Let's be honest for a second. Apple’s decision to launch the 10th-generation iPad alongside a completely unique keyboard—one that doesn't work with any other iPad in the lineup—was confusing. If you’ve spent any time looking at the iPad 10 Magic Keyboard Folio, you’ve probably noticed it looks nothing like the floating cantilever design found on the iPad Pro or Air. It's different. It’s quirky. It’s arguably more practical, yet it costs a small fortune.
People usually buy the base-model iPad to save money, right? Then they see the price tag on the official keyboard and start questioning their life choices. But here’s the thing: after using this setup for months, I’ve realized that most of the "expert" reviews you read online miss the point of why this specific accessory exists. It isn't just a keyboard. It’s a complete fundamental shift in how the entry-level iPad functions, turning a consumption device into a genuine modular laptop.
The Two-Piece Design Is Actually a Stroke of Genius
Most iPad keyboards are all-or-nothing. You either have the whole bulky case attached, or you're holding a naked tablet. The iPad 10 Magic Keyboard Folio breaks that rule. It’s a two-piece system. You have a back panel with a kickstand that snaps on magnetically, and then a separate keyboard that clicks into the Smart Connector on the side of the iPad.
This is huge.
Why? Because sometimes you just want to watch Netflix or draw with an Apple Pencil without having a keyboard dangling off the bottom or folded awkwardly behind the screen. You can just rip the keyboard off and leave the kickstand attached. The kickstand itself is infinitely adjustable. Unlike the older Smart Keyboard Folios that gave you exactly two viewing angles—both of which were usually wrong for your neck—this one goes from nearly upright to almost flat.
I’ve used it on tray tables, in bed, and on cramped coffee shop counters. The versatility is superior to the "fancy" Magic Keyboard on the Pro models in every way except for one: the lap test. Because it relies on a kickstand, it’s a bit "floppy" on your actual lap. You need a flat surface to really make it sing. If you're a "type on the bus" kind of person, you might find yourself fighting to keep the kickstand from sliding off your knees.
The Function Row We Waited a Decade For
It is genuinely hilarious—and a bit frustrating—that the most expensive iPad Pro keyboard lacks a function row, while the iPad 10 Magic Keyboard Folio has a full 14-key row at the top. This is arguably the best feature of the entire accessory.
You get dedicated keys for:
- Screen brightness (essential for battery saving).
- Media playback and volume.
- Dictation and Siri.
- Do Not Disturb.
- An actual Escape key.
Think about how often you reach for the Control Center just to turn down the volume or dim the lights. With this keyboard, you don't. You just tap a physical button. It sounds like a small detail until you go back to an iPad Pro and realize you’re suddenly "reaching" for software sliders like a caveman. Apple finally gave us what we wanted, but they put it on the "budget" accessory first.
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The typing experience itself is surprisingly tactile. The keys have 1mm of travel. It’s clicky. It doesn't feel mushy like the fabric-covered keys on the old Smart Keyboards. Honestly, it feels almost identical to typing on a modern MacBook Air. The keys are full-sized, so your muscle memory doesn't have to adjust to some cramped layout.
The Trackpad and the Magic of Multi-Touch
Let’s talk about that trackpad. It’s smaller than a MacBook’s, sure. But it’s an "everywhere click" trackpad, meaning you don't have to press at the very bottom to get a response. It’s fully integrated into iPadOS.
When you slide your finger across it, the cursor—that little gray circle—morphs as it nears buttons. It’s satisfying. Swiping up with three fingers to go home or swiping across with three fingers to switch apps feels fluid. If you’ve never used an iPad with a trackpad, it changes the way you think about the device. It stops being a giant phone and starts being a precision tool. Editing a spreadsheet or selecting text in a long Word document is no longer a nightmare of "tap and pray."
Why the Price Stings (And Real Alternatives)
We have to address the elephant in the room: the price. At nearly $250, the iPad 10 Magic Keyboard Folio is more than half the cost of the iPad itself. That’s a tough pill to swallow.
If you’re looking at that price and feeling a bit lightheaded, you aren’t alone. There are alternatives, but they come with trade-offs. The Logitech Combo Touch is the biggest competitor. It’s cheaper, usually around $160, and offers more protection for the edges of the iPad. However, it’s significantly bulkier. It turns your sleek iPad into a ruggedized tank.
Some people prefer the Logitech because it protects the corners. The Apple Folio leaves the sides of the iPad exposed. If you drop your iPad while it’s in the Apple keyboard, there’s a high chance you’re going to dent that aluminum frame.
Then there are the ultra-cheap Bluetooth keyboards on Amazon. Avoid them if you can. They require separate charging, they have lag, and they don't have the Smart Connector. The beauty of the iPad 10 Magic Keyboard Folio is that it draws power directly from the iPad. No batteries, no pairing, no "searching for devices." It just works the second you snap it on.
The Weird Quirks Nobody Mentions
Because the keyboard is white, it gets dirty. Fast. If you’re the type of person who eats lunch while working, you’re going to see every smudge and every drop of coffee. It’s made of a polyurethane material that’s easy to wipe down with a damp cloth, but it definitely loses that "pristine" look within a few weeks.
Also, the magnets are strong—maybe too strong. Pulling the keyboard off requires a bit of force, which is good for stability but sometimes feels like you're playing a game of tug-of-war with your $450 tablet.
Is It a Laptop Replacement?
This is the question everyone asks. The answer is: sorta.
With the iPad 10 Magic Keyboard Folio, the iPad 10 can handle 90% of what a Chromebook or a basic laptop can do. You can manage emails, write 2,000-word articles, edit photos in Lightroom, and manage your calendar. But remember, it’s still iPadOS. You’re dealing with a mobile file system. You won’t be running full desktop versions of specialized software.
But for a student or a freelance writer? It’s a killer setup. It’s lighter than almost any laptop and the battery life is stellar because the keyboard doesn't have its own power-hungry Bluetooth chip.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Setup
If you decide to pull the trigger on this keyboard, don't just use it like a laptop. That's a waste of its best feature.
- Customize the Trackpad: Go into Settings > General > Trackpad. Turn on "Tap to Click." It makes the experience much quieter and faster. Also, bump up the tracking speed; the default is a bit sluggish.
- Learn the Shortcuts: Hold down the Command key ($\text{Cmd}$) in any app to see a list of shortcuts. $\text{Cmd} + \text{Tab}$ to switch apps is a game-changer.
- Use the Kickstand for Apple Pencil: If you’re a note-taker, flip the keyboard around or remove it entirely. The kickstand can be set to a low angle that’s perfect for digital handwriting without the iPad sliding around on the desk.
- Keep it Clean: Use a tiny bit of isopropyl alcohol on a microfiber cloth once a week to keep the white keys from yellowing or staining.
The iPad 10 Magic Keyboard Folio isn't perfect, and it’s definitely overpriced. But in terms of design, it’s actually the most "Pro" keyboard Apple makes, simply because of that function row and the modular two-piece build. It turns the most basic iPad into a surprisingly powerful workhorse.
If you can find it on sale—which happens often at retailers like Amazon or Best Buy—it becomes a much easier recommendation. It transforms the iPad from a toy into a tool.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your serial number: Ensure you actually have the 10th-gen iPad (the one with the flat edges and no Home button). This keyboard will not fit the 9th-gen or earlier models.
- Evaluate your "lap use": If you plan to type mostly on your lap, consider the Logitech Combo Touch instead, as the kickstand on the Magic Folio can be unstable on uneven surfaces.
- Update your software: Make sure you're running the latest version of iPadOS to ensure all the multi-touch gestures and the function row keys work without bugs.
- Look for Open-Box deals: Since many people return this keyboard due to the high price, you can often find "Like New" units at a significant discount.