Some of them come in folio cases, so you’ll have to make sure it fits your specific iPad, while others are stand-alone keyboards, so you can use them as long as they have Bluetooth support.
The best iPad keyboard in 2022: transform your iPad into a laptop
So if you enjoy using your iPad on its own for movies and web surfing, but occasionally want to do some proper work with it, you basically get the best of both worlds. Logitech MX Keys Mini The best iPad keyboard overall Specifications Compatible with: iPad, iOS, Windows, Mac OS, Chrome OS, Android Connects via: Bluetooth Dimensions: 296 x 13 x 2mm Weight: 680g Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Dell (opens in new tab) View at Walmart (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Compact and light + Thoughtfully designed + Great battery life Reasons to avoid – No number pad
The Logitech MX Keys Mini is light and compact, making it wonderfully portable. This keyboard comes in Mac and PC versions, and provides up to 10 days’ use on a full charge, and an impressive five months’ if you turn off the soft white backlight.
There are a couple of lovely little touches that shows Logitech has really put thought into this keyboard. This isn’t necessarily what we’d recommend for constant, 9-5 office work: the keyboard is just a little lightweight for that, plus there’s no number pad.
Logitech K780 The best iPad keyboard with a mount Specifications Compatible with: Windows, Mac OS, Chrome OS, iOS, Android Connects via: Bluetooth, USB Dimensions: 380 x 158 x 22mm Weight: 875g Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Walmart (opens in new tab) View at Dell (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Mount your iPad + Two years’ battery life + Number pad Reasons to avoid – Round keys not for everyone If youdon’t want to use a keyboard and iPad separately, but physically join them together, we recommend the Logitech K780.
Logitech K480 The best cheap iPad keyboard Specifications Compatible with: iPad, iPhone, Apple TV, Android, Windows, Chrome OS Connects via: Bluetooth Dimensions: 124 x 279 x 16mm Weight: 423g Today’s Best Deals View at Dell (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Walmart (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Mount your iPad + Connects 3 devices at once + Great value Reasons to avoid – Not a great typing experience You can connect to three devices at once, including iPadOS, iOS, macOS, Windows, Android, and Chrome OS ones, switching via them using a handy dial. Specifically, the keyboard feels a little plasticky, typing on the keys quickly gets tiring, and there’s no backlight or trackpad. Keychron K8 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard The best iPad keyboard for daily use Specifications Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, iPadOS Connects via: Bluetooth, USB Dimensions: 428 x 164 x 61mm Weight: 1.34kg Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Walmart (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Great typing experience + Connects to four devices + Wired or wireless connection Reasons to avoid – Not the lightest
To ensure you don’t succumb to RSI, we’d suggest this well-made, mechanical keyboard, which delivers a beautifully comfortable typing experience. As well as iPads, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS devices are all supported. There are two adjustable angled rubber feet, and the backlighting offers more than 15 types of RGB light in different styles (including flashing, breathing, and static white) to match your mood. The 1mm travel of its keys makes for a premium and comfortable typing experience, there’s a great trackpad designed for iPadOS.
The case is easy to fit, using the magnetic connector, with no charging or pairing required. And unlike the Magic Keyboard, this case only allows for two viewing angles, both of which are steep. On the plus side, this model is lighter and water-resistant, so it’s also a great choice for anyone who does a lot of travel with their iPad. : No Today’s Best Deals Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + High build quality + Attaches easily + Nice typing experience Reasons to avoid – No choice of viewing angles
Like the Smart Keyboard folio, there’s no trackpad or backlighting, and in this case, there’s no choice of viewing angles either. However, the keyboard itself provides a very nice typing experience, it attaches easily and beautifully to your iPad. : Yes Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Walmart (opens in new tab) View at Newegg (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Apple approved + Stores Apple Pencil + Great value Reasons to avoid – Keys a bit plasticky The keys are a little plasticky and don’t feel quite as nice as those on the official Apple keyboards.
The keys automatically light-up to match your environment’s lighting, too, and there’s a well-designed kickstand providing 40° of tilt. : Yes Today’s Best Deals View at Walmart (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Newegg (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Detachable keyboard + Tap-anywhere trackpad Reasons to avoid – Smart Connector drains battery – Fairly heavy The other side is the keyboard element, which magnetically attaches to the iPad’s Smart Connector.
The keys offer 1mm of travel, making for a wonderful typing experience, and the trackpad is excellent too. : Yes Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Huge trackpad + Easy to attach + Instant-on feature Reasons to avoid – Doesn’t support Smart Connector And the Instant-On feature will keep it connected to your iPad in a low-power state for up to four hours; press a single button and it will burst back to life immediately, with no need to reconnect it.
The best iPad keyboards for 2022
Typing on the touchscreen is surprisingly fluid and natural, but there’s nothing like a physical keyboard for getting work done quickly and efficiently. We know from experience, having typed more than 7,000 words on the iPad Pro 2020 and Apple’s Magic Keyboard during our review.
Our recommendations take into account your budget and which iPad model you may own, to help smooth the transition between relaxing with Netflix to furiously working on a Word document when you’re seated at your desk. Stick around to the end of the article for information on alternative keyboards that aren’t part of a case, or directly related to the iPad. Read our in-depth review Pros Tactile, precise typing experience Why you should buy this: It provides a superb typing experience, a trackpad with sturdy construction, and a passthrough USB-C port. Each key has 1mm of travel, and gives precise feedback with each press, making it easy to type at full speed without much practice. The entire keyboard is backlit for use in low light and the base doesn’t flex, so it’s suitable for use on both a desk and your lap. Combined with iPadOS enhancements, the trackpad makes using the iPad Pro feel like a laptop.
The angle of the iPad Pro’s screen can be adjusted easily, the floating design looks fantastic, and the strong magnets ensure the tablet won’t accidentally slip off. If you’re looking for a Magic Keyboard for your 2020 iPad Pro, the same applies if you buy the brand new version, it’ll work but the fit may not be absolutely perfect. The keys are backlit with three levels of brightness, and everything integrates with iPadOS using the Brydge Connect app.
The internal battery of the Brydge Pro+ will last for three months before it needs recharging, and the tablet’s screen can be angled up to 180 degrees, meaning it can be laid flat. The aluminum keyboard comes in a space grey color, and the package includes a metal cover that snaps on the back of your tablet.
Why you should buy this: Versatile and highly portable, the Apple Smart Keyboard doesn’t add much bulk to your tablet and is reasonably priced considering the quality.
It’s very well made, has a soft lining so it won’t scratch the iPad when closed, and feels like it will last for many years.
It does not feel like a laptop in the same way as the Magic Keyboard and does require a little getting used to, but once you’ve adjusted it’s easy to type quickly. It’s not heavy but does add a little bulk, and because of the way it folds down the case has a ridge when flat against the screen.
Why you should buy this: It provides a fast, precise, and pleasurable typing experience that rivals one on the desktop, and it’s still compact enough to carry around. The iPad is an excellent laptop alternative, and is very effective as a typing and work tool, but what if you want a keyboard to rival the one you use on the desktop without sacrificing portability?
Enter the Keychron K3, a low-profile mechanical keyboard with Bluetooth that’s designed to work with iOS and MacOS. Available with either mechanical or optical switches, the typing experience on the Keychron K3 is excellent: It’s responsive, tactile, and precise. At 396 grams and 22mm thick the 75% layout size Keychron K3 is surprisingly compact and light, which makes it easy to carry around in a bag with your iPad. Because it’s designed to work with Apple software, all the required keys (like Command) are pre-fitted, and all the keyboard shortcuts operate without a problem.
It only requires you to set up the Bluetooth connection and it works, no need for any additional software or apps. The typing experience is great, and the chance to personalize it with different switches makes it desirable to someone who works a lot on their tablet. Why you should buy this: The Logitech Combo Touch has a keyboard and a trackpad, sturdy construction, and is tough enough to protect your expensive tablet too. The Logitech Combo Touch is a solid pick if you want a functional, protective iPad keyboard case. It doesn’t have the sleek design of Apple’s Magic Keyboard, but the Combo Touch does make up for it with other features. Keys have reasonable travel and a spacious layout making maximum use of the space available.
