The 9 Best iPad Pro Keyboards of 2023

Alternatives for typing on-screen

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

The best iPad Pro keyboards should provide solid protection for your iPad, ease of use, and versatility while coming in at a reasonable price and offering a superb typing experience. They are great options for anybody who does serious typing on their iPad, whether at home, in the office, or on the go.

Best Overall

Logitech Slim Folio Pro

Logitech-slim-folio-pro

Amazon

What We Like
  • Backlit Keys

  • Apple Pencil holder with charging support

  • Features iPad-specific shortcut keys

What We Don't Like
  • Keyboard isn't detachable

  • No palm rest

While finding the best iPad Pro keyboard case can be tricky, we think the ideal one should balance offering solid protection, ease of use, versatility, price, and a great typing experience. Logitech's Slim Folio Pro checks all of these boxes quite well, but that's not surprising, considering it has been doing this since the iPad 2.

Logitech's solid scissor-switch keyboard design offers nice and responsive keys, letting you type comfortably for hours without fatigue. It pairs up with your iPad Pro as a standard Bluetooth keyboard and features a magnetic dock that holds it upright while doubling as a power switch. When not used, this automatically preserves battery life, so there's no need to fuss with a power button.

The Slim Folio Pro is also one of the most versatile keyboard cases we've used, allowing you to switch between typing, drawing, sketching, and reading with minimum hassle. The thoughtful space-saving design makes it an excellent pick for using on the go since the front cover folds back to form the stand, minimizing its footprint, so it sits comfortably in your lap while typing.

Type: Membrane | Connectivity: Bluetooth | RGB: No | Tenkeys: No | Palm Rest: No | Media Controls: Yes 

Best Budget

Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard

logitech-k380-multi-device-bluetooth-keyboard

Amazon

What We Like
  • Connect to multiple devices

  • Low price

  • Two-year battery life

What We Don't Like
  • Round keys may not be comfortable to use

  • Doesn't attach to the iPad

  • Non-rechargeable battery

While Logitech's K380 isn't an iPad-specific keyboard, its wallet-friendly price and multi-device compatibility make it a great budget pick for anybody who wants an affordable yet versatile keyboard. With the ability to switch between up to three different devices, you'll be able to use it not only with your iPad Pro but also your Mac or Windows PC, an iPhone or Android smartphone, or a game console—anything that can handle a Bluetooth keyboard.

Logitech has had to cut a few corners to produce a keyboard at this price. For instance, it lacks the rechargeable battery on most pricier wireless keyboards. However, Logitech promises that the included pair of AAA alkaline batteries will last up to two years before needing replacement. The modern round keys lean more toward form than function, which can take some time, especially combined with the relatively narrow pitch.

The multi-device compatibility also has a downside. Since Logitech doesn't want to make any assumptions about what you'll be using the K380 with, many of the keys have multiple labels to represent their different functions on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows, which makes it look a bit cluttered and potentially confusing.

It's also a standalone keyboard that doesn't attach directly to your iPad, so while it's OK if you plan to settle in and write in a coffee shop, it's less than ideal for use on the go.

Type: Membrane | Connectivity: Bluetooth | RGB: No | Tenkeys: No | Palm Rest: No | Media Controls: Yes 

Best Protection

ZAGG Rugged Book Go

Zagg-rugged-book-go

Bhphotovideo

What We Like
  • Multi Device pairing

  • Rugged build with Apple Pencil holder

  • Versatile case

What We Don't Like
  • Bulky

While most iPad keyboard cases will offer basic protection against scuffs and scrapes, sometimes that's not enough if you're always on the move with your iPad in tow. That's where Zagg's Rugged Book Go comes in. This is a case that's designed to take a beating, and it's rated for 6-foot drop protection.

With this level of protection, it may surprise you that it's lightweight, offering a well-designed keyboard that's second only to Logitech's—and it's a very close second. The keys are full laptop-style with excellent tactile feedback so that long typing sessions won't be a problem. Not only is it backlit, but you get seven different backlighting colors to choose from. A secure slot holds the Apple Pencil against the magnetic charging port, so it's always ready to go when needed. 

The keyboard is detachable, so it lets you use your iPad Pro in a more traditional tablet format, but since the kickstand is on the case and not the keyboard, you can also use the keyboard at a short distance from the iPad if you prefer. And you can pair the keyboard with a second device, letting it do double-duty as an iPhone or computer keyboard.

Type: Membrane | Connectivity: Bluetooth | RGB: No | Tenkeys: No | Palm Rest: Yes | Media Controls: Yes 

Best Laptop Experience

Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro and iPad Air

Apple-magic-keyboard-for-ipad-pro-and-ipad-air

Amazon

What We Like
  • Great typing experience

  • Integrated multitouch trackpad

  • iPad Pro can be easily removed

What We Don't Like
  • Pricey

  • Can't be used in Portrait mode

  • No Apple Pencil holder

Apple's new Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro is designed for those looking to turn their iPad Pro into a serious productivity tool. It's built from the ground up to provide a pro typing experience while taking advantage of the newest features iPadOS offers.

The Magic Keyboard's design differs from Apple's Smart Keyboard folio and most iPad Pro keyboards. Solid hinges and magnets hold the iPad Pro suspended above the typing area while letting it be easily removed when you want to pick it up as a tablet.

It also uses Apple's Smart Connector to connect with your iPad Pro rather than Bluetooth, so you'll never need to worry about pairing or charging it. Although the Magic Keyboard includes a USB-C connector, it's there only to charge your iPad Pro, so you can keep the main USB-C port free for other accessories. 

Beyond the design, the Magic Keyboard offers something that few other iPad Pro keyboards provide right now: a trackpad. Apple has always made consistently great trackpads, and it's applied that expertise to the new iPad Pro keyboard, which is responsive and well-designed and supports the usual gamut of multi-touch gestures, from two- and three-finger swipes to pinch-to-zoom. Apple has also finally done justice to a first-party iPad Pro keyboard with cleanly backlit keys that auto-adjust to ambient lighting, plus a great typing experience that's surprisingly close to using a MacBook.

Type: Membrane | Connectivity: Smart Connector | RGB: No | Tenkeys: No | Palm Rest: Yes | Media Controls: Yes 

Best Design

Brydge Pro+ Wireless Keyboard with Trackpad

Brydge-pro--wireless-keyboard-with-trackpad

Amazon

What We Like
  • Amazing pitch, key travel, and feel

  • Integrated multi-touch trackpad

  • Cool MacBook-like design

What We Don't Like
  • Detachable, but not easily

  • Not portrait friendly

Brydge is another veteran of iPad keyboards, and it’s long been known for taking a completely different approach when it comes to the iPad, focusing on making a great keyboard with a more MacBook-like aesthetic. It’s far from the most protective solution you’ll find—we’d barely call it protective—but it’s one of the classiest industrial designs.

With a solid aluminum construction, the Brydge Pro+ is the most durable iPad keyboard available, and the similarity to the MacBook design doesn’t end there. It feels almost exactly like typing on a laptop, with responsive keys with just the right amount of tactile feedback. It includes a generously sized multi-touch trackpad to round out the MacBook-like user experience.

The aluminum design also gives it a nice heft that keeps the iPad Pro and keyboard securely in place while you’re typing without needing a rear stand to prop up the iPad. This makes it one of the best keyboards for typing on your lap since it minimizes the surface area required to make it stand up. 

The iPad Pro slips into two hinges on the keyboard, effectively creating a laptop-style clamshell design that can be adjusted to any angle, including a tablet mode where the keyboard stays tucked behind the iPad, and it’s easily removed for those times you may want to use your iPad Pro without the encumbrance of a case. While prior Brydge keyboards left the rear of the iPad exposed, the new iPad Pro versions include a magnetic snap-on cover to protect the back of your iPad from scratches.

Type: Membrane | Connectivity: Bluetooth | RGB: No | Tenkeys: No | Palm Rest: Yes | Media Controls: Yes 

"Brydge is my go-to for tablet keyboards. They're so great; they're in the top three keyboards I've ever used. They're that good."Adam Doud, Tech Writer

Best Lightweight

Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad Pro 12.9-inch

Apple-smart-keyboard-folio-for-ipad-pro-129-inch

Apple

What We Like
  • No charging or pairing required

  • Uses Apple's proprietary Smart Connector

  • Ultra-slim keyboard adds minimal bulk

What We Don't Like
  • No space for wrist rest

  • Lacks media or function keys

  • Design is uninspired

Apple's Smart Keyboard Folio uses the Smart Connector on the back of the iPad Pro. And while most Bluetooth iPad keyboards provide excellent battery life, there's still something to be said for a keyboard that doesn't need to be charged or paired with the iPad—Apple's Smart Keyboard Folio is literally "plug and play."

It draws its power from the iPad Pro itself, and there's no need to do anything other than plug it in. It's a reasonably minimalist keyboard design that doesn't offer much protection beyond scratches. Still, since Apple doesn't need to worry about batteries or Bluetooth radios, it can make the keyboard thinner than most. It's slim enough to be used as a protective case without the bulk of most other iPad keyboards.

Type: Membrane | Connectivity: Smart Connector | RGB: No | Tenkeys: No | Palm Rest: No | Media Controls: No 

Best for Apple Pencil

ZAGG Slim Book Go

ZAGG Slim Book Go

Amazon

What We Like
  • Versatile Apple Pencil storage options

  • Detachable keyboard

  • Backlit keys

What We Don't Like
  • Flat hinge design

While many iPad Pro keyboard cases offer a place to keep your Apple Pencil, not all of them do it with as much versatility as Zagg’s Slim Book Go, which provides three different slots to store your Apple Pencil: the usual spot on the top of the iPad Pro for charging, a storage slot at the base of the cover, and even a holder at the top of the keyboard for setting it down when you’re switching between typing and sketching. While the storage slot makes the case a little wider than most, the Apple Pencil is an expensive accessory, and we think this is the safest way to carry it on the go.

