Surface Pro Flex vs. Magic Keyboard: More Expensive, But Better?

Microsofts surface pro flex is even more expensive than apples magic keyboard for ipad pro but we can only think of one thing it does better – Microsoft’s Surface Pro Flex is even more expensive than Apple’s Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro, but we can only think of one thing it does better. Both products aim to enhance your tablet experience, offering a keyboard, trackpad, and a variety of features.

But which one comes out on top? Let’s delve into the details to find out.

The Surface Pro Flex, a keyboard cover designed for the Surface Pro 9, boasts a unique design with a built-in kickstand, allowing for various viewing angles. It offers a comfortable typing experience and a spacious trackpad, while seamlessly integrating with the Surface Pro ecosystem.

The Magic Keyboard, on the other hand, focuses on a sleek, minimalist design and a premium feel. Its trackpad is renowned for its responsiveness and accuracy, and it seamlessly integrates with the iPad Pro and the broader Apple ecosystem.

But does the Magic Keyboard’s superior trackpad and seamless integration justify its higher price tag?

Price Comparison and Value Proposition

The Microsoft Surface Pro Flex and the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro are both popular choices for users looking for a tablet with a keyboard. However, the Surface Pro Flex is significantly more expensive than the Magic Keyboard. This begs the question: what does the Surface Pro Flex offer that justifies its higher price?

Price Comparison

The price difference between the Surface Pro Flex and the Magic Keyboard is substantial. The Surface Pro Flex starts at $1,299, while the Magic Keyboard starts at $299. This means that the Surface Pro Flex is almost four times more expensive than the Magic Keyboard.

Features and Functionalities

The Surface Pro Flex and the Magic Keyboard offer different features and functionalities. The Surface Pro Flex is a fully-fledged laptop with a powerful processor, a large screen, and a variety of ports. It can run desktop applications and is suitable for demanding tasks such as video editing and gaming.

The Magic Keyboard is a keyboard case for the iPad Pro, providing a more traditional typing experience and a trackpad. It does not offer the same level of functionality as the Surface Pro Flex.

Okay, so Microsoft’s Surface Pro Flex is pricier than Apple’s Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro, but there’s one thing it definitely does better: it’s a keyboard. The iPad Pro, on the other hand, has been rumored to get an OLED display soon, and that technology might even trickle down to the iPad Air, but don’t expect to see it any time soon.

That’s a shame, because an OLED display would make the iPad Air even more appealing, especially when compared to the Surface Pro Flex, which, let’s be honest, is still just a keyboard.

Value Proposition

The value proposition of each product depends on the user’s needs and preferences. If you need a powerful laptop with a versatile design, the Surface Pro Flex is a good option. However, if you are looking for a keyboard case that enhances the functionality of your iPad Pro, the Magic Keyboard is a more affordable alternative.

Key Features of the Surface Pro Flex

• Powerful processor: The Surface Pro Flex is powered by an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, making it capable of handling demanding tasks.
• Large screen: The Surface Pro Flex has a 13-inch display, which is larger than the iPad Pro’s 12.9-inch screen.
• Variety of ports: The Surface Pro Flex has a USB-C port, a Thunderbolt 4 port, a Surface Connect port, and a headphone jack.
• Built-in kickstand: The Surface Pro Flex has a built-in kickstand that allows you to adjust the angle of the screen.
• Detachable keyboard: The Surface Pro Flex comes with a detachable keyboard that can be used for typing or as a stand.

Key Features of the Magic Keyboard

• Trackpad: The Magic Keyboard has a trackpad that allows you to navigate your iPad Pro with ease.
• Backlit keys: The Magic Keyboard has backlit keys that make it easy to type in low-light conditions.
• USB-C port: The Magic Keyboard has a USB-C port that can be used to charge your iPad Pro.
• Slim design: The Magic Keyboard is designed to be slim and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.

