Best Keyboard Case for iPad Pro? Here are our Top Picks!
Although not everyone needs to convert their iPad Pro or iPad Air into a laptop, having a keyboard case might be useful if you type frequently.
For certain people, the iPad Pro may be a terrific laptop replacement, but only if it is combined with the proper keyboard. But which Keyboard Case for iPad Pro should you try first?
The iPad Pro was hailed as a possible laptop replacement when it was launched by Apple. While the iPad Pro is a wonderful gadget in and of itself, only a small percentage of users could use it as a laptop replacement with just the on-screen keyboard. An external Keyboard Case for iPad Pro is a must-have if you want to get the most out of your iPad Pro.
How they are picked and tested:
There have never been many keyboard covers for the iPad Pro, and the newest versions are no exception. However, based on professional knowledge of iPad keyboards since the first iPad was launched in2010, here are the features that the best Keyboard Case for iPad Pro would have to include:
- An excellent typing experience:
- A standard keyboard layout.
- Comfortable keys that aren’t too tiny or cramped, have a good travel distance, and are pleasant to type on.
- o Backlit keys and dedicated iPad OS functionalities are desirable but not essential.
- Provides adequate protection for everyday use.
- It is not so big and bulky that you don’t feel like using it.
- Can be removed easily when you don’t need it.
- Can be put on your lap.
- At least one, ideally more, favorable viewing angle
- Long battery life
- Space for the Apple Pencil: Because the second-generation Apple Pencil syncs and charges by magnetically attaching to the iPad Pro’s right edge, which is also where you keep the stylus, a keyboard cover must provide access to that area.
- A reputable brand: Because keyboards have so many moving parts and poorly built ones are prone to failure, we chose models from well-known manufacturers with a track record of excellent customer support.
Our pick for the Best Keyboard Case for iPad pPro 11-inch and Best Keyboard for iPad Pro 12.9 3rd generation:
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Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for 11-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation)
Best best keyboard case for iPad pro 11 (1st and 2nd generation)
Its keys are fine but not exceptional, and it is pricey, but the whole package is compact, lightweight, and simple to attach and detach. It connects to the iPad through the Smart Connector, so no batteries or Bluetooth are required.
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Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for 12.9-inch iPad Pro (4th generation)
Best best keyboard for iPad pro 12.9 3rd generation and 4th generation
This case is identical to the smaller model, but with somewhat bigger and less cramped keys.
One of the best keyboard cases for iPad Pro or one of the best case-and-keyboard choices presently available is Apple’s Smart Keyboard Folio for the 11-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation)/iPad Air (4th generation) and 12.9-inch iPad Pro (4th generation). Thankfully, it is enjoyable to use, and it corrects some of the flaws of the previous generations.
Because of its thin profile, a simple on/off design, a light weight, back protection, room for the Apple Pencil to connect, two stand angle, and compatibility with the iPad’s Smart Connector for power and connectivity, it is regarded one of the best keyboard cases for iPad Pro. Only the size distinguishes the two versions, which have similar characteristics.
The Smart Keyboard Folio is small and (relatively) light, which is one of its finest features. It has a single-panel lid and full back protection, with the looks and feels similar that of an Apple’s Smart Cover, and wraps around the iPad like a book’s cover, making it the best keyboard case for iPad Pro.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The Smart Keyboard Folio’s keys are acceptable, but not outstanding, despite its reputation as one of the best keyboard cases for iPad Pro. You will need a standalone Bluetooth or USB-C keyboard if you want the best keyboard for your iPad Pro.
Other than a key to switch the preferred OS language, the Smart Keyboard Folio is oddly devoid of iPad OS-specific features and functions. Many applications feature built-in keyboard shortcuts, and the iPad OS itself includes various keyboard shortcuts that work on any keyboard, such as Command+H to return to the Home screen and Command+Tab to bring up the multitasking screen.
If ever you have never used another iPad keyboard, you might not notice the lack of these keys, but if you have, it’s strange that Apple’s own keyboard doesn’t include them. Many third-party keyboard cases have a good row of dedicated special-function keys, and Apple’s Magic Keyboard (which works with both Macs and iPad OS devices) offers a couple.
The Smart Keyboard Folio is one of the best keyboard cases for iPad Pro, however, it lacks edge protection, which is a disappointment. Because the tablet’s metal shell is susceptible to dents and scratches, leaving the top and bottom exposed risks harm.
We wish Apple’s official offering provided greater protection for the iPad Pro, especially considering its expensive price. Choose a better case, such as the OtterBox Symmetry, and a separate keyboard if you desire protection.
We do not like that the keys are exposed when the cover is folded behind the iPad, but at least they are inactive so you can’t type unintentionally.
Runner-up:
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Logitech Slim Folio Pro for iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)
The third-party best keyboard case for ipad pro 11 (1st and 2nd generation)
You get a fantastic typing experience and extra protection for your iPad if you are willing enough to deal with the thickness and weight.
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Logitech Slim Folio Pro for iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation)
The third-party best keyboard for ipad pro 12.9 3rd generation and 4th generation.
The keys are somewhat bigger in this version, but the general design is the same.
The Logitech Slim Folio Pro is one of the best ipad pro 11 keyboard case and one of the best keyboards for iPad Pro 12.9 3rd generation that provides a better keyboard and more protection than Apple’s Smart Keyboard Folio at a lesser price than Apple’s Smart Keyboard Folio.
However, it comes at a cost in terms of size: both models are about twice as thick and weigh nearly twice as much as the Apple choices. While we like this Logitech keyboard case for serious writing, it is inconvenient to travel with and requires recharging.
We’ve long considered the Slim Folio to be our favorite keyboard case for non-Pro iPads, so we were excited to see it make its way to the newest Pro models. The typing experience is the most essential aspect of any keyboard, and Logitech delivers a fantastic one here.
The keys are spacious and well-organized, with a comfortable travel distance. When opposed to Apple’s squishy keys, they feel solid, making it the best keyboard case for iPad Pro.
The Slim Folio Pro, like the Smart Keyboard Folio, only turns on the keyboard when the iPad is magnetically locked into the typing position (there is just one angle here, unlike Apple’s two). This means you would not have to worry about accidental keystrokes while you are not typing, and it will save you some battery life.
Upgrade pick:
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Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11‑inch/iPad Air (4th generation)
The best keyboard case for ipad pro 11 to make it a laptop
The Magic Keyboard is a fantastic accessory, but it is pricey and hefty, and not everyone need the trackpad that makes it unique from the rest. However, if you wish to use an iPad instead of a laptop, it may be well worth the money.
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Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 12.9‑inch
The best keyboard for iPad pro 12.9 3rd generation to make it a laptop
This version includes a bigger trackpad and larger keys, but otherwise has the same functionality as the previous edition.
Apple’s Magic Keyboard intended for the 11-inch iPad Pro/iPad Air (4th generation) as well as the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which is compatible with both the 2018 and 2020 iPad Pro models, takes the Smart Keyboard Folio’s compact form and improves it.
The Magic Keyboard has an improved keyboard, a trackpad as an addition, and a super-sturdy, floating, and customizable mechanism to angle the iPad.
If you have thought about using your iPad Pro as a laptop replacement but have been limited by other keyboards or the lack of a trackpad, this keyboard case might very well be the solution. However, its advantages come at a cost. The Magic Keyboard, which is one of the best keyboard cases for iPad Pro 12.9 3rd generation, is both pricey and heavy—the 12.9-inch version costs more than an entry-level iPad.
The Smart Keyboard Folio’s keys are fine, but the Magic Keyboard’s typing surface is superior.
Serious downsides to the Magic Keyboard:
- The first consideration is the cost: This is one of the best ipad pro 11 keyboard cases, however it is very expensive. The 11-inch model is$300, while the 12.9-inch model is $350. That is a lot of money for a keyboard, a trackpad, a case or a combination of the three.
To put that in context, Logitech’s Slim Folio Pro costs less than $120 with almost the same functionality. However, if you plan to use your iPad Pro as a laptop replacement, the price may be more bearable.
A base-model 12.9-inch iPad Pro with 128 GB of storage costs around $1,350 when purchase along with a Magic Keyboard. That’s $250 more than our suggested config for the MacBook Air (which has double the capacity), but if you intend to use the iPad Pro as a tablet and a laptop, the arithmetic may work out and make sense for you.
- The weight is the other issue. The Magic Keyboard is heavier than the iPads themselves in both sizes, and the keyboard and 12.9-inch tablet together weigh a few more ounces than a MacBook Air.
Also great:
- Logitech Folio Touch Keyboard Case with Trackpad for iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation)
Great performance, lower price
At half the price of the Magic Keyboard, this thick variant provides a similar typing and trackpad experience.
The Magic Keyboard is a fantastic iPad Pro attachment, but it is not for everyone due to its expensive price. The Folio Touch Keyboard Case with Trackpad suitable for iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation) and iPad Air (4th generation) from Logitech is a good option for people who don’t need the thinnest, lightest keyboard case or who don’t want to spend $300 on a keyboard (it’s not available for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro).
Despite the cheaper price, the keys are as comfortable to type on as Logitech’s are always; more than that, the trackpad is just as good, and the cover is more protective, making it one of the best keyboard cases for iPad Pro. Its size is the trade-off: The Folio Touch is over three fourth of an inches thick and over a pound and a half in weight.
One of the primary criticisms leveled at both the Smart Keyboard and the Magic Keyboard is that they provide no protection for the iPad’s edges. In this sense, the Folio Touch is far superior, as it uses a rubber case to protect three of the tablet’s edges with all of its corners instead of just a magnetic attachment.
What about older iPad Pros?
