TheApple iPad Air ( 2024)is a brilliant all - debauchee , and I line up work out on it to be just as convenient and loyal as bring on myMacBook Air M1 . However , I ’ve been put off really advocate it as a “ laptop option ” because theMagic Keyboardaccessory cost so much . It ’s $ 300 for the 11 - inch or $ 350 for the 12.9 - inch version , so surely I could come up with a way to reduce the terms but not my productivity ?
I set out to do just that , and in the process , I release my iPad Air into a adorable piece of work car — all for just $ 90 . Here ’s how I did it .
Apple’s Magic Keyboard is brilliant
Before I get too much into it , I should introduce this by say that if you do n’t care about money , then the Magic Keyboard is a brilliant purchase . I still have the one I bought for myiPad Pro ( 2020 ) , and miraculously , Apple has n’t changed the intent , so it also correspond the latest iPad Air . I used the iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard instead of a laptop for a couple of years and it worked superbly . The typewriting experience is practically faultless , and because the root is solid , you’re able to perch it on your lap rather than rely solely on a desk , just like a proper laptop computer .
In the four years I ’ve had the Magic Keyboard , it has only suffered from one problem . The correct - hand Shift key has total loose from its fixings and annoyingly flaps around . It still work , but I can see where one of the tiny locate clip has snapped off underneath . I do n’t sleep together how it happen ; otherwise , the case looks in surprisingly good condition , given the amount of time it has spend in and out of pocketbook at unlike venues over the past year .
This means I consider theMagic Keyboarda serious investiture , provided you ’ll use it a lot . The problem come when it ’s only go to be used now and then , and you do n’t want to use only the touchscreen keyboard , as it adds a considerable amount to the terms of the iPad Air . I ’ve find a cheaper option that does compromise a little on convenience , but you ’re go to increase versatility and be capable to work rapidly and happily on the tablet , yet only pass $ 90 . Yes , $ 90 , and that ’s hold up to get you a caseanda keyboard .
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
A fantastic keyboard for just $40
The keyboard is the most of import accessory , and I ’ve incur one that ’s first-class . I ’ve been a buff of Keychron ’s keyboard for a while , and I look at the sure-enough Keychron K3 to bea expectant partner for the Apple iPad . However , theKeychron B1 Prois a near choice for this use suit . This incredible ultra - small - profile keyboard with chiclet key is perfect for mobile purpose as it ’s so light — just 425 grams — and its footprint is hardly long than the iPad itself . I ’ve carried it around in my bag without ever feeling like I ’ve got a keyboard in there .
It connects to the iPad Air using Bluetooth , and you’re able to link up to three different gadget and gayly swap between them , making it a various companion . I ’ve had it synced to myMac Mini M1and have used it at home before switch it to my iPad Air when I exit the house . The Bluetooth connecter has been faultless . It takes just second to set up and automatically reconnect , and I have n’t charged the battery since it come a few month ago despite day-by-day usance for multiple minute .
Every clause I ’ve written since around April has been typed using the Keychron B1 Pro , whether it ’s tie to my iPad or Mac Mini , and I ’ve found it comfortable and precise . The pliant body does make it feel a little chinchy ( because it is ) compared to my usualLogitec MX Keys Minikeyboard , but it has never put me off using it . There ’s no backlight , which may foil some , but the keys are full size of it , it is fully customizable with Keychron ’s software package for macros and cutoff , and it go with Mac OS , Windows , and Linux . Plus , it come with a Bluetooth receiver dongle in the box in case you take it . For $ 40 , it ’s an absolute bargain .
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
What about the case?
I mention the compromise in comfort station earlier . While the Keychron B1 Pro is a multifunction steal ( it can be used with other devices , too , unlike the Magic Keyboard ) , it ’s not attached to the iPad , so you need some kind of case . There are XII , if not hundred , of leaf - style cases that keep the iPad upright in front of you , but I ’ve been using the Zagg Crystal Palace folio subject , which costs $ 50 for the 11 - inch version or $ 60 for the 12.9 - inch version .
I chose it because I wish the transparent rear cover , which rent the colour of the iPad show through . It also has a built - in bearer for the Apple Pencil if you have one . It increase public toilet this direction , making up for the fact the keyboard is n’t attach to it or the tablet . It is n’t very intemperate , it ’s well - made , and the magnetic folding front cover has n’t collapsed once . I do find the slant a little too extreme for some experimental condition , and of course , the combination of the Crystal Palace suit and Keychron B1 Pro ca n’t be used on your lap . The top side is that the pair together cost just $ 90 compared to $ 300 .
The B1 Pro keyboard is astonishingly flimsy at 14 mm , but it is quite thick when held together with the iPad Air . However , its low exercising weight entail the whole package with the Zagg case is 2.4 Irish pound . The iPad Air with the Magic Keyboard weighs 2.3 pounds , so there is n’t much conflict here . Yes , it ’s a compromise , but if it ’s not expire to be in constant use , this may be a sacrifice you ’re uncoerced to make when such significant cost savings are involved .
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
A winning combination
I ’ve used this combo for a few calendar month , and aside from not being able to use my lap covering once in a while and suffer to transmit a separate keyboard , it turns the iPad into a surprisingly open work machine for me . You could ineluctably find a much cheaper case than the Zagg Crystal Palace if you wanted to shave costs even more , but I do n’t intend you should pass the Keychron B1 Pro by in any Holman Hunt for a Magic Keyboard alternative . The typing experience is superb for the Leontyne Price .
My work demands are passably simple , and the iPad Air ( 2024 ) has more than enough carrying into action and battery life sentence to cope with them , but I ca n’t use the touchscreen keyboard for anything more than just the basics . The Magic Keyboard is a great merchandise , but it is an extravagance , and I ’ve rarely neglect it using these two products that are yours for less than a third of its price .
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends
