Hands-on guide to keyboards for iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad mini

iPad Pro keyboards

Apple didn't acknowledge the usefulness of using a keyboard with the iPad for years, but that has changed with the release of the newest iPad. Apple sells a keyboard for the iPad Pro and third party models are hitting the market already to use with the large tablet. Two keyboards make our top list of keyboards for the iPad Pro.

Apple Smart Keyboard and Logi CREATE Keyboard Case

Both of the keyboards on the iPad Pro list are folio type cases with full-sized keyboards inside. Either of the models will serve iPad Pro owners well, with key differences noted in the comparison review.

Logi CREATE Keyboard Case for iPad Pro (hands on): Laptop quality

See comparison: Apple Smart Keyboard vs. Logi CREATE Keyboard Case hands on

Top 9 keyboards for the iPad Air

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You don't need the latest fancy iPad Pro to get work done, the iPad Air is a production tool when used with a keyboard. Whether writing business reports, working with spreadsheets, or other business function, a good keyboard turns the iPad into a useful device.

There are dozens of keyboards available for the older iPad Air, from portfolio style cases to elaborate laptop cases. The nine models we've assembled all faired well in field testing.

The keyboards tested listed in order (see slideshow for images and full reviews):

1. ZAGG Slim Book
2. Belkin QODE Ultimate Pro
3. ClamCase Pro
4. Logitech Type +
5. Kensington KeyFolio Thin X3
6. ZAGGKeys Folio
7. Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover
8. Logitech Keys-To-Go
9. Anker TC930 UltraThin Keyboard Cover

   Top 9 keyboards for the iPad Air hands on (Jan. 2015)

iPad Air 2

The iPad Air 2 is as thin as can be and when used with a keyboard case is still a portable work system. The cases in this collection range from laptop stands to thin folio-style cases.

The keyboards listed in order (images and full reviews in slideshow):

1. BrydgeAir (not in slideshow, see full review here)
2. Typo Keyboard
3. Logi BLOK Protective Keyboard Case
4. ZAGG Slim Book
5. Belkin QODE Ultimate Pro
6. Kensington KeyFolio Thin X3
7. ClamCase Pro
8. Logitech Type +
9. Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover
10. ZAGG Rugged Case
11. Microsoft Universal Mobile Keyboard

    10 Best keyboards for iPad Air 2 (Sept. 2015)

5 best iPad mini keyboards

At first blush the smallest iPad doesn't seem to be a productive work tool, but when paired with a good keyboard the iPad mini can be surprisingly useful. The five keyboards we've selected all turn the iPad mini into a capable work system.

The models tested in order (see slideshow for reviews and images):

1. BrydgeMini (see review here)
2. ZAGGKeys Cover
3. ZAGGKeys Folio
4. Logitech Keyboard Folio Mini
5. ZAGG Mini 9
6. Logitech Ultrathin Cover

   5 best iPad mini keyboards