The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4 and M5) is a low-profile keyboard with an integrated trackpad designed exclusively for the Apple iPad Pro (M4 and M5) models and isn't compatible with older iPad models. It includes a rubberized folio cover that folds to protect your iPad when it's not in use, and its aluminum hinge lets you prop the tablet at a comfortable viewing angle. This keyboard connects to the iPad Pro (M4 and M5) using a Smart Connector and relies on it as a power source. Apple has made several changes with this new iteration, including higher-quality materials, a slightly larger trackpad, a redesigned cantilever hinge, and a new row of dedicated function keys.
We bought and tested the smaller variant of this keyboard that's compatible with the Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4 and M5). A larger variant is also available for the Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M4 and M5). For more details, see the Differences Between Variants section.
Our Verdict
The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4 and M5) isn't designed for competitive gaming, but it's perfectly suitable for casual gaming on your iPad. Unfortunately, we can't test this keyboard's raw performance, as our tests require a PC connection, and it only works with the iPad Pro (M4 and M5).
The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4 and M5) is acceptable for office use. It has outstanding build quality and includes a glass trackpad with haptic feedback and gesture support. Unfortunately, it's only compatible with the iPad Pro (M4 and M5) and doesn't support wireless connectivity or multi-device pairing. It provides good overall typing quality, but its compact design means it has a slightly tighter and more cramped key layout compared to a full-size keyboard. While it has a full function row and dedicated arrow keys, it's missing a Navigation cluster and a numpad, which may be an issue if you rely heavily on either for your workflow.
- Outstanding build quality.
- Good typing quality.
- Unlike its predecessor, it has a function row with an escape key.
Only compatible with the iPad Pro (M4 and M5).
The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4 and M5) scores poorly for Mobile and Tablet devices because our scoring scheme is designed to evaluate wireless keyboards compatible with a range of devices. This keyboard is compatible only with the iPad Pro (M4 and M5) and connects via the Smart Connector, relying on the iPad for power. That said, it has outstanding build quality with high-quality materials, including a palm rest and hinge made of aluminum and a trackpad made of glass that provides haptic feedback and supports expected gesture commands. It provides good overall typing quality with satisfying tactile feedback and fairly good key spacing that doesn't feel too cramped. It also has white-only backlighting and shine-through keycaps, allowing you to read legends in darker conditions.
The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4 and M5) is middling for programming. It has outstanding build quality with high-quality materials and an integrated trackpad with haptic feedback and gesture support. It also has white backlighting with shine-through legends that allow you to clearly read legends in the dark. It provides good overall typing quality despite its compact design, which has a slightly more cramped key layout. Unfortunately, it's only compatible with the iPad Pro (M4 and M5) and doesn't support multi-device pairing. It also doesn't support macro recording.
- Outstanding build quality.
- Good typing quality.
- White-only backlighting.
- Unlike its predecessor, it has a function row with an escape key.
Only compatible with the iPad Pro (M4 and M5).
The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4 and M5) is inadequate for use in an entertainment or home theater setup, as it's only compatible with the iPad Pro (M4 and M5). That said, it's perfectly suitable for viewing content on the iPad Pro (M4 and M5). It also has dedicated media shortcuts bound to the function row out of the box, and it has white-only backlighting and shine-through keycaps so you can read the legends in the dark.
- Outstanding build quality.
- White-only backlighting.
- Has dedicated media keys.
Only compatible with the iPad Pro (M4 and M5).
We can't conduct raw performance testing on this keyboard because this suite of tests requires a connection to a PC; this model is only compatible with the iPad Pro (M4 and M5).
Changelog
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Updated Mar 27, 2026:
Changed the name to Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4 and M5) as the keyboard is also compatible with Apple's new iPad Pro M5 model.
- Updated Mar 17, 2026: Our Test Bench 1.4.3 update adds clearer terminology and new measurements to our Keystrokes test group. For more details, see the full changelog.
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Updated Mar 14, 2025:
We've added a link to the ZAGG Pro Keys 2 to the Wireless Versatility section.
- Updated Aug 30, 2024: Review published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4 and M5) is available in two size variants and a black or white color option. We bought and tested the black colored Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11-inch (M4). You can see the label for our unit here.
| Name | Color Options |
| Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11-inch (M4 and M5) | White, Black |
| Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 13-inch (M4 and M5) | White, Black |
The differences between variants are relegated to size and compatibility. The trackpad and some of the keys are larger on the 13" variant. For more details, see the Typing Quality section.
Popular Keyboard Comparisons
The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4 and M5) is a low-profile, compact keyboard designed exclusively for use with the iPad Pro (M4 and M5) models. Disappointingly, but not surprisingly, Apple has relocated and resized the internal magnets in the new M4 chip iPad, meaning this keyboard isn't compatible with any previous-generation iPads. The M5 iPad uses the same magnet placement. They've also introduced several small but meaningful upgrades over the last-generation Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad 2021.
This keyboard features higher-quality materials, including an aluminum keyboard frame and a glass trackpad that now supports haptic feedback. The cantilever hinge design has been slightly changed, with improved viewing angles and more room for your fingers to access the newly introduced function row. It's a solid option if you frequently use a keyboard with your iPad (M4 and M5). If you're willing to sacrifice some of the premium build quality and the haptic trackpad, there are more affordable choices, like the Logitech Combo Touch for iPad Pro (M4), or significantly cheaper standalone wireless alternatives, like the Logitech MX Keys Mini.
For more recommendations, see our picks for the best low-profile keyboards, the best keyboard for Mac, and the best keyboards for iPad and iPad Pro.
The Logitech MX Keys Mini is a standalone wireless keyboard that connects via Bluetooth or with an included USB receiver and recharges with a USB-C cable. It's compatible with all major computer and mobile operating systems, including all iPad generations. Comparatively, the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4 and M5) is exclusively compatible with iPad Pro (M4 and M5) models. It has an integrated glass trackpad with haptic feedback and includes a folio cover with a hinge that acts as a stand for your iPad. It doesn't connect wirelessly; it connects via Smart Connector pins, using your iPad for power.
The Logitech Keys-To-Go 2 and the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4 and M5) are low-profile keyboards with folio covers. The Logitech is a standalone, wireless model powered with coin cell batteries that's compatible with all major computer and mobile operating systems, including all current versions of iPad. On the other hand, the Apple keyboard is exclusively compatible with iPad (M4 and M5) models. It also has a trackpad, backlighting, and a hinge that acts as a stand for your iPad. It doesn't connect wirelessly; it connects via Smart Connector pins, using your iPad for power.
The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad 2021 is compatible with a wide range of iPad Pro and iPad Air models, depending on the size you buy. On the other hand, the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4 and M5) is only compatible with iPad Pro (M4 and M5) 11-inch and 13-inch models, depending on the size you buy. It features several upgrades over the previous generation Magic Keyboard, including higher quality materials, a new glass trackpad with haptic feedback, and a slightly different hinge design that offers slightly better viewing angles and leaves more room for your fingers to access the function row, which is also a new addition with this iteration.
The Keychron B1 Pro is a wireless, standalone keyboard that connects via Bluetooth or with an included USB receiver and recharges with a USB-C cable. It's compatible with all major computer and mobile operating systems, including all iPad generations. Comparatively, the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (M4 and M5) is only compatible with iPad Pro (M4 and M5) models. It has an integrated glass trackpad with haptic feedback and includes a folio cover with a hinge that acts as a stand for your iPad. It doesn't connect wirelessly; it connects via Smart Connector pins, using your iPad for power.
Test Results
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