Apple

Apple Magic Keyboard for 12.9-inch iPad Pro (Renewed)

4.7 (314 reviews)
USB-C

Scissor-switch keys and a precision Multi-Touch trackpad transform your 12.9-inch iPad Pro into a laptop-class input workstation without adding a separate device.

$249.99*
In Stock on Amazon.com
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Apple Magic Keyboard for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is a two-component input and protection system built around a scissor-switch keyboard and a capacitive Multi-Touch trackpad. The scissor mechanism delivers roughly 1mm of key travel with consistent actuation force across all key positions — a measurable improvement over the butterfly switches that preceded it and a design that translates directly to reduced error rates during sustained typing sessions. The trackpad is sized and calibrated for iPadOS gesture recognition, supporting pinch-to-zoom, swipe navigation, and multi-finger app switching at the OS level rather than through third-party driver workarounds. Power delivery is handled through a dedicated USB-C port on the left hinge column, rated for charging only — it keeps the iPad's native port open for storage or accessory connections without requiring a hub.

This keyboard is purpose-built for iPad Pro users who want laptop-equivalent text input without carrying a separate machine. The floating cantilever hinge uses magnetic alignment to attach and detach in one motion, and the angle adjusts across a smooth range suitable for desk work, though it does not extend to fully flat or near-vertical positions. The integrated shell covers both faces of the iPad when closed, making a separate case redundant. The renewed designation means this unit has been inspected and returned to functional condition — the hinge mechanism and key backlighting are the two wear points worth confirming on arrival. It is the right accessory for writers, developers, and productivity-first iPad Pro users; it is not the right choice for anyone who has already upgraded to a 5th-gen or later iPad Pro, as the connector geometry is incompatible.

Key Features

The all-new Magic Keyboard is an amazing companion for iPad Pro.

It features the best typing experience ever on iPad, a trackpad that opens up new ways to work with iPadOS, a USB-C port for charging, backlit keys, and front and back protection.

With a new floating cantilever design, iPad Pro attaches magnetically and allows you to smoothly adjust to the perfect viewing angle for you.

Compatibility: iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd and 4th generation)

Specifications

Compatibility
iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd and 4th generation)
Switch Mechanism
Scissor-switch, backlit
Key Travel
Approximately 1mm
Trackpad
Multi-Touch, iPadOS gesture support
Connectivity
USB-C (passthrough charging only)
Attachment
Magnetic Smart Connector, floating cantilever hinge
Layout
US English
Condition
Renewed

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Scissor-switch mechanism with 1mm key travel delivers consistent, low-fatigue actuation across a full-size key layout with no compromised key sizes.
  • Integrated Multi-Touch trackpad enables precise cursor and gesture control natively in iPadOS — swipe, pinch, and multi-finger gestures all register accurately.
  • USB-C passthrough charging routes power through the hinge, keeping the iPad's own port free for peripherals or high-speed data transfers simultaneously.
  • Floating cantilever magnetic attachment provides tool-free mounting and smooth angle adjustment across a usable viewing range without mechanical latches.
  • Unified front-and-back case construction eliminates the need for a separate screen protector or shell, reducing total accessory count.

👎 Cons

  • Compatibility is locked to 12.9-inch iPad Pro 3rd and 4th generation — the 5th-gen M1 and later models require a different, more expensive revision of the Magic Keyboard.
  • The USB-C charging port is power-only; users expecting USB data passthrough or display output to an external monitor will find this a hard architectural limit.
  • No function row means media controls, brightness, and keyboard shortcuts rely on gesture-based access or on-screen controls, which slows certain keyboard-centric workflows.
  • The cantilever hinge supports only landscape orientation and does not fold flat — it cannot be used as a standard portfolio-style case for portrait-mode reading or sketching.
  • At roughly 600g added to the iPad's own weight, extended handheld or lap use becomes fatiguing in a way that solo iPad use is not.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is mechanically and electrically compatible with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 3rd and 4th generation only. The magnetic Smart Connector and cantilever hinge are keyed to those chassis dimensions — it will not attach securely to the 5th-gen M1 or later models, which use a revised hinge geometry.
No. The USB-C port on the left hinge is passthrough charging only — it accepts power and routes it to the iPad's battery. It does not carry USB data, Thunderbolt, or DisplayPort signals. Your iPad's own USB-C port remains free for accessories or data transfers while the keyboard charges the device.
The floating cantilever design uses a single magnetic pivot point rather than a traditional hinge, which means the iPad can rock slightly under aggressive typing if the surface is soft or uneven. On a hard desk it is stable within its adjustment range. The trade-off for the slim profile is that it lacks the mechanical lock of a clamshell design.
The Magic Keyboard uses Apple's scissor-switch mechanism with approximately 1mm of key travel — the same mechanism used in the redesigned MacBook Pro keyboards post-2019. It is notably shallower than a conventional mechanical keyboard but provides consistent actuation and is more reliable than the butterfly switches it replaced.
Yes. Key backlighting is software-controlled through iPadOS display settings and responds to the ambient light sensor. There is no dedicated hardware brightness key on this layout, so adjustments go through Control Center or Settings.