Buying an iPad Pro used to be simple. You picked a size, maybe grabbed a Pencil, and called it a day. But everything shifted when Apple dropped the M4 iPad Pro. Suddenly, the old accessories didn't work. The new ones cost a fortune. And if you're looking at the apple magic keyboard ipad pro 13, you’re likely staring at a price tag that rivals a decent mid-range laptop. It's $349. That is a lot of money for a keyboard.
I've spent months typing on this thing. Honestly, it’s a weird product. It is both the most essential tool for making an iPad "pro" and the most frustrating reminder of Apple's pricing strategy. People think it’s just the old keyboard with a new name. It isn't. Not even close.
Why the Apple Magic Keyboard iPad Pro 13 is a Different Beast
The first thing you notice isn't the keys. It’s the metal. Unlike the previous generation—which felt like a slab of polyurethane or "mystery rubber"—the new 13-inch model features a proper aluminum palm rest. It feels like a MacBook. It smells a bit like one too, if you’re into that.
Apple didn't just change the materials for the sake of aesthetics. The M4 iPad Pro 13 is shockingly thin. Like, "will this bend in my backpack" thin. Because the tablet is so light, the keyboard had to be re-engineered to prevent the whole setup from tipping over. This is the "gravity problem" that third-party manufacturers like Logitech struggle with. If the tablet is too heavy and the base is too light, it falls backward. Apple solved this with the cantilever design, but on the 13-inch model, the weight distribution feels more intentional than ever.
The function row is the real hero here. For years, iPad users begged for a way to change brightness or skip a song without reaching for the screen. We finally got it. There are 14 keys up there now. Escape key? Check. Spotlight search? Check. It sounds like a small thing, but it changes the entire workflow. You stop reaching for the glass. You start using it like a computer.
The Haptic Trackpad is a Game Changer
Let’s talk about the trackpad. It’s bigger. It’s also "haptic" now.
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On the old Magic Keyboard, you were physically pushing a button down. On the new apple magic keyboard ipad pro 13, the trackpad doesn't actually move. It uses tiny vibrators (the Taptic Engine) to trick your brain into thinking you clicked. Why does this matter? Because you can click anywhere. The very top edge, the bottom corner—it doesn't matter. The feedback is uniform.
Most people don't realize how much this reduces finger fatigue over an eight-hour workday. It's the same tech found in the MacBook Pro, and bringing it to the iPad was the right move. If you're coming from a Windows laptop with a "diving board" trackpad (where the top doesn't click), this will feel like magic. Seriously.
Is it Actually Durable?
I’ve seen some complaints online about the outer material. Apple is still using that soft-touch silicone-like finish on the exterior. It’s a magnet for oils. If you eat a sandwich and then grab your iPad, you're going to see those fingerprints for a week.
But beneath that skin, the structure is rigid. I took mine on a cross-country flight last month. It survived a cramped tray table and a spilled ginger ale. The keys have 1mm of travel, which is plenty for fast typing. I’ve clocked 100 words per minute on this thing without feeling like I was bottoming out against a hard surface.
There’s a common misconception that the 13-inch version is too bulky. It’s not. In fact, the combination of the M4 iPad Pro and this keyboard is actually lighter than the previous generation’s combo. It’s a feat of engineering that feels heavy in the hand but light in the bag.
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The Connectivity Issue
You still only get one extra port. It’s a USB-C port in the hinge, and it’s only for "pass-through" charging. You can’t plug a thumb drive into the keyboard. You can’t plug a monitor into it. That’s still reserved for the port on the iPad itself.
It feels like a missed opportunity. If I’m paying $349, I kind of want a data port. But Apple’s logic is that the Smart Connector (those three little dots on the back of the iPad) can’t handle high-speed data transfer while also powering the keyboard and backlight. It’s a hardware limitation.
Who is This Actually For?
If you just watch Netflix, don't buy this. You’re lighting money on fire. Get a Folio case or a cheap Bluetooth keyboard from Amazon.
This keyboard is for the person who decided the iPad is their only computer. If you're a writer, a coder using Swift Playgrounds, or an editor who needs to hammer out emails between color grading sessions, it’s non-negotiable. The integration is too good. There’s no Bluetooth pairing. No batteries to charge. You snap it on, the magnets align with a satisfying thwack, and you're working.
The 13-inch screen size is the sweet spot. On the 11-inch model, the keyboard feels cramped. Your pinkies will hit the edges. On the apple magic keyboard ipad pro 13, it’s a full-sized layout. Your muscle memory from a desktop keyboard transfers perfectly.
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The Competition: Logitech and the Rest
Logitech makes the Combo Touch. It’s cheaper. It has a detachable keyboard. It also has a kickstand.
For some, the kickstand is better because you can rip the keyboard off and still have a stand. But the kickstand takes up a massive "footprint." You can't use it on your lap easily. The Apple Magic Keyboard is "lappable." Because the base is solid, you can sit in a recliner or on a bus and type comfortably. That’s the "Magic" part. It turns a tablet into a laptop that actually stays on your legs.
Real-World Productivity Stats
In my testing, using the Magic Keyboard increased my typing speed by 25% compared to the on-screen keyboard. More importantly, it freed up 50% of the screen real estate. When you use the on-screen keyboard, it eats half your 13-inch display. With the physical keyboard, you see the whole canvas. For multitaskers using Stage Manager, this is the only way to fly.
Practical Next Steps for Potential Buyers
Before you drop the cash, you need to verify your iPad model. This is the biggest trap. This specific apple magic keyboard ipad pro 13 only works with the M4 model (2024 and later). It will not fit the M2 or M1 iPad Pro 12.9. The magnets are different. The camera cutout is different. The thickness is different.
If you already own the M4 13-inch iPad Pro, here is how to decide:
- Check your "Lap Use" frequency. If you work on the couch or in transit, get the Apple version. The kickstand competitors will drive you crazy.
- Consider the finish. If you hate smudges, go with the White model. It hides finger oils much better than the Space Black/Charcoal version, though it might show dirt over time.
- Audit your ports. If you need to plug in multiple accessories while charging, remember you'll still need a dongle for the iPad's main port.
- Evaluate the Price-to-Value ratio. If $349 feels like a month's car payment, look at the used market for "Open Box" units at big-box retailers. Since these are rugged, "Open Box" is usually a safe bet.
The Apple Magic Keyboard transforms the iPad Pro 13 from a giant iPhone into a focused production machine. It’s overpriced, yes. It’s frustratingly specific to one model. But once you start typing on that aluminum palm rest and clicking that haptic trackpad, it’s very hard to go back to anything else.