This and the Bluetooth connection are powered by a built-in battery, which should last for about a year on a single charge, and is topped up using a Micro USB cable. It comes in space grey or silver colors to match your iPad Mini and can be carried with the tablet attached, or taken off when it’s not needed.
The iPad’s Bluetooth connection will happily link up to any Apple wireless keyboard and the Apple Magic Trackpad too, or many other non-Apple keyboards and mice provided they’re running iPadOS 13.4 or later, giving you an alternative to one of the combined options. While it doesn’t have any provision to hold the iPad and isn’t especially portable, it’s still versatile as it can be used with other Bluetooth-enabled devices too, whether that’s a desktop setup or another tablet. Some keyboards can be connected directly through the case or through a wired setup, so you need to make sure you’re picking the model that’s most convenient for you.
The best iPad keyboards in 2022
We’ve evaluated each one for use with iPads of different sizes so we can outline the advantages and disadvantages of each, reviewing hands on and doing extensive research (see how we test to find out more). : Yes iPad connectivity: Smart Connector Weight: 1.72lbs Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Box (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Detachable keyboard + Tap-anywhere trackpad Reasons to avoid – Smart Connector drains battery – Fairly heavy You get a full row of media keys (missing from Apple’s own keyboard cases) to help with video playback and brightness adjustments.
: Yes iPad connectivity: Smart Connector Weight: 1.3lbs Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Scan (opens in new tab) View at John Lewis (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Brilliant keyboard and trackpad + Premium design Reasons to avoid – No iPad side protection
We’ve been using ours for around a year now and it doesn’t show any signs of ageing (apart from a few grubby marks, we recommend getting the black version if you can). Brydge Pro+ (12.9-inch) A top quality iPad Pro keyboard case with plenty of features Specifications Multi-touch trackpad? : Yes iPad connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 Weight: 1.51lbs Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Sturdy aluminum build quality + Adjustable backlight Reasons to avoid – Smaller trackpad – No side protection Logitech K480 The best Bluetooth iPad keyboard at a great price Specifications Multi-touch trackpad?
It doesn’t provide a case like the models above, but its built-in cradle keeps your iPad upright in a laptop-esque setup. You get Logitech’s excellent typing experience, with soft, spacious keys that never feel too cramped or compact.
It’s cross-platform, too, so it works with iPadOS, iOS, macOS, Windows, Android, and Chrome OS. : Yes iPad connectivity: Bluetooth Weight: 1lb Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Detachable keyboard + Lots of protection Reasons to avoid – Small trackpad – Plastic body
The ZAGG Pro Keys with Trackpad sets that right with a built-in slot to hold the Apple Pencil on the side of the case. If you type a lot and want to work at your most productive, a mechanical keyboard can be a joy thanks to the superb feeling on every press.
It can connect to four devices at once (three over Bluetooth 5.1 and one with its bundled USB-C cable) and comes in numerous size and language variants. However, if you spend all day typing and don’t want to lose out on your iPad, the Keychron K8 is a great choice.
Logitech Slim Folio The best keyboard for the iPad (8th or 9th generation) Specifications Multi-touch trackpad? : No iPad connectivity: Bluetooth LE Weight: 1.09lbs Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Logitech EMEA (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Good protection + Quality keyboard with media keys Reasons to avoid – No trackpad – Plastic body
The 9th generation iPad is a compact, lightweight device, so you don’t want to lose all that by getting a keyboard case that adds too much bulk. Logitech’s Slim Folio case, though, gives you the functionality of a keyboard while maintaining that portable edge.
Magic Keyboard for iPad review
The viewing angle is decent for most purposes although artists may find a dedicated iPad drawing stand better for their needs. It’s an expensive add-on, and also quite heavy, so it’s only worth buying if you know you’re going to use it a lot, and don’t mind the extra weight. I use my iPad Pro for a number of purposes – mainly browsing the web, drawing with art apps such as Procreate, reading magazines and watching Netflix and other streaming platforms. I weighed it on my kitchen scales and it was 609g / 1.34lb making the keyboard and the iPad Pro 1086g / 2.39lb altogether, which is pretty heavy for a ‘portable’ piece of kit. In terms of design, the keyboard magnetically attaches to the iPad Pro in a way that feels, well, quite comforting. The angle is adjustable in a way that feels natural, and you can close the whole thing up to protect your iPad, with the camera still visible.
