You can add keyboards for writing or using Dictation in different languages on your iPad. You can also reorder the list to change how apps and websites display text. On an external keyboard: Press and hold Control, then press the Space bar to cycle between English, emoji, and other keyboards you add for another language.
If your iPad keyboard is small or split in half
If your iPad keyboard isn’t full-sized and centered at the bottom of your screen, you probably turned on one of these features: Spread your fingers apart to enlarge the keyboard back to full size, then let go. The split keyboard is available only on iPad models that have a Home button.
Add or change keyboards on iPad
You can add keyboards for writing or using Dictation in different languages on your iPad. You can also reorder the list to change how apps and websites display text. On an external keyboard: Press and hold Control, then press the Space bar to cycle between English, emoji, and other keyboards you add for another language.
Learn iPad keyboard shortcuts
Most iPad keyboard shortcuts use the Command ⌘ key, like on a Mac. Command-Shift-4 : Take a screenshot and immediately open Markup to view or edit it. To quickly find the emoji keyboard, press the globe key when you’re in a text field.
The 4 Best iPad And iPad Pro Keyboards – Black Friday 2023 Reviews
These days, many people use an iPad as a primary device for everyday browsing and getting work done, both while at home and on the road.
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 Combo Touch isn’t great for using on your lap because of its foldout kickstand, and it typically costs about twice as much as the Pro Keys.
The best iPad keyboards for 2023
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.
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. It’s solid enough to be used on your lap for short periods, however, it’s definitely more suited to desktop use for complete stability.
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.
Use your Smart Keyboard Folio or Smart Keyboard with your iPad
The Smart Connector is on the back of your iPad, and has three small, magnetic contacts.
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