Does Your iPad Pro Magic Keyboard Need a Case?
Updated - November, 2025
Apple's latest generation of tablet computers are powerful and expensive. They can also be quite fragile. Functionally, they can do a lot of things. With the addition of the Magic Keyboard, Apple has offered a true alternative to the laptop.
For many people, a Magic Keyboard can act as a protective iPad case. Whether standing in for a 13 iPad Pro case or an 11 iPad Pro case, does Apple's top typing accessory offers some security and peace of mind when it comes to protection?
This post will answer some of the most common questions surrounding the Magic Keyboard and if it works as an iPad folio case. Or, if a better solution would be to use the Keyboard in combination with a dedicated Magic Keyboard sleeve or an iPad bag.
Does Your iPad Pro Magic Keyboard Need a Case?
Like the Smart Keyboard Folio before it, the Magic model offers no corner or edge protection. While a fine typing tools, these keyboards will not offer the same level to protection as iPad Folio cases designed to protect. Let the Keyboard do it's job as a typing tool and let an iPad Pro bag handle the protecting of your Apple tablet when on the move.
The aluminum and glass edges of the tablet start exactly where the plastic of the keyboard does. This does not inspire confidence especially when you need to transport your setup from one place to another. The keyboard is not something anyone would call a rugged iPad case.
Given this, let's stat out with some basic definitions and comparisons.
The Right Way to Protect Your iPad + Magic Keyboard
You spent $800-$1,500 on an iPad Pro and another $300-$350 on the Magic Keyboard. That's a $1,100-$1,850 investment with completely exposed edges and zero drop protection.
The Problem Everyone Ignores
The Magic Keyboard is a brilliant typing tool but it's a terrible protective case. The aluminum and glass edges of your iPad start exactly where the plastic of the keyboard ends. No corner protection. No edge protection. No shock absorption. Drop it once, and you're looking at a cracked screen or bent corner that costs hundreds to repair.
Apple designed the Magic Keyboard for typing, not protection. Trying to make it do both jobs is like expecting your dress shoes to work as hiking boots. MacCase has been designing iPad protection since 2010 and protecting Apple portables since 1998. We created the Apple-specific case market.
We've seen every iteration of Apple's keyboard accessories, and we've learned what actually works: let the Magic Keyboard do its job as a typing tool, and let a dedicated sleeve or bag protect your setup when you're on the move.
Magic Keyboard Sleeves: Precision Protection
Our Magic Keyboard Sleeves are engineered specifically for iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard combinations. The sleeve accommodates the full thickness of your iPad attached to the Magic Keyboard, with precise dimensions that prevent shifting during transport.
Premium full-grain, ethically sourced leather exterior, layered foam padding, and a perimeter bumper piping system that protects those exposed edges the Magic Keyboard leaves vulnerable. Slip your iPad and Keyboard setup into the sleeve when you're done working, pull it out when you're ready to type. Simple, effective, and comes with a lifetime warranty.
[Shop Magic Keyboard Sleeves →]
iPad Pro Magic Keyboard Bag
For those who need to carry more than just the iPad and keyboard - chargers, Apple Pencil, documents, accessories, our iPad Pro Bags provide dedicated compartments for your Magic Keyboard setup plus everything else you need.
Padded compartments sized for iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard, organizational pockets for accessories, and premium materials that handle daily commuting and travel. Your entire mobile office in one protective bag.
iPad Magic Keyboard Briefcase
The iPad Briefcase is precision-engineered to safeguard the most susceptible areas of the 13-inch iPad Pro when it's paired with the Magic Keyboard. Featuring comprehensive padding and a soft interior lining, this brief starts where the Magic Keyboard's protection ends.
Many carrying solutions intended for the 13-inch model fail to accommodate the tablet once the Magic Keyboard is attached. This is because the keyboard increases the overall thickness by roughly half an inch (12mm), a crucial dimension that most standard cases overlook.
Our Briefcase is specifically sized with this extra 1/2-inch allowance, making it the ideal protective sleeve for the 13-inch iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard together.
Beyond its superior protection, the case offers compartments for essential accessories. This practicality, combined with its durable, high-quality construction and classic aesthetic, establishes this iPad bag as a top choice for a wide spectrum of Apple tablet owners, regardless of their specific 13-inch generation.
![The MacCase iPad Briefcase is the perfect way to transport and protect your 13-inch iPad and Magic Keyboard]()
Testimonial
• Quality Materials, Best Carrying Bag for the iPad Pro
"I was excited to get an iPad Pro with a Magic Keyboard but was wondering how I would store it or carry it. After doing research this product seemed the best buy and I was excited about its materials. It is as it was described on the site, and I have enjoyed it ever since I received it."
– Marcos M. Verified Customer
Why Design Matters
A $30 generic sleeve doesn't fit the Magic Keyboard's unique shape - your iPad shifts around, the keyboard gets scratched, and the edges remain exposed. MacCase sleeves and bags are precision-engineered for the exact dimensions of iPad Pro + Magic Keyboard, providing the protection Apple's accessory doesn't.
