Your iPad can do so much—streaming shows and movies, playing music, serving as an ebook reader, handling video calls, and letting you create artwork and play games. Its lack of a solid typing space is the only thing missing.
Touch-screen keyboards do not lend themselves to long bouts of typing. So getting an external keyboard is the best thing for both you and your iPad. Whether you have an iPad, iPad mini, iPad Air, or iPad Pro, you can increase functionality with a keyboard, many of which have OS-specific keys.
Most iPad keyboards also function as cases, adding some protection. Having one can make your iPad feel like the world’s most portable laptop.
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We’ve found some great choices for you and your iPad and put them on this list. If you have a personal favorite that’s not on this list, let us know in the comments.
That Apple Magic
Works With: iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) and iPad Air (5th generation)
The Apple Magic Keyboard attaches magnetically to your iPad and also acts as a case. It has a touchpad that works with Multi-Touch gestures, making the experience even more MacBook-like. A row of function keys makes shortcuts even shorter.
The keys of the Magic Keyboard are backlit so that you can see them in any lighting. And if you’re worried about running out of power, you can charge your iPad while you use it with a built-in USB-C port.
Light as a Folio
Works With: iPad (10th generation)
The Apple Magic Keyboard Folio works with Apple’s entry-level iPad and gives it a real boost in productivity. The trackpad works with the familiar Multi-Touch gestures, and a backlit keyboard lets you work anywhere.
When you want to just relax and stream something, you can detach the keyboard and use the adjustable kickstand. A super-slim design means you can pack up your iPad in the protective folio and take it with you.
Maximum Protection
Works With: iPad (9th, 8th, and 7th generations)
If you want a real laptop look (and extra protection) for your iPad, the Brydge 10.2 MAX+ is what you need. The case itself is rugged and antimicrobial.
SnapFit Clamps keep the keyboard firmly attached but also allow you to remove it when you want to use your iPad without it, while still giving the iPad four-foot drop protection.
A Multi-Touch trackpad contributes to the laptop-like experience, and an Apple Pencil holder on top really rounds out the functionality.
Perfectly Portable
Works With: iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th and 6th generations), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th generations), and iPad Air (4th and 5th generations)
The Logitech Combo Touch is a folio-style keyboard and case. A trackpad really gives your iPad a laptop feel, and backlit keys with 16 levels of brightness let you type in any lighting. The keyboard detaches, so you can comfortably stream, sketch, or read using the built-in adjustable kickstand. An Apple Pencil holder at the top leaves space to let you charge your iPad while it’s not in use.
Note: There’s another version of the Logitech Combo Touch for the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th generations of the iPad, the 3rd generation iPad Air, and the 10.5-inch iPad Pro.
Very Versatile
Works With: All iPad models
The Logitech K380 made this list for its compact size and ability to work with any iPad—actually, any iOS, MacOS, Android, or Windows device. You can pair it with three devices and switch between them with the click of a button.
The K380 weighs less than a pound and easily slips into a bag. You don’t have to worry about running out of power when on the go, because it uses two AAA batteries that should last for about two years.
The K380’s versatility isn’t just in its functionality; it also comes in five colors: dark gray, lavender lemonade, off-white, rose, and sand.
Keyed Up
Works With: iPad (5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th, and 10th generations) and iPad Air (3rd generation)
The Logitech Slim Folio is perfect for those who place a premium on comfortable keys and an easy-to-carry case. There’s no trackpad, but that gives all the room to the keys, which go from edge to edge and have a perfect amount of bounce.
A row of keys on top lets you easily control media playback and adjust iPad settings such as brightness and volume. The Slim Folio has two locked viewing angles: 58 degrees for typing and 10 degrees for streaming, drawing, and everything else.
Looking for a New Tablet?
If you know you want an iPad but you’re not sure which one, check out our guide to picking the perfect iPad for you. And while you’re shopping, our list of the best tablets will help you sort through the many alternatives out there.
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