Canopy - A Keyboard case and iPad Stand for The Apple Magic Keyboard

The Magic Keyboard with Canopy Case is an iPad Pro Magic Keyboard KillerThe title above may be confusing at first until you take into consideration that Apple has now made a branded “Magic Keyboard” case for the new 2020 (and 2018) iPad Pro.Why is this important? I have searched the internet for a way to use a keyboard (case) that allows me to be flexible with an iPad Pro in a way that makes drawing and note taking with the Apple Pencil easy as a tablet while still being able to type on the iPad.Pros of this case:-Allows ANY Apple (iOS) device to fit in the stand and connect via Bluetooth-Since the “wireless” Magic Keyboard with Canopy case isn’t directly attached to the iPad, the tablet can easily be taken out and then the iPad can be used for drawing-It uses the official wireless Magic Keyboard from Apple so all functions and compatibility are there-Beautiful cover for the Magic Keyboard that that wraps around and can be latched closed when not in useCons:-If you are looking for a permanent keyboard case that is left constantly attached, this is not it-Depending on what iPad you are using, the sides of the keyboard can scratch against the iPad edge if not placed in carefully-Just has one (though really good) viewing angle-Requires you to own the Magic Keyboard 2 to be utilized as this is just a unique case for it + external mouse or trackpad if neededOverall this is a perfect solution for those who want to prioritize using their iPad as a tablet first and typing machine second. I already own a MacBook Pro for typing needs so this is the perfect portable solution if I ever needed to type on my iPad. It doesn’t stay attached to the iPad meaning all the benefits of having a slim, portable tablet stays without all the extra bulk. Purchasing the official 2020 Magic Keyboard case for iPad Pro costs upwards of $329 and defeats the purpose of an iPad Pro being a tablet first as well as adding double the weight. I went from using the Logitech Folio Touch case back to this Canopy case as I realized that having a keyboard attached constantly added a bunch of weight and bulk when most of my typing and serious work is done on the MacBook Pro. Consider this solution as it still uses an official Apple Magic Keyboard...albeit just not the one from 2020. If you need an iPad as a laptop replacement, maybe the 2020 Magic Keyboard case for iPad Pro is worth considering... but if you use your iPad as a companion/complimentary device for an existing laptop, get this Canopy case for your keyboard instead and save hundreds of dollars.

This is the only keyboard stand I’ve found for my iPad Pro that lets me type while the iPad is standing vertically. You would think that after designing the iPad so you can hold it like a phone, and putting the camera and buttons in the place for holding it that way that Apple would have a stand that holds it while you use it that way. Not so.This stand addresses that problem fairly well. You do need to buy a keyboard to complete the deal — check eBay for last year’s model. Doing so saved me some money.A problem is that the iPad Pro sits a little low behind the keyboard. (That big beautiful screen just doesn’t have enough dead area). This makes it hard to swipe up from the bottom of the screen to, for example, flip between apps. You can solve this by putting a pencil or something like that in the place where the iPad goes. A second problem is that the charger port is on the bottom of the iPad and the Apple cables are problematic there. I addressed this by buying cables with 90-degree bends and making a little plastic part to make it all work. (Hurray 3D printers). I wish the manufacturer would sell that.

After using an Apple Smart Keyboard since purchasing my iPad Pro, I began looking for a different keyboard solution that had more functions. A tech review website had suggested using the current Apple Magic Keyboard with the Canopy case and stand from Studio Neat, so I read some reviews on it and purchased one right away.The good:Canopy is a very clever product. It allowed me to take my Apple Magic Keyboard and install it in this case to use with my iPad. When you install your keyboard you attach it to the included micro suction pads, which are non-marking pads installed in the base of the case with adhesive. It really holds onto your keyboard so it will never fall out of the case, but you can remove it if you need to do so. The design of this case allows it to fold up into a really compact package for travel, but when you unfold it, it makes a firm stand to place your iPad in. I've used this case with both a 10.5" iPad Pro and 12.9" iPad Pro with no issues.The bad:Canopy works best when placed on a flat surface. While I have used it at times on my lap, it isn't the most stable experience. Another consideration is that the space in front of the keyboard to lean your iPad against isn't super wide so it won't allow anything thicker than a Smart Cover to be attached to your iPad while using it. That means in most cases, you will have to be sure your iPad isn't in a case.The bottom line:I find Canopy to be a better solution than the Apple Smart Keyboard for typing on an iPad. With a Magic Keyboard you are still using an official Apple keyboard with your device, so you know that all of the features on it will work, but you are also using a more capable keyboard than the Smart Keyboard. The Canopy case folds up super slim to be easily placed in your bag with your iPad.