As somebody who recurrently makes use of my M4 iPad Professional as an prolonged Mac show through Sidecar and infrequently performs round with Apple’s Common Management characteristic, discovering the proper iPad stand that can sit fairly on my constrained desk house has change into one thing of a passion. With this in thoughts, KUXIU’s Professional MAX line of magnetic charging stands guarantees to unravel two persistent iPad stand points that regularly crop up: Positioning and energy.
I’ve spent a number of weeks testing their X33 Professional MAX, X36 Professional MAX, and X44 Professional MAX fashions, together with their optionally available magnetic protecting case. The stands work with present iPad Professional fashions in each 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, in addition to current iPad Air fashions from the 4th era onward – primarily any iPad with Good Connector functionality from 2018 and newer.
Design and Construct
These CNC aluminum stands share the identical core characteristic: Magnetic attachment with built-in charging by means of the iPad’s Good Connector pins. Every mannequin serves completely different wants – the X33 affords a standard desk stand type issue, the X36 gives an adjustable arm design, and the X44 provides a rotating base for optimum flexibility.
The construct high quality of the stands is spectacular, significantly on the X36 Professional MAX. Its hole arms enable for clear cable routing from the again of the stand’s charging port to your required connection level, whether or not that is a Mac or an influence outlet.
One factor to notice is that the joints on the X36 are notably stiff, particularly when new. Sure, it ensures stability, but it surely requires two fingers for important changes, and you will not need your iPad mounted when you’re repositioning the arm – a sudden joint motion had me frightened that the pill might detach.
Charging and Connectivity
The stands ship as much as 18W charging by means of the Good Connector, leaving your iPad’s USB-C port free for different connections. When first connecting your iPad, you will see a Chinese language keyboard immediate – merely dismiss it, and you will not see it once more. The charging begins mechanically each time you connect the iPad.
One necessary factor I seen is that your energy supply completely has to fulfill the minimal 18W requirement. Any much less resulted in inconsistent on-off charging conduct in my testing. For dependable efficiency, I like to recommend utilizing your iPad’s authentic energy adapter or an equal high-wattage USB-C charger.
Utilizing the On-Display Keyboard
These stands create an fascinating quirk in how iPadOS handles textual content enter. Since they use the Good Connector – the identical connection utilized by Apple’s Magic Keyboard – your iPad thinks it has a bodily keyboard connected every time it is mounted.
This leads to some notable behaviors. First, you will get a one-time immediate about Chinese language keyboard enter when first connecting – merely faucet “Not Now” to dismiss it completely. Second, iPadOS will default to hiding the on-screen keyboard. You may additionally discover blue frames showing round interface components – that is iPadOS’s Full Keyboard Entry characteristic mechanically enabling. You may disable it in Settings ➝ Accessibility ➝ Keyboards if it bothers you.
X33 Professional MAX: The Conventional Desktop Stand
With a base footprint of roughly 6 inches broad and a most top of 12 inches when totally prolonged, the X33 strikes a wonderful stability between stability and desk house effectivity. Its magnetic panel rotates 360 levels vertically whereas providing 90-degree horizontal adjustment, and the stand folds down to only 2 inches in top for if you desire a extra snug angle for Apple Pencil note-taking or illustrating. That is additionally essentially the most compact method to pack it for journey – although a carrying case would have been welcome at this worth level.
The charging port lives in a raised rectangular platform on the again of the panel, which retains the connection, if not the cable, out of sight and leaves your iPad’s USB-C port out there. The aluminum building feels premium, with exactly machined joints that transfer easily. Throughout my use, the X33 excelled as a desktop companion – it allowed me to sort pretty aggressively on my iPad’s display screen with out wobble, even at full extension. The charging efficiency stays constant, and the compact design manages warmth significantly effectively with no thermal throttling throughout prolonged classes. Nevertheless, the rear USB-C cable connection might use higher integration into the design for cleaner desk aesthetics.
