Is Apple Magic Keyboard compatible with iPad Pro 12.9 4th gen or 5th gen? It folds into a case to provide front and back protection. It is compatible with iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation) and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation). It comes with a comfortable, responsive typing experience, a trackpad that opens up new ways to work, a USB-C port for charging, backlit keys, and front and back protection. Reveal more in Magic Keyboard iPad Pro 12.9 4th gen vs 5th gen comparison.
Apple Magic Keyboard for 12.9-Inch iPad Pro 3rd Gen / 4th Gen / 5th Gen – White
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Price
In Apple store, the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 12.9‑inch (5th generation) – US English – White is available at $349.00. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro Magic Keyboard is $350 while the 11-inch model is $300; take a look at our iPad accessory price guide for more information. The standard external keyboard is $99, with Touch ID is $150, and the extended version with keypad and Touch ID is $200;
Magic Keyboard iPad Pro 12.9 4th gen vs 5th gen comparison
| Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 12.9-inch | Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad Pro 12.9-inch | Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11-inch | |
| Smart Connector | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Full Size Keyboard | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Backlit Keys | Yes | Yes | |
| Touchpad | Yes | Yes | |
| Port Type | USB-C pass through charging | USB-C pass through charging | |
| Protection | Front and back | Front and back | Front and back |
| Color | White or Black | Black | White or Black |
| Compatible with | iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th and 5th Generation) | iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th and 5th Generation) | iPad Pro 11-inch – (1st, 2nd and 3rd Generation) and iPad Air (5th and 4th Generation) |
Key differences – Magic Keyboard iPad Pro 12.9 4th gen vs 5th gen comparison
Compatibility
Apple informed its resellers the current Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro 12,9-inch won’t be compatible with the iPad Pro 5th gen. The “new” 12,9-inch keyboard will be compatible with 3th gen to 5th gen 12,9-inch. The 3th gen 11-inch should be compatible with previous versions of the keyboard.
Weight
Apple Magic Keyboard iPad Pro 12.9 5th gen has additional 52 grams but it is still portable.
iPad fitting into case
The main obstacle to a perfect fit between generations of Magic Keyboard and iPad Pro is that the new iPad Pro model is 0.5mm thicker than the 2020 model, which is 5.9mm thick. This mis-match is compounded when screen protectors are used.
Thickness
This new model is 0.5mm thicker because it has a new Liquid Retina XDR display that uses mini-LED technology. This panel uses 10,000 mini-LEDs, which provides much greater control of localized backlighting, allowing higher brightness and deeper blacks. The combination boosts the contrast ratio, as well as using less power.
Performance
The fifth-generation iPad Pro introduced the M1 chip on Apple’s tablet, with up to 50% faster performance, a new Thunderbolt port, and 5G support. Pre-orders start next week and the iPad will be available in the second half of May.
Similarities – Magic Keyboard iPad Pro 12.9 4th gen vs 5th gen
Build
The Apple Magic Keyboard is a membrane keyboard with Apple scissor switches. The keys require just over 60 grams of force to operate, which is a little on the heavier side.
Color
The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad comes in black or white. The white variant is available in both 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes. Its form and function are otherwise identical to the black accessory that launched the previous year. In April 2021, Apple added a white color option to its iPad Pro Magic Keyboard.
Design
The full-size keyboard’s height, width, and depth (0.4 by 16.4 by 4.5 inches) remain identical. The iPad Pro sits above the keyboard when placed on the magnetic mount. The second hinge attached to the keyboard has a more granular level of movement that lets you adjust the iPad into various viewing positions. A cantilever hinge holds the iPad aloft and can be adjusted into two viewing angles while in use.
Keyboard backlight
The keyboard backlight is controlled using an ambient light sensor on the iPad Pro to intelligently adjust the brightness automatically. At times, I felt the keyboard brightness was lacking but luckily you can adjust in the settings:
Ports
The case has a USB-C connector on the side which can charge the iPad Pro while leaving the USB-C port free for a hub or other accessory.
Alternate of Magic Keyboard iPad Pro 12.9 4th gen vs 5th gen
ZAGG Pro Keys with Trackpad
Specs
- Multi-touch trackpad: Yes
- Backlit keyboard: Yes
- iPad connectivity: Bluetooth
- Weight: 454g
Pros
+Much lighter than rivals+Apple Pencil protection
Cons
-Not all models have a trackpad-Plastic construction
The ZAGG Pro Keys with Trackpad has a lot going for it. Like the Logitech Combo Touch, you can detach the case from the keyboard for a more lightweight carrying option, and it has a built-in slot that will protect an Apple Pencil. However, note that it’s made of plastic instead of something more solid like aluminium, and the trackpad is only available for 10.2-inch, 10.9-inch, and 11-inch iPads. But Its combination of features, including backlit laptop-style keys and low weight, makes it an attractive option if you want a tempting Magic Keyboard alternative.
Brydge 12.9 MAX+
Specs
- Multi-touch trackpad: Yes
- Backlit keyboard: Yes
- iPad connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Weight: 953g
Pros
+Very spacious trackpad+Instant-On wakes your iPad quickly+Magnetic fitting is great
Cons
-Heavier and costlier than rivals
Now that iPadOS works with trackpad gestures, it’s more important than ever to find a good Magic Keyboard alternative with a top-rate trackpad. The Brydge 12.9 MAX+ is the best available, with the largest iPad trackpad on the market. But it’s not just a one-trick pony – this case offers sturdy protection and keys that possess a surprising amount of travel. Your iPad snaps into place magnetically, eliminating fitting woes, and Brydge’s Instant-On tech wakes your tablet as fast as anything Apple does, the company claims. If you like using gestures on iPadOS, you’ll love this case.
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