The iPads that Apple released this year are its most viable laptop replacements yet, and the company’s Magic Keyboard is arguably the best accessory to get if you plan on using your tablet as such. But with the keyboard’s eye-watering price tag, it’s often hard to recommend it when other affordable options exist. But now Amazon has the Magic Keyboard at the best price we’ve seen it: the 11-inch model, which works with the same sized iPad Pro and new iPad Air, has been discounted to $249.99, while the 12.9-inch model is down to $299.99. Both of these discounts come from on-page coupons (for $39.01 and $29.01, respectively) that will be automatically applied at checkout.

Last month, the 12.9-inch Magic Keyboard for iPad fell to a record-low price of $249, and now that discount has returned. Amazon has knocked $80 off the 12.9-inch Magic Keyboard, bringing it back. Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad features an extended layout, with document navigation controls for quick scrolling and full-size arrow keys for gaming A scissor mechanism beneath each key allows for increased stability, while optimized key travel and a low profile provide a comfortable and precise typing experience.

© Chris Velazco / Engadget Apple Magic Keyboard

The Magic Keyboard attaches magnetically to your iPad and provides a typing experience that’s very similar to that of the latest MacBook Air and Pro. Instead of the old-school (and frustrating) butterfly keys, this uses Apple’s new scissor-switch keys that are much easier and more comfortable to type with. The keyboard area itself is only a bit narrower than that of the MacBook Pro, so it won’t take much getting used to if you’re already familiar with Apple-style keyboards. While more wide than tall, the built-in glass trackpad is precise and more intuitive to use than a touchscreen when you’re using an iPad as a laptop.

Engadget’s Chris Velazco also found that the entire accessory is quiet sturdy and easy to use in your lap. Many keyboard cases are wobbly (to say the least) when using them propped up on your lap and that can put a damper on the experience of using a tablet as a laptop replacement. But the Magic Keyboard holds on to the iPad well and the whole package feels more stable than many other accessories like it.

But even when you’re spending $300 or more on a tablet keyboard, you’ll still have to make some sacrifices. For one, the USB-C port on the Magic Keyboard can be used to charge the iPad but it can’t take an USB-C accessories. Also, the Magic Keyboard has a limited range of motion compared to an actual laptop, so you may not always get the viewing angles you want.

Ultimately, the Magic Keyboard remains best for those that want a superior typing experience and the slickness that comes with Apple’s first-party accessory. Both models are a better buy now that they are more affordable — but if you’re looking to spend even less, we recommend something like Logitech’s Folio Touch keyboard case, which comes it at $160 and is more versatile than Apple’s own offering.

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Apple's Magic Keyboard is one of the most luxurious accessories you can get for your iPad, and it has an appropriately high price tag to match. But a new discount at Amazon makes it much easer to grab the larger of the two models: the 12.9-inch Magic Keyboard is down to $250 right now. The actual sale price is $329, but an automatically applied coupon for an additional $79.01 off will bring the final cost down to $250. This version works with the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, but the 11-inch version that works with both the smaller Pro and the iPad Air remains on sale for $199 — another all-time low.

The biggest drawback of the Magic Keyboard has always been price, which is why it's always advisable to wait for a sale like this before investing in one. Otherwise, there's a lot to like about Apple's accessory — so much so that we gave it a score of 84. It's a spacious keyboard that's as comfortable to type on as it's MacBook Air counterpart, in part because both use Apple's updated scissor-switch configuration. The glass trackpad, while not as large as those found on Apple's laptops, is big enough for easy scrolling and multitouch gestures.

We also appreciate that the Magic Keyboard is quite sturdy for an accessory that magnetically attaches to your iPad. You can easily type with it in your lap without fear of constant wobbling, and that makes it a good choice if you use your iPad as a laptop replacement. The Magic Keyboard charges via USB-C and, thanks to the rear smart connector, the accessory can charge your iPad, too, leaving the iPad's single port open for dongles or other peripherals you may want to use.

Apple Magic Keyboard Ipad Amazon

While the Magic Keyboard is a much better buy when it's on sale like this, it remains pricier than most other Bluetooth keyboards. Another solid option is Logitech's Folio Touch keyboard case for iPad — it'll only set you back $160 and we like its backlit keys, decent trackpad and dense rubber bumpers that provide extra protection.

Apple Ipad Keyboard Case

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