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Best iPad pro 9.7 keyboard cases
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Logitech’s Create
Logitech’s Create is one of the best ipad pro 9.7 case with keyboard. The keys are the best of any 9.7-inch Pro keyboard case was tested: they are very comfy to type on, have more travel than you would expect from such a low-profile keyboard, provide decent tactile feedback, are laid out in a conventional arrangement, and have two levels of backlighting.
A dedicated row of iPad OS special-function keys and a handy sleeve within the cover to hold Apple’s Pencil stylus make the Create one of the best ipad pro keyboard cases 9.7.
The keyboard is powered by the iPad Pro’s Smart Connector, and the case is durable and protective. The Create’s big, flat bottom also makes the arrangement considerably more stable on your lap than an iPad with Apple’s Smart Keyboard, making it the best ipad pro 9.7 case with keyboard.
The Create, on the other hand, is thick and heavy. The 9.7-inch iPad Pro Create weighs almost 2 pounds.
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Fintie Case.
Another top-rated, one of the best ipad pro keyboard case 9.7. The Fintie case appears to be a sturdy synthetic leather/microfiber case at first glance, but a closer examination reveals much more to admire about this ambitious design. Unlike some leather cases, this one has an external pocket for storing a notebook, letter, or other items that you may need to use.
There are various strips on the microfiber inside this best keyboard case for ipad pro 9.7 to lay the iPad on at a number of angles so you can obtain exactly the arrangement you want. The iPad’s sleep/wake feature is activated by the built-in magnetic strip, which guarantees the cover stays on while closed.
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Best keyboard case for iPad pro with pencil holder
Best iPad pro 12.9 keyboard case with pencil holder
Levet Keyboard Case for iPad Pro 12.9-inch
The Levet Keyboard Case comes with a detachable Bluetooth keyboard, also an Apple Pencil holder, and a 650mAh rechargeable battery with a 220-hour power life. Suited for watching movies or typing, this keyboard case has several horizontal stand angles.
The lightweight, sturdy case features an anti-slide design and provides 360-degree protection from scratches, dents, and bumps. The magnetic clasp on the iPad keyboard case keeps the case closed firmly. Open the case to wake the iPad instantly, then close it to put it back to sleep and save battery life.
Best iPad pro 10.5 case with keyboard and pencil holder
JUQITECH Keyboard Case for iPad Pro 10.5
A sophisticated-looking portfolio case with an Apple Pencil slot is considered one of the best ipad pro 10.5 case with keyboard and pencil holder. It is available in a wide range of designs and colors. At a somewhat higher price range, there are certain models with a colorful, illuminated keyboard.
When selecting a keyboard cover for the iPad Pro, it is critical to ensure that the keyboard functions properly and delivers a comfortable typing experience. Apple’s Smart Keyboard is a timeless, elegantly designed, and functional option that is guaranteed to operate seamlessly with your iPad.
Best iPad pro 9.7 keyboard case with pencil holder
Urban Armor Gear Folio for 9.7-inch iPad Pro
This folio package includes everything that an urban warrior needs, beginning with a tough case with military-grade drop safeguard that still has enough room for all of the iPad Pro’s camera and ports — plus, the composite construction makes it extra light, and the grip material at the back helps reduce and prevent accidental drops. These are the features that distinguish it as one of the best ipad pro keyboard cases 9.7.
A convenient loop for attaching your Apple Pencil can be found on the back. The folio also comes with a stand that is great for serious work if you want to hook up a keyboard or place the iPad in a better position for watching videos, but it is removable if you don’t need it and want to conserve space instead.
The competition
For the iPad Pro 11-inch (first and second generation) as well as the 12.9-inch (third and fourth generation)
- Zagg’s Messenger Folio for the 11-inch iPad Pro was the first from an established business to release a non-Apple keyboard case for the 2018 versions. Despite its cheaper cost, we do not believe it is a good choice for everybody. The case is thick and hefty, and it provides minimal protection for the iPad Pro’s edges, while being thicker than Apple’s own cases.
- Slim Book Go by Zagg is for tn e 11-inch iPad Pro and 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd generation) that feature superior keys than the Messenger Folio; they’re big and comfortable to type on. However, the cases themselves are far too large, particularly the 12.9-inch model, which demands a work area of 10 by 11.5 inches.
For the 10.5-inch iPad Pro
- The Slim Combo from Logitech offers a wonderful keyboard and a long list of functions, but a bad casing and hinge design detracts from the entire experience. The Slim Combo provides the best typing experience we’ve seen on an iPad Pro when used at a desk or table, but Apple’s own Smart Keyboard is a better alternative in most other scenarios.
- Zagg’s Rugged Messenger for the 10.5-inch iPad Pro isn’t for everyone, but it is a fantastic option if you need to keep your iPad Pro safe in harsh settings and tough environment (or even just when it is in your kids’ hands). The Rugged Messenger’s unusual design may even persuade a few people who do not believe they require such protection.
These are the best keyboard case for ipad pro currently available. They are all well worth the money. You will get a decent keyboard case with features comparable to those seen in more expensive models. Whichever case you select, you can rest assured that it is one of the best and will perform admirably.