Tastendruck sind super (12,9“). Ich habe zuvor schon einige andere getestet (das normale iPad Pro Smart Keyboard sowie Logitech) und keines kommt an dieses ran.- Beim Trackpad merkt man die Apple Qualität. Es wirkt zwar auf den ersten Blick evtl. zu klein im Vergleich zu den Macbooks, aber die Größe ist völlig ausreichend und ist sehr angenehm zu bedienen. Im Allgemeinen ist die Kombination aus Keyboard und Trackpad einfach ein Game Changer (wie es bei einem Laptop eben üblich ist) und macht das iPad erst zu einem richtigen Arbeitsgerät. Es lässt sich überall drücken, egal ob an den Rändern oder mittig. Haptic Touch wie auf den Macbooks fehlt zwar, aber ist für mich nicht so relevant. Natürlich kann man Zuhause auch separate Keyboards und Mäuse nutzen, jedoch möchte ich ein All-in-One Device haben.- Beleuchtete Tasten, einfach sehr hilfreich und definitiv notwendig. Nie wieder ohne! Die Beleuchtung wird auch automatisch je nach Helligkeit dank eines Sensors angepasst. Es wäre jedoch noch cool, wenn man die Tastaturbeleuchtung im Kontrollzentrum hinzufügen könnte. Ich hoffe, dass das noch in einem der nächsten iPad OS Updates berücksichtigt wird.- Das Magic Keyboard zieht den Strom über den Smart Connector im Gegensatz zu anderem 3rd Party Zubehör. Den zusätzlichen Stromverbrauch des iPads habe ich bisher nicht gemerkt. Es ist somit immer mit Strom versorgt und benötigt keine extra Verbindung über Bluetooth.- Man kann das iPad im Winkel von 90° bis 130° einstellen. Ich denke, dass dies für die meisten User völlig ausreichend ist, auch wenn sich manche vielleicht 140° oder 150° noch wünschen würden. Des Weiteren bleibt das iPad sehr stabil und fest in einer Position, egal welcher Blickwinkel eingestellt ist.- Design, Look, Haptik und Material des Cases sind wie man es auch von Apple gewohnt ist. Das iPad selber hält auch extrem gut und ist super fest durch die Magneten am Case. Es hört sich banal an, aber wie das iPad als Display schwebt sieht einfach genial und futuristisch aus. Für mich ist es eins der besten Produkte, die Apple in den letzten Jahren released hat (neben den AirPods / Pro).- Auch bei der Nutzung im Bett oder auf dem Sofa liegt es stabil auf meinem Schoß. Natürlich hat man bei einem Laptop einen anderen Gewichtsschwerpunkt und es liegt somit noch fester auf dem Untergrund.- Ein separater USB-C Anschluss liegt auf der linken Seite und dient zur Stromversorgung. Somit kann der Slot am iPad frei bleiben für andere Devices. Es lädt zwar nicht ganz so schnell wie über das iPad direkt, da die Verbindung über den Smart Connector läuft, jedoch noch schnell genug.Contra:- Leider sind keine Funktionstasten vorhanden, was wohl aus Platzgründen nicht möglich gewesen ist. Es ist nicht ganz so schlimm, aber manchmal merke ich, wie mir die Tasten für lauter/leiser, heller/dunkler (Bildschirm sowie Tastaturbeleuchtung) oder Play/Skip für Spotify fehlen. Eine Escape Taste wäre auch ganz nett.- Noch nicht alle Apps unterstützen das Trackpad wie auf einem Macbook. Dies sollte aber nach und nach besser werden und liegt nicht am Case, sondern vielmehr an der neuen Mausunterstützung.- Leider lässt sich der USB-C Anschluss vom Keyboard nur zum Laden des iPads nutzen, jedoch nicht für USB Hubs oder Speichermedien.- Das Case ist schwerer als man denkt (710g bei 12,9“) und mit dem iPad Pro dementsprechend sogar mit 1350g etwas schwerer als ein Macbook Air. Es ist für mich kein direktes Contra, denn es ist immer noch angenehm zu tragen und das Gewicht wird auch einfach als Gegengewicht zum iPad Pro als Display benötigt für die nötige Stabilität. Zudem kann man es bei reiner Tabletnutzung jederzeit aus dem Case entnehmen. Jedoch mag es für manche hier ein Grund sein, es nicht zu kaufen.- Preis. Es ist einfach sehr teuer und nicht jeder kann und möchte es sich leisten. Wenn man es als notwendiges Zubehör zum iPad Pro sieht, kostet das Paket bei 12,9“ mind. 1499€. Aber das weiß man auch bei Apple, denn das iPad Pro ist auch schon nicht günstig und das ist jedem Apple Kunden wohl bewusst. Alternativ könnte man auf andere Optionen von 3rd Party Herstellern warten.Fazit:Auf dieses Keyboard habe ich lange gewartet und es erfüllt die meisten meiner Wünsche an ein optimales Keyboard Case, jedoch hat es wirklich seinen Preis und ich verstehe jeden, dem 400€ zu teuer sind. Dennoch werde ich es behalten, denn es verändert die Art wie ich das iPad Pro nutze, komplett und macht mich deutlich produktiver. Ich