'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?
ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.
When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.
ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.
Optimize productivity with the best iPad keyboards
Apple has a full lineup of the best iPads, ranging from the small iPad Mini up to the large iPad Pro 12.9-inch. Apple has a couple of external hardware keyboard options with a few others available from third parties. The iPad Mini is a bit too small for a keyboard to add much value, although a few of us used netbooks with tiny hardware keyboards and were able to enter text quite well back in the day.
ZDNET Recommends
Apple's iPadOS continues to improve in the areas of trackpad support and keyboard shortcuts, so full keyboard support is not available natively from Apple. The OS also continues to get more capable, making a combination of the iPad and a keyboard worthy to serve as the primary computing device for some people.
Also: The best iPad accessories
- Supports various viewing angles
- Backlit keys
- Excellent construction, stable platform
- No function row
- Uses iPad battery to power the keyboard
Connection Method: Smart Connector | Battery Life (for Bluetooth models): N/A | Dimensions: 29.2 x 23.9 x 2.2 cm | Weight: 1 kg | Key Travel: 1mm | Backlit: Yes | Compatibility: iPad Pro 11 (3rd gen), iPad Air (4th gen), iPad Pro 12.9 (5th gen)
The Apple Magic Keyboard is our best overall pick. Apple released the Magic Keyboard in early 2020 with a new unique form factor with a floating cantilever design and magnetic attachment to your iPad. You can find the perfect viewing angle with this keyboard for iPad, but it is very expensive.
The keyboard supports Multi-Touch gestures and the cursor functionality of iPadOS. There is a USB-C port on the side of the Magic Keyboard hinge that you can use to charge up the iPad so that you can use the iPad port to connect to another device.
- Handy folio design protects the iPad's display
- Excellent build quality
- Portable design for writing on the go
- No trackpad or function row
- Uses iPad battery to power the keyboard
Connection Method: Smart Connector | Battery Life (for Bluetooth models): N/A | Dimensions: 25.7 x 19.1 x 2.3 cm | Weight: 150 grams | Key Travel: Not advertised | Backlit: No | Compatibility: iPad Pro 11 (1st, 2nd, 3rd gen), iPad Air (4th gen), iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd, 4th, 5th gen)
The Apple Smart Keyboard Folio has been the standard for Apple's iPad keyboards for years, providing a slim, sleek keyboard option to take with you wherever you go. The keys are integrated with the material and are well-spaced for accurate typing. It takes a bit of usage to get comfortable with the limited travel and response.
There is no trackpad on this keyboard for iPad and no function row, but Apple optimizes the keys to fit the width of the iPad you are using it with. Two viewing angles are supported by the keyboard, and it folds up easily to protect the front and back of your iPad.
- Solid design and simple functionality
- Lightweight
- Only protects the front of the iPad
- No trackpad
- Expensive for the capability provided
Connection Method: Smart Connector | Battery Life (for Bluetooth models): N/A | Dimensions: 26.2 x 19.4 x 1.4 cm | Weight: 0.5 kg | Key Travel: 1mm | Backlit: Yes | Compatibility: iPad Pro 10.5, iPad Air (3rd, 4th gen), iPad (7th, 8th, 9th gen)
The Smart Keyboard from Apple is the most basic keyboard from the company, but it's also quite expensive when the iPad it connects to is just twice the price of the keyboard. It's a simple solution with protection limited to the front of the iPad, but it is lightweight and works flawlessly.
The keyboard supports usage for typing and for viewing videos. It's stable under most conditions, but may be a bit difficult to use consistently on a lap.
- Supports various viewing angles
- Adjustable backlit keys
- Superb design, fit and finish
- Must be charged
- Very expensive
Connection Method: Bluetooth | Battery Life (for Bluetooth models): Three months. 40 hours with backlight on | Dimensions: 28.5 x 22.4 x 1.7 cm | Weight: 0.97 kg | Backlit: Yes | Compatibility: iPad Pro 11 (3rd gen), iPad Air (4th gen), iPad Pro 12.9 (3rd, 4th, 5th gen)
Brydge makes elegant, refined keyboards for many types of tablet computers, and its Apple iPad models are gorgeous and functional. The Max Plus line is available for iPad 12.9 and iPad 11-inch models, and all connect via Bluetooth. Brydge uses Bluetooth 5.0 and its firmware to create an Instant-On connection that makes any lag associated with Bluetooth something you will never have to worry about again.
A SnapFit case protects the iPad and can be used outside of the keyboard. It snaps securely in place to the keyboard via strong magnets. 135-degree screen rotation is supported, and the premium aluminum Brydge keyboard really makes the package feel like a laptop.
A well-sized, multi-touch trackpad is provided on the keyboard and supports all of the gestures you need to turn your iPad into a productivity powerhouse.
- Supports various viewing angles
- Rugged SnapFit case
- Solid design, fit, and finish
- You must charge it
Connection Method: Bluetooth | Battery Life (for Bluetooth models): Three months. 40 hours with backlight on | Dimensions: 25.4 x 19.5 x 2.1 cm | Weight: 0.84 kg | Backlit: Yes | Compatibility: iPad Pro 11 (1st, 2nd, 3rd gen), iPad Air (4th gen)
The Brydge Air Max Plus keyboard is not made out of aluminum as we see with most of the Brydge keyboards, but it's designed to protect your iPad and be used in the field. It's constructed of rugged plastics with a bumper shell case for your iPad that protects it while out and about.