The case and keyboard also feature a lightweight, portable design, although, despite the name, it’s not the slimmest case we’ve seen—merely the slimmest one Zagg offers. However, it provides nice laptop-style keys for a comfortable typing experience, even for long writing sessions. It also includes the same seven-color backlight and multi-device pairing as Zagg’s other keyboards. Plus, it’s detachable, so you can use the keyboard with your iPhone or use your iPad unencumbered by the keyboard.

Type: Membrane | Connectivity: Bluetooth | RGB: No | Tenkeys: No | Palm Rest: Yes | Media Controls: Yes 

Best Standalone Keyboard

Apple Magic Keyboard 2

Apple-magic-keyboard-2

Amazon

What We Like
  • Slim profile

  • Really good pitch and key travel

  • Special function keys work with iPad features

What We Don't Like
  • Separate device, does not attach to iPad

  • No palm rest

If having a great keyboard for your iPad is more important than portability, Apple's Magic Keyboard 2 is as powerful for iPad users as for Mac users. After all, even though keyboards designed for the iPad have gotten pretty good, most still make compromises that keep them a notch below standalone keyboards. Since the iPad supports any Bluetooth keyboard, you don't have to limit yourself to those specifically made for the iPad.

Theoretically, you can use any Bluetooth keyboard with your iPad Pro. Still, Apple's Magic Keyboard has the advantage of mapping all the special function keys directly to iPad features like brightness, media playback, and volume control.

It's also worth adding that a real keyboard gives you an ESC key—valuable in many iOS apps but omitted from many iPad keyboards due to the need to fit more specialized function keys into a smaller space.

The downside to the Magic Keyboard 2 is that it's not designed to travel with your iPad, but several iPad cases are also available designed to work with the Magic Keyboard 2. However, these generally provide room to store the keyboard and work as iPad stands rather than iPad cases, so while they're an excellent solution for use around the home or office, you'll probably still want to spring for an iPad keyboard case if you plan to use your tablet on the go.

Type: Membrane | Connectivity: Bluetooth | RGB: No | Tenkeys: No | Palm Rest: No | Media Controls: Yes 

Best RGB

Phixnozar iPad Pro 12.9 Keyboard Case

Phixnozar-ipad-pro-129-keyboard-case

Amazon

What We Like
  • RGB Lighting

  • Trackpad

  • Apple Pencil holder

What We Don't Like
  • Short battery life

If you're looking for a keyboard with more flair than usual, the Phixnozar iPad Pro case stands out from the pack, thanks to its RGB lighting. More than just standard backlighting, it features a circular breathing rainbow that mesmerizingly ripples across the keys. You can choose standard stable backlighting, too, and adjust the brightness and rate of the RGB effects.

It packs in a trackpad for iPadOS mouse input and even a spot to store your Apple Pencil that keeps it aligned with the magnetic charging dock so it will always be juiced up and ready to go.

It also offers a nice clamshell design that elevates the keyboard for a more comfortable typing experience while letting you easily adjust it for an optimal viewing angle. The downside is that all of this top-notch RGB backlighting will cost you in battery life, cutting it back to around 2.5 hours of active use with the lighting on, which is a far cry from the weeks or months that come with many other Bluetooth keyboards.

Type: Membrane | Connectivity: Bluetooth | RGB: Yes | Tenkeys: No | Palm Rest: Yes | Media Controls: Yes 

What to Look For in an iPad Pro Keyboard

iPad Size and Generation

When purchasing a keyboard for your iPad Pro, you need to consider its size and what generation it's from. Most keyboards have attachments that are custom designed for each size and generation, and a mismatch won't work. Be sure you know your iPad Pro's model number and the model number the keyboard was designed for.

Typing Experience

Let's face it; if you're investing in an iPad Pro keyboard, you're doing it because the on-screen keyboard just isn't cutting it, so you'll want to make sure that the keyboard you pick is easy to type on. While it may not matter as much if you're only planning to dash off the occasional email, you'll want to look to companies with established track records in designing great keyboards if you plan to do any long-form writing. 

Trackpad

A trackpad isn't necessary for the proper operation of an iPad, but iPadOS recently introduced mouse support for iPad which gets you even closer to a laptop experience. The precision of a trackpad/mouse can be essential to some, so a trackpad is a good thing to have.

FAQ
  • What is keyboard pitch and travel?

    Keyboard pitch and travel indicate the spacing between the centers of the keys and the distance you press them. These are entirely subjective conditions. Some people like keyboards that are condensed, others prefer a more spaced-out layout. Some prefer short travel, others prefer a long press. It'd be a good idea to find a keyboard that you really like and measure the distance between the centers of the keys (pitch) and the travel, then find something similar.

  • Do you need a keyboard?

    The iPad Pro has a built-in software keyboard that is quite functional, but lacks the kind of tactile feedback that's usually needed for efficient typing. Furthermore, you need to keep the screen relatively flat to type on it, which isn't ideal if you want to see what you're creating. A separate keyboard alleviates all of these problems.

  • Can an iPad Pro with a keyboard replace your computer?

    To a certain extent, yes. An iPad Pro with a keyboard is a very similar experience to a "computer" or laptop. iPadOS (the operating system) is definitely different than Windows or macOS, but in terms of functionality and content creation, yes, an iPad Pro and a keyboard is a great combination.

Was this page helpful?