When comparing the iPad Pro M4 Magic Keyboard versus off brand options, the choice often comes down to style, function, and price.
The M4 iPad Pro Magic Keyboard gives you a premium, laptop-like typing feel with a smooth trackpad and great stability when used on your lap. However, it doesn’t protect the whole iPad.
Third-party options, like the Logitech Combo Touch, cost less, cover the iPad fully, and include a flexible kickstand. But they may not feel as smooth to type on, and the trackpad isn’t as refined.
Cheaper off-brand keyboards are available too, but many cut corners. They may lag, need Bluetooth charging, or miss key features like Apple’s Smart Connector.
So, which one gives you the best value? Read on to discover the pros and cons before you make your choice!
- Magic Keyboard offers the smoothest typing and trackpad experience
- Off-brand keyboards cut costs and toss in extra features
- Your choice depends on budget and how you use your iPad day-to-day
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iPad Pro M4 Magic Keyboard vs Off-Brand Alternatives: Core Differences
When you pick a keyboard for the M4 iPad Pro, you’re really choosing between Apple’s Magic Keyboard or a cheaper off-brand. It comes down to build, typing feel, connection, and price.
Design and Build Quality
Apple’s Magic Keyboard fits the iPad Pro perfectly. The floating cantilever design lets you tweak the viewing angle easily.
It’s got a sturdy hinge, a soft-touch feel, and a slim look that matches the iPad’s whole vibe. Off-brand keyboards usually try to copy the style, but they lean on lighter plastics or chunkier cases.
Some add kickstands instead of the floating hinge, which makes them wobblier on your lap. Others have thick bezels that add weight and take away from that sleek feel.
If you care about durability, Apple’s keyboard usually holds up longer thanks to its tough hinge and better materials. Off-brand cases can start wearing out faster, especially at the hinge or trackpad.
Typing and Trackpad Experience
Typing on the Magic Keyboard feels like using a laptop. The scissor keys have good travel and spacing, so your hands don’t get cramped.
The backlit keys adjust on their own, which is handy at night. The trackpad is a big win too. It supports all the iPadOS gestures—pinch, swipe, multi-finger scroll—so your iPad Pro acts a lot like a MacBook.
Off-brand keyboards are all over the place. Some have shallow, mushy keys, while a few get closer to clicky mechanical switches. Trackpads on the cheaper ones are smaller and often miss out on gestures, which makes everything feel less smooth.
Connectivity Options
The Magic Keyboard snaps on with the Smart Connector. There’s no pairing, no charging, and no lag. It also gives you a USB-C port for charging, so you can keep your main port open.
Most off-brand keyboards use Bluetooth. It works, but sometimes you get lag or random disconnects. You also have to charge them separately, which means another cable in your bag.
Some third-party keyboards add extra ports like HDMI or USB-A. If you need those, it’s great, but it usually makes the case heavier and bulkier.
Price Comparison
Here’s where things get real. The Magic Keyboard for the M4 iPad Pro sits around $299–$349, depending on size. That’s a hefty price for a keyboard case.
Off-brand keyboards can be as cheap as $50–$120. Some mid-range ones around $150 try to split the difference, but they still can’t match Apple’s trackpad or hinge.
You pay for Apple’s build and integration. Off-brand models save you cash but usually trade away some typing feel, stability, or durability.
If you’re on a budget, an off-brand Bluetooth keyboard will work. But if you want your iPad Pro to actually feel like a laptop, the Magic Keyboard really changes the game.
Unsure which model you own? Read How Do I Find Out What Generation My iPad Is? Guide for Apple Users.
Key Features Breakdown
Comparing the Magic Keyboard and off-brand options, the biggest differences show up in typing comfort, stand design, Apple Pencil storage, and how each handles power. These little things really shape your day-to-day iPad experience.
Backlit Keys and Shortcuts
The Magic Keyboard gives you backlit keys that adjust brightness on their own. Typing in the dark? No problem. The keys feel smooth and steady, almost like a MacBook.
Off-brand models like the Logitech Combo Touch and ZAGG Pro Keys also have backlighting, but it’s usually manual and not as even. Some cheap keyboards don’t even bother with backlighting, which can get annoying if you type at night.
Shortcuts are another spot where things split. The Magic Keyboard fully supports iPadOS shortcuts—brightness, volume, search, multitasking, all of it. Off-brands might have shortcut rows, but sometimes the keys don’t map right or break with iPadOS updates.
Detachable and Magnetic Stands
The Magic Keyboard uses a floating magnetic stand that holds your iPad Pro at different angles. It’s stable, and the magnets keep the iPad locked in place.
Off-brand options usually go for detachable keyboards with kickstand covers. The Logitech Combo Touch, for example, lets you adjust the angle and pull off the keyboard when you want. That’s flexible, but it can get bulky in your bag.
