The Smart Keyboard pairs via the Smart Connector and offers the same typing experience as the Smart Keyboard Folio, though it doesn't protect the back of the iPad. We also have a keyboard case recommendation for the iPad Air 2 which was released in and is, despite the name, an older model than the iPad Air. Nick Guy was the accessories editor at iLounge for a little over three years before covering Apple products and accessories at Wirecutter.

During his tenure at iLounge, he reviewed more than 1, products, including dozens of iPad keyboard cases. You can dramatically increase your iPad productivity with real, tactile keys that let you type almost as quickly and with almost as few errors as you can on your computer. And most keyboard cases are specifically designed to let you type on your lap, much like you would with a laptop, making a keyboard case better for portable use than an iPad with a separate keyboard and stand.

How Verizon Media and our partners bring you better ad experiences

But before you rush out and buy a keyboard case, you should consider the drawbacks and temper your expectations because adding a keyboard case to your iPad is all about compromises. You should get an iPad keyboard case only if you need to use a physical keyboard regularly and you want one with you most of the time.

Even then, you should at least consider a standalone Bluetooth keyboard instead. We have some great recommendations for standalone keyboards and iPad stands , but if you really do want a keyboard case, read on. Here are the things an iPad keyboard case should get right:. Of the models that met our criteria, we tested each for a minimum of two weeks of regular use, and we used each of the top contenders for much longer.

We used each keyboard case both for extended typing sessions and short typing tasks. Sometimes a great overall design is ruined by a bad typing experience; sometimes a fantastic keyboard is hampered by a poorly designed case or stand. The best iPad keyboard for people who type a lot is the Logitech Slim Folio. In a relatively small field of competition—models from reputable brands that warranted testing based on our criteria—the Slim Folio is simply the best to type on thanks to great keyboard hardware and proper key layout.

The keys themselves are smaller than what you get on a full-size laptop keyboard, of course, but Logitech avoided the temptation to make some keys bigger by eliminating others. Tab, Caps Lock, Shift, and Command, for example, are still wider than the letter keys, but not by as much as they are on a full-size keyboard. We enjoyed typing on the Slim Folio, and the physical keys themselves impressed us. The whole thing is also sturdier than its competition: Other iPad keyboards we tested for this update flexed under the pressure of our fingers pressing down on the keys, but the Slim Folio does not.

One of the best features of the Slim Folio is its automatic connection. The initial Bluetooth pairing process is identical to that of any other wireless keyboard, which is very easy and takes a matter of seconds. When that happens, the keyboard instantly wakes up and is ready for you to type. Other keyboards may require you to press a button to wake up the keyboard, whereas this one is ready when you are without a second thought. And it automatically disconnects the keyboard when you lift the iPad off the base. A fabric-wrapped panel is stacked on top of the shell, continuing around to the underside of the keyboard, which, as with most keyboard cases, also acts as the front of the screen cover.

The whole package feels nice, especially in comparison with the usual combination of plastic and rubber we see on iPad cases. Thankfully, you can easily snap the tablet out of the case when you need to. The Slim Folio provides only one typing angle for the iPad, with the tablet securely held in place by the aforementioned magnetic strip. Roughly 30 degrees back from perpendicular, we found that angle perfectly comfortable during use, although some people may like a keyboard case with more viewing angles. If real-world use is anywhere near that long, the battery is likely to last as long as you have your iPad.

At this writing, the updated model was available only through Logitech directly, and not yet for sale on Amazon. As we noted above, all iPad keyboard cases require compromises, and that holds true for the Slim Folio. But this particular trade-off is very common; few iPad keyboards include an Esc key. The bulk is one of the compromises you have to make for this all-in-one solution.

And we do wish that the keyboard and case could be separated to better accommodate different uses. Along with a thicker, heavier case, it offers the second-best typing experience we found after the Slim Folio and a handful of useful features that are uncommon among iPad keyboard cases: The case is detachable from the keyboard, the Bluetooth connection supports two devices for easy switching, and the keys are backlit, making for a better experience when typing in dark settings.