It’s also worth noting that the Magic Keyboard doesn’t come with a USB-C cable, which is a bit disappointing, but also, very Apple. I haven’t really found that a problem, and there is also the option to programme other keys to work as the ones that are missing, if you like (MacRumors (opens in new tab) has a good guide to how to do this).
I find that when I’m trying to edit a spreadsheet on Google Sheets, for example, I end up getting frustrated because it’s fiddly to select a cell and try to copy and paste it with the trackpad. But using the Apple Pencil or tapping the screen doesn’t help much either, so this is probably the fault of the app and the iPad in general, rather than a problem with the trackpad.
The iPad is still a relatively small bit of kit, which isn’t always suitable for long stints of work unless you hook it up to a larger monitor, and even then you may not find it ideal. However, adding the Magic Keyboard definitely means you’ll be able to type on your iPad for longer, and the extra port is handy, too.
The Best iPad Keyboard Cases
In addition to providing a great typing experience, the Pro Keys offers some benefits other keyboard cases don’t. Dedicated iPadOS function keys provide quick access to commonly used features, and an Apple Pencil holder lets you easily carry the stylus around.
It automatically connects with your iPad when it’s properly aligned in the typing position and disconnects when it isn’t, so you never need to worry about turning the keyboard on or off. This clever power management helps the replaceable coin-cell battery last for up to four years, which is very likely the amount of time you’ll use the iPad itself.
The best iPad keyboard in 2022: transform your iPad into a laptop
So if you enjoy using your iPad on its own for movies and web surfing, but occasionally want to do some proper work with it, you basically get the best of both worlds. Logitech MX Keys Mini The best iPad keyboard overall Specifications Compatible with: iPad, iOS, Windows, Mac OS, Chrome OS, Android Connects via: Bluetooth Dimensions: 296 x 13 x 2mm Weight: 680g Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Dell (opens in new tab) View at Walmart (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Compact and light + Thoughtfully designed + Great battery life Reasons to avoid – No number pad The Logitech MX Keys Mini is light and compact, making it wonderfully portable. This keyboard comes in Mac and PC versions, and provides up to 10 days’ use on a full charge, and an impressive five months’ if you turn off the soft white backlight.
There are a couple of lovely little touches that shows Logitech has really put thought into this keyboard. This isn’t necessarily what we’d recommend for constant, 9-5 office work: the keyboard is just a little lightweight for that, plus there’s no number pad.
Logitech K780 The best iPad keyboard with a mount Specifications Compatible with: Windows, Mac OS, Chrome OS, iOS, Android Connects via: Bluetooth, USB Dimensions: 380 x 158 x 22mm Weight: 875g Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Walmart (opens in new tab) View at Dell (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Mount your iPad + Two years’ battery life + Number pad Reasons to avoid – Round keys not for everyone If youdon’t want to use a keyboard and iPad separately, but physically join them together, we recommend the Logitech K780. Logitech K480 The best cheap iPad keyboard Specifications Compatible with: iPad, iPhone, Apple TV, Android, Windows, Chrome OS Connects via: Bluetooth Dimensions: 124 x 279 x 16mm Weight: 423g Today’s Best Deals View at Dell (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Walmart (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Mount your iPad + Connects 3 devices at once + Great value Reasons to avoid – Not a great typing experience
You can connect to three devices at once, including iPadOS, iOS, macOS, Windows, Android, and Chrome OS ones, switching via them using a handy dial. Specifically, the keyboard feels a little plasticky, typing on the keys quickly gets tiring, and there’s no backlight or trackpad. Keychron K8 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard The best iPad keyboard for daily use Specifications Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, iPadOS Connects via: Bluetooth, USB Dimensions: 428 x 164 x 61mm Weight: 1.34kg Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Walmart (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Great typing experience + Connects to four devices + Wired or wireless connection Reasons to avoid – Not the lightest
To ensure you don’t succumb to RSI, we’d suggest this well-made, mechanical keyboard, which delivers a beautifully comfortable typing experience. As well as iPads, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS devices are all supported.