The SnapFit case can be used outside of the keyboard. It snaps securely in place to the keyboard via strong magnets. 135-degree screen rotation is supported and the premium aluminum Brydge keyboard really makes the package feel like a laptop.
A well-sized, multi-touch trackpad is provided on the keyboard and supports all of the gestures you need to turn your iPad into a productivity powerhouse. The keyboard and case also contain an antimicrobial ingredient to inhibit the growth of bacteria.
- Versatile usability
- 16 level backlighting
- iPad OS shortcut keys
- Large multi-touch trackpad
- Uses iPad battery to charge
- No keyboard storage when removed from the cover
Connection Method: Smart Connector | Battery Life (for Bluetooth models): N/A | Dimensions: 29.2 x 23.9 x 2.2 cm | Weight: 1 kg | Key Travel: 1mm | Backlit: Yes | Compatibility: iPad Pro 11 (1st, 2nd, 3rd gen), iPad Air (4th gen), iPad Pro 12.9 (5th gen)
The Logitech Combo Touch keyboard case includes everything you could want in an iPad keyboard, including Apple Smart Connector and a very large multi-touch trackpad. You can use it with the keyboard attached for typing, or you can remove the keyboard portion and flip out the back for viewing or sketching. You can also hold it in portrait orientation in reading mode.
An integrated cover with a Surface-esque rear hinge piece protects the edges of your iPad and serves as a capable solution without the keyboard attached. The keyboard has a lovely fabric finish and well-spaced keys that help you enter text as fast as you desire while also using the large trackpad to navigate around your iPad. 16 levels of keyboard backlighting ensure you can use the keyboard in any condition.
Something rarely seen in an iPad keyboard is the full function row along the top of the keyboard to improve your efficiency.
What is the best iPad keyboard?
The Apple Magic Keyboard is our top recommendation for the best iPad keyboard. However, any of the options on our list would be great picks depending on what you want/need out of your keyboard.
Keyboard | Connection method | Backlit | Weight |
Apple Magic Keyboard | Smart Connector | Yes | 1kg |
Apple Smart Keyboard Folio | Smart Connector | No | 150g |
Apple Smart Keyboard | Smart Connector | Yes | 0.5kg |
Brydge 12.9 and 11 Max Plus | Bluetooth | Yes | 0.97kg |
Brydge Air Max Plus | Bluetooth | Yes | 0.84kg |
Logitech Combo Touch | Smart Connector | Yes | 1kg |
Which iPad keyboard is right for you?
Think about what you want/need out of an iPad keyboard. Is it affordability? Is it ease of use? Or, is it one that will help you be the most productive? Do your research and compare your options before purchasing.
Choose this iPad keyboard... | If you want... |
Apple Magic Keyboard | The best overall option |
Apple Smart Keyboard Folio | A keyboard without a trackpad |
Apple Smart Keyboard | A simple keyboard just for typing |
Brydge 12.9 and 11 Max Plus | A keyboard built for productivity |
Brydge Air Max Plus | Something to protect your iPad in the case of a fall |
Logitech Combo Touch | A versatile iPad keyboard |
How did we choose these iPad keyboards?
We have tested most of these keyboards ourselves. For those we have not tested, we either tried them out in retail stores or read other online reviews to gather input on the keyboards. We have also interacted with readers and other technology journalists to gather opinions on the various keyboards.
Are Apple's expensive keyboards worth the price?
Apple's keyboards clearly have a price premium, but the other iPad keyboards are not inexpensive either. With an Apple-branded keyboard, you can rest assured it will work flawlessly with your iPad and stay updated to support the iPad for years.
Other keyboard manufacturers tend to fill in the gaps in Apple's solutions, such as a full-function row, larger trackpad, rugged protection for the iPad, and more.
How do these keyboards connect to the iPad?
There are two methods to connect an iPad to a keyboard: Bluetooth and Apple Smart Connector. Brydge incorporates a Bluetooth solution with its keyboards, but it has also worked to provide an Instant-On technology where you should not see any lag in the connection over a four-hour period of usage.
All Apple keyboards, and the Logitech one, connect the iPad to the keyboards via Apple Smart Connector technology. With these keyboards, power is provided by the iPad, so there may be an impact on your tablet if heavy usage of backlighting takes place.
Does the iPad Pro come with a keyboard?
No, you have to buy a keyboard separately with any iPad.
Can you use a case with iPad smart keyboard?
Yes, there are cases compatible with Apple's smart keyboard for iPad. Below are a few examples.
- TiMOVO iPad 10.2 hard clear case for $10 on Amazon
- ESR flexible slim-fit soft case for iPad 10.2 for $10 on Amazon
- Poetic Lumos iPad Air 3 case with Apple Pencil holder for $14 on Amazon
Are there alternative iPad keyboards to consider?
Here are a few other options to look into: