M4 iPad Pro - Magic Keyboard VS ESR 360 Keyboard - Budget or Quality?

[@ahmedmoneeb5166]

Spot on review, as usual. Great job!

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

Thank you! I’m glad it was helpful and informative! I aim to make my videos have consistently good quality!

[@JermaineMclean-ni1ut]

Great review. Very informative. Well done! Thank you.

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

Awesome! Glad it helped!

[@tonyalany6944]

I was an early adopter of the ESR case. We are in almost total agreement. I will say that when I asked ESR about the keyboard turning off on occasion, they refunded me100% and allowed me to keep the case. That was a classy move and is likely part of their business model, to basically use the first several as beta testers. ALSO… I bought one of their folio cases asSUMing they would be cross compatible. With the case being so big, and because I am often doing site visits for work, and use the iPad with the pencil, I would love a thinner option to simply swap the protective case back and forth. No dice! On that topic, (respectfully) the one thing you didn’t cover is using it as a tablet with a pencil. As much as Apple has done to reduce the thickness of the device, I would never do a site visit with an iPad without a case. The Magic Keyboard requires me to remove the iPad to write on it and it is totally exposed if dropped. That is the defining feature as to why I kept the ESR. (On top of the fact that it was free!) Anyway, thanks for a great video. Keep it up.

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

Yeah that makes sense, I totally see how that was your choice! Thanks for sharing and that’s awesome that ESR refunded you that case!

[@josephsalim9638]

Great review! I decided to go with the ESR because of the durability, and I don’t mind the heavy weight at all.

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

That makes sense! I’m glad the review helped you make that decision!

[@PhillyHank]

very well documented and detailed review... and without all the razza sound effects and weird animation. I'll come back! Count me as subscribed!! 👍🏾

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

Thanks I’m glad it was helpful to you and well made! I appreciate that! If there’s anything you’d like to see on this channel that hasn’t been covered yet, please let me know!

[@GrafXMotion]

Best line of the review: "That really hurts my brain!" LOL! That made me laugh!

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

Yeah I laughed too when editing the video!😂

[@Steve-B1965]

First off Happy New Year ! Excellent comparison/ review and having just forked out a small fortune on an iPad Pro m4 I’m. I’m now in the market for a decent keyboard -case add on. I appreciate the apple version is £300 ish here and the esr model is less than 1/3 of the price I don’t want to waste money on features I wouldn’t miss but it’s only been your review that highlighted it the fact that the esr won’t let you have it connected with the bumper fitted . protection around the edges is very important, but it seems whichever model I go for won’t allow any form of edge protection whilst it’s magnetised to the stand. Very very odd . Weight, bulkiness aren’t an issue I can offset that against reassurance it’s protected although from what I see that’s not an option regardless of price point. Once again thank you. Steve

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

I’m very glad you learned something new in my review, that’s always my goal! Thanks for sharing this experience, I totally get the idea of saving money, but not at the cost of a bad product. Hope you get the best case for your needs!

[@tamasilles705]

Very good and useful review. I already ordered the ESR for the 11" m2 air a few days ago, I hope I won't regret it. The Magic Keyboard would have been too much for me at its price, even though I know the two are not the same in terms of quality...New subscriber here :)

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

Yeah that’s awesome and I’m glad to help and to now have another subscriber! I try to ask this of anyone who says they subscribed: Is there anything in particular you’d like to see from this channel? Any app review or test or specific product? I can’t promise I’ll be able to, but I’d love to know your suggestions! And also, I think the ESR case still has a lot of value considering how much cheaper it is, thanks for sharing!

[@RFK_71]

Thanks for the great review.

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

I’m glad it could help!