Design and Functionality

The Microsoft Surface Pro Flex and the Apple Magic Keyboard both offer sleek and modern designs, catering to different user preferences and needs. However, their design choices and functionalities differentiate them in terms of portability, usability, and overall user experience.

Keyboard Layout and Trackpad

The keyboard layout on both devices is similar to traditional laptop keyboards, offering a familiar typing experience. However, the Surface Pro Flex features a slightly larger keyboard with more spacious key spacing, potentially enhancing typing accuracy and comfort for users with larger hands.

Microsoft’s Surface Pro Flex is pricier than Apple’s Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro, but it’s hard to argue with the fact that it offers a better typing experience. It’s funny how Apple, with its $1299 iPad Pro, decided to leave out the charger in some countries, blaming the EU for the change.

You can read more about that here. Perhaps that’s why Microsoft chose to focus on a more functional, practical approach with the Surface Pro Flex, even if it means a higher price tag.

The Magic Keyboard, on the other hand, boasts a more compact design, making it ideal for users who prioritize portability and a minimalist aesthetic. The trackpad on the Magic Keyboard is significantly larger than the Surface Pro Flex’s trackpad, offering a more spacious surface for gestures and multi-touch navigation.

This can be particularly beneficial for users who frequently use gestures to control their iPad Pro. While the Surface Pro Flex’s trackpad is smaller, it still provides a responsive and accurate experience for basic navigation and scrolling.

The Microsoft Surface Pro Flex is certainly a pricey keyboard, even more so than Apple’s Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro. But while it might not be the most affordable option, there’s one thing it does better: it’s actually more comfortable to type on.

Speaking of keyboards, Apple’s iPhone 16 could finally get the capacitive buttons that the iPhone 15 missed out on, with a supplier now lined up according to recent reports. That’s definitely a feature that would make the iPhone 16 even more appealing, especially for those who miss the tactile feedback of physical buttons.

Back to the Surface Pro Flex, it’s still a great option for those who want a premium typing experience, even if it comes with a premium price tag.

Unique Features and Functionalities

The Surface Pro Flex’s built-in kickstand is a standout feature, allowing users to adjust the angle of the screen for optimal viewing and typing positions. This flexibility makes it suitable for a wider range of use cases, such as presentations, video calls, and note-taking.

The Magic Keyboard, while lacking a built-in kickstand, offers a smooth and seamless typing experience, thanks to its magnetic attachment to the iPad Pro. This magnetic attachment also allows for easy detachment, making it convenient for users who frequently need to switch between tablet and laptop modes.

Compatibility and Ecosystem

While the Surface Pro Flex may be more expensive than the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro, its true value lies in its seamless integration within the Microsoft ecosystem. This integration offers a level of productivity and user experience that is difficult to replicate with the iPad Pro and its Apple-centric ecosystem.

Microsoft Surface Pro Flex Compatibility with Microsoft Devices and Software

The Surface Pro Flex is designed to work seamlessly with other Microsoft devices and software. It is a powerful 2-in-1 device that offers a flexible and intuitive experience for users who are deeply invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.

• Windows 11:The Surface Pro Flex runs on the latest version of Windows, offering a familiar and robust operating system experience. This means users can access a vast library of Windows applications, including Microsoft Office, which is tightly integrated with the device.

• Microsoft 365:The Surface Pro Flex integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365, offering users a cloud-based productivity suite with features like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more. This allows for real-time collaboration and access to documents across multiple devices.
• Surface Pen:The Surface Pro Flex supports the Surface Pen, allowing for natural and precise handwriting and drawing. This feature is particularly useful for note-taking, sketching, and creative applications.
• Surface Keyboard:The Surface Pro Flex can be paired with the Surface Keyboard, providing a comfortable and efficient typing experience. This keyboard is designed specifically for Surface devices and offers a seamless integration with the operating system.
• Xbox Cloud Gaming:The Surface Pro Flex supports Xbox Cloud Gaming, allowing users to stream their favorite Xbox games on the go. This feature requires a subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and a stable internet connection.

