You’ve seen the commercials. An iPad floats in mid-air, held by a magnetic cantilever hinge that looks like something out of a sci-fi flick. It’s sleek. It’s undeniably "Apple." But honestly, is the apple magic keyboard with trackpad actually worth the $300 to $350 price tag, or are you just paying for the logo and a cool hinge?
I’ve used every iteration of this thing since it dropped in 2020. I’ve typed on the original rubbery ones and the new aluminum M4 version. Here’s the deal: it’s both the best accessory Apple ever made and a massive ripoff at the same time.
What changed with the M4 version?
If you’re shopping for the latest iPad Pro, the keyboard situation just got weirdly specific. The new apple magic keyboard with trackpad for the M4 models is basically a whole different beast. It’s got an aluminum palm rest now.
It feels like a MacBook. No, really.
The trackpad on the new Pro model uses haptic feedback, meaning it doesn’t physically click. It just vibrates to trick your brain. It's larger too. This is a big deal because the old trackpad was always a bit cramped for three-finger gestures. Plus, we finally—finally—got a function row. Being able to hit an escape key or change volume without reaching for the screen is a game changer for actual work.
But there's a catch.
The new one is only for the M4 Pros. If you have an iPad Air or an older Pro, you’re stuck with the classic polyurethane version. It still works great, but it lacks that metal "heft" and the function row.
The "Lappability" Factor
Let’s talk about using this thing on an actual lap.
Most iPad keyboards use a kickstand. Think Microsoft Surface or the Logitech Combo Touch. Those are fine on a desk, but on your lap? They’re a nightmare. Your knees are never in the right place, and the whole thing feels like it’s going to collapse.
The apple magic keyboard with trackpad solves this with the cantilever design. Since the weight is concentrated in the base and the hinge is rigid, it sits on your lap just like a laptop. It’s sturdy.
Well, mostly sturdy.
If you poke the screen too hard, the whole assembly might tilt back. It’s a bit top-heavy because, well, the "screen" is where the computer lives.
Gestures that actually matter
The magic isn't in the keys; it's in iPadOS.
Once you snap the iPad onto that Smart Connector, it transforms. You stop reaching for the screen. You start using the trackpad for everything.
- Three-finger swipe up: Goes home.
- Three-finger swipe left or right: Swaps between apps instantly.
- Two-finger tap: Right-click (secondary click).
- The "hidden" cursor: It’s not a mouse pointer; it’s a little grey circle that snaps to buttons. It makes the UI feel like it was built for a mouse, even though it wasn't.
Honestly, once you get used to these, using an iPad without a trackpad feels broken. It’s like trying to use a Mac with only a touchscreen.
The durability problem (and the "White" mistake)
Here is something no one tells you until you’ve owned one for six months. These things wear out.
The outer material is a soft-touch polyurethane. It’s a magnet for oils from your skin. If you get the black version, it will eventually look "shiny" and greasy where your palms sit. If you get the white one? It actually stays cleaner-looking for longer, surprisingly, but the edges will start to fray if you’re tossing it in a backpack every day.
Cleaning it is a pain. You can't just scrub it. You need a damp, lint-free cloth and a lot of patience.
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And don't get me started on the weight.
The 12.9-inch (or the newer 13-inch) version combined with the iPad weighs more than a MacBook Air. If you’re buying this to "save weight" in your bag, you’re doing the math wrong. You’re buying this for the versatility of ripping the tablet off when you want to read a book or draw with the Pencil.
Is the Logitech Combo Touch actually better?
I get asked this constantly. The Logitech is about $150 cheaper. It has a detachable keyboard and a kickstand.
If you are a student or someone who draws a lot, get the Logitech. You can flip the keyboard around or take it off entirely while keeping the iPad in a protective case.
With the apple magic keyboard with trackpad, once you pull the iPad off, it’s naked. Totally unprotected. If you drop it while transitioning from "laptop mode" to "tablet mode," you’re looking at a very expensive repair bill.
But for pure typing? The Apple version wins. The keys have more travel, the backlight is better managed, and the pass-through charging port on the hinge keeps your main USB-C port free for hard drives or monitors.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're still on the fence about the apple magic keyboard with trackpad, do these three things:
- Check your model number. Don't buy the M4 version for an iPad Air; it won't fit the magnets or the connector.
- Consider your desk space. The Magic Keyboard has a much smaller footprint than kickstand-style keyboards. If you work on tiny airplane trays or cramped coffee shop tables, the Apple version is the only one that really fits.
- Look for Refurbished. Since these don't have batteries of their own (they pull power from the iPad), there's very little that can "die" internally. A used or "open box" unit can often save you $100 and works exactly the same as a brand-new one.
Basically, if you spend more than three hours a day typing on your iPad, just bite the bullet and get it. It turns a tablet into a tool. If you just watch Netflix? Save your money and buy a $20 folio case instead.