Our review of the best iPad keyboard in 2022

If iPad are supposed to be used alone, they will adapt quite well to a real keyboard, particularly to boost productivity. What are the best keyboard models for the various iPads?

An iPad, by definition, lacks a real keyboard since it is… a touch pad. However, manufacturers, beginning with Apple, have thought of everything, including the option of pairing a compact hard keyboard with the proper size. It can become nearly necessary, especially for students who want to take notes effectively or work in transportation.

This sort of keyboard is frequently put inside a cover (a folio), which connects it to the tablet while also protecting it. Depending on the model, a trackpad is also included. In addition, a second vintage keyboard that connects through Bluetooth may be selected.

APPLE MAGIC KEYBOARD: OUR RECOMMENDATION

The iPad Pro M1 is the only tablet that merits a full QWERTY keyboard. The latter is incredibly strong due to its new CPU, and adding a keyboard and trackpad befitting of the term takes it even closer to becoming an ultraportable. Apple accomplished this with their Magic Keyboard.

If there’s one tablet that deserves a full QWERTY keyboard, it’s the iPad Pro M1. The latter is incredibly powerful owing to its new CPU, and adding a keyboard and a trackpad befitting of the term takes it even closer to becoming an ultraportable. Apple did this with their Magic Keyboard.

Once magnetized to the case, the Magic Keyboard, which is available in both white and black, connects straight to your iPad. It performs admirably: the keyboard’s typing is fantastic, thanks to Apple’s (thankfully) decision to use the scissor mechanism rather than the butterfly mechanism. Meanwhile, the trackpad, while not very large, supports full gesture controls. We also appreciate the addition of a USB-C connector for charging the iPad, which frees up space on the tablet for additional accessories.

The build quality and keyboard itself are good, however the ergonomics aren’t. As a result, the weight distribution is imbalanced, and the primary hinge has just two positions: open or closed. As a result, using the iPad while on one’s knees may be a bit difficult at times. The other major issue is the product’s adaptability: it cannot be folded 360° to utilize the tablet in reading mode.

To summarize, this is a wonderful Apple product that performs admirably. However, the price is too high: 269 dollars for the 12.9-inch model.

• Why Choose Apple Magic Keyboard?

  • Excellent build quality.
  • The Perfect Hit.
  • System for simple pairing.

buy apple magic keyboard from amazon

APPLE MAGIC KEYBOARD FOLIO : FOR IPAD 10

This is the new iPad 10’s official keyboard. It also has a trackpad built in. The latter incorporates the multitouch gestures supported by iPadOS. 14 function keys, including volume and brightness controls, are built into the keyboard.

Furthermore, its modular design is made up of two parts: the detachable keyboard and the back protection. Everything is held together by a magnetic link. The viewing angle of the rear support may be accurately adjusted.

Except for the pricing, which is always an issue with Apple, this is an almost flawless official product.

• Why Choose Apple Magic Keyboard Folio?

  • Finishes that are flawless.
  • A good hit.
  • System for simple pairing.

buy apple magic keyboard folio from amazon

APPLE SMART KEYBOARD FOLIO: THE APPLE AND SOLO KEYBOARD

Both Smart Keyboard models are Apple alternatives to the Magic Keyboard for users who don’t require a trackpad while utilizing a touch pad.

There is also a Smart Keyboard that does not completely cover the back of the iPad and is compatible with iPads (7th, 8th, and 9th generations), iPad Air (3rd generation), and 10.5-inch iPad Pro. The Smart Keyboard Folio, the bigger brother, covers the iPad on all sides. It is compatible with the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro, as well as the fifth and fourth generation iPad Air. The complexity of the iPad range may be sensed in the several keyboards offered…

As a result, the two models have a matte and soft touch, as well as a nice typing experience. There are two distinct reclining postures available. One of this keyboard’s virtues is its use as a protective case: it easily folds over the screen, protecting and transporting the iPad safely.