The strategy our customers use: Magic Keyboard for typing, MacCase sleeve or bag for protection. Let each tool do what it's designed for.
Watch How This Magic Keyboard Sleeve Keeps Your iPad Safe
What is the Difference Between Magic Keyboard and Folio Keyboard?
The Apple Magic Keyboard and the Apple Folio Keyboard are two distinct keyboard accessories designed for Apple's range of iPad models. Major differences include compatibility, form factor, typing experience, weight, size and price.
Let's take a closer look.
The Magic Keyboard Folio
This case primarily designed for use with the iPad (11-inch and 13-inch models) and the iPad Air (4th generation). It connects to the iPad via Bluetooth or the Smart Connector, depending on the model.
The Smart Keyboard Folio
This model is designed for specific iPad models, including the iPad (7th and 8th generation) and the iPad Air (3rd generation). It also attaches magnetically and connects via the Smart Connector.
The Magic Keyboard Folio
This design features a compact, slim design with a floating hinge that allows you to adjust the viewing angle of the iPad. It provides a laptop-like typing experience and a track pad for cursor control.
The Smart Keyboard Folio
This case is a folio-style case that wraps around the iPad to provide protection. iPad Pro keyboard covers are available for Smart keyboard models. When opened, it functions as a keyboard, but it doesn't have the same adjustable hinge as the Magic Keyboard and it doesn't include a track pad.
How Magic Keyboard Cases Compare
The Magic Keyboard offers a more comfortable and spacious typing experience compared to the Folio Keyboard. The keys are backlit, have a scissor mechanism, and are well-spaced.
The Smart Keyboard Folio provides a decent typing experience but may feel slightly cramped due to its smaller size. It lacks the back-lighting and the scissor mechanism of the Magic Keyboard.
The Magic Keyboard Folio is relatively heavier and bulkier than the iPad Smart Folio Keyboard due to its more substantial build and the inclusion of the track-pad. The Folio Keyboard is lighter and more compact, making it a better option if you prioritize portability.
Do You Still Need a Case with Magic Keyboard?
The Magic Keyboard is generally more expensive than the Folio Keyboard, reflecting its premium design and additional features. The iPad Smart Folio Keyboard is typically more affordable and provides basic keyboard functionality.
The Magic Keyboard Folio offers a superior typing experience, a track-pad for enhanced functionality, and a more premium design, making it suitable for users who want a laptop-like experience. On the other hand, the iPad Smart Folio Keyboard is a more portable and cost-effective option for basic typing needs and protection for your iPad.
Do I Need a Magic Keyboard Case?
The answer is, it depends. The keyboard covers the front and rear surfaces of the iPad but it's not very protective. Having a dedicated Magic Keyboard sleeve or other iPad Pro bag to place it in during storage or transport is a good idea if you're worried or concerned about those exposed edges.
The thinking here being, use the Keyboard as a typing tool and let the sleeve, bag or briefcase protect it when on the move. Our customers have had great success protecting their tablets and Magic Keyboards using this strategy.
Another way of asking the same question is, "Is the magic keyboard folio also a case?" Apple's trick, hinged keyboard that allows your tablet to appear to float in the space in front of you as you type, is in itself, its own case. It's just not a very protective one.
No Edge Protection
It covers the front and back completely with the cylindrical hinge running along what could be called the "binding" edge. The problem is it leaves the edges completely exposed and offers no security at all for the Apple Pencil when in the charging position.
While it works very well for typing, it's just not that pretty to look at or hold in your hand. Apple's $350 accessory does provide some protection for your tablet in the same way that a traditional minimal iPad case or cover does. You have to decide based on how and where you use your iPad Pro whether the Magic Keyboard's minimal protection is enough.
If not, at a minimum a Magic Keyboard Sleeve may be all you need to insure your Apple tablet is safe.
Is the Apple Magic Keyboard Case Worth it?
It depends on the type of work you are doing with the accessory. If you someone who spends a high percentage of your time typing on your iPad Pro, then the Magic Keyboard case is worth the cost.
Most people who purchase the Magic Keyboard Folio over the Smart Keyboard Folio are doing so because they are much more serious about what they are doing. They have the means and are using the Magic version as a means to an end.
It’s going to help them do what they do better, more efficiently, etc. Writers and other professionals who spend a lot of time typing love with the overall lightweight package when compared to a laptop setup of the same size.
If this article was helpful, please leave a comment and let us know. Thanks!
About Michael Santoro
Michael Santoro is a multi-award-winning designer across a broad range of industries including automotive, product and aerospace. In 1998 he founded MacCase and with it, the Apple-specific case market with his design for a case for the original iBook. He also mentors aspiring artists and designers around the world through several tutoring programs he created.
Additional Reading
• Is There A Way to Protect an iPad Without a Case?
• Does My Magic Keyboard Need a Sleeve?
• How Do You Travel with an iPad?
Comments
Mary said:
Thanks this was helpful to make a decision onto go ahead and buy a protective case. Thanks!