The iPad Pro Smart Keyboard is a weird piece of tech. It’s thin. It’s floppy. It doesn't even have a trackpad.
Yet, years after Apple launched the beefier, heavier Magic Keyboard, the original "Smart" version is still kicking around in backpacks and coffee shops. People usually buy it because they want their iPad to stay an iPad, not a heavy laptop clone. If you’ve ever felt like your tablet was getting too chunky, you probably get the appeal.
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But there’s a lot of confusion. Apple doesn't make it easy. They have the Smart Keyboard, the Smart Keyboard Folio, and the Magic Keyboard. Honestly, it’s a mess of branding. If you're looking at the iPad Pro Smart Keyboard today, you're likely dealing with the Folio version for the 11-inch or 12.9-inch models, or the classic "drape" style for the older Pro 10.5 or the current entry-level iPads.
It’s Not Just a Keyboard
Most people see the fabric-covered keys and think it looks cheap. It’s actually laser-ablated fabric. That’s a fancy way of saying there are no gaps for your crumbs or coffee to fall into. It is basically life-proof. You can spill a latte on this thing, wipe it off with a damp cloth, and keep typing your manifesto.
The weight is the real kicker. While the Magic Keyboard turns an 12.9-inch iPad Pro into something heavier than a MacBook Air, the Smart Keyboard Folio keeps it light. You can actually hold it with one hand without getting a wrist cramp. It uses the Smart Connector—those three little gold dots on the back of your iPad. No Bluetooth. No charging. No "Searching for device..." spinning wheels. It just works the second the magnets click.
The Typing Experience is... Polarizing
Let's be real. It feels like typing on cardboard.
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There is very little "travel." If you’re used to a mechanical keyboard with clicky switches, this will feel alien. It’s mushy but tactile at the same time. Some writers love it because it’s quiet. You can type in a library or a silent plane cabin and nobody will want to glare at you. Others hate it because it lacks that crisp feedback.
One thing people get wrong is the durability of the keys. Because it’s one continuous piece of fabric, the keys can’t pop off. Your toddler can’t pry the "S" key off with a fingernail. However, the internal ribbon cables are the weak point. Over a year or two of heavy folding, those tiny wires can fray. If you start seeing "This accessory is not supported," that’s usually why.
Why It Still Matters in 2026
We are in an era of "pro" tablets that weigh three pounds. That's ridiculous. The iPad Pro Smart Keyboard preserves the original vision of the iPad: a thin slate that can occasionally do work.
The "lapability" is better than you'd think. Because the base is one solid piece, it doesn't tip over as easily as some third-party kickstand cases. But it only has two viewing angles. If you’re tall and sitting at a low table, you’re going to be slouching. It's a trade-off. You get portability, but you lose the ergonomic flexibility of a floating cantilever design.
Real-World Problems (The Grime Factor)
The material is a polyurethane blend. It feels nice for about six months. Then, the oils from your skin start to create these shiny patches on the palm rests. It’s inevitable.
Also, the magnets are strong, but not "drop-proof" strong. If you drop your iPad while it’s in a Smart Keyboard Folio, there is a very high chance the iPad will just pop out and pull a Greg Louganis onto the pavement. The edges are exposed. This is a scratch protector and a keyboard, not a rugged case. If you're clumsy, look elsewhere.
The Price Gap
Apple still charges a premium for this. You're often looking at $150 to $190 depending on the size. Is it worth it?
If you use your iPad for 80% media consumption and 20% typing, yes. It stays out of the way. You can fold it behind the iPad and it feels like a slightly thicker tablet. You can't do that with the Magic Keyboard without detaching the whole thing and finding a place to put it.
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Critical Insights for Buyers
Stop looking for a trackpad here. You won't find one. If you need a mouse, you have to carry a separate Bluetooth one or use your finger on the screen. For some, that’s a dealbreaker. For others, it’s a feature because it keeps the footprint small.
If you are buying one used, check the "hinge" area for white stress marks. That’s the first sign of the internal wiring failing. If it looks pristine, it probably is. If it looks like a crumpled piece of paper, stay away.
Next Steps for Success:
- Check Your Model: Look at the back of your iPad for the model number (starts with an A). Ensure you aren't buying a 12.9-inch Gen 2 keyboard for a Gen 6 iPad. They are physically incompatible.
- Clean the Pins: If your keyboard is acting up, take an eraser or a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol to the gold Smart Connector pins. Skin oils often block the data connection.
- Update iPadOS: Some "accessory not supported" errors are actually software bugs. Keep your iPad updated to the latest version of iPadOS to ensure the driver for the Smart Connector stays current.
- Assess Your Workflow: If you spend more than three hours a day typing, skip this and get the Magic Keyboard or a Logitech Combo Touch. Your hands will thank you for the extra key travel.