The 9 Best iPad Pro Keyboards of 2021

Best Overall: Logitech Slim Folio Pro

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Logitech is one of the biggest names in computer peripherals. From mice to speakers to keyboards, Logitech covers them all. This keyboard stretches side to side of the case giving you a great layout. The keys are backlit meaning you can type in the dark which is awesome. The magnetic latch has an Apple Pencil holder which also positions the Pencil properly for charging. Your Pencil is always ready to go!

The keyboard isn't detachable, which can make using the iPad in more causal positions more difficult. Leaning back on the couch and taking in a movie or playing a game in portrait orientation gets more difficult when you have to hold the keyboard behind the tablet. One other noteworthy trait is that the keyboard lays flat on the table when in use. Depending on your preference this may or may not bother you. Most keyboards have some tilt to them for ease of use.

Best Budget: Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard

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If you have an iPad Pro and a number of other devices you want to connect to, the Logitech K380 might be a good investment for you. It won't be much of an investment because this keyboard is one of the least expensive items in this list at under $30. The round keys can take some getting used to and the pitch between keys is very small.  The battery is not rechargeable, but it will last you an estimated 2-years which is pretty awesome.

The Logitech K380 allows you to easily switch between up to three different devices, which gives you great consistency between devices. Use the same keyboard for your home PC and your iPad when you go mobile. But because of that, the labels on the keys are designed to accommodate iPad, Android, macOS, and Windows, which frankly can be confusing. For example, the Start button for windows is the Option key on a Mac and an Alt key on still another device. Also the keyboard is not attached to the iPad, so it's a second device you need to carry while you're on the go.

Best Protection: ZAGG Rugged Book Go

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If you want to use your iPad Pro for some real content creation and keep it safe, look no further than the ZAGG Rugged Book Go. This is a case composed of a strong polycarbonate with padded corners. The keyboard covers the front of the iPad and kickstand folds down from the back of the case. The kickstand is not ideal for the rough surfaces a rugged keyboard case is likely to encounter. The large flat plane holding up the iPad can be set off balance by an unfortunately placed pebble on your table.

But the case is very versatile. The keyboard detaches and wirelessly connects to the keyboard via bluetooth so you can place your iPad back from your typing surface. Or you can use the keyboard attached and use magnetic attachments to tilt the keyboard. The case also also has a pencil holder so you can transport that accessory as well. Overall, this is a great option that's very versatile if you don't mind a little extra bulk.

Best Laptop Experience: Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Air and iPad Pro

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The latest iPad Pro introduced the latest Apple designed keyboard called the Magic Keyboard, and it's very nice. The iPad attaches to the Magic Keyboard magnetically which means it's easily removable as well. The iPad floats over the keyboard, off the table so it's at a more comfortable eye level. Unfortunately, the keyboard itself sits flat which can be uncomfortable for typing.

All the same, things generally get better when a company designs an accessory for their own device, and that's definitely the case here. This is the closest thing to a laptop experience that you'll get with an iPad including a trackpad, but it comes at a cost. The Magic Keyboard can retail north of $200 at times, which may be a showstopper after forking out money for the iPad Pro itself. Definitely something to keep in mind. But overall, this is a great accessory that will turn your iPad pro into a productivity machine.

Best Design: Brydge Pro Keyboard

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Brydge makes great keyboards. Full stop. That could be the entire description and we'd be all set. But there's more to talk about here. A Brydge keyboard attaches to your iPad with rubber coated clamp at the bottom of the iPad. It puts the iPad in landscape orientation, and that's pretty much where it stays. You can take the iPad off and using it in Portrait, but the rubber and clamp method of attachment is not the easiest, so it's not something you want to do often.

But the fundamentals here - the pitch and travel of the keys are great. The feel of the keys are also premium keyboard territory. When you're ready to put the ipad away, it closes up clamshell style which also protects the screen. The keyboard is solid feeling and feels like it could stand up to a good amount of abuse. Plus the battery lasts for months on a charge. This is one of our favorite keyboards, but if you often use your iPad in portrait because of games or Instagram, you might want to look elsewhere.

Best Lightweight: Apple Smart Keyboard Folio

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Apple didn't stop at the Magic Keyboard, because it's not for everyone. Slightly cheaper than that is the Keyboard Folio which attaches to the back of the iPad Pro and folds around to the front for all-around protection. The cover of the case carries the keyboard. Like others on this list, the keyboard sits flat, making it uncomfortable for typing. It has a flimsy looking, uninspired design.

This is one of the only cases on the list that uses Apple's connector pins to transfer data and keystrokes. Most others use Bluetooth or another wireless protocol which can sometimes cause a delay in connecting or lag when typing. This keyboard goes straight into the iPad with a physical connector which is valuable in itself. Plus, that also means the keyboard never has to be charged, which is a major bonus.

Best for Apple Pencil: ZAGG Slim Book Go

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Coming in at a great price point is the ZAGG Slim Book Go. This is a streamlined version of the Ruggedbook Go above and it comes with many of the same benefits. The keyboard detaches but connects wirelessly so it continues to function.  The hinge has the same limitation, being a flat plane that rotates down. If you're setting the iPad down on an uneven surface, it can be very wobbly. 

But this case comes with the benefit of protection and a place to store the Apple Pencil and backlit keys so you can use it in the dark. All of this comes in at a great price, so if you're in the market for a keyboard for your iPad Pro, this should be on your short list.

Best Standalone Keyboard: Apple Magic Keyboard 2

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Apple's Magic Keyboard 2 was designed to work with Macs, but it will also pair up nicely with your iPad Pro. This is the keyboard that ships with most iMacs because it's the best keyboard Apple makes. The wedge shaped design makes it great for typing. The pitch and travel of the keys are both superb. This is a really great keyboard.

It's not designed for the iPad specifically though, and as such it has one major shortcoming. It does not physically connect to the iPad; it's a separate component which makes it awkward to carry around. The whole point of using an iPad with a keyboard is portability, and this keyboard is portable. But carrying one whole unit as opposed to two different devices is always preferred. That being said, the keyboard itself is good enough to justify the inconvenience.