Unfortunately, Apple perfection comes at a cost, with prices ranging from 99 dollars for the Smart Keyboard Folio. Unlike the Magic Keyboard, this variant is only available in black, which is important to know if your iPad is silver.

buy apple smart keyboard folio from amazon

LOGITECH COMBO TOUCH: THE CHALLENGER AT THE HEIGHT

Logitech has been an Apple partner for many years. As a result, its accessories are offered directly on the Apple website. It should be noted that the Swiss maker has been doing really well on Cupertino tablet cases and keyboards for many years. The Combo Touch is a direct (and serious) rival to the official Magic Keyboard for use with an iPad Pro.

The Combo Touch offers several benefits. The manufacturing quality, finishing, and ergonomics are all in play. The typing stroke is quick yet adequate, the illumination is present, as are the necessary shortcut keys such as volume and brightness. The fabric effect coating, as well as the color, may not be popular.

When compared to its competition, this keyboard case has two major advantages: its reduced price. It costs 149 dollars for the iPad (7th, 8th, and 9th generations), iPad Air (3rd generation), and iPad Pro 10.5-inch models, and 199 dollars for the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation), 11-inch iPad Pro (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation), and iPad Air (4th and 5th generation). As a reminder, depending on the iPad model, the Magic Keyboard costs between 239 and 315 dollars. As a result, we’re talking about a product that’s almost half the price.

The second, and most important, benefit is its versatility. It can, in reality, provide four alternative modes of operation: a traditional input mode, a Display mode in which the keyboard is removed and the iPad is placed on its back support, a Drawing mode (quite similar) in which the iPad is located almost horizontally, and, most importantly, a Reading mode. With the latter, you can hold the iPad in your hand by flipping the keyboard over and closing the case on the rear.

In terms of coupling and power, the Combo Touch, like Apple’s Magic Keyboard, does not use Bluetooth and instead connects to the iPad via the magnetic Smart Connector.

Finally, there is a very similar device, the Folio Touch, in Logitech’s fairly convoluted portfolio that looks a lot like the Combo Touch. The Folio’s keyboard cannot be detached from the rest of the case, and it cannot be used with a 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

• Why Choose The Logitech Combo Touch?

  • Cheap Price.
  • There are options available, as well as superb ergonomics.
  • The ability to fold it back on itself.

get logitech combo touch from amazon 

LOGITECH SLIM FOLIO: THE BLUETOOTH KEYBOARD CASE

The Slim Folio is a competitor to Apple’s Smart Keyboard Folio. As a result, it has folio-style protection (a case that covers both the back of the iPad and its screen) and a keyboard without a trackpad.

This keyboard will be compatible with iPads (7th, 8th and 9th generations). It, like its bigger sibling, the Combo Touch, has multiple positions for reading, sketching, or typing. It also has a row of highly useful shortcut keys, especially whether in progress or working.

READ ALSO : Best Cheap Wireless Headphone 2022

It is not, however, designed in the same way because the keyboard is an inherent component of the casing. The connection with the iPad is also different: it must be done via Bluetooth here. While this may be less convenient than the Smart Connector for some, once connected, the iPad will reconnect to the Slim Folio on its own.

Because the keyboard is Bluetooth, it is powered by button batteries rather than the iPad. If Logitech guarantees 4 years of autonomy at 2 hours of usage per day, it will be vital to pay attention to this in order to avoid running out of power at a key moment. Furthermore, the quality of the materials and overall aesthetic are not on par with the Smart Keyboard, with the keyboard appearing a touch brittle… However, this matches to the product’s pricing.

• Why Choose The Logitech Slim Folio?

  • Shock and splash resistance are built in.
  • Small size
  • Apple Pencil or Logitech Crayon storage.

buy logitech Slim folio from amazon

LOGITECH KEYS-TO-GO: THE LAST ONE AT A MINI PRICE

It is also feasible to utilize a Bluetooth-enabled wireless keyboard with an iPad. We offer a model, still from Logitech, to put into your luggage to accompany any sort of iPad: the Keys-to-Go, which is quite adorable and attractive. There are three hues available: black, blue, and pink, allowing you to spend a little.

