Finding the best iPad keyboards to transform your tablet into a compact and lightweight laptop alternative can be difficult, that's why we've pooled our years of experience together to bring you this handy guide, with a variety of options to suit every need.
Packed full of powerful hardware, the iPad can double up as a lightweight laptop that is perfect for creatives on the go. But before you buy, you'll want to consider what's most important to you: For example, do you need a keyboard case with rugged protection? Or would mechanical key switches be of value to you? Our guide will help you to find answers to those questions.
If you want to improve your tablet experience further, you may like to check out our guides to the best iPad cases and the best Apple Pencil prices.
The best iPad keyboards available now
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The best iPad keyboard case overall
Multi-touch trackpad? Yes
Backlit keyboard? Yes
Logitech’s Combo Touch is a two-in-one case that has a clever detachable keyboard, offering great flexibility. The keyboard works with Apple’s Smart Connector for super-fast connectivity, while the neat trackpad lets you tap anywhere, so there’s no dead zone. It's also available for pretty much every generation of iPad.
Best keyboard case for 10th Generation iPad
Multi-touch trackpad? Yes
Backlit keyboard? Yes
Apple’s offering comes with cool features, like a magnetic 'floating cantilever' design, that allows you to adjust the viewing angle with ease. There’s a built-in USB-C port to charge the case while keeping your iPad’s own port free, and it uses Apple’s superb Magic Keyboard and trackpad combo for a premium experience.
Most protective iPad keyboard case
Multi-touch trackpad? Yes
Backlit keyboard? Yes
The ZAGG Pro Keys with Trackpad has a neat built-in feature: a slot to hold the Apple Pencil on the side of the case, and it also offers good all-over protection. The case can be detached from the keyboard for you're on the go. The keyboard is comfortable and can be paired with two devices at the same time.
Top quality device with plenty of features
Multi-touch trackpad? Yes
Backlit keyboard? Yes
Brydge’s 12.9 MAX+ is a great iPad keyboard case, but if you find that option too pricey, the more affordable Brydge Pro+ is a good alternative. It pares things back a little, but you still get a full keyboard with media keys, solid aluminium construction, generous battery life, and adjustable backlit keys. The trackpad is a decent size, so if you don’t need a huge one, this is a sound option.
Best value Bluetooth iPad keyboard
Multi-touch trackpad? No
Backlit keyboard? No
The K480 goes beyond a simple iPad keyboard – you get Logitech’s excellent typing experience and you can connect it to three devices at once, and switch between them using a handy dial. It’s cross-platform, too. With up to 24 months of battery life, it’ll keep going as long as you need it.
Best compact Bluetooth iPad keyboard
Multi-touch trackpad? No
Backlit keyboard? Yes
If you want a more compact iPad keyboard without sacrificing the typing experience, the Logitech MX Keys Mini is a great choice. Despite that smaller size, you don't miss out on features: You can switch between up to three devices, but as there's no iPad mount, you have to prop up your tablet separately.
Best option for serious typists
Multi-touch trackpad? No
Backlit keyboard? Yes
If you type a lot, a mechanical keyboard such as this can be a joy thanks to the easy feeling of every press. The Keychron K8 can connect to four devices at once (three over Bluetooth 5.1 and one with its USB-C cable), and it comes in lots of sizes.
Best keyboard for the iPad (10th generation)
Multi-touch trackpad? No
Backlit keyboard? No
Logitech’s Slim Folio case gives you the functionality of a keyboard while maintaining your iPad's portable edge. It’s also one of the few iPad keyboard cases too offer all-over protection for your iPad and a slot for an Apple Pencil. There's no trackpad but the keyboard is great for typing on.
