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The best iPad Pro keyboard cases you can buy
Any Apple product is no small investment, and an iPad Pro is one of the flagship tech company's pricier products, so it's important to protect your purchase if you want to make the most out of your investment.
Review: The iPad Pro (2022)
While it's common sense to outfit your iPad Pro with a case, you can actually optimize and up the ante on your device's capabilities with some protective wear options. iPad keyboard cases are a simple way to bring the ease of a computer to a tablet-style device without sacrificing on style or substance.
Also: The best iPads you can buy
What's the best iPad Pro keyboard case right now?
We rounded up the best iPad Pro keyboard cases by considering size, protection, connection and cost. Our top pick for the best iPad Pro keyboard case is the Logitech Combo Touch keyboard for its oversized trackpad, smooth typing, clean design, and fair price. Read more to explore our other options -- including Apple's Smart Keyboard -- and see how they stack up to each other.
The best iPad Pro keyboard cases of 2024
- Oversized trackpad
- Improved design
- Smooth typing experience
- Limited storage capability
- Price increase on latest model
Logitech Combo Touch Tech Specs: Dimensions: 11.24 x 0.69 x 8.89 inches | Weight: 1.72 lbs | Size: 11, 12.9 inches
The Logitech Combo Touch is our pick for the best iPad Pro keyboard case overall. The detachable keyboard uses the Smart Connector for connectivity and employs an adjustable kickstand for greater stability. It offers single-color backlighting for its 78 keys with 16 levels of brightness to get just the right lighting for your work.
It also employs a large trackpad that works with Multi-Touch gestures for easier use. You also get to choose between four exclusive modes: Type, sketch, view, and read. Plus, there's a spot for you to store your Apple Pencil so it's never far when you need it.
Current Amazon users said they liked the ease of use, protection, quality, and appearance of the Combo Touch case. They said it pairs easily, is well made, and is worth the price, though some said the Combo Touch adds too much weight to their iPad.
Read the review: Logitech Combo Touch review
- Incorporated kickstand
- Versatile design
- Soft keys
- Lacks backlighting
- Limited protection
Apple Smart Keyboard Folio Tech Specs: Dimensions: 10.12 x 7.52 x 0.91 inches | Weight: 5.3 oz | Size: 11-inch, 12.9-inch
The Apple Smart Keyboard Folio is one of the best folio keyboard cases, offering a complete enclosure for your iPad Pro. Instead of plugs or cords, it uses magnetic connectivity using the Smart Connector to connect to your iPad without trouble.
This ergonomic keyboard has a foldable design, making it a breeze to use. The 64 keys also offer single-color backlighting to enhance visibility.
Current Amazon users said they liked the quality, design, and added function of the Apple Smart keyboard. They also said it's a good in between option from a separate keyboard accessory and stepping up to the Apple Magic keyboard. Some users said it's a bummer that the keyboard only allows for two viewing angles and that the key action is soft -- but that it's not a dealbreaker.
One customer even said, "it significantly enhances the experience of using an iPad."
- Floating design
- Shortcut keys and mouse
- Can get under $100 on sale
- Easy to use
- Great value
- Limited colors
- Smudges on front of case
- Heavy
ESR iPad Case Tech Specs: Dimensions: 13.19 x 7.08 x 0.67 inches | Weight: 2.27 lbs | Size: 11, 12.9 inches
The ESR keyboard case lets you upgrade your iPad to a more functional laptop-style work experience. The floating cantilever design allows your iPad Pro to float stylishly over your keyboard and gives you the perfect angle to work. It's equipped with a full, multi-touch gesture support to let you browse the web, build presentations, and edit documents at unparalleled speed, and offers a full row of shortcut keys for maximum productivity.
Current users on ESR's website said they liked the backlit keys, added features, long lasting battery life, and the ability to use your iPad horizontally or vertically with the keyboard. They also love that it's more affordable than some other options on the market. Customers said the only downsides are that the case is on the heavier side, it has limited color options, and that the front cover shows fingerprints easily.
One customer noted that "it does everything you could want from an iPad Keyboard."