The Keys-to-Go, as an entirely independent keyboard, can easily connect to your smartphone. It will be an excellent companion for pupils who do not like to use a laptop to take notes.

Aside from its compact size (24 cm long), the Logitech mini-keyboard has many additional advantages. For starters, it contains a line of shortcut buttons, which can be used to control the brightness, sound level, search, switch the screen on or off, and so on. The stalemate, on the other hand, is caused by the backlight.

The Keys-to-Go have a soft, silicone-like covering that is both easy to clean and spill-resistant. It charges by USB and has a battery life of up to three months, according to the manufacturer.

• Why Choose Key-To-Go Keyboard?

  • Cheap Price.
  • Small Size.
  • Easy to Use.

buy key-to-go keyboard from amazon

Other Logitech wireless compact form factor keyboards that are compatible with iPads include the K380, which is somewhat bigger than the Keys-to-Go and hence provides greater typing comfort. It is also supplied at a very appealing price, since it is frequently on sale for approximately $40.

LOGITECH MX KEYS: THE KEYBOARD THAT THINKS IT’S A BIG ONE

For those who prefer an even larger keyboard, i.e. full size with a numeric keypad, check at the extremely nice MX Keys for Mac… still from Logitech, which is one of the few manufacturers that create Apple-specific keyboards.

The MX Keys have a really good appearance, with a two-tone black – space gray livery that is ideal for Apple products. Its chiclet keys have a little hollowed out stroke for added comfort. This keyboard will, of course, have the added benefit of being compatible with computers (Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS), making it more flexible. Of course, it’s an AZERTY keyboard, but it’s a Mac. As a result, the key layout is identical to that of an authentic Mac keyboard. Furthermore, the illumination is quite effective, with 7 distinct levels. Because Bluetooth is multipoint, it can connect to several devices at the same time. The only clear disadvantage is that it is not inexpensive…

• Why Choose MX Keys For MAC?

  • Design & finesse.
  • QWERTY keyboard.
  • Quality of typing

get mx keys for mac from amazon 

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IPAD KEYBOARDS

• What Do You Need to Know to Choose The Right Keyboard?

The admiration for a keyboard is, above all, subjective. As a result, the required size of the keys, as well as the length of their stroke, will differ for each one. More particular, an iPad keyboard must be tiny in size if it is to be incorporated inside the casing.

Another thing to double-check is that it is definitely a French keyboard, i.e. an AZERTY keyboard. It would be a pity to discover yourself with an unworkable QWERTY keyboard other than brain and hand contortion. Furthermore, the keyboards on Macs and iPads differ somewhat from those on Windows computers.

• Why Use A Keyboard With An iPad ?

Simply for the sake of convenience. This can be for occasional usage, such as when you need to send a long email, or for more frequent use, such as taking notes during classes for students. It may even be utilized as a backup solution for working while on the go, such as on a train.

• Is It Possible To Buy Any Bluetooth Keyboard For my iPad?

Since the most recent iPadOS releases, current iPads have been compatible with any Bluetooth keyboard. However, the QWERTY keyboards on Windows and Mac are not the same. Some keys, such as Command and Option, as well as shortcuts, sign positions, and so on, are not the same. This might lead to some compatibility concerns.

• What Is The Smart Connector?

Apple’s Smart Connector, which debuted on iPads in 2015, is made up of three tiny metal connections. This port can transmit both power and data. As a result, impacted peripherals include keyboards such as the Magic Keyboard and the Combo Touch. The latter do not require their own battery because they are powered by the iPad. Firmware upgrades are also handled using the Smart Connector. Except for the iPad Mini, all current iPads include this connector.

Why can I only find the Smart Connector on Apple and Logitech products? If the technology is available to third-party producers, they have yet to employ it, preferring to stick on Bluetooth. Some object to the high cost and scarcity of the components required for this port.