Using a keyboard with your iPad is a fantastic way of turning your tablet into a more comprehensive workstation. Some keyboards even come attached to cases, offering protection and sometimes even a convertible stand for easy screen viewing (or for art, if you've got one of the best iPads for digital art). For this guide, considered the features, ergonomics, performance and value for money using our expertise and market knowledge to help us along the way.
Just make sure while you’re searching that the keyboard of your choice is compatible with your model, whether you have a standard iPad, iPad Pro or iPad Air - our guide to the iPad generations will help here. You should also consider grabbing one of the best iPad cases and the best Magic Keyboard alternatives to make the most out of your tablet.
The best iPad keyboards available now
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 for those who use their iPad both at home and on the move. 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.
Multi-touch trackpad? Yes
Backlit keyboard? Yes
One of the best iPad Pro keyboards, Apple’s Magic Keyboard comes with a magnetic 'floating cantilever' design that allows you to easily adjust the viewing angle. There’s a built-in USB-C port to charge the case while keeping your iPad’s port free. We find the keyboard and trackpad combo provide a smooth, premium experience. It's available for both the 11in and 12.9in iPad Pro.
Multi-touch trackpad? Yes
Backlit keyboard? Yes
The ZAGG Pro Keys with Trackpad has a neat built-in 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 if you're on the go. We don't think it's as good looking or as well built as Apple's or Logitech's cases, but it's more affordable and the keyboard is comfortable and can be paired with two devices at once.
Multi-touch trackpad? Yes
Backlit keyboard? Yes
Brydge’s 12.9 MAX+ is a great iPad keyboard case, but the Brydge Pro+ is a more affordable 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. We think the trackpad is still a decent size.
Multi-touch trackpad? No
Backlit keyboard? No
If you don't need a case, we found the K480 to be an excellent option for a superb typing experience. It has a mount to hold your tablet, and you can connect it to three devices at once, switching between them using a handy dial. It’s cross-platform, too. Battery life is excellent (Logitech suggests up to 24 months), and we like the shape and feel of the rounded keys.
Multi-touch trackpad? No
Backlit keyboard? Yes
The Logitech MX Keys Mini is actually one our editor uses with a laptop as well as an iPad – it feels like a standard keyboard experience. 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.
Multi-touch trackpad? No
Backlit keyboard? Yes
If you type a lot, a mechanical keyboard can be a joy thanks to the easy, satisfying feel 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 various sizes. It's our top choice for those who prioritise the typing experience and want a mechanical keyboard for their iPad.
Multi-touch trackpad? No
Backlit keyboard? No
Logitech’s Slim Folio case gives you the functionality of a keyboard while maintaining your iPad's portability. It’s also one of the few iPad keyboard cases to 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. This is designed for the 2022 10th-gen iPad.
Multi-touch trackpad? Yes
Backlit keyboard? Yes
This ultra-rugged Bluetooth keyboard case from Urban Armor Gear boasts 8FT drop protection, a sturdy grip, storage for your iPad stylus and a built-in kickstand. It's the most indestructible (and spill-resistant) iPad keyboard case we've tested. The magnetic stand is adjustable and the rechargeable battery lasts up to six months.
How to choose the best iPad keyboard
When it comes to choosing the best iPad keyboard, you need to consider your own priorities. If you don't tend to use your iPad on the move, you might just need the keyboard itself, in which case you can prioritise ergonomics and the typing experience rather than the casing.
However, if you carry your iPad around with you, it often makes sense to choose an iPad keyboard case, since these can also protect your iPad and its screen when not in use. This can add some bulk to your device, but makes it easier when commuting, and it makes sense to solve two problems with one product.
So really it depends on how much you plan to use your keyboard and if it should be attached for longer periods or be a standalone keyboard that you can grab whenever you need it. You'll want to consider comfort, build, price, performance and overall aesthetics – Apple devices look pretty sleek, so it would be a crime to pair them with an ugly keyboard, right? With all of this in mind, consider how much you want to spend. Apple's options, both its iPad Pro keyboard cases and its standard iPad keyboard, are well-built and look the part, but, as we've highlighted above, there are also good Magic Keyboard alternatives outside of Apple, and they can be cheaper.
How we test the best iPad keyboards
We have been reviewing hardware for creatives since Creative Bloq began in 2012. We've reviewed almost every iPad that Apple has made since then, and our reviewers, many of them working creatives, have built up a huge amount of experience in testing and reviewing iPad accessories, including iPad keyboards.
To choose the best iPad keyboards for this guide, we used many keyboards ourselves, and compared our reviewers' evaluations of build quality, features, and performance. We considered whether the keyboard provided extra benefits, such as serving as a protective iPad keyboard case, and also considered price to recommend options for different budgets.
FAQs
Will a Windows keyboard work with my iPad?
In short, yes: you can use pretty much any modern Windows keyboard with an iPad since iPadOS 13, provided both your iPad and the keyboard offer Bluetooth connection, or that you have the correct adapter for any ports if your keyboard comes with a dongle.
However, it's also important to note that quick shortcuts and key types may vary between Mac and Windows, so you will need to adjust to that.
Can I use any keyboard with my iPad?
Yes and no. If you're using an external Bluetooth keyboard then as long as your iPad is equipped with Bluetooth, it should be absolutely fine. However, if you're using a keyboard case then you'll need to make sure that you purchase the right one for your exact iPad model/size.
Note that there are some keyboards out there that use a dongle rather than Bluetooth to connect to your device, and most of the time these will be USB only. In this case, you would need to purchase an extra adapter (from USB-type C or Apple Lightning to USB for example) so you can slot the dongle into one of the ports on your iPad if it has any.
Is Apple's Magic Keyboard a good iPad keyboard?
We think Apple's official Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro or Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad 10 are great accessories for most Apple users (as long as you have a compatible tablet). However, not everyone is a fan of the design layout, and the price is relatively expensive compared to alternatives from other brands.
If you're used to the Windows or PC keyboard format, then you might prefer an external keyboard with this layout as opposed to one with the command key instead of control. Some keyboards can be totally customised to suit your preferences, and many people who type a lot prefer the satisfying typing experience of a mechanical keyboard.
Is my iPad keyboard compatible?
In every likelihood, yes, your iPad will be keyboard-compatible, but it will depend on which model your tablet is and the connectivity options of your keyboard.
Since iPadOS 13.4, connecting a Bluetooth accessory to your iPad has been possible, which means all iPad Pro models, iPad Air 2 or later, iPad (5th generation) or later and iPad mini 4 or later can all work with Bluetooth keyboards.
If you're gunning for an iPad case keyboard, you'll need to check the individual model compatibility.
Do all iPads have keyboards?
All iPads have an onscreen keyboard, but they don't come with an external keyboard as standard. However, all iPads can be connected to an external keyboard so your iPad can be transformed into a workstation that has use beyond that of the usual tablet. In fact, some might say the latest iPad Pro can rival your laptop when connected to the right keyboard.
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