There are two adjustable angled rubber feet, and the backlighting offers more than 15 types of RGB light in different styles (including flashing, breathing, and static white) to match your mood.
The 1mm travel of its keys makes for a premium and comfortable typing experience, there’s a great trackpad designed for iPadOS.
The case is easy to fit, using the magnetic connector, with no charging or pairing required. And unlike the Magic Keyboard, this case only allows for two viewing angles, both of which are steep. On the plus side, this model is lighter and water-resistant, so it’s also a great choice for anyone who does a lot of travel with their iPad. : No Today’s Best Deals Check Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + High build quality + Attaches easily + Nice typing experience Reasons to avoid – No choice of viewing angles
Like the Smart Keyboard folio, there’s no trackpad or backlighting, and in this case, there’s no choice of viewing angles either. However, the keyboard itself provides a very nice typing experience, it attaches easily and beautifully to your iPad. : Yes Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Walmart (opens in new tab) View at Newegg (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Apple approved + Stores Apple Pencil + Great value Reasons to avoid – Keys a bit plasticky The keys are a little plasticky and don’t feel quite as nice as those on the official Apple keyboards.
The keys automatically light-up to match your environment’s lighting, too, and there’s a well-designed kickstand providing 40° of tilt. : Yes Today’s Best Deals View at Walmart (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Newegg (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Detachable keyboard + Tap-anywhere trackpad Reasons to avoid – Smart Connector drains battery – Fairly heavy The other side is the keyboard element, which magnetically attaches to the iPad’s Smart Connector. The keys offer 1mm of travel, making for a wonderful typing experience, and the trackpad is excellent too.
: Yes Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Huge trackpad + Easy to attach + Instant-on feature Reasons to avoid – Doesn’t support Smart Connector And the Instant-On feature will keep it connected to your iPad in a low-power state for up to four hours; press a single button and it will burst back to life immediately, with no need to reconnect it.
The best iPad keyboards in 2022
We’ve evaluated each one for use with iPads of different sizes so we can outline the advantages and disadvantages of each, reviewing hands on and doing extensive research (see how we test to find out more). : Yes iPad connectivity: Smart Connector Weight: 1.72lbs Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Box (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Detachable keyboard + Tap-anywhere trackpad Reasons to avoid – Smart Connector drains battery – Fairly heavy You get a full row of media keys (missing from Apple’s own keyboard cases) to help with video playback and brightness adjustments. : Yes iPad connectivity: Smart Connector Weight: 1.3lbs Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Scan (opens in new tab) View at John Lewis (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Brilliant keyboard and trackpad + Premium design Reasons to avoid – No iPad side protection
We’ve been using ours for around a year now and it doesn’t show any signs of ageing (apart from a few grubby marks, we recommend getting the black version if you can). Brydge Pro+ (12.9-inch) A top quality iPad Pro keyboard case with plenty of features Specifications Multi-touch trackpad?
: Yes iPad connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 Weight: 1.51lbs Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Sturdy aluminum build quality + Adjustable backlight Reasons to avoid – Smaller trackpad – No side protection Logitech K480 The best Bluetooth iPad keyboard at a great price Specifications Multi-touch trackpad?
It doesn’t provide a case like the models above, but its built-in cradle keeps your iPad upright in a laptop-esque setup. You get Logitech’s excellent typing experience, with soft, spacious keys that never feel too cramped or compact. It’s cross-platform, too, so it works with iPadOS, iOS, macOS, Windows, Android, and Chrome OS. : Yes iPad connectivity: Bluetooth Weight: 1lb Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Detachable keyboard + Lots of protection Reasons to avoid – Small trackpad – Plastic body
The ZAGG Pro Keys with Trackpad sets that right with a built-in slot to hold the Apple Pencil on the side of the case. If you type a lot and want to work at your most productive, a mechanical keyboard can be a joy thanks to the superb feeling on every press.
It can connect to four devices at once (three over Bluetooth 5.1 and one with its bundled USB-C cable) and comes in numerous size and language variants.
