An iPad keyboard case can successfully transform your iPad into a small laptop. But how do you choose the right one?
Holden Watne at Generation IX Technologies in Culver City, California, recommends considering budget, durability and use when choosing the best iPad keyboard case.
“If budget isn’t a concern, I recommend the Apple Magic Keyboard, since it turns your iPad into a powerful laptop and is a great experience,” Watne says. For more budget-conscious consumers, he recommends the Logitech Rugged Folio for its general capability and protection.
In addition, Ashu Singhal, co-founder and president at Benchling in San Francisco, California, recommends looking at factors such as weight and power rating. “Weight matters a lot, since you will be carrying it around and want to make sure it’s not bulky,” he says.
And if you’re using the iPad on the go, Singhal says it’s important to find a keyboard that’s not power-hungry: “Typically going with a good brand will ensure this, but it’s best to keep an eye on power rating to avoid wondering why you have to keep charging your iPad every four hours.”
After considering these and other factors, such as popularity, ease of use and outstanding reviews, we’ve rounded up the best iPad keyboard cases you can buy.
This Apple Magic Keyboard perfectly fits a first- through fourth-gen 11-inch iPad Pro and fourth- or fifth-gen iPad Air. The keyboard attaches and pairs magnetically, and you can smoothly adjust the keyboard cover for the best viewing angle. It also has full-size backlit keys and a trackpad to help mimic the experience of typing on a MacBook.
If you have a seventh- through 10th-gen iPad, the Logitech Combo Touch is versatile enough to meet all of your needs. It pairs and powers on using the smart connector (so there’s no battery), and the lightweight keyboard is similar to the one on your laptop. We also appreciate that the keys are backlit and the lighting is adjustable. It even has those familiar iOS shortcut keys and a trackpad.
The Zagg Pro Keys keyboard case is compatible with a wide variety of iPads, including the most recent iPad, iPad Mini and iPad Pro models. The keyboard and case are detachable to suit your needs at any moment, and the case uses a magnetic closure system to provide drop protection from 6.6 feet. We also appreciate that it can pair with two devices, so you can use it with your iPad and iPhone at the same time.
For owners of a third- through sixth-gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro, this Apple Magic Keyboard has full-size backlit keys and a trackpad to help you easily navigate the iPad’s screen. The keyboard cover attaches magnetically and you can adjust viewing angles for comfort. The keyboard charges via the USB-C port, and the cover provides protection when it’s closed.
If you’re concerned about dropping your iPad or, say, spilling your hot beverage on it, the Logitech Rugged Folio provides shock-absorbent protection that exceeds military-grade standards. It’s designed for seventh- through 10th-generation iPads, and the sealed keyboard is designed to resist spills and dirt. The keyboard promises a quiet typing experience, and it instantly pairs and powers on. The magnetic latch provides a secure closure and also has space for an Apple Pencil.
For the sixth-generation iPad Mini, this Boriyuan keyboard case has a keyboard that attaches magnetically and can be detached when you’re not typing. You can also choose between seven different backlight colors and three brightness levels. The keyboard case is made of polyurethane leather with a soft silicone shell to protect it from bumps, drops and scratches. It can also charge wirelessly, and it goes to sleep when not in use to conserve power.
For 10th-generation iPad users, the Typecase Edge offers a budget alternative to Apple's Magic Keyboard. It boasts premium features like a multi-touch trackpad, a floating hinge, a backlit keyboard and 90-day battery life — and best of all, it costs significantly less than Apple's model at just $100.
Zagg's Messenger Folio 2 doesn't have a trackpad, but it makes up for that with its long-lasting battery and row of backlit function keys at the top of its keyboard. When you consider the Messenger Folio 2's features and low price, it's a compelling buy for 10th-generation iPad users.
UAG's Rugged Bluetooth Keyboard lives up to its name, offering seventh- through 10th-generation iPad owners a durable keyboard and case. In addition to its spill-resistant keyboard and durable exterior, UAG says this model also includes a long-lasting battery that allows for up to six months of use on a single charge.
ESR's iPad Keyboard Case is compatible with the most recent iPad Pro and iPad models, and it's packed with features like backlit keys and a multi-touch trackpad. But it's the row of shortcut keys that makes this product stand out, as it allows you to adjust settings like brightness and volume directly from the keyboard. While it's not as functional as a stand-alone Bluetooth keyboard, it comes close.
If style is a priority, then you should consider Dracool's Magnetic Keyboard Case. Not only does it come in rose gold and black, but it also has seven different keyboard backlight colors, and that's on top of a multi-touch trackpad and sturdy magnetic base. It's compatible with the third-, fourth-, fifth- and sixth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro.