Keyboard cases for the iPad Pro add a lot to the picture, especially with a trackpad. Holden Watne at Generation IX Technologies in Culver City, California, recommends considering budget, durability and use when choosing the best iPad keyboard case. In addition, the keyboard case provides three use modes: typing, sketching and reading. Weight matters a lot, since you will be carrying it around and want to make sure its not bulky., And if youre using the iPad on the go, Singhal says its important to find a keyboard thats not power-hungry: Typically going with a good brand will ensure this, but its best to keep an eye on power rating to avoid wondering why you have to keep charging your iPad every four hours.. There seems to be a problem serving the request at this time, {"modules":["unloadOptimization","bandwidthDetection"],"unloadOptimization":{"browsers":{"Firefox":true,"Chrome":true}},"bandwidthDetection":{"url":"https://ir.ebaystatic.com/cr/v/c1/thirtysevens.jpg","maxViews":4,"imgSize":37,"expiry":300000,"timeout":250}}. Keyboard needs to be connected to case to use (runs off Smart Connector power). The keyboard cover attaches magnetically and you can adjust viewing angles for comfort. The smaller 11-inch Pro works with any 11-inch iPad Pro accessories going back to the 2018 model, and also cases for the 2020 iPad Air. Copyright 1995-2022 eBay Inc. All Rights Reserved. Use your iPad as a laptop on the go with a Logitech Slim Folio Keyboard Case. https://www.officedepot.com/images/us/od/, 20% off your qualifying reg. The keyboard case has rubber bumpers on all four corners, plus a magnetic latch to store an Apple Pencil. For more budget-conscious consumers, he recommends the Logitech Rugged keyboard for its general capability and protection. Something went wrong. If youre concerned about dropping your iPad or, say, spilling your hot beverage on it, the Logitech Rugged Folio provides shock-absorbent protection that exceeds military-grade standards. Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication. The more versatile design of the case means you can flip back (or remove) the keyboard for non-typing needs, like drawing with a Pencil or reading, without needing to pop it out of the case. Much like Microsoft's Surface tablet keyboards, the bottom-connecting design won't really work in a lap. View cart for details. The Bluetooth connectivity is easier and more instantaneous than before, but it's not perfect. Backed by the manufacturer's 1-year limited warranty. There's also a tremendous multitouch trackpad that's bigger than the one on the MacBook Air, which works very smoothly with multitouch gestures on iPadOS. If budget isnt a concern, I recommend the Apple Magic Keyboard, since it turns your iPad into a powerful laptop and is a great experience, Watne says. Dedicated function keys. But how do you choose the right one? All Rights Reserved. But this iPad keyboard is also more expensive than existing Brydge accessories. The adjustable-angle magnetic top cover doesn't bend back as much as a normal laptop. Two other manufacturers are also worth noting: Logitech makes a keyboard-detachable case with a kickstand that's perfect for Zoom/FaceTime calls using that new zoom-in Center Stage camera, while Brydge has a new case with an extremely large trackpad and a design that feels closest to laptop-like. Prices below are for the 12.9-inch keyboard version. There aren't any dedicated function keys like the MacBook Air (and other iPad cases) have. Needs a stable flat surface to use (isn't good for laps). We also appreciate that it can pair with two devices, so you can use it with your iPad and iPhone at the same. $500 via Verizon e-gift card (sent w/in 8 wks). An iPad keyboard case can successfully transform your iPad into a small laptop. The case doesn't offer much protection, exposing the tablet sides and detaching easily on falls. But Apple's support for keyboard shortcuts and multitouch trackpad gestures work really well on iPadOS. It hasn't changed much since last year, but new 12.9-inch cases are sized up a tiny bit to fit the new Pro's slightly thicker dimensions. The keyboard charges via the USB-C port and the cover provides protection when its closed. Granted, the OS is different. The lack of volume/play/pause/screen brightness adjustments keys is a letdown. Compatible with 7th generation Apple iPad for easy setup and optimized use. I tested all of these on the 12.9-inch 2021 iPad Pro, which isn't compatible with many older accessories because of its slightly thicker size. I've gotten really used to the design of this Magic Keyboard, and it's well-sized to fit on smaller desks or on a lap in a pinch. In 2020, I compared options. Get up to $500 when you. The keyboards kickstand has 40 degrees of tilt, so you can change the angles for typing, sketching, viewing and reading, and theres even a holding loop at the top to store your Apple Pencil. Improved design has a magnetic back to easily attach to the iPad Pro. Pros: Compact design, easy to attach/detach, bonus passthrough USB-C charge port, somewhat lap-friendly, Cons: Expensive, limited viewing angles, lacks dedicated function keys. The full coverage case helps to safeguard your device, while a row of shortcut keys on this compact keyboard offers quick access to specific services. The Logitech Slim Folio Pro is designed for 12.9-inch 3rd and 4th generation iPad Pro models. Apple's Magic Keyboard lacks them. Now, I'm doing the same. Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard Case for iPad 10.2-inch (9th, 8th and 7th Gen) - Black, Logitech Slim Folio Pro for 11-inch iPad Pro (2020), Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard Case for iPad Air (5th Gen)/(4th Gen). If you have a 7th, 8th or 9th generation iPad, the Logitech Combo Touch is versatile enough to meet all of your needs and its also one that weve reviewed and highly recommend. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. The keyboard case can charge wirelessly and it goes to sleep when not in use to conserve power. All rights reserved. Updated Theres also a slot on top to hold an Apple Pencil. You can also choose between seven different backlight colors and three levels of brightness. Tablet & eReader Cases, Covers & Keyboard Folios, 13 product ratings - Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard Case Apple iPad Pro 11" 1st 2nd 3rd Gen 920-010095, 1 product ratings - Logitech Folio Touch Keyboard + Smart Connector for iPad Pro 11" 1st 2nd 3rd Gen, Logitech Slim Folio Pro Bluetooth Keyboard Case iPad Pro 12.9 3rd 4th Gen 009703, 6 product ratings - Logitech Slim Folio Pro Bluetooth Keyboard Case iPad Pro 12.9 3rd 4th Gen 009703, 35 product ratings - Logitech Slim Folio Bluetooth Keyboard Case for iPad 9.7" 5th 6th Gen, 29 product ratings - Logitech Slim Folio Integrated Bluetooth Keyboard for iPad 5th & 6th Gen -Faulty, 34 product ratings - NEW OEM Logitech Red Canvas Wireless BT Keyboard Folio iPad Air 2 Case, 39 product ratings - Logitech Type+ iPad Air Keyboard Folio Bluetooth Case Stand 6909, 2 product ratings - Logitech Slim Folio Case Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard iPad Pro 11-Inch Stand c-4, 77 product ratings - Logitech Keys-To-Go Wireless Keyboard for iPad/iPhone/Apple TV Black 920-006701, 18 product ratings - Logitech Slim Folio Pro Case Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard iPad Pro 11-Inch Stand, 6 product ratings - NEW Logitech Slim Combo Backlit Keys Bluetooth Keyboard for iPad 6th & 5th gen, 27 product ratings - Logitech FOCUS Bluetooth Keyboard Folio Case for iPad Mini 4, 24 product ratings - Logitech Slim Combo iPad 5th/6th Gen Bluetooth Keyboard Case Cover 920-009040, 91 product ratings - Logitech Slim Combo Case with Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard 9.7" iPad 5th 6th Gen, 48 product ratings - Logitech Slim Combo Case Bluetooth Backlit Keyboard iPad Pro 10.5" A1701 A1709, 7 product ratings - Logitech Slim Folio Bluetooth Keyboard Case for 9.7 inch iPad - Black, 111 product ratings - ULTRA THIN Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard Folio for iPad Air 1st Gen QUICK SHIP, 9 product ratings - Original Logitech FabricSkin Keyboard Folio For Apple iPad Air - Gray/Yellow. Brydge's latest premium keyboard case for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, coming in mid-June, makes a big leap over previous Brydge keyboards. Apple's keyboard, originally released last year, offers a comfortable typing experience. This Rugged folio is a slim keyboard case with drop protection that exceeds demanding tests. I started with CNET reviewing laptops in 2009. The side USB-C passthrough is helpful because it adds an extra charge port while using the side Thunderbolt port for other dongles. Other obsessions include magic, immersive theater, puzzles, board games, cooking, improv and the New York Jets. I found the responsiveness of Logitech's keyboard to be really good, but the design also means you'll need to sit at a desk. Discovery Company. The case runs off the iPad Pro's power. Apple has its own fancy and expensive Magic Keyboard case. This Apple Magic Keyboard, which weve reviewed and recommended, perfectly fits an 11-inch iPad Pro (1st, 2nd or 3rd generation), or an iPad Air 4th generation. Cases that have both a keyboard and a trackpad really feel like they help the iPad transform into a laptop. It even has those familiar iOS shortcut keys and a trackpad. It's made of a soft material that can get scuffed up, and occasionally can get torn or dented depending on how you use it. Its designed for 7th, 8th and 9th generation iPads, and the sealed keyboard is designed to resist spills and dirt. The redesigned bluetooth keyboard has more travel in its keys than Logitech's or Apple's keyboards (more like the 2015 MacBook Pro used to have way back). In addition, Ashu Singhal, president at Orion Network Solutions in Washington, DC, recommends looking at such factors as weight and power rating. A snap-on magnetic back cover gives a little more protection than older Brydge keyboards, and it's alsoa lot easier to attach/remove the iPad, but that also means that the iPad can't bend back at quite as wide an angle as before. This iPad keyboard is more affordable than Apple or Brydge's top-end new cases. iPad Pro keyboard options: Logitech Combo Touch (left), Magic Keyboard (middle), Brydge Max 12.9+ (right). Case offers solid protection. High-performance spill and dirt-resistant sealed keys make this the perfect tool for on-the-go work. They all have their advantages, and all work well, but I still prefer Apple's Magic Keyboard for its size/performance over the others. The keyboard is backlit with comfortable keys and has a row of shortcut keys at the top. The keyboard promises a quiet typing experience, and instantly pairs and powers on. A Warner Bros. This version of the Magic Keyboard is available in white or black. For iPad owners with an iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd, 