- Drop protection
- Apple Pencil holder
- One-year warranty
- Wrap-around protection
- No charging cable
- Limited backlighting
Zagg Pro Keys Tech Specs: Dimensions: 7.73 x 9.98 x 0.89 inches | Weight: 1.48 lbs | Size: 11, 12.9-inch
The Zagg Pro Keys keyboard case is perfect when you are on a budget and looking for an iPad Pro keyboard case that will do the trick. It will also work with your iPad Air for greater compatibility. There are 78 backlit keys with RGB color support and an ergonomic Pro keyframe design for enhanced comfort. The magnetic closure helps secure your keyboard. And if you have slippery fingers you don't have to worry about dropping this model because it has drop protection up to two meters.
Current Amazon customers said they like the extensive protection, design, and appearance of this Zagg case. One user said the Zagg case provided even more protection than Apple's options. However, some customers noted they had trouble charging their Apple Pencil through the case.
"This Zagg keyboard is perfect. It provides great wrap-around protection with a shock-absorbing rubber bumper. I also love that the keyboard and bumper are two separate pieces, allowing me to remove the iPad from the keyboard without having to remove it from the bumper," they wrote on Amazon.
What is the best iPad Pro keyboard case?
We love the Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro keyboard case for its versatility and value. To see how it compares, here's a bird's eye view of the best iPad Pro keyboard cases
| Best iPad Pro keyboard case | Price | Compatibility (size) |
| Logitech Combo Touch | $150 | 11, 12.9 inch |
| Apple Smart Keyboard Folio | $179 | 11, 12.9 inch |
| ESR iPad Pro case with Keyboard and Mouse | $120 | 11, 12.9 inch |
| Zagg Pro Keys | $110 | 11, 12.9 inch |
*MSRP at the time of writing. Please note that actual prices may vary depending on available sales, deals, discounts, and coupons.
Which is the right iPad Pro keyboard case for you?
To help you find the best iPad Pro keyboard case for your needs, here's how our expert suggestions based on our research and testing stack up to each other.
| Choose this best iPad Pro keyboard case... | If you want... |
| Logitech Combo Touch | The top-rated iPad Pro keyboard case. |
| Apple Smart Keyboard Folio | An Apple designed iPad Pro keyboard case. |
| ESR iPad Pro case with Keyboard and Mouse | An affordable, yet functional iPad Pro keyboard case. |
| Zagg Pro Keys | Incredible value and reliable performance. |
Factors to consider when choosing an iPad Pro keyboard case:
When choosing the best iPad Pro keyboard cases, it's probably good to keep a few things in mind. Here are a few factors we recommend looking out for during your hunt for the perfect iPad Pro keyboard case.
- Size: It's essential that a keyboard has ergonomics to help you work better. Look for an iPad Pro keyboard case that will fit your iPad but also hold a nicely-sized keyboard for comfortable use.
- Protection: An iPad Pro keyboard case is hardly worth it if it does not protect your iPad, so look for models that offer additional protection to ensure your device stays safe. A keyboard is great, but if it doesn't offer protection, it's probably not worth your investment.
- Connection: Whether it uses Bluetooth or a magnetic connection, consider which type of connection will work best for your iPad Pro, your needs, and how you want to use it.
- Cost: Set a budget you're comfortable with before searching the market. This will help narrow down your options and also ensure you don't overspend. But if you know you'll be using a keyboard everyday, then it might be worth spending more for a top-quality case.
How did we choose these iPad Pro keyboard cases?
Our ZDNET team used a combination of personal experience and testing, in-depth research, and our expansive knowledge and testing of the iPad line and its compatible accessories to consider the best iPad Pro keyboard cases on the market.
If we think another product is worth your money, we'll update this list or write up a spotlight review highlighting its best qualities and specifying who it's for. Plus, we are routinely scouring the web for new products that are worthy of testing, following news on product rollouts and upgrades, and sourcing the best deals.
How do iPad cases with keyboards work?
Most iPad Pro keyboard cases work by connecting to your iPad's magnetic Smart Connection. If a Smart Connection is missing, the keyboard case typically connects via Bluetooth or a USB cord.
How much do iPad Pro keyboard cases cost?
The cost of an iPad Pro keyboard case can vary significantly, depending on factors like size, design, brand, and features. Expect to spend over $100 on a quality iPad Pro keyboard case, and keep in mind that some options will run you closer to $200 or more. For example, Apple's Magic keyboard is $299.
Are there alternative iPad Pro keyboard cases to consider?
Yes, while most of the selections on this list are some of the top keyboarded cases on the market, there's still tons of options to consider. Here's a few more to explore.
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