What causes air bubbles on the Magic Keyboard?

andysinger wrote:

Thank you, my IPPM4 when detached is not trending toward not being unusualy hot in a few hour check, then again I am not a superuser and taxing it with high energy apps etc.

Yes, using high energy apps will do that on my iPad and when I get this heating ... which I would expect. However the Apple keyboard I use does not suffer this bubbling effect. Again, we are not talking direct comparisons here, which again leads me to believe it may be the material used in the newer keyboards.

am thinking when I get the (2nd) replacement of applying some thermal, silicone or other blocking tape/material and see how that goes. Of course it could do more harm than good.

Yes, I do agree that this could cause more harm (at least to the iPad) and I would not recommend it at all.

I suggest that you try out the replacement keyboard. Should the issue return you may want to consider other keyboard options, either Apple or non-Apple branded models. Good luck!

andysinger wrote:

My theory is that because I use the laptop literally on my lap and it’s those two corners where Contact my thighs and this high humidity warm Hawaii climate.

I think your theory is sound. If I had to venture a guess, it is also due to the amount of heat generated by the iPad itself, coupled with environmental conditions.

For example, I have an older iPad Pro with the Apple keyboard. My keyboard doesn't experience this particular issue, but I can attest that when the keyboard is detached, the back of the iPad can get quite warm ... almost too uncomfortable to place on your lap.

This may be the same for your iPad. I suggest that you temporarily remove the keyboard and use your iPad for a bit. It shouldn't take too long before it "heats up." See if you get the same results as I have.

Should that be true, then I would think that the material used in the keyboard is not allowing the iPad's heat to dissipate properly and the potential source of the bubbling.