[@terrywarnold]

Great review!!! I’ve had the ESR case and the Magic Keyboard. Grant it, the “older” Magic Keyboard. I gotta say though, the ESR case definitely holds it weight against the Magic Keyboard. For me, what swayed me to the Magic Keyboard strictly is the connectivity. If it was a Bluetooth case as well, I probably would’ve just stuck with the ESR case. I’ve also had the Logitech case and honestly, I like the ESR case better. So, I strongly recommend the ESR case. Just make a few adjustments with in the settings.

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

Thanks for sharing that! I’m glad to see more perspectives on the ESR case. It doesn’t quite do what I need it to do, but I know it will work for a lot of people still!

[@faith286]

Thanks for this very thorough review. If only the magic keyboard has protection on the sides, I’m willing to buy it despite the price. I cannot imagine how heavy the esr will be but I might go with this coz it acts as a good case as well.

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

That’s fair, let me know how using that goes for you, thanks for sharing!

[@Maui2Boise]

13 inch esr has function row. Also in measuring “stability”what counts is not toppling over when on lap. When in NORMAL configuration and you tapped it the heavy BASE did not move just the top flexed a little. But when you tapped the Magic Keyboard the front of the keyboard lifted up which means it is easy to topple off one’s lap which is a common complaint amongst other reviewers. As I intend to use mine on my lap with great frequency, it looks to me like the esr is better for that as long as you don’t use a higher or portrait configuration which intuitively seems silly to do on one’s lap. Correct me if I’m wrong but between the much heavier battery filled base, and the lesser fold back angles it looks to me like it would be far easier balance on one’s lap.

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

I totally see what you’re saying, it honestly would’ve just been best if I actually included a “on the lap” test in the video, and then that would’ve helped make things much clearer as well. As far as is it better in the lap, I think that is hard to say. Yes the base doesn’t move quite as easily on the ESR when in the standard configuration, but because the hinge is a much lower quality, the rest of it is still shaking a lot more even from just tapping too hard on the base. So basically everything is much harder to read and see. The new Magic Keyboard isn’t as good on the lap as the old one, but personally, I’d still prefer it over the ESR keyboard. Hopefully that helps! Again I apologize, I should’ve just had a “on the lap” comparison. I’ll be sure to include that in any future videos with keyboard cases.

[@jeanjohnson380]

Great review spot on as usual, thank you!

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@thearchitect7277]

Excellent review! You answered exactly the question i had regarding cross compatibility! I was about to get the Shift case and the rebound 360 if i could just transfer the ipad with the inner case from one to the other…saved me some money! I’ll stick to my trusty old bluetooth keyboard and will get the shift case. Thanks!

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

Of course glad I could help! Yeah when I saw both of those products, that was my first question so I’m really glad I could answer that for you

[@ShawnWhite-w7v]

Very informative review. I was not even thinking about buying the Magic Keyboard b/c I really liked what the ESR was for the money. I think the sticking point for me is the battery life of the ESR. I’m use to keyboard cases that had a battery which meant I never had to worry about charging the keyboard cases. If I go with the ESR it may need to be charged before I would have to charge the iPad. Don’t have to worry about that with the Magic Keyboard. I don’t like the idea of spending the extra money but I may just have to so I can have a little more confidence. Otherwise I really like the ESR case.

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

Yeah that makes sense. Yeah I’m all for saving money, but not at the expense of loosing out on features. Thanks for sharing this, and I’m happy I could help!

[@shzwon123]

Fantastic review

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@PhillyAnchor]

I just got the ESR keyboard,this keyboard is heavy and thick as hell. I’m sending it back.

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

Yeah the weight was definitely a big downside for me

[@14daysof]

Your videos are great man 🤗

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoy them, I do my best!

[@DennisLimCY]

0:47 - if the iPad + keyboard weights about the same as ESR's without the iPad.... that is gameover for ESR.

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

Agreed, as soon as I took it out of the box, I knew this was not something for me😂 but I know that doesn’t matter as much to some people so I still tried to give it its fair shot

[@DennisLimCY]

@@Graf-XTechReviews true, everyone's focus / preference can be different. by the way, I found the magnetic force from the Magic Keyboard to be a bit too strong - so much so that when I am re-attaching the iPad pro back to the keyboard, it pinched by finger twice so far. I suppose the ESR's version will be less painful because of the additional case and padding.

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

Really? That’s interesting, I haven’t had that happen to me yet, but that is something to consider!

[@machitect]

Thanks for this. I can’t trust other KZbinr reviews anymore.

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

I appreciate that! Glad you find this channel trustworthy! That is the goal!

[@machitect]

Hi! How is the Magic Keyboard with the nano texture screen? Does it leave marks, or will it leave permanent marks on the nano screen?

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

Great question! I’ve had it for almost 6 months now, and honestly, it’s been great and hasn’t left any permanent marks

[@RBwheelz]

does the trackpad of ESR works properly for ipad air?

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

It will work, I just don’t think it is quite as responsive as from an Apple or Logitech trackpad

[@RBwheelz]

@Graf-XTechReviews thanks, because i have goojodoq magnetic keyboard and the trackpad is not ok

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

Yeah I’m not sure about that one but the ESR is ok, just not the best

[@antoinehouston637]

The ESR is better. In price, protection and usability.

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

Well, for me, weight is a big part of my usability, and since it’s so much heavier than the Magic Keyboard, I just couldn’t continue using it. But if that doesn’t bother you then it’s definitely a pretty good deal!

[@robertkettle473]

@@Graf-XTechReviews if they made it just 200g lighter, i'd get it in a heartbeat. Icl i just can't justify £90 for such a heavy device. its a shame, because the theory is perfect. magic keyboard + border case

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

@robertkettle473 yeah I agree, that would help a lot!

[@ChachoTrades]

LMAO the Magic Keyboard blows anything out of the water. Stop coping cause you’re poor

[@MrGtubedude]

@@ChachoTradesso being responsible with money makes you poor???

[@MichaelKrisa]

I have tried all 3 of the major cases and they have their pros/cons. Magic keyboard is toooo frig'n expensive and top heavy plus offers no protection and tends to fall over. Logitech is nice and priced a 1/3 less than the magic. I like how it wraps around my ipad giving it the protection that magic lacks plus it pairs instantly. I reluctantly purchased the ESR and have to say am pleasantly surprised. Yes it is somewhat heavier than the others but gives a good level of protection and the keyboard action is nice especially with the cool back lights. The inconvenience is needing to pair via bluetooth and that it needs to be re-charged separately but the price makes up for those.

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

Thanks for sharing! I’m glad you are happy with your purchase, I definitely think the ESR can be the right choice for many out there 👍

[@MichaelKrisa]

@ if you have the money and don’t travel then the Magic Keyboard is a great choice … but … I’m a road warrior and need something that is functional AND will protect my $1.2k investment .. ESR

[@DPT2Go]

I just couldn’t justify the ESR for the look of the m4. I did get an ESR folio in all fairness but the seamlessness and usability go to the Magic Keyboard. Hopefully I have this for 6+ years like my 2018 which is still TOTALLY fine with 90% battery

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

Yeah I totally get that. I mean the ESR case totally ruins the thin and light feel of the M4 for sure and doesn’t go with it very well!

[@DiddyMaskedUp]

They let the power button uncovered because this case is compatible with the 2024 M2 iPad Air, which has a fingerprint sensor on the power button

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

Fair enough! That makes sense!

[@duynhat638]

my ESR cover version dont have a power button, its auto turn on when open the case make the user experience more seamless, I dont know they have difference version for that, I love it very much but the weight is such a downside

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

Yeah the weight is hard for me to get over. Thanks for sharing!

[@LutonTownSuppremacy]

You gained a new sub brother

[@Graf-XTechReviews]

Awesome! Glad to hear it! Welcome to Graf-X Tech! Glad you enjoy the content! Any topic or video content that you’d like to see from this channel? I’m always open to suggestions!