However, if you spend all day typing and don’t want to lose out on your iPad, the Keychron K8 is a great choice. Logitech Slim Folio The best keyboard for the iPad (8th or 9th generation) Specifications Multi-touch trackpad? : No iPad connectivity: Bluetooth LE Weight: 1.09lbs Today’s Best Deals View at Amazon (opens in new tab) View at Logitech EMEA (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Good protection + Quality keyboard with media keys Reasons to avoid – No trackpad – Plastic body
The 9th generation iPad is a compact, lightweight device, so you don’t want to lose all that by getting a keyboard case that adds too much bulk. Logitech’s Slim Folio case, though, gives you the functionality of a keyboard while maintaining that portable edge.
The Best iPad Keyboard Cases
In addition to providing a great typing experience, the Pro Keys offers some benefits other keyboard cases don’t. Dedicated iPadOS function keys provide quick access to commonly used features, and an Apple Pencil holder lets you easily carry the stylus around.
It automatically connects with your iPad when it’s properly aligned in the typing position and disconnects when it isn’t, so you never need to worry about turning the keyboard on or off.
This clever power management helps the replaceable coin-cell battery last for up to four years, which is very likely the amount of time you’ll use the iPad itself.
The Best iPad Pro Keyboard Cases
If you type for any length of time on an iPad Pro, or hope to ditch a second computer entirely, a great keyboard case can turn your tablet into a true laptop replacement. In addition to a great typing experience, the Zagg Pro Keys offers some benefits that other keyboard cases don’t. Dedicated iPadOS function keys provide quick access to commonly used features, and an Apple Pencil holder lets you easily carry the stylus around. The 4.4-by-2.3-inch glass trackpad set beneath the keyboard is as smooth as anything else we’ve tested and provides full support for Apple’s multitouch gestures.
The 6 best iPad keyboards of 2022
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The Best iPad Keyboards for 2021
All the iPads offer a variety of sizes and features, but no touch screen can replace a keyboard for writing and revising lengthy documents. Fortunately, whether you’re at home, at work, or at school, these Bluetooth keyboards can make your iPad feel like a laptop. The built-in trackpad is compatible with iPadOS and delivers exceptional multi-touch gesture recognition and accurate cursor movement. There’s no trackpad or number pad on the keyboard, and the keys are pretty flat, but it works fine for short bursts of typing. Bonus: A handy slot in the frame holds your second-generation Apple Pencil securely against your iPad so it can charge while you type. Style and Substance iClever BK10 Bluetooth Keyboard $32.99 at Amazon See It (Opens in a new window) Works With: all iPad models The iClever BK10 Bluetooth Keyboard ($36.99), made of stainless steel and ABS plastic, will please any fan of Apple’s design esthetic.
It looks and feels similar to a standard laptop keyboard, with exceptional tactile feedback and a pleasing layout. Takes a Beating Logitech Rugged Folio $138.86 at Amazon See It (Opens in a new window) Works With: iPad (2019 and 2020) If you’ve ever spilled a coffee on a keyboard or needed to shake crumbs out from between keys, then the spill-proof and dirt-resistant keys on the Logitech Rugged Folio ($139.99) were made for you. This folio solution delivers a laptop-style typing experience with basic iPadOS shortcut keys. The front and back of the folio case are padded for additional protection from bumps and scratches, but it’s still light and thin. The case portion allows full access to the iPad’s cameras, microphones, ports, and speakers, and the keyboard’s locking hinge holds the tablet firmly in place. Zagg claims the battery will last for up to a year without charging, as long as you close the case to put it to sleep when your iPad isn’t in use.
As a bonus, the magnetic closure flap for the case holds your second-generation Apple Pencil in place.
The Best iPad Keyboards of 2022
You can go a couple of routes to get there: if you have a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse handy, they’ll probably pair with iPadOS and you can use those in a pinch. The best keyboard folio cases are functional and portable, so you can type without any fuss from the comfort of your couch, or a coffee shop when you need to get out for a bit.
Logitech Combo Touch Apple Magic Keyboard Zagg Pro Keys Apple Smart Folio Zagg Rugged Book Logitech Folio Brydge MAX+ Typecase Touch It’s both a standalone case as well as a keyboard and trackpad combo that together turn the iPad Air or Pro into a Surface-like device that’s great for getting work done.