Apple Magic Keyboard Integration with iPad Pro and the Apple Ecosystem

The Apple Magic Keyboard is designed to enhance the iPad Pro’s versatility and productivity. It offers a seamless integration with the iPad Pro and the Apple ecosystem, providing a unified and user-friendly experience.

• iPadOS:The Magic Keyboard works seamlessly with iPadOS, Apple’s mobile operating system. This allows users to access a wide range of apps and features specifically designed for the iPad.
• iCloud Integration:The Magic Keyboard integrates with iCloud, allowing users to sync their data across all Apple devices. This includes documents, photos, emails, and other important files.
• Apple Pencil:The Magic Keyboard supports the Apple Pencil, enabling users to take handwritten notes, draw, and create with precision. This feature is a powerful tool for creative professionals and students.
• AirDrop:The Magic Keyboard allows for effortless file sharing between Apple devices using AirDrop. This feature is particularly useful for sharing documents, photos, and videos quickly and easily.
• Apple Music and Apple TV:The Magic Keyboard enhances the iPad Pro’s entertainment experience by providing access to Apple Music and Apple TV. Users can enjoy streaming music, movies, and TV shows with ease.

Target Audience and Use Cases: Microsofts Surface Pro Flex Is Even More Expensive Than Apples Magic Keyboard For Ipad Pro But We Can Only Think Of One Thing It Does Better

The Microsoft Surface Pro Flex and the Apple Magic Keyboard are both popular accessories designed to enhance the functionality and versatility of their respective tablets, the Surface Pro and the iPad Pro. However, their target audiences and ideal use cases differ significantly, making each product a better fit for certain users and situations.

The choice between the Surface Pro Flex and the Magic Keyboard ultimately depends on the individual user’s needs, preferences, and intended use.

Target Audience and Use Cases for the Surface Pro Flex

The Surface Pro Flex, with its keyboard and trackpad combination, is designed to appeal to users who require a more traditional laptop-like experience.

• Students and Professionals: The Surface Pro Flex offers a familiar keyboard layout and a responsive trackpad, making it suitable for extended typing sessions, note-taking, and productivity tasks. It can also be used for presentations, video conferencing, and online meetings.
• Creative Professionals: The Surface Pro Flex’s trackpad allows for precise cursor control, making it suitable for tasks requiring high accuracy, such as graphic design, video editing, or photo editing.
• Travelers and Commuters: The Surface Pro Flex’s compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around. Its keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience, allowing users to work productively on the go.

Target Audience and Use Cases for the Apple Magic Keyboard

The Apple Magic Keyboard, with its slim profile and integrated trackpad, caters to users who prioritize portability and a sleek design.

• Casual Users and Consumers: The Magic Keyboard’s simple and intuitive design makes it easy to use for basic tasks such as browsing the internet, checking emails, and social media.
• Content Creators: The Magic Keyboard’s trackpad and keyboard offer precise control, making it ideal for content creation tasks such as drawing, note-taking, and video editing on the iPad Pro.
• Students and Educators: The Magic Keyboard’s integrated trackpad allows for intuitive navigation and interaction with educational apps and online learning platforms.

Pros and Cons

The Microsoft Surface Pro Flex and the Apple Magic Keyboard are both popular choices for tablet users seeking a keyboard experience, but they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these pros and cons can help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.

Microsoft Surface Pro Flex

The Surface Pro Flex offers a unique combination of features, aiming to provide a versatile and powerful experience. However, it also comes with some drawbacks that users should consider.

Pros

• Built-in kickstand:The Surface Pro Flex boasts a built-in kickstand that offers a wide range of viewing angles, allowing you to comfortably use the device in various situations, such as typing, watching videos, or presenting. This eliminates the need for an external stand, simplifying the setup process and reducing the overall bulk of the device.