Some cheap cases have grooves or folding flaps for the iPad. They work, but you don’t get the same smooth adjustment or lap stability as Apple’s magnets. If you use your iPad on your lap, the Magic Keyboard feels sturdier. Detachable models are better for desks.
Apple Pencil Holder Integration
The Magic Keyboard skips a built-in Apple Pencil holder. You can snap the Pencil to the side of your iPad for charging, but there’s no extra protection if you’re tossing it in a backpack.
Off-brand keyboards often add Pencil storage. The ZAGG Pro Keys and Logitech Combo Touch have slots or loops to hold the Pencil. That makes it a lot harder to lose and keeps it safe from getting knocked off.
If you sketch or jot down notes a lot, a secure holder is a big plus. If you just type, you might not care.
Battery Life and Charging
The Magic Keyboard doesn’t have its own battery. It draws power straight from the iPad Pro through the Smart Connector. You never have to charge it separately, but it does nibble at your iPad’s battery.
Off-brand keyboards like the UAG Rugged and ZAGG Pro Keys use Bluetooth and have their own batteries. They usually last weeks on a charge, but you’ll need a USB-C or micro-USB cable to top them up. If you forget, no keyboard until it’s charged again.
So, it’s convenience versus independence. The Magic Keyboard is always ready, but it shortens iPad battery life a bit. Off-brands add something else to charge, but they don’t drain your tablet directly.
Having issues with your device? Read our article, iPad Recovery Mode: How To Fix Your Device in a Few Steps, and get it working again fast.
Popular Off-Brand Keyboard Options
There are plenty of solid alternatives to Apple’s Magic Keyboard that cost less and give you handy features. Some focus on protection, others on typing comfort, or more flexibility with kickstands and function keys.
Logitech Combo Touch
The Logitech Combo Touch gives you a full keyboard and trackpad, plus a kickstand that adjusts to lots of angles. That’s great for typing, drawing, or watching videos.
The keyboard connects through the Smart Connector, so there’s no charging needed. The keys feel almost like a laptop, and you get a shortcut row for brightness and volume. The backlit keys help at night.
The case has a fabric-like cover for protection. It’s bulkier than Apple’s, but you get more ways to use your iPad.
Key points:
- Smart Connector power (no charging needed)
- Backlit keys with shortcut row
- Kickstand for lots of angles
- Good case protection
Zagg Pro Keys
The Zagg Pro Keys is all about flexibility. You get a detachable case and wireless keyboard, so you only use the keyboard when you want. It connects by Bluetooth and can pair with two devices at once—switch between your iPad and phone, for example.
The keys feel soft but responsive, and you get backlighting with different brightness levels. The case can take a drop from about 6 feet, which is pretty reassuring if you’re always on the go.
The battery can last up to a year if you type for about an hour a day. That’s impressive.
Key points:
- Detachable case with Bluetooth keyboard
- Pairs with two devices
- Backlit keys with adjustable brightness
- Long battery life (up to 1 year)
UAG Rugged Bluetooth Keyboard
The UAG Rugged Bluetooth Keyboard is built for real-world bumps and drops. The case meets military drop-test standards, so you don’t have to baby your iPad. It also has a spot for the Apple Pencil.
The keyboard connects by Bluetooth and the battery lasts a long time. The keys aren’t backlit, but they’re big and spaced out, which makes longer typing sessions easier.
The stand supports different angles and the case is on the thicker side, but you get way more protection—perfect if you use your iPad outdoors or while traveling.
Key points:
- Rugged case with military-grade drop protection
- Bluetooth connection and solid battery life
- Apple Pencil storage
- Adjustable stand for different angles
Battery draining too quickly? Check out our article, Low Power Mode iPad: Save Battery Fast, and extend your usage with simple tricks.
Choosing the Right Keyboard for Your iPad Pro M4
Pairing your iPad Pro M4 with the right keyboard totally changes how you work, travel, and protect your device. What matters most—speed, lightness, or protection? The answer's different for everyone.
Best for Productivity
If you live on your iPad Pro M4 for work, the Apple Magic Keyboard just fits. It's got a full-size layout, backlit keys, and a trackpad that honestly feels almost like a MacBook.
The floating hinge lets you tweak the viewing angle, which is a lifesaver during long typing sessions. Editing docs, coding, or wrangling spreadsheets? The Magic Keyboard handles it all.
The trackpad supports multi-touch gestures, and that smooths out multitasking in a way most off-brand keyboards just can't match. Off-brand options usually cost less, but they often skip backlighting or offer tiny trackpads that feel cramped.
If you want to ditch your laptop, the Magic Keyboard is the closest thing you'll get. It just works, and you notice the difference.
Quick comparison:
- Apple Magic Keyboard: Best typing feel, trackpad included, premium build
- Off-brand keyboard: Lower price, fewer features, may feel less solid
Best for Portability
If you’re always on the move, weight becomes a real issue. The Magic Keyboard is actually heavier than the iPad itself, so your bag gets bulky fast.
