These days, your iPad really can double up as a lightweight computer. And if you want to use it that way, you're going to need to outfit it with one of the best iPad keyboards -- but the questions is, which one should you buy?
That's a tricky question because there is so much choice. Some of the best iPad keyboards include rugged protection for your tablet, contain space for an Apple Pencil, offer a clever, comfy trackpad, and even come with mechanical key switches for an improved typing experience. Which of those features should you opt for when you're looking for an iPad keyboard? It can feel a little overwhelming at times.
Fortunately, that's where our guide comes in. We've rounded up the best iPad keyboards on the market right now, with a variety of options to suit every need. If you're a creative looking to soup up your Apple tablet, you're in the right place.
If you have yet to buy an iPad, we have a regularly updated guide to the best iPad Pro deals to help you find some great prices, but make sure you're fully versed in the difference between the many iPad generations before you buy. Make sure to also check out our guides to the best iPad cases and the best Apple Pencil prices to fully deck out your beloved tablet.
The best iPad keyboards available now
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Want the best iPad case you can get? Then look no further than Logitech’s Combo Touch. This two-in-one case has a clever detachable keyboard, which offers great flexibility. The keyboard is great and works with Apple’s Smart Connector for super-fast connectivity, while the fantastic trackpad lets you tap anywhere, so there’s no “dead zone” at the top.
Better still, Logitech does versions of the Combo Touch for the iPad Pro (in both sizes), the iPad Air, the entry-level iPad, and older versions of the iPad Air and iPad Pro. That makes this the best iPad keyboard case for pretty much every iPad.
Brydge’s 12.9 MAX+ has one big selling point, and that's its massive trackpad. It’s far larger than the trackpad on Apple’s own Magic Keyboard, or on any other iPad keyboard we've seen for that matter. This lets you take full advantage of iPadOS’s gesture controls without ever bumping up against the keys.
Speaking of the keys, these are comfy, springy, and they're backlit. You get a full row of media keys (missing from Apple’s own keyboard cases) to help with video playback and brightness adjustments. This keyboard case's aluminium body and magnetic connection complete the premium, high-grade feel – perfect for the iPad Pro.
The Apple Pencil is a key accessory for the iPad, especially for creatives. Yet surprisingly, a lot of the best iPad keyboard cases don’t take it into account. 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. With the case closed, the Pencil is protected by a wrap-around flap that keeps it in place.
This iPad case isn't a one-trick pony, however. It offers all-over protection for your iPad, which can be detached from the keyboard when you're on the go. The backlit keyboard itself is comfortable and can be paired with two devices at the same time. Note that the Zagg Pro Keys keyboard is available for the 10.2-inch and 10.9-inch iPads, the 11-inch iPad Pro and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (choose your device in the options provided), but only the 10.2-inch and 10.9-inch models are available with a trackpad.
Apple’s Magic Keyboard costs a pretty penny, but it comes with some great features that you won't find on other iPad keyboards. For instance, it has a magnetic 'floating cantilever' design that allows you to adjust the viewing angle with ease. There’s a built-in USB-C port to charge the case while keeping your iPad’s own port free, and it uses Apple’s superb Magic Keyboard and trackpad combo for a premium experience.
This version of the Magic Keyboard works with the iPad Air or the 11-inch iPad Pro, but there’s also a version of this keyboard case for the 11-inch iPad Pro that starts at an eye-watering $299. It’s expensive, for sure, but you get a great product for your money, and it really is built to last. We've been using ours for over a year now and it doesn't show any signs of ageing (apart from a few grubby marks, so we recommend getting the black version if you can). You can find out more about why we rate this keyboard, as well as the things we don't love about it – the viewing angle can be restrictive for drawing, for example – in our Apple Magic Keyboard review.
Brydge’s 12.9 MAX+ is a fantastic iPad keyboard case, but if you find that option too pricey, the more affordable Brydge Pro+ is a great alternative. It pares things back a little, but you still get a full keyboard with media keys, solid aluminium construction, generous battery life, and adjustable backlit keys.
The trackpad is a little smaller than the one on the 12.9 MAX+, but it’s still a decent size, and that's probably the only difference you'll really notice. If you don’t need a huge trackpad, the Brydge Pro+ is a very sound option.
For a great cheaper iPad keyboard, it’s hard to beat Logitech’s K480 keyboard. 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.
The K480 goes beyond a simple iPad keyboard, though – you can actually connect it to three devices at once and switch between them using a handy dial. It’s cross-platform, too, so it works with iPadOS, iOS, macOS, Windows, Android, and Chrome OS. With up to 24 months of battery life, it’ll keep going as long as you need it.
While we like the Logitech K480, it's not for everyone. If you want a more compact iPad keyboard without sacrificing the typing experience, the Logitech MX Keys Mini is a great choice. You get the same compact layout without the bulky iPad mounting groove, making it much easier to take on your travels.
Despite that smaller size, you don't miss out on features. You can still switch between up to three devices, and the MX Keys Mini boasts intelligent backlighting that turns off when your hands move away. The main drawback is the lack of iPad mount, so you'll have to prop up your tablet separately. But if you want a beautiful typing feel and don't fancy a mechanical keyboard, this is a tempting option.
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. The Keychron K8 brings this possibility to the iPad. 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.
Of course, it’s not a case so it can't offer any protection to your device. However, if you spend all day typing and don’t want to miss out on your iPad, the Keychron K8 is a great choice.
The 10th 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.
It’s also one of the few iPad keyboard cases too offer all-over protection for your iPad and a slot for an Apple Pencil, keeping everything safe and secure. It doesn’t have a trackpad, but the keyboard is great for typing up quick notes on the fly.
Read more:
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