I’m continuing to use my iPad more as a creation device than a consumption device. So I’ve made a couple of changes to better fit this new purpose.

First, I got a “paper”-like magnetically attached screen protector. This allows me to easily remove it when I’m not in the mood to write notes with my Apple Pencil. It’s been working out pretty well so far. It does make the screen look a little darker, but the magnetic attachment is perfect because I can just remove it at will. It also gets a bit irritating to use the iPad as a touch device because the texture is rough, and after a while it becomes uncomfortable on the fingers. When I’m writing in GoodNotes, however, I really like the experience. It doesn’t feel exactly like paper, of course, but it does provide more friction and makes my writing experience much nicer.

I also wanted to be able to type out ideas, blog posts and my daily notes in Obsidian using the iPad. When I’m on my computers, I use those, but when I’m out and about or in the car stuck in traffic—I can easily take out my iPad and type something out. I’ve never been a fan of the onscreen keyboard, so I decided to buy both the Apple Magic Keyboard and the ESR Bluetooth iPad Keyboard. In other words, I bought the cheapest popular option as well as the most expensive popular option so I could try both extremes and see which one I like best. Well… there are definitely pros and cons to both and it is not as clear cut a decision, as you may think.

Apple Magic Keyboard

Pros

• Premium build quality with solid construction
• Keys have excellent tactile feel (not squishy)
• Sleek, lightweight design
• Automatic disconnect when detached from iPad
• Optimal viewing angle for both lap and desk use
• No accidental trackpad activation issues

Cons

• Expensive at $300 (3x the cost of ESR)
• Provides no protection for the iPad
• No storage or attachment point for Apple Pencil
• Leaves iPad vulnerable to damage when not in use

ESR Keyboard

Pros

• Budget-friendly at only $100
• Full protection for the iPad with case design
• Magnetic Apple Pencil attachment and storage flap
• Very responsive key input
• Built-in battery for extended use

Cons

• Much thicker and heavier (feels like 2x the weight)
• Squishy key feel with loose rubber covering
• Frequent accidental trackpad activation
• Too steep viewing angle on flat surfaces
• Manual power-off required (doesn’t auto-disconnect)
• Flimsy construction around charging port/speaker area
• Difficult iPad insertion that almost damaged my “paper” screen protector
• Lower overall build quality

Bottom Line

The Apple Magic Keyboard offers premium quality and user experience at a premium price, while the ESR keyboard provides good value and protection features but with notable usability compromises. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize build quality and user experience (Apple) or budget-friendliness and device protection (ESR). For me, it came down to choosing the Apple Magic Keyboard, even though I do not consider it a perfect solution for the price. I am still testing and exploring my options out there.