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While Apple includes a power adapter, user manual, and charging cable in the box with every new iPad, the package does not include a keyboard. While Apple’s iconic iPad tablet has evolved and improved since its initial release in 2010, many people consider a tablet incomplete without a physical QWERTY keyboard.
If you’re looking to use your iPad as a laptop substitute at least sometimes, a physical keyboard is essential. There are many fine keyboards to choose from. Apple makes one, plus there are loads of third-party options that connect to your iPad via Bluetooth that offer a variety of features.
Finding the perfect keyboard is no easy task because many third-party keyboards are poorly designed or overly expensive, but there are some truly great options if you know where to look. Here are our picks of the best iPad keyboards for each model to help you narrow down your search.
Not sure about which iPad is best for you? Get the lowdown with our 2019 iPad review, and our 2018 iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Mini 5 reviews.
Further reading
Best keyboards for the 2019 iPad (10.2-inch)
Brydge Keyboard
It may seem expensive for a keyboard, but look closer and you’ll see the high-quality aluminum construction and the adjustable backlit keys. It’s important to note that this is just a keyboard that clamps onto your iPad, it doesn’t include a protective iPad case, though it will work just fine with slim shell-type cases. It comes in silver, gold, or space grey to match your iPad, and once the tablet is clamped into place the rotating hinge gives it the feel and look of a mini MacBook. There are rubber feet to protect the screen when you close it, connection is easy via Bluetooth 4.0, and it boasts up to 12 months of battery life.
Logitech Slim Folio Keyboard Case
If you’re determined to make sure that your iPad stays damage-free in the face of drops, knocks, or spills, this Logitech case could be ideal for you. It also features a Bluetooth keyboard with well-spaced keys that have decent travel, and there’s a useful row of shortcut keys as well. The iPad can be propped at angles perfect for viewing or typing and the outer fabric is soft but also durable. There’s a handy holder along the top edge for your Apple Pencil or other stylus. Logitech suggests you should expect up to four years of battery life from the replaceable coin cell batteries.
IVSO Keyboard Case
Crafted from durable polyurethane with a leather look, this keyboard case folds to prop your iPad up for easy viewing or typing. It supports the automatic sleep and wake function and has a soft microfiber lining on the inside. The keyboard is attached magnetically, so you can move it wherever is most comfortable, or detach it completely when you don’t need it. The battery offers 60 hours of use and you simply plug in the Micro USB to charge, which takes around three hours. The keys are also backlit, and you can choose from seven different colors.
Apple Smart Keyboard
You can’t ever go wrong with an Apple product made for its own hardware. While this iPad keyboard is more expensive than other competitors, as Apple’s official offering, it fits the 2019 iPad perfectly and connects easily via the Smart Connector. It’s a slim keyboard, which means it’s lightweight and there isn’t much travel in the keys, but it still feels pretty good to type on. If you prefer a minimalist look that won’t cramp the iPad’s style, then this is your best option. Unfortunately, it doesn’t do much to protect the iPad, with no back or side protection at all, and it lacks a holder or slot for the Apple Pencil.
Best keyboards for the iPad Mini 5
Zagg Folio Case
If you’re worried about dropping your iPad, then go for a rugged case like this option from Zagg; it’s perfect for protecting your iPad without adding too much bulk and it contains a quality keyboard. One of the great things about this case is that it allows you to change the viewing angle, just like a normal laptop. As far as typing goes, the keys on this keyboard are well-spaced, making it quite comfortable to type on. While it does offer a Micro USB port for charging, you will rarely have to make use of it, as the keyboard lasts several months on a single charge. When you’re on the go, you can also rest easy knowing that you likely won’t drop your iPad, as the case offers a textured finish and a little extra grip.
Arteck iPad Mini Bluetooth Keyboard Folio Stand
The first thing you notice about any iPad keyboard case is the appearance, and this lightweight design is made to complement the elegant sophisticated style of the iPad Mini while still offering durable protection. The keyboard layout has larger keys for more comfortable typing and connects wirelessly via Bluetooth. Built-in hinges allow the device to be tilted up to 130 degrees for comfortable viewing. The keyboard cover features the auto sleep/wake function, which is activated by opening and closing the lid. One hour of charging yields some 50 hours of uninterrupted use.
Logitech Focus Protective Case
This protective case with a built-in Bluetooth keyboard ticks all the boxes. There’s a rugged shell for drop protection, with all the cutouts you need for easy access. The cover folds back to act as a stand and triggers the automatic sleep and wake function of your iPad Mini 4 or 5, so it comes to life when you open the cover. The keyboard is reasonably well-spaced with concave keys and a row of iOS shortcuts. You should be able to get around six months out of the rechargeable battery before having to plug in.
Fintie Keyboard Case
Looking for something affordable? This case from Fintie is very reasonably priced. Sure, it won’t be of the highest quality, but it will be fine for those who only occasionally need a keyboard. The case boasts a slim and lightweight design and comes in several colors and patterns, while still managing to offer enough protection in case you do happen to drop your device. The keyboard itself is removable and has a 10-meter range; it also features scissor switch keys and long battery life.
