I was contacted by a viewer who advised that SwitchEasy released a new version of the CoverBuddy that is *specific to the Magic Keyboard* on June 1. I contacted Switcheasy to understand the key differences since I received mine at the end of May. I'll update everyone here on what's different.
Tech 24/7 TV - Is the one you reviewed the new version?? I’d really like to know what the differences are. Hopefully they addressed the closing issue and the USB port issue
I noticed that Amazon was listing the new SwitchEasy CoverBuddy case specifically designed for use with the Magic Keyboard 12.9”. The listed appeared on 6/1. I ordered it and Amazon indicates it should arrive mid next week. Unfortunately, the item shows are no longer available in Amazon - perhaps their stock ran out. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0899J16Y6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I’ll post back when I receive the new CoverBuddy to see how well it closes. I don’t think this one addressed the port opening issue. SwitchEasy indicated that they plan to address that next. This new version is only 1mm thick. That should allow it to completely close. I originally bought the one shown here in the review and returned it since the new one was due out shortly. You can buy the new one on the SwitchEasy website, but they charge $10 shipping and it’s most likely coming from China, so it will take a while to get here. I think the SwitchEasy website (www.switcheasy.com/search?catalogId=50&catalogName=iPad%20Pro%2012.9%22%20for%20Magic%20Keyboard%20only%20) identifies standard shipping as 7-20 business days or more. I was surprised to see the same new CoverBuddy on Amazon with free Prime shipping and a shorter delivery time. Hopefully it will arrive within the timeframe they indicated.
I really like the idea of the cover buddy, but the size of the USB C opening is whats keeping me from buying one. Have you thought about cutting it to make a bigger hole?
For me, the cover buddy is really about the pencil holster. The USB port is only used for charging which can be done with no problem-I have a Smart Keyboard folio tho
The thinness of this accessory makes it looks as though it would snap from the slightest bend. I found an accessory that does the job much better, but you can’t pop it out of the case as easily. It’s called the i-blason halo. Even though it says it isn’t compatible with the Magic Keyboard, it seems to work fine.
The USB-C cut out is extremely easy to make larger with a small file. I also made the volume buttons easier to reach. Still looks factory. Mine closes completely flat with the MK.
For the size of the USB C port Cutout - surely you could widen that with a pair of snips or a matt knife? It’s just plastic right? It’s good they’re intro’ing a new version that they’ll hopefully widen it on, but instead of waiting til then and dropping another $42 for the same product - a couple minutes of DIY could take care of that! I have a 2020 iPad Pro and the old SmartFolio Keyboard for the 2018 iPad Pro, it worked fine but the camera was too big for the little narrow camera cutout of the 2018...I used a pair of wire snips and carefully cut around the light indentation left by the camera on the soft backing and voila! Now it fits perfect! If I’m going to drop more $$$ for a keyboard it’ll be for that beautiful but way overpriced Magic one, not a repeat of essentially the same folio with a slightly larger camera cut out! >Updated: on re-reading, I didnt at all mean to come off sounding like some condescending jerk, on the contrary was intended to be encouraging and for something like this (No dangerous power, wires, circuits, etc) that We can be resourceful and often fix minor annoyances ourselves if an easy return/swap isn’t possible, and enjoy the benefits now instead of on the company’s timeline and at even more (double!) your expense! and worst case scenario, should you happen to break it, then just buy the new one like you were originally going to, but might surprise yourself! :-)
Great video! Thanks for creating and sharing. When not attached to the Magic Keyboard does the Cover Buddy protect the lenses from touching surfaces? I can't help but think that I'm damaging them as I'm drawing and they're rubbing against the table (and what not); but I also can't imagine adding and removing a case when I want to switch from typing to drawing.
I have a cover buddy..... and a knife..... just a few seconds of careful trimming and it supports every dongle known to man My gripe is fumbling getting the pencil out. I like that it gives some protection. I’m glad I bought it for my iPad Pro 11, but I’m not buying one for my 12.9
I would go so far to say that it works as designed (thinness, pass-through power, pencil protection) but the design doesn't account for people who need the flexibility of using dongles which limits the product's applicability to a broader set of potential buyers.
