What do you mean by "Apple tax"? A tariff, or ...?
I have the 1st gen. Magic Keyboard for my M2 iPad Air, but I don't use it often, as it doubles the weight of the device and is too small for comfortable typing. I usually use my Logitech MX Keys Mini, since I also use it with my work laptop and, since it controls three Bluetooth devices, it can serve as a keyboard for my phone as well.