X36 Professional MAX: The Versatile Arm Answer
The X36 options seven adjustable joints plus horizontal and vertical adjusters, with every arm phase measuring roughly 8 inches for as much as 24 inches in complete top. This intensive attain makes it my most popular selection for Sidecar use, as I can place the iPad precisely at monitor top in a multi-display setup. The desk clamp accommodates surfaces as much as 1.97 inches thick, with silicone padding defending your desk.
KUXIU’s consideration to element exhibits within the building. The clamp mechanism is rock-solid, and whereas every joint strikes independently, all of them require important power to regulate – a worthy trade-off for stability, although as I discussed above, be cautious of sudden give within the joints as you apply stress. The hole arm design proves particularly helpful for cable administration. I managed to route each energy and a USB-C knowledge cable by means of it for a cleaner setup. Regardless of its extra complicated design, the X36 maintains stable charging efficiency, however in my expertise it is best to keep away from excessive angles which may stress the USB-C connection.
X44 Professional MAX: The Swiveling Stand
The X44 is just like the X33, however makes use of a smooth-turning ball-joint that rotates all the arm meeting 360 levels. The joint on the high permits for vertical and rotational adjustment, whereas the round base might be swiveled to any place for straightforward display screen viewing adjustment. The entire mechanism feels well-engineered, with no play or wobble even when totally prolonged.
Just like the X33, it folds down for portability, however provides the flexibility of the X36’s articulation. The twin-hinge design makes switching between portrait and panorama significantly fluid, but it surely does have some stiff joint traits, although they are not as cussed because the X36. The charging efficiency maintains the identical 18W supply as its siblings, and the extra shifting components have not launched any connectivity points in my testing.
The Magnetic Protecting Case
KUXIU additionally affords a magnetic protecting case designed to work with these stands whereas sustaining compatibility with Apple’s Magic Keyboard. Whereas the case efficiently conducts energy by means of the Good Connector and consists of exact cutouts for keyboard attachment, its protecting capabilities are restricted. The skinny plastic building covers solely about 90% of the iPad’s rear floor and solely two corners, providing primary scratch safety however little influence resistance.
The case additionally proved troublesome with the Magic Keyboard – regardless of KUXIU’s claims, I discovered it arduous to shut the keyboard correctly with the case connected except the iPad was topside and weighing down on the enclosure mechanism. Moreover, the slippery texture and tight match make the case tough to take away as soon as put in. Whereas it is good to have a case possibility that works with the charging stands, it is costly for what it’s, and I would advocate utilizing your iPad bare with these stands as an alternative.
Summing Up
Every KUXIU Professional MAX stand fills a definite area of interest, with considerate engineering and stable charging efficiency throughout the road. The X33 shines as a space-efficient desktop resolution that is excellent for individuals who prioritize portability. In the meantime, the X36’s lengthy articulating arm makes it an awesome possibility for multi-display setups and Sidecar customers, although its stiff joints do require some muscle. And the X44 splits the distinction, including a rotating base that is significantly precious for collaborative work or anybody who values a large scope of lateral motion.
Whereas all three ship on their charging guarantees, your selection largely is determined by your workspace wants. The X33’s conventional design feels most refined, the X36 affords unmatched positioning flexibility, and the X44 gives the perfect stability of options for many customers.
The place to Purchase
KUXIU is presently providing respectable Black Friday reductions throughout the Professional MAX line: The X33 Professional MAX prices $85.49 (down from $109.99), the X36 Professional MAX prices $104.48 (down from $139.99), and X44 Professional MAX is priced at $94.98 (down from $139.99). And in the event you’re within the protecting case, it is presently going for $50.34 (down from $59.99). The entire stands are additionally out there on the firm’s Amazon retailer. Given the stands’ characteristic set and construct high quality, the promotional costs characterize respectable worth, significantly for the X36 with its lengthy adjustable arm and the X44 Professional MAX with its versatile rotating base. I am simply not a fan of the optionally available case.
Word: KUXIU offered MacRumors with the iPad charging stands and case for the aim of this overview. No different compensation was obtained.