Off-brand keyboards usually come in slim folio styles. They’re lighter and fold flat, which is handy if you’re running around campus or the city.
Some third-party cases let you detach the keyboard, so you can use the iPad as a tablet without lugging around extra weight. That’s great if you like to switch between typing and sketching with the Apple Pencil.
Battery life matters too. The Magic Keyboard draws power from the iPad’s Smart Connector, so you never need to charge it. Off-brand models often use Bluetooth and need their own battery, which gets annoying if you forget to plug them in.
Key points:
- Magic Keyboard: Heavier, no charging needed, premium feel
- Off-brand: Lighter, often detachable, but needs charging
Best for Protection
If you mostly worry about keeping your iPad Pro M4 safe, pay attention to the case design. The Magic Keyboard covers the front and back, but leaves the edges exposed—looks cool, but it’s not made for drops.
Many off-brand keyboards double as rugged cases. These cover the corners, add raised edges, and sometimes have shock-absorbing bits. If you travel a lot or use your iPad in busy places, this matters.
Some protective keyboards even have a spot for the Apple Pencil, so you don’t lose it. They might not type as smoothly as the Magic Keyboard, but if you want durability, they’re the safer bet.
Protection breakdown:
- Magic Keyboard: Slim, stylish, limited edge protection
- Off-brand: Rugged options, corner coverage, Apple Pencil storage
Want a fresh look for your device? Discover more in our article, Best iPad Home Screen Layouts To Try, and customize your screen today.
Make Your iPad Pro M4 Last Longer With Chesona Cases
CHESONA Cloud Series Keyboard Case for iPad 10th Gen 2022
Your iPad Pro M4 is a powerhouse, but it needs protection if you use it daily. Chesona iPad Pro M4 cases shield it from scratches, drops, and dust while keeping the design slim and stylish.
Some models work seamlessly with the Apple Magic Keyboard or other iPad keyboards. Others, like the Chesona ArmorDock Series or Cloud Series, include a detachable keyboard—perfect for typing when you need it and going light when you don’t.
This flexibility is ideal if you switch between laptop mode and tablet mode. For rugged use, the Chesona Step Series offers heavy-duty protection with a built-in stand.
Want your iPad Pro M4 to last? Chesona cases give you the protection, versatility, and style you need—whether you’re tossing it in a backpack, working at a desk, or relaxing on the couch.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between the iPad Pro M4 Magic Keyboard versus off brand options comes down to your priorities. Apple’s Magic Keyboard delivers a premium typing feel, smooth trackpad, and strong lap stability, making it ideal for those who want a laptop-like experience.
Third-party keyboards, however, are more affordable and often add extras like full-body protection or flexible stands.
Off-brand cases may lack Apple’s polish but still work well for casual use. In the end, balance budget and features to find the option that best fits your lifestyle.
If you want protection, function, and style in one, check out Chesona’s keyboard cases, including magnetic keyboard cases, iPad cases with pencil holders, and iPad cases with stands, built to make your iPad Pro even more versatile.
Tablet frozen or unresponsive? Follow our guide, iPad Hard Reset Guide: Fix Your Frozen Tablet in Seconds, and get it back to normal quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
The iPad Pro M4 and its Magic Keyboard bring some changes that affect fit, features, and compatibility. If you already own a keyboard, you probably want to know how the new design works with older models, right?
Does the iPad Pro M4 work with the old Magic Keyboard?
No, the iPad Pro M4 won’t fit the old Magic Keyboard. The new models are thinner and use a slightly different design, so the old keyboard just can’t hold them securely.
You’ll need the new Magic Keyboard made for the M4. Not ideal, but that’s how Apple does things.
Is Apple discontinuing Magic Keyboard?
Apple hasn’t discontinued the Magic Keyboard. They released an updated version with the iPad Pro M4, but the older ones still work with the iPad Pro models they were built for.
So, if you have an older iPad, you’re fine. No need to panic.
Are there two versions of the iPad Magic Keyboard?
Yep, there are two main versions. The first one dropped in 2020 for the iPad Pro, with an adjustable hinge and trackpad.
The second version, launched in 2024 with the iPad Pro M4, is lighter, has a bigger trackpad, and adds a function key row. Nice upgrade, honestly.
Is the new Magic Keyboard compatible with the iPad Pro 4th gen?
No, the new Magic Keyboard only works with the M4 iPad Pro models. The iPad Pro 4th gen still uses the older Magic Keyboard, which was built for its size and thickness.
The new design doesn’t fit older iPads, so you’ll need to stick with the original if you have an older device.
How to use the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro M4?
Just attach your iPad Pro M4 to the keyboard using the magnetic Smart Connector on the back. The iPad snaps into place and starts charging through the keyboard.
You can type, use the trackpad for gestures, and play with the angle using the floating hinge. It feels pretty seamless, honestly.
