Apple Magic Keyboard Folio Review: Worth the Price?
The Apple Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad (10th Generation) has sparked an unusual consensus across platforms: despite its eyebrow-raising $249 price tag, many users still call it “the best tablet keyboard around.” Across Reddit, Best Buy, and Trustpilot, long-term owners admit initial skepticism gave way to genuine appreciation for its typing experience, trackpad precision, and two-piece magnetic design. The score? 8.5/10 — but only if you can stomach the cost and live without backlit keys.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent typing feel with 1mm travel | Very high price relative to iPad cost |
| Large, responsive trackpad | No backlit keys |
| 14 function keys for quick shortcuts | White color shows dirt easily |
| Flexible two-piece design with kickstand | Limited to iPad 10th Gen only |
| Strong magnetic attachment | Slightly less sturdy than one-piece designs |
| Lightweight compared to Magic Keyboard | Keyboard disconnects easily when closed |
Claims vs Reality
Apple markets the Magic Keyboard Folio as “the perfect iPad companion” with “an incredible typing experience” and “front and back protection.” Digging deeper into user reports, the typing claim holds strong. A verified buyer on Best Buy noted: “The typing experience feels almost like a laptop — comfortable, smooth, and super responsive.” Reddit reviewers echoed this, highlighting the scissor mechanism’s satisfying travel.
However, the “front and back protection” claim meets mixed reality. On Apple’s own community forum, one user admitted: “When I close it the keyboard disconnects… I love it but don’t feel it is enough protection to just carry around.” The two-piece magnetic design makes it easy to detach, but that also means it’s not a snug, all-around protective case like some folio alternatives.
Apple also touts the built-in trackpad as “click-anywhere.” This matches user reality closely — Trustpilot reviews praised its placement and responsiveness, with one noting they “never trigger it accidentally,” unlike other tablet keyboards. That said, several users wished for backlighting, a feature Apple omitted. As one Reddit user bluntly put it: “The lack of any keyboard backlighting is a tad frustrating… would significantly increase its value.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit and Best Buy, the keyboard’s typing feel emerges as a standout. College students repeatedly describe it as transformative: “Makes writing essays and taking notes in class so much easier,” one Best Buy reviewer shared. The 14-function key row is another universally loved feature, enabling instant control over brightness, volume, Siri, and playback without diving into menus. Reddit user feedback shows this is a productivity booster for writers and multitaskers.
The trackpad earns high marks for precision and comfort. A Trustpilot review detailed: “Trackpad works better than the one on the Magic Keyboard… lets us do so much without having to touch the tablet.” For users transitioning from laptops, this makes the iPad 10th Gen feel closer to a notebook replacement.
The kickstand’s rigidity, initially criticized, later became a selling point. Long-term Reddit users realized it allowed use on laps without wobble — rare for tablet keyboards. This benefits professionals working in varied settings, from coffee shops to construction sites.
Common Complaints
Price dominates the complaint list. At $249, it’s over half the cost of the iPad itself. As one Reddit reviewer lamented: “It’s like buying another iPad on top of the one you just bought.” For budget-conscious buyers, this is a deterrent despite the quality.
The white-only color option frustrates many, especially those using it daily. A Trustpilot user admitted to “carrying a cloth around to keep cleaning” due to visible dirt buildup. The absence of backlighting hits night-time typists and low-light environments hard.
Some owners report slight instability when the keyboard is closed or carried. A Best Buy reviewer noted: “It comes apart easy… kind of frustrating but it works great.” This is tied to the magnetic two-piece design, which trades solidity for flexibility.
Divisive Features
The two-piece magnetic design splits opinion. Productivity-focused users praise its flexibility — detach the keyboard, keep the kickstand for media viewing. Others find it less sturdy than one-piece solutions and dislike the keyboard detaching during transport.
The kickstand’s limited viewing angles are acceptable to some but restrictive to others. Movie watchers and FaceTime users enjoy the upright position, but artists and note-takers sometimes wish for more range.
Trust & Reliability
Concerns about Apple’s accessory pricing border on distrust, but actual scam reports are absent. Trustpilot and Reddit show a pattern: high cost skepticism followed by satisfaction after months of use. One long-term Reddit reviewer confessed: “We were wrong… perhaps the best keyboard we have used with a tablet.”
Durability stories suggest solid build quality. After six months, users report no degradation in typing feel or trackpad responsiveness. The only ongoing issue is cosmetic — keeping the white finish clean — and the occasional magnetic disconnect during movement.
Alternatives
The Zagg Pro Keys with trackpad surfaces as the most frequently mentioned alternative. At $149, it offers backlit keys and function shortcuts, but uses Bluetooth instead of the smart connector. Reddit reviewers acknowledge it’s “good in a pinch” but less integrated. Logitech and third-party folios exist, but consensus is they “don’t come close” in typing feel or trackpad quality.
Price & Value
Current retail pricing holds at $219–$249, with eBay “open box” deals dipping to ~$169. Resale value remains strong due to limited compatibility — it works only with iPad 10th Gen, keeping demand steady among that user base.
Community buying tips stress patience: watch for seasonal Apple Store discounts or certified refurbished units. One eBay seller offered it at £140 (~$169) with minimal wear, suggesting savvy buyers can avoid paying full retail.
FAQ
Q: Does the Magic Keyboard Folio work with iPad Pro or Air?
A: No. It is designed exclusively for the iPad 10th Generation due to its smart connector alignment.
Q: How strong is the magnetic attachment?
A: Users report it’s strong enough for desk use and lap typing, but can detach if carried loosely.
Q: Is it good for lap use?
A: Yes, more than most folios. The rigid kickstand allows stable lap typing without wobble.
Q: Can I get it in colors other than white?
A: No official options exist. White is the only Apple-offered color, which many find hard to keep clean.
Q: Will the lack of backlit keys bother me?
A: If you type in low light, yes. Many users wish Apple added this feature.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re an iPad 10th Gen owner seeking laptop-like typing, precise trackpad control, and flexible media viewing within a lightweight design. Avoid if you need rugged all-around protection, use your iPad in dim lighting, or balk at paying half the tablet’s price for an accessory. Community pro tip: hunt for open-box or refurbished deals to soften the blow of its premium cost.
