Having utilized my iPad Pro as my primary computer for roughly seven years, I can attest to the sheer magic of using the right accessories. When Apple rolled out the Magic Keyboard for the iPad, I was truly impressed by its sleek design and functionality, which turned the iPad into a complete computing device. Nonetheless, priced at $350, it’s costlier than the iPad 11th-gen itself. This has led me on a quest for more affordable alternatives, and I finally discovered an option that has greatly exceeded my expectations. Let’s dive into the details.
Before we dive in, make sure to check out our latest video about assembling the ultimate budget iPad Air setup. In the video, I handle both the ESR rebound keyboard case and their geo-pencil.
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I have been evaluating alternatives to the Magic Keyboard for several years, encountering both impressive and less satisfactory options. One major challenge has always been replicating the trackpad experience. Third-party manufacturers typically rely on Bluetooth instead of iPad’s pin connectors, which can impact the overall user experience. However, the new ESR Rebound Case is the closest I’ve come to the authentic experience! The gesture controls and functionalities are often the hardest to replicate, but ESR has excelled in this area. Here are some standout features:
- Floating cantilever design: Allows adjustable angles and attaches magnetically.
- Function keys: Includes controls for media, volume, and brightness.
- Backlit Keys: Offers three brightness levels and 7 colors for backlighting.
- Multi-Touch Trackpad: Supports full iPadOS gestures.
- Bluetooth connectivity: Pairs once with your iPad for automatic connections thereafter.
- Lightweight: Weighs only 610g.
- Apple Pencil protection: Includes a magnetic flap to secure the Apple Pencil.
- Battery: Charges via USB-C; provides three months of use without backlight, or two weeks with it.
My experience
After spending a few days creating content, editing, and navigating through iPadOS with the new keyboard, I found that I hardly missed my Magic Keyboard. The keys are responsive, the trackpad is precise, and the adjustable angles make it feel genuinely like a laptop substitute. For just $79, if you don’t mind not having a USB-C port on the hinge to charge your iPad and can handle charging the keyboard about once a month, this is an incredible deal—over $200 less than Apple’s option!
The Apple Pencil is another fantastic accessory, yet it comes with a hefty price tag. Currently, Apple sells the Apple Pencil Pro for $130 and the Apple Pencil USB-C for $80. Thankfully, the third-party market for Apple Pencil alternatives has developed quite well, allowing you to find great value from other brands. The Geo Pencil, priced at just $25, offers an impressive range of features:
- Find My support: Enables tracking through Apple’s Find My app.
- Tilt sensitivity: Facilitates natural sketching and handwriting.
- Palm rejection: Functions seamlessly in note-taking and artistic applications.
- Magnetic: Attaches to the side of the iPad (note: does not charge).
- USB-C charging: Recharges via USB-C.
- Shortcuts: Programmable shortcuts to open and close apps using the eraser end of the Geo Pencil.
My experience
Using my Apple Pencil for note-taking, simple sketches, document signing, and navigating as an extension of my finger, I found the Geo Pencil to be ideal. While I’m not an artist and don’t need advanced features like squeeze functions or hovering, the Geo Pencil delivers about 95% of the experience for merely a fifth of the price. The Find My support is also a great addition!
Pricing & Availability
Both the keyboard and the pencil are readily available on Amazon and ESR’s official store. They offer keyboard options for all iPad models and sizes. The Geo Pencil is compatible with all modern iPads as well! The ESR Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case retails for $79, and the Geo Pencil is just $25.
I highly recommend these products to most iPad users, as they provide nearly the full Apple iPad experience at a fraction of the price. For instance, a new iPad Air M3 costs $549, the ESR keyboard is $79, and the Geo Pencil is $25, for a total of around $650. In contrast, Apple would charge you $599 for the same iPad, $269 for the new iPad Air Magic Keyboard, and $129 for the Pencil Pro, totaling almost $1000! Unless you specifically require features like hover support or the squeeze gesture from the Pencil Pro, I suggest saving your hard-earned cash.
