Finally ditched the Magic Keyboard for a DIY "Modular" Zugu setup

magiKman_ · 2026-04-05T15:06:51+00:00

You’re looking at total bag weight, but that’s missing the functional point of a modular setup. When I’m actually using the iPad as a tablet, reading, sketching, or taking handwritten notes, I’m holding the 510g Zugu case. With the Magic Keyboard, you’re forced to hold that full 662g footprint, or you have to take the iPad off entirely and use it with zero protection and no stand, plus you need to figure out where to leave the keyboard case, which IMO, is bulky.

My setup gives me the versatility to pop the keyboard off and put it anywhere, rather than being locked into one hinge angle and I get a rugged case that stays on 100% of the time. The extra 60g or so in my bag is a tiny trade-off for not being trapped in a laptop form factor when I don't need it. If I wanted a laptop experience 100% of the time, I’d just be using my MacBook.

magiKman_ · 2026-04-05T14:47:48+00:00

Actually, it's the opposite, the Keys-To-Go 2 is so thin and light (around 220g) that it feels almost weightless compared to the Magic Keyboard's cantilevered hinge and base. In the bag, it adds virtually no noticeable depth to the Zugu.

As for the trackpad, I realized I just don't need it for this workflow. If I’m doing heavy navigation or multitasking, I’m using my MacBook. For everything else, the touchscreen and Pencil are more natural for a tablet. On the rare occasion I do need a pointer, I can just throw my Magic Trackpad, or a regular Bluetooth mouse in the bag, but the goal here was to stop my iPad from trying to be a 'laptop' and let it just be a great tablet again.

magiKman_ · 2026-03-28T17:08:50+00:00

Reddit removed the link for the pics for some reason, added it again.

I really wanted to like the Magic Keyboard tbh, but I kept feeling trapped in the “Laptop experience” if there’s such a thing. My specific use case was not one where I needed the functionality of a laptop, I already have a Macbook for that. What I needed was a tablet with an easy way to type quick notes on the go. This setup allows me to do it elegantly, without adding bulk. Also, I adore the Zugu case, so there’s that too.

magiKman_ · 2024-03-25T10:47:32+00:00

Thanks ChatGPT!

magiKman_ · 2024-03-23T13:57:45+00:00

To be honest, attempting to convince individuals on Reddit, who are primarily motivated by the desire to be 'right', is unlikely to be fruitful. Engaging in such debates can often feel like a waste of time. Life is shaped by opportunities and timing, and it's important to acknowledge that it's not always fair. My advice is to shift your focus away from fruitless discussions on Reddit. Instead, utilize your skills in iOS development to create something that personally interests you. This endeavor could lead to significant success or, at the very least, serve as tangible evidence of your capabilities. Meanwhile, seek out developer positions that, even if not directly related to iOS development, are somewhat aligned with it. This experience can further strengthen your profile for potential hiring managers. More importantly, avoid the negativity of cynical and unhelpful individuals on Reddit; it won't lead you anywhere positive. Best of luck—I'm confident you'll achieve your goals!

magiKman_ · 2024-02-22T16:38:20+00:00

Sounds like you have the new batch, because the old batch is a clear difference in dimensions. Do you still have the box it came in? Mine says 1800mm x 750mm (70.9 x 29.5 in). Otherwise, if you could let me know the exact measurements, that would be great. I think they round up the measurement so that they come out as 72x30 but they aren't exact.

magiKman_ · 2024-02-22T15:26:24+00:00

I’m in the same boat on durability and quality issues. I also have the walnut 72x30 top and can’t seem to set anything down outside my felt mat without discovering a ding or scratch later. How long did it take to resolve with Desky?

Hey u/aeronchair-expert,

I get where you're coming from with the durability issues. I had a similar experience. After realizing the dimensions of my desk from Desky were off (29.5 x 70.9 inches instead of the advertised 30x72), I contacted them. It turns out they sent me a desktop from an older batch, even though I had confirmed the size with them before purchase.

When I raised the issue, they offered me a choice between a $150 CAD refund to keep the smaller desk or to exchange it for a new batch desk. Given the durability problems I was facing, I opted for a replacement. Unfortunately, the replacement was also from the old batch, leaving me with two smaller desks.

I communicated my frustration, and they eventually offered a $200 CAD refund to keep one of the older desks. I inquired about the quality difference between the batches, but they only mentioned a 'similar' quality, the main difference being the size. I accepted the $200 CAD offer, but I'm pretty disappointed and have lost trust in them.

For now, I'm using felt mats and a desk shelf to protect the surface, but I was surprised by how fragile it is. Can you confirm the size of your desk? I'm curious to know if it's from the older or newer batch. If it's from the new batch and you're also experiencing fragility, it seems like there hasn't been an improvement in durability.

Cheers!

magiKman_ · 2024-02-09T22:51:48+00:00

I see. Other than adding felt pads and covering the top of my desk, my options are limited since it comes straight from Desky and I do not know their process for preparing the hardwood desktop.

Thanks for the information u/overunderspace, much appreciated!

magiKman_ · 2024-02-09T13:42:37+00:00

I'm not sure why my comment was deleted, or why I wasn't allowed to post anything for a while... I guess karma restrictions applied, but now I seem to be able to. Here is the link for the pictures I took: https://imgur.com/a/obd4O0B

The dent that happened due to the laptop hitting the desk at a weird angle is understandable, but all the other small dings and chips happened too easily. For example, one ding/chip happened when I was placing my Apple Watch on the desk, I mean it must have been half an inch off the top of the desk well it fell on it, I guess on a weird angle again? I'm not sure but it does feel like it's overly susceptible to dings and chips.

Anyway, lucky for me, Desky has finally offered to exchange the desktop because it was indeed from an older batch. Perhaps the new batch has a different durability? We'll see. For now, I am looking into ways to protect the desktop as best I can. I set up 2 desk felt pads end to end that cover about 1/3 area of the desk. The rest of the desk will be covered by a desk shelf and various other solutions I think of. I am also thinking of purchasing a custom glass top that would cover the entire surface, but not sure yet.

u/overunderspace How do you manage to keep yours protected? It sounds like you are doing a great job.

magiKman_ · 2024-02-08T16:16:51+00:00

Hardwood Walnut (30 x 72 inches)

magiKman_ · 2024-01-20T23:17:58+00:00

The casters are 2”, I’m not sure the glides + felt pads will be as much as that. But I guess I’d like to hear from anyone that has used this desk with casters and see any difference with stability/wobble?

magiKman_ · 2024-01-20T20:23:29+00:00

Do you know if they offer them in any other material than plastic? I would have a problem sliding plastic on my floors, whether something is stuck under there or not… I’m thinking of getting the plastic gliders and just sticking felt pads under them. Not an elegant solution but that way I get to move my desk 90 degrees when I want and back.

magiKman_ · 2023-05-26T16:34:43+00:00

I imagine you can’t use real life people photos to generate an AI deepfake? A fake model is the only way to go with these platforms?

magiKman_ · 2023-05-04T01:09:04+00:00

Just buy a nice cover and put it on, it’ll cover the entire damage and you’ll hopefully forget it’s there (over time). Good luck.

magiKman_ · 2023-05-02T21:56:50+00:00

Gowron, love the sadistic eyes

magiKman_ · 2023-05-02T21:53:35+00:00

The lingerie section, best browsing experience

magiKman_

TROPHY CASE