It's not hard to see why you'd be on the lookout for the best iPad keyboards. Apple’s iPad range offers some of the best tablets you can buy, from the entry-level 8th generation iPad all the way up to the super-powered 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Pair that with the company’s excellent Apple Pencil and it’s not surprising the iPad is so popular with creatives. But as the device has developed, more and more people are using iPads as work and productivity devices - and for that, you often need a keyboard.
But buying a keyboard for the iPad is not always a straightforward affair. Should you go for a case with an integrated keyboard, or will a standalone set of keys suffice? Do you need a trackpad too? And what about mechanical keyboard switches? Before too long, it can feel like you’re overwhelmed with choice.
That’s where our buying guide comes in. We’ve scoured the internet to find you best iPad keyboards money can buy, each with its own selling points and advantages. That means no matter what you need, there should be an option for you. If you want to supplement your tablet with a top-notch keyboard, you’ve come to the right place.
If you’ve not yet bought an iPad and want to get some money off, don’t forget to check our round-up of the best iPad deals, and our verdict on the best iPad stylus, if you need a quality accessory to go along with it.
The best iPad keyboards in 2021
Want the best iPad case you can buy? Look no further. Logitech’s Combo Touch is a two-in-one case with a clever detachable keyboard, giving you tons of flexibility. It has a great keyboard and works with Apple’s Smart Connector for super-fast connectivity. And the trackpad? It lets you tap anywhere, so there’s no “dead zone” at the top.
Even better, Logitech does versions of the Combo Touch for the iPad Pro (in both sizes), the iPad Air, the entry-level iPad, and older versions of the iPad Air and iPad Pro. That means it works with almost any iPad.
Brydge’s 12.9 MAX+ has one obvious selling point: Its truly enormous trackpad. It’s far larger than the one on Apple’s Magic Keyboard, or any other iPad keyboard for that matter. You’ll be able to take full advantage of iPadOS’s gesture controls without ever bumping up against the keys.
Speaking of the keys, they’re comfy, springy, and backlit. You get a full row of media keys (missing from Apple’s keyboard cases) to help with video playback and brightness adjustments. The aluminum body and magnetic connection round out the premium, high-grade feel this keyboard brings.
Apple’s Magic Keyboard costs a pretty penny, but it comes with some great features not found on any other iPad keyboard. For instance, it uses a magnetic “floating cantilever” design that lets you adjust the viewing angle with ease. There’s a built-in USB-C port to charge the case while keeping your iPad’s own port free, and it uses Apple’s superb Magic Keyboard and trackpad combo for a premium experience.
There’s also a version for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro that starts at an eye-watering $349. It’s expensive, for sure, but you get a lot for your money.
