iPad Pro Magic Keyboard alternative from Goojodoq

Review unit provided by Goojodoq

The Apple Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro is outrageously overpriced at USD 299 and USD 349 for the 11 and 12.9-inch models. Those keyboard cases are overpriced no matter how you justify the price. There are people who don't mind paying those prices, sure, but I don't think it's smart to give Apple the money that way.

If you're looking for an iPad Pro keyboard case that's more reasonably priced, consider the ones from Goojodoq. The price at time of this review is SGD 148 (~USD 105) on Shopee Singapore (another $13 off with coupon code GOOJOFEWF), and those elsewhere can get it from AliExpress.

Goojodoq's iPad Pro Magic Keyboard alternative is around 1/3 of the price of Apple's original iPad Pro Magic Keyboard. Yeah, you shouldn't have to pay so much for a keyboard.

This keyboard case is available in two sizes for 11-inch and 12.9-inch. It's compatible with the iPad Pros and iPad Airs with the flat sides that support Apple Pencil 2.

More specifically, these are the iPad models supported:

• iPad Pro 12.9 5th gen 2021 (A2378, A2379, A2461, A2462)
• iPad Pro 12.9 4th Gen 2020 (A2229, A2069, A2232, A2233)
• iPad Pro 12.9 3rd Gen 2018 (A1876, A2014, A1895, A1983)
• iPad Pro 11 (2021/2020/2018) models: A2316, A2324, A2325, A2072, A2377, A2459, A2301, A2460, A2068, A2228, A2230, A2231, A1980, A2013, A1934, A1979
• iPad Air 5th Generation (2022)
• iPad Air 4th Generation (2020)

Just make sure you get the correct size for your tablet.

The camera cut out is for the squarish camera module but the older iPad Pros with smaller cameras can also be used with this keyboard case. The keyboard case only protects the front and back and not the sides. There's space on the side for Apple Pencil 2.

The tablet can attach to the strong magnets on the cover. You can pull off the tablet easily to remove it from the case.

I don't have the actual weight of the keyboard case but I can tell you it's heavy, and it's heavier than the tablet. FYI, the Apple keyboard case for the iPad Pro 12.9 is 710g so the weight of Goojodoq's alternative should be near that. The weights of iPad Pro 12.9 models from 2018, 2020 and 2021 are 631g, 642g and 682g respectively.

The weight of the iPad Pro 12.9 and keyboard case is almost 1.4kg. If you're concerned about portability, the weight is something you need to take note of.

The hinge is strong and will lock into position. There is limited adjustment to the angle of the cover. Shown in the photo above is the lowest angle, and the cover and hinge cannot go lower than that. Stability is good since the base is so heavy.

The tablet will still wobble when you tap with your finger, but it does not move with typing. The keyboard case works well enough when placed on the lap.

Layout of the keys is good. The keys are well spaced, used scissor switch mechanism, have good travel and feedback so my typing experience on it is very positive.

Main difference with the Apple's keyboard cover is Goojodoq has added an extra row of keys for shortcuts at the top. There are shortcuts for home, search, brightness controls, screenshot, media control, volume control, lock screen, language select and delete button. These are very useful.

There are four rubber cushion on the keyboard to cushion the display. There's auto wake and sleep functionality depending on whether the cover is open or closed.

The keys are backlit with three brightness and 7 colours to choose from.

This keyboard connects to the iPad Pro via Bluetooth. The light indicators are for battery charging, Caps Lock and Bluetooth pairing. On the side is the power switch and the USB-C port for charging.

Battery life is rated for 320 hours. If you use the keyboard 10 hours daily without the backlight, it can last for one month. A full charge takes 3.5 hours.

The touchpad is on the smaller side. There's good clicking feedback and the clicking area is the lower side 80%. Basic finger gestures for scroll, zoom, pan, rotate are supported.

You may have to adjust the tracking speed through Settings-General-Touchpad to get your preferred tracking speed. To enable more iPad finger gestures if they are not already enabled, you have to do it through the Settings-General-Gestures

In case you don't know, Assistive Touch is just a shortcut button that appears on the display. It's a feature I use often because it's very useful. I have the button configured to go to home screen, take screenshots and lock screen.

Generally speaking, the keyboard works fine. I didn't have any major issues with the keyboard or Bluetooth connection. Typing experience is satisfactory but my left Shift button sometimes doesn't register. The main downside is the weight of course.

For SGD 148, it's a reasonably priced keyboard case that provides good value for money. The price may even be lower with promotion, e.g. current $15 coupon code on Shopee SG is GOOJOFEWF.

As someone who is budget conscious, this is something I can recommend easily. It makes no sense to buy a keyboard that is priced USD 299 and above. So if you're interested to get this keyboard, you can find it on Shopee Singapore and AliExpress