If you need to replace your Magic Keyboard, or you want to buy one for a second Apple device, they don’t come cheap. Buying it through the Apple website will set you back $99, though you can sometimes find lower rates on Amazon.
So is it really worth the money? Let’s consider the pros and cons of the Magic Keyboard and try to decide whether the price tag is justified.
Why Is the Magic Keyboard So Well-Regarded?
Firstly, let’s take a look at why some Mac users swear by the Magic Keyboard, regardless of cost.
(Note: If you’re not sure what a Magic Keyboard is, read our explainer article to get up to speed.)
Better Typing
The Magic Keyboard was released in October 2015. It was the successor to the Apple Wireless Keyboard which had been a mainstay of Mac users since it was first introduced way back in 2003.
From a pure usability perspective, the biggest change between the two is the way the individual keys behave while typing. Given that typing is ultimately the main function of a keyboard, this is an important modification.
Here’s how Apple describes the redesigned keys:
With a stable scissor mechanism beneath each key, as well as optimized key travel and a low profile, Magic Keyboard provides a remarkably comfortable and precise typing experience.
It’s clearly marketing jargon, but it’s also true; typing does feel easier, “cleaner”, and more precise.
No More Batteries
The biggest drawback of all wireless keyboards is their reliance on batteries. If you’re in the middle of working on an important document and your batteries die, the last thing you want to do is lose your train of thought and drag yourself to a shop to buy replacements.
That is no longer a problem with the Magic Keyboard.
Apple decided to replace single-use AA batteries with an integrated Lithium-Ion rechargeable cell, which only needs to be charged once per month with a Lightning cable.
Apple also claims that a mere two-minute charge will be enough to power you for “an extended working period,” whatever that means.
Perfect for Other Apple Devices
Arguably the most “magical” thing about the Magic Keyboard is that it will automatically pair with your Mac with no user input. Simply switch on your computer, plug in the keyboard, and the two devices will automatically recognize each other.
The keyboard can also be paired with other Apple gadgets such as iPads and Apple TVs—though it’s not immediately obvious how. On the back of the keyboard, there is only an on-off switch, a Lightning port, and an antenna bar; the old Apple Wireless Keyboard’s ability to hold down the power button and make it pair with new devices has been removed.
To pair a Magic Keyboard with an iOS device, you need to do is head to Settings > Bluetooth on an iOS device and turn the slider on. It will automatically find the Magic Keyboard and you just need to tap on it to pair the two.
Using a Magic Keyboard in conjunction with Apple’s mobile operating system really starts to unlock its full potential, especially with regard to the iPad Pro. Traveling with just your tablet and your keyboard while still maintaining high levels of productivity suddenly becomes a possibility.
Of course, the cost of an entry-level 128 GB iPad Pro and a Magic Keyboard is almost $1,000 USD—there might be better alternatives available, but it certainly unlocks some interesting potential.
What Are the Drawbacks of the Magic Keyboard?
Despite all the positives, it would be foolish to think that Magic Keyboards are perfect.
No Number Pad
The biggest single issue with Apple’s entry-level Magic Keyboard is the lack of a number pad. If you do a lot of work in spreadsheets, financial programs, or math/engineering software, this is a serious annoyance.
The basic Magic Keyboard also lacks keys such as Page Up, Page Down, Home, and End. Yes, there are workarounds, but they’re not as straightforward as a simple key.
We can only assume that Apple made the decision for size/portability purposes, but given most Mac users will leave their keyboard on a desk most of the time, the judgment doesn’t really stack up.
Thankfully, Apple rectified the decision with the release of a Magic Keyboard with a numeric keypad in mid-2017, but you’ll need to pay $129 (an extra $30) to get your hands on one.
Extra Features
The Magic Keyboard doesn’t boast as many features as its third-party competitors.
Aside from the number pad, the biggest omission is arguably backlit keys. They’ve been a standard feature on Apple’s laptops for years, so why were they left out of this product? It limits the keyboard’s usability (and its aesthetics). There also no integrated trackpad; Apple makes you purchase one separately.
Thankfully, backlit keys and a trackpad are included in 2020’s new Magic Keyboard for iPad, but the design makes it unsuitable for use with a Mac.
Cost
As mentioned, if you buy a new Mac you’ll get a Magic Keyboard included. However, if you need to buy a replacement or you want to get one for some of your other Apple devices, you’ll have to shell out $100.
Given the lack of compatibility and lack of features, it’s a lot of money. The good news? There are several Magic Keyboard alternatives available.
AppleCare
With a keyboard that costs $99 and an AppleCare plan that costs another several hundred dollars (depending on your device), it might be reasonable to expect your Magic Keyboard to be covered.
The bad news—it isn’t (though there is a caveat).
According to AppleCare’s terms and conditions:
In addition to the Apple-branded product and accessories contained in the original packaging, “Covered Equipment” includes the following according to your Plan for APP for Mac, (a) an Apple-branded mouse, Magic Trackpad, Apple Battery Charger and keyboard if included with the Covered Equipment (or purchased with a Mac mini or Mac Pro), or (b) Apple memory modules (RAM) and an Apple USB SuperDrive if used with the Covered Equipment and originally purchased by you no earlier than two years before the Covered Equipment purchase.
In layman’s terms, that means unless you got a free Magic Keyboard with your Mac, or you bought one at the same time as you bought a Mac mini or Mac Pro, you will not be covered. If you bought a keyboard as a standalone item for use with other Apple products, you won’t be protected by AppleCare.
Does the Magic Keyboard Represent Value for Money?
It’s hard not to feel that Apple’s Magic Keyboard could have been so much more. The release doesn’t feel like enough of an upgrade over the previous wireless version to warrant a $30 jump in price.
That said, it does work exceptionally well with Macs and other Apple products. And as you’d expect from Apple, it is flawlessly designed.
Is that enough to justify spending at least $100 on one? Perhaps—it depends on how integrated you are with the Apple ecosystem.