The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro is a well-designed keyboard that offers an enjoyable typing experience. Its flat, low-profile keys provide a solid feel, and despite the fact that they are made of ABS plastic, When it comes to using the keyboard, there are many concerns as to whether it can be used without Bluetooth.
In general, you can use the magic keyboard without Bluetooth. There are no limitations if they don’t have Bluetooth support. But for some functions, like the Touch Bar and fingerprint sensor, you need a Magic Keyboard with a Lightning connector to be connected via USB or Bluetooth.
You will not get full functionality with the Magic Keyboard using the USB-C to USB adapter. The Touch Bar won’t work with the Magic Keyboard using the USB-C to USB adapter. But if it’s an Apple model A1843, you will be able to use the touch bar, but only if you connect it with Bluetooth or through a direct-wired connection via USB.
For older models that are non-wireless, you will be able to use the Magic keyboard without Bluetooth. But Apple has never released a model that does not have Bluetooth support, so older models are only possible with the Bluetooth connection.
The Touch Bar functions like an app-specific touch screen on the right side of the keyboard above the number keys (and can show different things based on the app you’re using).
The Touch ID fingerprint sensor is located in the upper right corner of the keyboard. It allows you to use Apple Pay and gain access to things like password-protected items on your Mac.
Overall, you can use the magic keyboard without Bluetooth. An unpowered USB hub, on the other hand, is needed in order for the Magic Keyboard to operate connected with the iPad and not through Bluetooth. In software, during the USB enumeration process, USB devices disclose their power consumption (connection).
The Apple Magic Keyboard 2021 is not equipped with a receiver or Bluetooth capabilities. Instead, it uses the Smart Connector to form a magnetic connection with the iPad. It does not have a battery and instead relies on the iPad’s electricity to operate.
Despite the fact that it does not need a cable to connect, it requires the Smart Connector in order to function with the iPad, thus we consider it to be a wired connection. The USB Type-C connection on the hinge can only be used to charge your iPad; since the board operates entirely on the iPad’s electricity, it does not need charging.
Features of the Magic Keyboard
In terms of size, the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad 2021 is intended to work with either an 11″ or an iPad Air, or a 12.9″ iPad Pro, depending on the model you choose. You don’t have to worry about charging it since it connects to the iPad via a Smart Connector and draws its power from the iPad’s battery. However, since it draws power from the iPad, you may find yourself needing to recharge your iPad more often.
Even while this also implies that you won’t be able to use it with any other devices, it isn’t intended to be used with anything other than the iPad. A USB Type-C connection is located on the Smart Connector hinge, allowing you to charge your iPad without the need to have a charging wire hanging from the iPad itself.
Unfortunately, it is very hefty, which may make it impractical to use while on the road. Furthermore, although the folio case is very comfortable to hold, it only covers the back of the iPad, not the sides.
The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Air has a premium feel to it and is well-constructed. It’s composed of rubber and textured plastic, and it has a hard feel to it. In the event that you bend it, it will bend somewhat, but it will not flex during normal usage. As a result, the ABS keycaps are shallow and sturdy, and the low-profile design helps to minimize rattling.
Fortunately, the board’s all-rubber bottom makes it very stable on the table and should not move while you’re typing or using the iPad. The rear cover, which has a smooth and durable-feeling hinge, is also a pleasant and sturdy addition. It should be noted that the iPad cover is magnetically attached to the back of the device and does not offer any protection around the sides.
Despite the fact that the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad is very thin and looks very similar to other folio keyboards, it is nevertheless rather hefty. The case is not included in these dimensions, with the exception of the weight. Assuming that the case is closed, the overall height is 0.8 inches ” (2.03 cm). There is an overhang from the iPad, thus the total depth of the board is 8.7 inches, including the iPad ” (22 cm).
In addition to lacking any inclination settings or wrist rest, the Apple iPad Pro-Magic Keyboard is flat and straight. However, since the board has a very low profile, none of these should be required. A smooth, durable-feeling hinge holds the iPad in a floating position, and you can change the angle of the iPad, but we didn’t measure the degrees ourselves.
In addition to a trackpad with the same motions as the trackpad on a Macbook, the Apple iPad Air Magic Keyboard also includes a normal scrolling feature. These include swiping back and forth on a website, swiping with three fingers to switch between applications, and ordinary scrolling. Additionally, there is a USB Type-C connection on the hinge that allows you to pass-through charge your iPad rather than putting the cord directly into the iPad. It should be noted that the board lacks any function or media keys.
Conclusion
The magic keyboard may be used without the need for a Bluetooth connection. You will, however, need a non-powered USB hub for connection in order for this to function properly. Keeping your keyboard’s software drivers updated helps keep your computer safe from malware or viruses that target vulnerabilities found in keyboard’s core drivers.