• Integrated trackpad:The Surface Pro Flex comes with a built-in trackpad, offering precise navigation and control. This integrated trackpad eliminates the need for an external mouse, making it a more portable and streamlined option.
• Pen support:The Surface Pro Flex supports Microsoft’s Surface Pen, enabling users to draw, write, and annotate directly on the screen. This feature enhances productivity and creativity, particularly for users in creative fields or those who prefer a more natural input method.

• High-quality keyboard:The Surface Pro Flex keyboard is known for its comfortable typing experience, providing a satisfying tactile response and accurate keystrokes. This feature ensures a productive and enjoyable typing experience, essential for users who rely heavily on text input.
• Compatibility with Surface devices:The Surface Pro Flex is designed to work seamlessly with other Surface devices, offering a unified ecosystem for users. This compatibility allows for effortless integration with other Surface products, enhancing the overall user experience.

Cons

• Price:The Surface Pro Flex is significantly more expensive than the Apple Magic Keyboard, making it a less budget-friendly option for many users. This higher price point may be a deterrent for users on a tight budget or those looking for a more affordable keyboard solution.

• Bulkier than Magic Keyboard:While the Surface Pro Flex is designed to be portable, it is still bulkier than the Apple Magic Keyboard, which can be a concern for users who prioritize portability and compactness. The added bulk may make it less convenient for travel or carrying around in a bag.

• Limited compatibility:The Surface Pro Flex is specifically designed for Microsoft Surface devices and is not compatible with other tablet models. This limited compatibility restricts its use to Surface users, limiting its appeal to a wider audience.

Apple Magic Keyboard, Microsofts surface pro flex is even more expensive than apples magic keyboard for ipad pro but we can only think of one thing it does better

The Apple Magic Keyboard is a popular choice for iPad Pro users, offering a sleek and functional keyboard experience. However, it also has its own set of pros and cons that users should consider.

Pros

• Slim and portable:The Apple Magic Keyboard is known for its slim and lightweight design, making it highly portable and easy to carry around. This compact size is ideal for users who travel frequently or prefer a minimalist setup.
• Excellent typing experience:The Apple Magic Keyboard features a comfortable and responsive keyboard with a scissor mechanism, providing a satisfying typing experience. This feature ensures accuracy and ease of use, making it suitable for long typing sessions.
• Integrated trackpad:The Apple Magic Keyboard includes a built-in trackpad, offering precise navigation and control. This integrated trackpad eliminates the need for an external mouse, enhancing portability and streamlining the user experience.
• Backlit keys:The Apple Magic Keyboard features backlit keys, allowing for comfortable typing in low-light conditions. This feature is especially useful for users who work in dimly lit environments or prefer to use the keyboard at night.
• Seamless iPad integration:The Apple Magic Keyboard is designed to work seamlessly with iPad Pro models, offering a unified and intuitive user experience. This integration enhances productivity and makes it easy to switch between tablet and laptop modes.

Cons

• No built-in kickstand:Unlike the Surface Pro Flex, the Apple Magic Keyboard does not have a built-in kickstand, requiring users to rely on external stands for different viewing angles. This can be inconvenient for users who frequently need to adjust the viewing angle of their iPad.

• No pen support:The Apple Magic Keyboard does not offer pen support, limiting its functionality for users who rely on drawing, writing, or annotating directly on the screen. This lack of pen support may be a drawback for creative professionals or users who prefer a more natural input method.

• Price:While the Apple Magic Keyboard is more affordable than the Surface Pro Flex, it is still a relatively expensive option compared to other keyboard options available for tablets. This price point may be a deterrent for users on a tight budget or those looking for a more affordable keyboard solution.

• Limited compatibility:The Apple Magic Keyboard is designed specifically for iPad Pro models and is not compatible with other tablet models. This limited compatibility restricts its use to iPad Pro users, limiting its appeal to a wider audience.