liebe es mein iPad nun mit Trackpad nutzen zu können und in der Kombination mit Touch ist es einfach für mich die Zukunft (wie es schon bei vielen anderen Windows Devices möglich ist). Diese Rezension hier habe ich auch mit dem Magic Keyboard geschrieben und das ging fix :-) Wegen den für mich verschmerzbaren Contras würde ich 4,5* geben (und aufgerundet somit 5*), weshalb es für mich eine klare Kaufempfehlung ist.This is a review for the Apple Magic Keyboard (for 12.9-inch iPad Pro - 4th generation). I had to return this item to Amazon, due to an issue, but have since bought another and have used this for around three months now.Can this replace your laptop?To a certain extent, yes, but only for basic use. For example, if all you use your laptop for is word processing, sending emails or watching videos, then this is an excellent replacement for your laptop. It's convenient because not only can you now use a mouse (either externally or part of the keyboard), you can use touch also. If you want to edit videos or use photo editing, for example, this is an entirely different experience than using a laptop. However, there are dedicated apps available, they're a little clunky and in some cases are missing vital tools in the full software version on a laptop.Things I like:1. The excellent typing experience! There is an exceptional level of key travel, meaning it's quicker to type on, more accurate and reduces fatigue. I prefer typing with this keyboard; then I do on my Macbook Air (which has an awful butterfly switch keyboard).2. The adjustable backlit keyboard! This is a great feature, meaning you can type in the dark or a dimly lit room with ease, making it perfect for those wintery nights in front of the fire with a cup of cocoa.3. The quality! I mean you can't really expect anything else from Apple, but the build quality is fantastic. This feels like a premium product, the texture of the cases and that deep black colour ooze premium; it's sturdy, sleek and super easy to use.4. The user-friendliness! It couldn't be simpler to start using the keyboard, you take it out of the box, and it magnetically attaches to the back of your iPad Pro, no fuss, no cables, no unique setup needed, just plug and play (or instead snap and go as I like to call it).5. The strength of the magnetic connection is marvellous. You can swing your iPad, move it with speed, and even drop it (though I wouldn't recommend that) and it will not lose its connection. What's even better is you can also apply a skin or another protector to the back of it (which I have), and the connection is just as secure.6. The mouse is as accurate as any other; it replaces a 'pointer' with a circle on your screen, and makes it easier to navigate webpages, or even open apps without touching the screen.7. An extra USB-C port! This keyboard case has an additional USB-C port, meaning you can free up your main one for extra storage, or another accessory. This means you can charge your iPad whilst also listening to music if you have compatible headphones (or a headphone adapter for Apple Earpods etc.)8. Space for the Apple pencil! As this case doesn't cover the entire iPad, there is space to attach your apple pencil to as well, it all works together, and doesn't reduce any magnetic connection or anything like that.9. The viewing angles! There are I would say three viewing angles, which makes it easy for desktop, lap and cramped space use (see pictured). All viewing angles allow you to access the screen with your hand, as well as the keyboard and trackpad without an issue, though there isn't a 'tablet mode' or a 'writing-mode'.10. The overall design! This keyboard case has been designed to ensure that your keyboard and trackpad is in just as close proximity to you as the touchscreen itself, it's designed so you can seamlessly work with the screen, and keyboard/trackpad at the same time.Thing's I don't like:1. The weight! When your iPad Pro is attached, it weighs a whopping 1362g, which is heavier than the Macbook Air and around the same weight as Macbook Pro. It is very bulky and heavy for something that is meant to replace your laptop.2. Doesn't offer all-round protection! This is pretty self-explanatory, but it doesn't provide protection to your top, bottom or side of your iPad, and for a case that's so expensive, this is crucial for me.3. The cost! While I appreciate this is a premium offering from Apple, it isn't (in my opinion) worth £350.00. Especially considering you can buy a basic laptop for the same price (if not cheaper), which is lighter. Albeit it likely won't have the same tech specs as an iPad Pro, if you want to replace your laptop and only wanting to use it for basic use, you're better off buying a laptop. If Apple really wants to replace your laptop with it's Magic Keyboard Case, then they need to make sure it doesn't actually cost the same price as a laptop, because it's a no brainer.4. The keyboard doesn't register to your account or anything like that, so you can't track it in 'Find My', and it doesn't appear as one of your devices. If this were to be lost or stolen, you wouldn't be able to track it. Given its price point, it's a possibility that could happen.5. Lack of tablet or writing-mode. The case doesn't lay flat, which is a massive issue for me. I like many other people use their iPad to write to notes or create drawings and other content; there is no viewing angle that would allow you to draw securely on your iPad without having it an awkward angle. HOWEVER... you can place your iPad on top of the keyboard and sit it in the groove (see pictured), perfect writing angle (you heard it here first).6. Lack of function and escape keys. This keyboard doesn't have a physical escape key or any function keys, again for something that claims to replace your laptop entirely; this lets it down.The final verdict:If you want something to replace your laptop and want to use your iPad for basic computing needs, then this will be great for you. Though bear in mind, the case costs the same as an entry-level laptop, so it's down to whether you want the latest gadget or a basic computer. If you're debating whether to buy this along with an iPad and you want to use it for basic needs, then I suggest a basic laptop. For me this doesn't replace everything I need a laptop to do, it's clunky, the file system is weak, and when it comes to editing videos, audio or pictures, using a laptop is just so much better. Of course, this is just my opinion.P.S. You'll be pleased to know, I have cleared my notifications (they bugged me too).Ok, it’s ludicrously expensive for a keyboard. But what a fine object it is. The keyboard is sublime - backlit, velvet touch, clicky. The trackpad is superb. By default the trackpad is set to click to select, but you can change this in the settings so that you just need to tap to select - which I prefer. You could quibble that the angle of the screen could be a tad more manoeuvrable, but then again most tablet keyboards are constrained - step forward Samsung S4 keyboard!! Everything about this thing screams quality, and it’s great being able to use the iPad as a laptop on the sofa and in bed. Since lockdown, my girlfriend has taken over the house desktop and I have been using the iPad plus mouse as my daily computer. With this keyboard and trackpad, I might not go back. You don’t need that kidney, just buy it.EDIT: Ok I’ve lived with this thing for a while now. The keyboard itself is superb, but the trackpad I have found to be very glitchy - sometimes it will behave as if it only registers right clicks, and I have to detach the iPad for it to work again. The keyboard also drains a lot, and I mean a LOT, of energy from the iPad. I find I have to use it plugged in most of the time. I may return it.There are times that I forget that I’m using an iPad.This makes it like using a laptop when tying documents, browsing the web etc but then when you wan to go and read a book, magazine, or call your friends, the case is designed in such a way that you’re encouraged to pop it off.Using this frees up to much real estate on the screen that it’s ridiculous!Plus with iPadOS 14 (currently in beta - final release September 2020), you can use spotlight (Cmd+Space) in any app to do multitask apps that aren’t in the dock.And the way it just pulls into place and sticks without anything touching the sides, such a satisfying feeling, you need to go to an apple store and try one. You will not regret it!This case/keyboard/trackpad combo is great and looks the business but is missing an ESC key (I didn't realise how much I used the ESC key in navigation!) and also makes using the Apple Pencil quite dificult.Blurs the lines between a tablet and laptop but iOS and apps need to catch up with the hardware to make it useful.Recommendation is to hold off for the updated version where I am sure they will fix these things.