Best Budget Magic Keyboard Alternative for iPad – 9to5Mac

As someone who has used their iPad Pro as their main computer for about seven years, I know how magical the accessory experience can be. When Apple introduced its Magic Keyboard for the iPad, I was in awe of its design and function, which transformed the iPad into a full-on computer experience. However, at $350, it is more expensive than a new iPad 11th-gen. So, I’m always looking for cheaper alternatives and finally found a Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil alternative that has exceeded my expectations. Let’s talk about them.

Before we begin, be sure to check out our most recent video about building the ultimate budget iPad Air experience. In it, I go hands-on with both the ESR rebound keyboard case and their geo-pencil.

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I have been testing Magic Keyboard alternatives for years, some good, some really not so good. However, the one tough sticking point to replicate is the trackpad experience. Third-party companies have to rely on Bluetooth ias opposed to the iPad pin connectors to give the customer a passable experience. So, the trackpad experience is always hit or miss. But the new ESR Rebound Case is the closest I have personally experienced compared to the real thing! The gesture controls and actions are always the toughest and ESR nailed it with this one! Here are some of the specs:

• Floating cantilever design: Adjustable angles and attaches magnetically
• Function keys: Includes media, volume, and brightness controls.
• Backlit Keys: Three brightness levels and 7 backlight colors
• Multi-Touch Trackpad: Full iPadOS gesture support.
• Bluetooth connectivity: Pair once to iPad, and it will auto pair from then on
• Lightweight: 610g in weight
• Apple Pencil protection: Magnetic flap to help keep Apple Pencil in place
• Battery: Charges via USB-C, 3 month of use with no backlight, 2 weeks of use with backlight

My experience

After a few days of writing, editing, and navigating iPadOS, I barely missed my Magic Keyboard. The keys feel responsive, the trackpad is accurate, and the adjustable viewing angles make it feel like a true laptop replacement. So, for only $79, if you don’t care to have the USB-C port on the hinge to charge your iPad and you don’t mind needing to charge your keyboard every month or so, this is an insane value. It is over $200 cheaper than what Apple offers!

The Apple Pencil is another one of those Apple accessories that are fantastic but are heavily overpriced. Apple currently charges $130 for the Apple Pencil Pro and $80 for the Apple Pencil USB-C. But the good news is that the third-party Apple pencil market has matured nicely, and you can get some insane value from other brands. The Geo Pencil brings a lot for just $25! Here are some of the best features:

• Find My support: Integrated tracking via Apple’s Find My app.
• Tilt sensitivity: Natural sketching and handwriting.
• Palm rejection: Works flawlessly in note and art apps.
• Magnetic: Snaps to iPad side (Does not charge, though)
• USB-C charging: Charges via USB-C
• Shortcuts: Mapable shortcuts to open and close apps on Geo Pencil “eraser” end

My experience

I am someone who uses their Appel Pencil for note taking, very rough sketching, signing documents, and as an extension of my finger, the Geo Pencil is perfect. I am not an artist; I never use the squeeze functions, or hover or anything that would require something like that. The only time I would recommend the Pencil Pro is if, in fact, you are a pro who needs those niche features. Otherwise, Geo Pencil will get you 95% of the experience for a fifth of the cost! Also, the Find My support is a nice touch!

Pricing & Availability

Both the keyboard and the pencil are available today on Amazon and ESR’s store. They have keyboard versions for all the different iPad models and sizes. The Geo Pencil works with all modern iPads as well! ESR Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case is $79 and the Geo Pencil is only $25

I would recommend these products to most iPad users because they give you 98% of the Apple iPad experience at a fraction of the cost. For example, you can get a new iPad Air M3 for $549, an ESR keyboard for $79, and a Geo Pencil for $25, totaling roughly $650. Or you can go through Apple and spend $599 for the same iPad, $269 on the new iPad Air magic keyboard, and $129 on the Pencil Pro, totaling almost $1000! So unless you need hover support or want the squeeze gesture from the pencil pro, I say save your hard earned money.