I agree. I got the New CoverBuddy for my iPad Pro 12.9 (2020) just last week and after putting it on and using it for a couple of days, I sent it back to amazon. Its thinness does work for the pass-through power and it does hold your apple pencil but that's about it. It felt so flimsy and it doesn't sit well on my iPad.
I had the same issue with cover on my magic keyboard lifting up. Its a thickness issue, I removed the glass screen protector and now it closes fine. The coverbuddy is about .025 thick and with the added thickness with the screen protector it makes it to thick to close.
@ Ray Cabrera, I’ve just fitted a glass screen protector to my 2018 iPad Pro, and now my CoverBuddy doesn’t shut fully when stood on its edge, however not a problem, as it shuts ok when laying down.I’ve also noticed that if you lay it down with the Apple symbol on top ie. keyboard underneath, you can open it one handed.
I have a cover buddy on my 2020 ipad 12.9”. From past iPad Pro experience I often keep the ipad on the nightstand and if its 100% charged i dont plug it in. With the cover buddy in pace, the battery goes dead overnight because the cover buddy is causing something to run and drain it. Two nights in a row i have removed it and the battery remains at 100% overnight night. While this can be overcome here at home, when the unit is closed and carried in a back pack while traveling and not plugged in the cover is going to cause battery draw down. Not real happy with this situation
I purchased this case and find it extremely difficult to use the volume controls at the top. And would of loved it if it were a silicone material for gripping when I take it off the magic keyboard. I had an UAG for my previous 12.9 iPad Pro and loved it. That will not work with the magic keyboard.
Tha is for the video. Is there any other case options that work with the Magic Keyboard? The USB port doesn’t bother me but not closing flush does, it would drive my OCD nuts!! Lol the usb looks like an easy fix with a small file or knife.
I know i-Blason makes a compatible case similar to this. (i-Blason Halo case.) I do not have either, so it would be something to do a bit more research on. I do not believe they have yet released one SPECIFIC to the iPad Pro 2020 so it would require a modification. I also think I heard that the USB-C had the same problem. It is also about $15 dollars on Amazon. So it might no be better but it is very similar.
Actually, you just need to do some extra work. I just use a small chisel to file the USB C power cutout. It got bigger. And every third party dongle and cable now works with the cover buddy. And it’s the perfect case as of now to use with the Apple magic keyboard.
I have it. It works great. The magnets are very secure and the case closes just fine. Very good fit. The only issue I’ve had with it is the hole is still too small for some third party USB-C type accessories.
The link for the 12.9 cover buddy is not compatible with the magic keyboard there's a upgraded one that supports the magic keyboard with the trakpad. But thanks for the video im definitely buying 🙂
The link to Amazon for the 12.9” cover buddy says it’s not compatible with the Magic Keyboard... would you know why it says this? I’m going to buy one but not if it doesn’t work and I have to return it.
So the work around for this problem, which Switcheasy has yet to acknowledge, at least to me, is turn the ipad off by tapping the power button BEFORE you close it. No battery power should be least over night with this work around.
Honestly, it's not really clear-cut answer since the company hasn't responded to several of my emails or Instagram DMs. I can tell you that the unit shown in the video was purchased in early-April 2020 and it was described compatible with the iPad Pro 2020 using the Smart Folio Keyboard and Magic Keyboard. If you recall, Apple started shipping the Magic Keyboard at the end of April and it was sometime in late May (right around the time I had received mine) when SwitchEasy announced a new CoverBuddy that was specifically designed for use the Magic Keyboard. I don't exactly know what happened between when I ordered mine and their announcement, but it appears that SwitchEasy underestimated the thickness of Magic Keyboard resulting in the original CoverBuddy not to fit perfectly (like mine) and released a thinner variant.
Like the product but there’s no way I’d buy this because the cover doesn’t close fully. How stupid are the product developers? You’re selling to Apple fans. We are all about the aesthetic. They have greatly shrunk their target audience. Serious respect for channel for highlighting this as they endorse - transparent.
$40 quality case for a $1000 plus piece of equipment is cheap IMO. But this case is trash and not even worth $30 that you say is acceptable for a thin case.
I agree. It’s bad enough we spent as much money for the iPad and all the accessories this should be a $20-25 product at best the thing isn’t an otter box case or anything.
I don’t recommend the magic keyboard. It doesn’t register the keys on various websites and the pointer clicks using the trackpad. Just saying not worth it for $300+ bucks.