The Combo Touch’s keys are just as big as Apple’s on the Magic Keyboard, and they’re just as comfortable to type on, too. There are also function keys for things like going back to the Home Screen, changing the display’s brightness, triggering Spotlight search, media playback, and volume control, as well as locking the device. Scrolling through web pages is easy and smooth, and the trackpad is precise enough for you to click your cursor between two lower-case L’s without straining your fingers. Just like the Surface Pro 8, the back of the Logitech Combo Touch keyboard has a kickstand that props the iPad up at a variety of angles. It isn’t as easy to balance on your lap as something like Apple’s Magic Keyboard, but it makes up for that in viewing angles.
That’s true when the keyboard isn’t attached, too, which makes it a great case if you plan on using your iPad with your Mac via Universal Control, or want to use your tablet to watch a movie. Credit: Reviewed / Jordan McMahon While it’s more expensive than other cases we tested, Apple’s Magic Keyboard is easier to use in your lap than the Combo Touch, and it has better viewing angles than Zagg’s Pro Keys with Trackpad. There’s a hinge about two-thirds of the way down the Magic Keyboard’s back panel, and though it doesn’t offer as many viewing angles as a traditional laptop, there’s still plenty of range for most positions.
The story’s better with the trackpad, which is consistently responsive and precise in both motion and selection, even when doing things like editing text and dragging files around. There’s also gesture support for things like returning to the Home Screen and quickly switching between apps. Three things keep the Magic Keyboard from claiming the top spot: It’s expensive, it’s heavy, and it isn’t very protective as a case. If you opt for the iPad Pro, the cheapest model starts at $750, so you’re looking at a total of at least $1,150 ($150 more than the entry-level MacBook Air).
If you can get over the hurdle of the cost, the Magic Keyboard won’t disappoint as a way to turn your iPad into a laptop, but getting over that hurdle won’t be worth it for most people when the Combo Touch and Pro Keys with Trackpad cost significantly less. I also write a newsletter focused on user empowerment through technology, and use that mindset in my reviews to make sure every product I recommend gives readers everything they need to accomplish the task at hand. Whether you’re planning on using your iPad mostly from your home office or intend for it to be your mobile workstation, above all else your keyboard case should be comfortable and enjoyable to type on. While most cases won’t offer the same versatility as a good laptop hinge, some can get close, and you’ll want one with enough variety to avoid glare from bright lights and adjust for your posture.
It’s significantly cheaper than the Magic Keyboard but offers more protection, and its keys are comfortable enough to type out an essay without much strain. It doesn’t have as many viewing angles as the Combo Touch or Magic Keyboard, and it requires a Bluetooth connection (plus a charged battery), but it still gets the fundamentals right while saving you some cash.
It’s not bad enough to tarnish the experience, but it lacks the polish of the Combo Touch and Magic Keyboard. Unlike the Magic Keyboard and the Combo Touch, the Pro Keys with Trackpad offers some additional protection for the Apple Pencil.
It’s the thinnest keyboard we tested and adds barely any noticeable bulk to the iPad when connected. That said, it’s significantly lighter than both, and it’s easy to fold back and get out of the way when you’re ready to use your iPad in tablet mode. It lacks a trackpad, and it’s significantly bulkier than any other case we tested, but the keys are spacious and comfortable to type on. Unlike the Pro Keys with Trackpad, it has a hinge, and it’s more adjustable so you can get more viewing angles out of the Rugged Book.
The hinge means it works better on your lap than the Combo Touch, but it’s not as easy to close shut, and it isn’t as comfortable to hold in tablet mode. However, it lacks a trackpad, and you can’t separate the tablet and case from the keyboard, so its versatility is limited.
While its keys are comfortable to type on and the premium feel adds a nice touch, it’s heavier than other cases and it’s not as protective. You can’t detach the iPad from the keyboard without removing it entirely from the case (which is more difficult than on the Brydge), but the TypeCase Touch does have a nifty rotating hinge that’ll let you spin the iPad around into either a sort of tablet mode or a viewing mode if you want to watch a movie.
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