4th or 5th generation model, this Apple Magic Keyboard has full-size backlit keys and a trackpad to help you easily navigate the iPads screen. Best keyboard that also doubles as a normal iPad case. Logitech's latest iPad Pro keyboard case is a Pro-sized version of the company's Combo Touch case available on smaller iPads. Sometimes I found the connection dropped out (as happens with Bluetooth), and sometimes, rarely, the trackpad gestures seemed a little skittish. Bends back for wide viewing angles. The keyboard and case are detachable to suit your needs at any moment and the case uses a magnetic closure system to provide drop protection from 6.6 feet. One of our picks for the best iPad accessories, the Zagg ProKeys Keyboard Case is compatible with iPad 9th Gen and iPad Pro 10.2-inch models. In addition, the battery is rated to last a year before it needs to be recharged. Still, it costs $100 less than the Magic Keyboard. 1:14 PM EDT, Tue July 12, 2022, Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 12.9-Inch. The magnetic latch provides a secure closure and has space for an Apple Pencil. Slim Logitech keyboard case resists spills and bumps for lasting performance. Cons: Needs a lot of table space for the rear stand and keyboard base. The smooth fabric exterior will also protect your iPad from scratches. Very lap-friendly. It works just as well: The detachable keyboard and trackpad are generous enough, although the trackpad is a lot smaller than the giant Brydge one. The case's rigid design also makes it nearly useless as a tablet case for sketching with a Pencil. Comes with an extra row of function-based keys that the Magic Keyboard lacks. For 6th generation iPad Minis, the Boriyuan iPad Mini 6 Keyboard Case has a keyboard that attaches magnetically and can be detached when youre not typing. Manufacturer part 920-009312 | Dell part AA884355 | Order Code aa884355 | Logitech, Logitech for 7th Gen iPad Keyboard and Folio Case, Corporate & Government Employee Discounts, View orders and track your shipping status, Create and access a list of your products. Designed to make shopping easier. Italso has full-size backlit keys and a trackpad that help mimic the experience of typing on a MacBook. Content is created by CNN Underscoreds team of editors who work independently from the CNN newsroom. See vzw.com/bring-your-own-device for details. The keys, especially on the 12.9-inch, are well-spaced and feel just like typing on a MacBook. The keyboard attaches and pairs magnetically and you can smoothly adjust the keyboard cover for the best viewing angle. Have a phone you love? Theres a USB-C charging port, and the entire product folds into its case for secure protection from dust and other debris. Add the products you would like to compare, and quickly determine which is best for your needs. The 2021 iPad Pro has a new M1 processor, a new display (on the larger model) and optional 5G. 2022 CNET, a Red Ventures company. But just like before, it doesn't come with an iPad keyboard. Pros: iPad case can be removed from the keyboard and used on its own with a kickstand. Activation of 4G LTE/5G phone on 5G Get More plan reqd. Pros: Tremendous-size trackpad. The rechargeable battery lasts for up to three months (assuming you use it two hours a day), and after setting up the connection the first time, you can connect wirelessly. The keyboard cover is available in either black or white. It uses smart connector technology so no pairing or charging is required. Still, this is easily the most laptop-friendly iPad Pro keyboard case around, and really makes the whole thing feel shockingly like a MacBook Air. Advanced Bluetooth LE wireless keyboard technology offers a reliable connection. Receive product recommendations, reviews & deals several times a week. It's Apple versus Brydge versus Logitech in the battle to make your new M1 iPad feel more like a laptop. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more. The adjustable rear kickstand is helpful as a viewing stand for family Zooms, too. Full row of iOS shortcut keys offers control. By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy. Now I explore wearable tech, VR/AR, tablets, gaming and future/emerging trends in our changing world. priced purchase, Today only $44.99 Office Depot Brand Paper, 10-rm case, Free next-business-day shipping on qualifying $45 order, Slim Folio for iPad (7th, 8th and 9th generation). Shop your favorite products and well find the best deal with a single click. But there are drawbacks. The standalone case offers the best protection of any of these three: The rubberized sheath should help protect against bumps. After considering these and other factors, such as popularity, ease of use and outstanding reviews, as well as some we personally tested, weve rounded up the best iPad keyboard cases you can buy. The extra row of function keys for volume, screen brightness, play/pause and other helpful shortcuts is really useful, much like it is on the Brydge keyboard. It pairs and powers on using the smart connector (so theres no battery) and the lightweight keyboard is similar to the one on your laptop, and we also appreciate that the keys are backlit and the lighting is adjustable. The keyboard case is made of polyurethane leather with a soft silicone shell to protect it from bumps, drops and scratches. 2022 Cable News Network. Device must remain active for 45 days. $500 charge back if service cancelled w/in 12 mos or eligibility reqs are no longer met.