Honestly, the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 12.9 is a bit of a contradiction. It’s arguably the most overpriced piece of plastic and silicone you’ll ever buy, yet for many of us, it’s the only thing that makes the iPad actually usable as a "real" computer. You’ve probably seen the marketing photos. That sleek, floating cantilever design looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. But in the real world? It’s a heavy, fingerprint-prone slab that costs as much as a budget laptop.
Still, there’s a reason it’s the gold standard.
If you’re rocking a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, you’re dealing with a massive screen that’s awkward to hold for long periods. The Magic Keyboard doesn't just give you keys; it fundamentally changes the ergonomics of the device. It turns a giant tablet into a workstation. But before you drop three hundred plus dollars, there are some quirks—and some flat-out frustrations—that the Apple Store employees won't exactly lead with.
The Compatibility Trap
Here is where things get annoying. Apple has released several versions of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro over the years. If you have an M1 or M2 model (the 5th and 6th generations), you might have heard that the older Magic Keyboards don't fit perfectly.
Technically, they work. The magnets line up. The Smart Connector (those three little dots on the back) pokes through and carries the data. But because the M1 and M2 models with the Liquid Retina XDR display are about 0.5mm thicker than the older ones, the case won't "snap" shut with that satisfying click if you use the original 2020 keyboard model. It’s a tiny difference, but for $349, it’s the kind of thing that drives people crazy.
Then came 2024 and 2025. With the shift to the M4 and now M5 chips, Apple redesigned the keyboard entirely. The newer ones have a function row and an aluminum palm rest. Note this carefully: the new "Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4/M5)" is not backward compatible with your older 12.9-inch iPad Pro. If you have a 6th Gen or older, you must stick with the older "floating" style.
Typing, Trackpads, and That Infamous Battery Drain
Let’s talk about the actual experience. The keys are great. They use the same scissor mechanism found in the MacBook Air, and the 1mm travel feels snappy. You aren't mushing your fingers into a sponge like you do with the Smart Keyboard Folio.
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The trackpad is small. Tiny, even. But because it’s glass, it’s incredibly smooth. iPadOS gestures—three-finger swipes to switch apps, two fingers to scroll—work flawlessly. You don't realize how much you need a trackpad on a tablet until you stop reaching up to touch the screen every five seconds.
But there is a hidden cost: battery life.
The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 12.9 doesn’t have its own battery. It sips power directly from your iPad. In my testing—and confirmed by many users on Reddit and MacRumors—having the keyboard attached can shave about 15-25% off your total runtime, especially if you keep the backlight on high.
Pro Tip: If you’re working in a bright room, go into Settings > General > Keyboard > Hardware Keyboard and turn the brightness all the way down. It’ll save you a meaningful chunk of juice.
Why the Design is Both Genius and Stupid
The cantilever hinge is the star of the show. It lets you tilt the screen to a few different angles, and it stays put. No kickstands taking up extra room on a tiny airplane tray table. It’s the "lap-ability" factor.
However, there are three major downsides to this design:
- The Weight: The keyboard weighs more than the iPad itself. Together, they weigh about 3 pounds. That’s more than a MacBook Air.
- The "Naked" Problem: When you want to use the iPad as a tablet—to draw with the Apple Pencil or read a book—you have to pull it off the magnets. Now you’re holding a $1,200 glass slab with zero protection.
- The Material: The polyurethane "rubbery" finish is a magnet for oils. If you eat a sandwich near this thing, it will look like a crime scene within minutes. It also tends to peel at the corners after a year or two of heavy use.
Is the "Magic" Actually Worth the Premium?
You could buy a Logitech Combo Touch for significantly less. The Logitech actually protects the edges of the iPad and has a row of function keys (which the older 12.9-inch Magic Keyboard lacks).
But the Logitech uses a kickstand. You need a lot of depth on your desk to use it. The Magic Keyboard has a much smaller footprint. For people who actually work on their laps or in tight spaces, that’s the dealbreaker.
Honestly, the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 12.9 feels like a luxury tax. You’re paying for the fact that it just works without Bluetooth pairing, without charging, and with the most stable hinge on the market. It’s for the person who wants their iPad to be a laptop 90% of the time but still wants to be able to rip the screen off to watch Netflix in bed.
Real-World Actionable Insights
If you're about to buy one, keep these three things in mind to get the most out of your money:
- Check the Model Number: If you’re buying used or refurbished (which I highly recommend to save $100+), look for model A2480. That’s the "revised" version that fits the thicker M1/M2 models properly.
- Invest in a "Case for the Case": Since the iPad is naked when you take it off the keyboard, consider a "Pitaka" or "SwitchEasy" thin magnetic shell. These are paper-thin cases that stay on the iPad while it's attached to the Magic Keyboard. They add side protection without breaking the magnets.
- Use the Passthrough Port: The USB-C port on the hinge is for charging only. It won't transfer data. Plug your power cable into the keyboard hinge and use the actual iPad port for your SSDs, monitors, or hubs. This keeps your desk way cleaner.
The 12.9-inch iPad Pro is a beast of a machine. Without the Magic Keyboard, it's just a really big screen. With it, it’s a powerhouse. Just don't expect it to stay clean, and maybe keep a charger handy.
Next Step: Check your iPad's generation in Settings > General > About before purchasing to ensure you don't accidentally buy the new M4 version for an older M2 tablet.