Best keyboards for the 2019 iPad Air (10.5-inch)
Juqitech Backlit iPad Keyboard Case
This wireless, rechargeable smart keyboard case for iPad has a seven-color backlight and connects to your iPad via Bluetooth. Its scissor-style keys and spacious button design makes typing fast, accurate, and comfortable. Raised edges protect your iPad screen from scratches while the shell case offers full-body protection for your device, keeping it free from scratches, dust, and wear. The first charge should be around six hours, but after that, one or two hours should suffice. The keyboard is easy to install or remove and it has a built-in Apple Pencil holder and an adjustable stand.
Onhi Wireless Keyboard Case
Your iPad Air will be snug and secure in this keyboard case. There’s a plastic cover with cutouts in all the right places and an aluminum keyboard with backlit keys. You have plenty of customization options with seven colors to choose from and three brightness levels. It’s comfortable to type on, but it is quite heavy and the keyboard can’t be removed from the case. The hinge allows you to adjust the angle your iPad sits at through 135 degrees, it supports the automatic sleep/wake function, and you can expect between five and 180 hours of use from a full charge. It comes in rose gold, black, gold, and silver.
Logitech Slim Combo Keyboard Case
This versatile keyboard case works with Apple’s Smart Connector, so you can connect it to your 2019 iPad Air without bothering with Bluetooth or batteries. The keyboard is plastic with a polyurethane coating and the keys are backlit. You can fold the cover back out of the way or use it to prop your iPad in portrait view or landscape, with positions for viewing or typing. There’s a handy loop for the Apple Pencil and you can detach the keyboard completely when you don’t need it.
Brydge Keyboard
It may be a little too expensive for some and it’s not a full case — just a keyboard that clamps onto your iPad Air — but the quality is high enough that it blends into Apple’s design beautifully. Brydge keyboards are made to match your iPad color perfectly, transforming it into a mini MacBook and they come in silver, space gray, gold, and rose gold. The backlit keys are well spaced with plenty of travel, rubber padded clamps ensure that your iPad is firmly held in place and more pads prevent any contact with the screen when you close it. It connects via Bluetooth 4.0 and the battery should last around a year before it needs charging up.
Best keyboards for the 2018 iPad Pro (12.9-inch or 11-inch)
Apple Smart Keyboard
In classic Apple fashion, the Smart Keyboard features a slim and sleek design with keys that are well-spaced and easy to type on. You won’t get much travel or feedback, though. It doubles as a stand for your device and doesn’t add too much extra bulk, which makes it perfect for when you’re on the go. This keyboard does not connect via Bluetooth, it uses Apple’s proprietary Smart connector, which is now located on the back of the iPad. This means that you’ll never have to manually charge the keyboard because it draws power straight from your iPad. On the downside, this is very expensive for what it is and lacks features like backlit keys.
You can also get this case for the 11-inch iPad Pro from the link below.
Chesona iPad Pro 12.9 Case
Specifically designed for the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2018) tablet, this keyboard has an elegant laptop-style design with a polyurethane leather-like cover and a soft, microfiber-lined interior that provides full protection to your device. The cover supports three use modes with three viewing angles for typing and reading. The unit supports wireless charging for the Apple Pencil and boasts a specific slot to hold it. The removable wireless keyboard can be used for working, writing, or watching videos. Precise cutouts let you access ports, sensors, speakers, microphone, and cameras. A built-in rechargeable battery could extend the battery life of your tablet, and three hours full charge will work for more than 80 hours, and standby for 120 days.
IVSO Keyboard Case
The IVSO Keyboard Case is very affordable and will give you around 60 hours of continuous use from a single charge. One of the main attractions here is the ability to remove the keyboard, which is held in place by magnets. This case also allows you to prop your iPad up like a laptop to work, and there’s a special slot for your Apple Pencil, though it won’t charge up while it’s in there. The cover is polyurethane with a microfiber lining and it works with the automatic sleep/wake function. The case comes in black, blue, and a few other colors.
You can also get this case for the 11-inch iPad Pro from the link below.
Fintie Keyboard Case
This is one of the most affordable options for the 11-inch iPad Pro. There’s a polyurethane cover, finished in a variety of different colors or designs, with a minimal polycarbonate shell inside that holds your iPad Pro securely in place. The Bluetooth keyboard attaches magnetically, so you can remove it and still use the case if you want to. The keyboard is hard plastic with scissor switches which make it reasonably comfortable to type on. You can prop your iPad in a couple of different positions. There’s also an elastic pocket on the cover for your Apple Pencil. The keyboard adds some weight and will need to be charged from time to time, but overall, this is a good value for the money.
The version for the 12.9-inch model is a bit different and only comes in a couple of colors, but it has the same keyboard and polycarbonate shell inside.
Editors’ Recommendations
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