The best iPad keyboard cases: Expert tested

The Logitech Combo Touch is our pick for the best overall iPad keyboard case thanks to its top features and affordable price. The Combo Touch is packed with functions with a detachable keyboard, backlit keys, built-in stylus storage, iPad OS shortcut keys, and more. It offers four modes of use: type, view, sketch, and read, to suit any iPad activity. 

Review: My favorite iPad keyboard and stylus are not made by Apple

When ZDNET's Senior Reviews Editor Kerry Wan tested the Combo Touch and Logitech Crayon Stylus with the iPad 10th Gen in 2022, he lauded it for its ability to "flex on the Magic Keyboard [Folio]." 

"Logitech's Combo Touch cover and Crayon stylus for the iPad are cheaper and practically better than Apple's own accessories. [They] are not perfect, but they deliver a more feature-rich experience than Apple's first-party accessories at a fraction of the cost. That's not a knock on Apple's iPad keyboard and stylus by any means; the two are just as worthy of your consideration," Wan wrote in his review. 

Current customers on the Logitech website said they liked the Combo Touch case's top-of-the-line features, overall value, and price point. The case has over 100 5-star reviews. One customer, like Wan, even said it beat out Apple's Magic Keyboard. "This product is exactly what I hoped Apple was going to provide. And, it was at a fraction of the price," they wrote. 

Logitech Combo Touch specs: Dimensions: 0.89 x 7.68 x 10.12 inches (per 10.2 inch display) | Connectivity: iPad 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th Gen (10.2 inches, 10.9 inches) | 4 modes (type, view, sketch, read) | Detachable keyboard | Backlit keys | Stylus storage | Full row of iPad OS shortcut keys | 1-year limited warranty | Two viewing angles

The Magic Keyboard Folio is Apple's flagship keyboard case for the most current base model iPad, the 10th Gen. Designed especially for the iPad, it features a built-in trackpad, a 14-key function row, an adjustable stand and detachable keyboard, and a versatile two-piece design. It's the most obvious choice on the market if you're looking for a keyboard case for your iPad, and like many Apple products, our team of experts think it's pretty up to snuff. But it's pricey, costing over $200. 

Also: My favorite iPad keyboard is not made by Apple

ZDNET's Kerry Wan has gone hands-on with Apple's Magic Folio and the Logitech Combo Touch (our top pick), and while he admits this Apple Magic Folio is good, he says it has been outdone in terms of function and value. 

"The Combo Touch keyboard cover and Apple's own Magic Keyboard Folio share many similarities, like their two-piece design ... But Logitech made some additional design choices that I'm a big fan of," he wrote in his 2022 review. 

Current Magic Folio users on Best Buy said they liked the keyboard's value, quality, and ease of use. It has a 4.6/5 star rating online. Many users said it was worth the hefty price tag, but others said the cost was a bit much, considering a lack of features like backlit keys. 

Apple Magic Keyboard Folio specs: Dimensions: 11.69 x 5.04 x 0.76 inches | Connectivity: iPad 10th Gen (10.9 inches) | Trackpad | Detachable keyboard | Adjustable stand | Protective back panel | 14-key function row | 1 year limited warranty 

The Zagg Pro Keys with Trackpad features many of the same traits as the more expensive options on this list at a more affordable price. The Pro Keys case has a detachable keyboard and case, laptop-style keys, an adjustable stand, a stylus holder, and multi-pairing capabilities. It's also extra durable, polycarbonate with reinforced rubber components and 6.6 feet of drop protection. 

With backlit keys in seven colors, customize your typing, work in low-light conditions easily, and toggle between two devices simultaneously, thanks to multi-pairing. Zagg says that the Pro Keys battery will last up to a year of typing before needing a recharge and that the keyboard will automatically turn off when folded backward against the tablet to preserve battery life.

Current users on the Zagg website said they liked the overall value, functions, and design of the Pro Keys with Trackpad case. Many said it works like a laptop keyboard and levels up their iPad. Some customers said they wished more instructions for best use were included. 

Zagg Pro Keys with Trackpad specs: Dimensions: 11.5 x 8.5 x 1.5 inches | Connectivity: iPad 7th, 8th, 9th (10.2 inches) | Trackpad | Detachable keyboard | Adjustable stand | Stylus holder | 6.6 feet drop protection | Multi-pairing capabilities | Backlit keys in seven colors | Rubberized edges, button covers, and corner bumpers | Battery life up to 1 year before recharging | 1 year limited warranty 

The ESR Rebound Magnetic Keyboard is another affordable iPad keyboard case option, much closer to $100 than other options on this list. It features similar top specs, such as a trackpad, a long-lasting battery, a floating, angled stand for viewing, laptop-style keys, a stylus holder, and front and back protection. 

With a sleek, laptop-esque design, the ESR Rebound can transform any space into a workstation. It is perfect for students, on-the-go users, or hybrid workers. The Rebound case is also available in white or black. 

Current ESR customers said they liked the keyboard's overall value, responsiveness, lightweight feel, and strong magnetic connection, giving it a 4.6/5 star rating on the ESR website. However, some users said the case closes oddly with a stylus in the storage slot and that the number keys are sometimes hard to reach depending on an outside case. 

Multiple customers said that the quality is premium and so are the features. "The quality definitely feels premium ...  if the Magic Keyboard is out of budget, then this is a good value product," said one customer on the site. 

ESR Rebound Magnetic Keyboard specs: Dimensions: 10 x 6.7 x 0.5 inches | Connectivity: iPad 10th Gen (10.9 inches) | Trackpad | Long-lasting battery | Front and back protection | Secure magnetic lock | Floating stand with angled viewing | Laptop-style keys | Stylus holder | Displays keyboard percentage charged 

The Logitech Slim Folio Keyboard case is designed, as named, to have a sleek and stylish profile while still delivering function. This keyboard case is available for most iPad models out of any other case on this list and has remained a mainstay on the market for several years. 

The Slim Folio features a three-year battery life, a stylus holder, front and back protection, two fixed viewing angles, and three modes of use (type, sketch, and read). It is made of water-repellent, easy-to-clean fabric that is durable for long use and has a one-year limited warranty. However, there are no trackpads or backlit keys. 

Current Logitech Slim Folio customers said they like the keyboard's overall value, function, fit, and typing capabilities, which has an overall rating of 4/5 stars on the Logitech website.  Several customers said they were repeats after purchasing a new Slim Folio after upgrading their iPad models. "After years of using my previous Slim Folio, I realized I needed to replace the keyboard. The keyboard is easy to set up, and I replace batteries when needed and type messages on my iPad. Highly recommend this product," one customer wrote. 

Logitech Slim Folio Keyboard specs: Dimensions: 7.4 x 10 x 0.8 inches | Connectivity: iPad 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th Gen (9.7 inches, 10.2 inches, 10.9 inches) | 3 year battery life | Slim design | Stylus holder | Front and back protection | Water repellent, easy-to-clean fabric and durable plastic material | Two fixed viewing angles | 3 modes of use (type, sketch, read) | 1 year limited warranty