The Rugged Messenger offers enough protection to keep an iPad safe from occasional bumps and drops. The only real area for improvement in terms of protection would be a taller lip around the screen to better protect the glass if dropped. The key backlighting has three different brightness levels, and you can cycle through multiple colors, both nice touches that set this keyboard apart from the others we tested. We also appreciate that the keyboard automatically turns on and off as needed, with Zagg promising two-year battery life. The switch from one device to another via two buttons in the top-left corner of the keyboard happens quickly and never failed in our testing.

Fully assembled, the Rugged Messenger is about an inch thick and weighs a little over 2. It takes up more space than the Slim Folio when open, but is a good alternative if you value being able to detach the keyboard. The Slim Book Go is bigger than the Slim Folio in every dimension, but generally by just a few fractions of a inch. The extra size gives the case a spot to hold the Apple Pencil, and the thoroughly protective case includes crisply-clicking button covers.

The biggest downside to the Slim Book Go is how much desk space it requires—the keyboard and stand are around 12 inches deep when propped up for typing, compared to 7. That may not sound like much more, but the Slim Folio is a lot more practical for an airplane tray table or a crowded coffee shop than the Slim Book Go. The Slim Book Go splits into two pieces that can be used independently of one another.

Photo: Sarah Kobos. The Slim Book Go provides a great typing experience. Built into the back of the case is a fold-back stand that can hold the iPad at a variety of angles, ranging from perpendicular to your desk to about 50 degrees off the surface, a super useful feature the Slim Folio lacks. The keyboard has the same layout as on the Slim Folio, with keys that are more rounded than the squares of the Logitech, but still easy and comfortable to type on.

Zagg lets you pair with up to two devices, which the Logitech keyboard does not. But it does require some compromises. In addition to the keyboard simply being great to type on, it can pair with up to three devices, including a phone or computer, and two AAA batteries can power it for up to two years. The case was the predecessor to the Smart Keyboard Folio , with the same typing surface and basic concept.

15 best keyboards and keyboard cases for the iPad

The keyboard is backlit, with three levels of brightness, and seven backlight colors to choose from. This keyboard case is both functional and stylish. Are you looking for a durable keyboard case for your newest iPad mini? There are several models available already and counting , but so far the most functional one is offered by Feitenn.

Logitech Ultrathin Bluetooth Keyboard Cover for iPad 2 3rd & 4th Gen for sale online | eBay

The case is not only the thinnest iPad mini 5 keyboard case you can get right now. It features the full-size Bluetooth keyboard with gentle key responsiveness, offering a writing experience similar to laptops. The rugged design with the rubberized exterior is resistant to water and dirt. Most importantly, the case has a built-in holder for Apple Pencil. The pen can be easily placed and removed. Who said iPad keyboard cases have to look like dull laptops and be offered only in black or silver? From Baiken comes a standard folio keyboard case for iPad 9.

The case from Baiken is also one of the most affordable keyboard cases for iPad that you can find on Amazon. There is no detectable lag while using the keyboard. Connection is virtually instant and connection setup was completely painless and simple. If you want to have the keyboard case for your iPad Pro that has the classic business look and offers a feel of an old book, you should check out the model offered by Fintie. Among other color variants, you will find Saddle Brown. One feature worth mentioning is a stretchable elastic pencil pocket that will securely store and carry your Apple Pencil when on the go.

Wireless Apple Pencil charging is obviously supported. Fortunately, I could not have been more off-base. This is an amazing case and keyboard. It is substantial and gives some stability to my iPad, without being heavy or bulky. This keyboard case supports your Apple Pencil in two ways.

First, it will enable you to wirelessly charge the stylus, when you stick it to the top side of the iPad. Secondly, there is an Apple Pencil holder located inside the case, between the iPad and keyboard, to keep it safe when carrying.

0 Items In Your Cart

The keyboard is using X-structure design, which helps greatly reduce the tapping sound and create a smooth typing experience. Chocolate keys are quiet and comfortable, never feel tired even if type for a long time. Especially suitable for study, work, or business travel. The keyboard is detachable and the design lets you use it in four flexible modes: typing, viewing, reading, and FaceTime. It features backlit keys, with a dedicated row of iOS shortcut keys.

Unlike other third-party keyboards that need Bluetooth to connect , the Slim Combo seamlessly pairs with iPad Pro via the Smart Connector and never requires charging.