The Best iPad Keyboards in 2023: Logitech, Apple, and more
By Linus Tan
Updated Feb 2023
The on-screen keyboard on our devices is great, but no touchscreen can replace a physical keyboard for writing or revising lengthy documents.
With many keyboards available, selecting the right one for your needs can be a daunting task, as they all appear quite similar. This guide covers the best iPad keyboards currently available.
Best Overall: Logitech Combo Touch
✓ Dedicated function keys
✓ Works attached & detached
✓ Slim & lightweight design
✓ Budget-friendly
Best Apple iPad Keyboard: Apple Magic Keyboard
✓ Responsive trackpad
✓ Connected charging
✓ Seamless attach & detach
✓ Compact & sleek design
Best for Budget: Zagg Pro Keys
✓ Multi-device pairing
✓ Bluetooth connectivity
✓ Multi-colour backlighting
✓ Budget-friendly
#1 Best Overall: Logitech Combo Touch
Logitech Combo Touch
Logitech is one of the biggest names out there in the hardware space, and when it comes to their iPad keyboards, they continue to deliver exceptional quality.
The Logitech Combo Touch is no exception. If we could describe the Logitech Combo Touch in one word, it would be "dependable." Not only does it have thick and durable construction, but your device is also wrapped with substantial rubber bumpers on all sides and is protected by a thick layer of padding.
There's a kickstand to prop your iPad if you want to use the keyboard on your lap or a desk. This kickstand is secure so you don't have to worry about your iPad tumbling onto the floor.
Logitech Combo Touch
The Logitech Combo Touch may not have the same sleek design as the Apple Magic Keyboard, but it makes up for it with other features.
Media keys let you quickly return to the home screen, control media, and adjust the iPad's display brightness and the keyboard's backlight with a tap. Typing is easy thanks to the well-spaced keys and 16 backlight levels, plus a row of shortcut keys along the top.
The trackpad is larger and more responsive than the Apple Magic Keyboard too. The versatile design of the case also means you can flip back or remove the keyboard for non-typing activities without having to take the iPad out of the case. Plus, the wooden fabric surface ensures the case doesn't look worn even after extended use.
Coming in at a more affordable price, it's good for value but the catch is the rubberised sheath on its sides makes it bulky. Though carrying around the iPad with the Logitech Combo Touch is manageable, the added heft will be more noticeable when you're using it as a tablet.
Overall, the Logitech Combo Touch is an incredibly useful device, providing users with a comprehensive, intuitive way to interact with their iPad. It offers a full-size keyboard and a wide, comfortable trackpad, making it ideal for those who need to type or browse the web on a regular basis.
Logitech Combo Touch
Best Overall
✓ Dedicated function keys
✓ Works attached & detached
✓ Slim & lightweight design
✓ Budget-friendly
#2 Best Apple iPad Keyboard: Apple Magic Keyboard
Apple Magic Keyboard
Firstly, no list of iPad keyboards would be complete without mention of the Apple Magic Keyboard. Made by the same creators of the iPad, the Apple Magic Keyboard would naturally be one of the best options for an iPad keyboard.
Apple has fully decked out the Magic Keyboard with as many functions as possible - including making it as immersive an experience. For instance, the Magic Keyboard can be attached in such a manner that allows your whole set-up to be closed like a regular clamshell laptop, allowing you to have the experience of both a tablet and a laptop.
Furthermore, the Magic Keyboard is designed such that your screen is floating, creating a chic overall aesthetic. With a tilt range of 90 to 130 degrees, you can easily move your screen closer to your face, both to allow you to look at your work from a better angle and also to make use of the touchscreen easily. Despite this, the Magic Keyboard remains extremely stable, and will not topple off your lap.
Apple Magic Keyboard
Another cool feature of the Apple Magic Keyboard is its excellent trackpad. Unlike most tablet keyboard trackpads, the Magic Keyboard's trackpad can be tapped anywhere, not just at the bottom. Even so, the trackpad never compromises on quality and remains smooth and accurate.
Furthermore, the backlight of the Magic Keyboard's keys adapts to your lighting and doesn't require you to manually adjust them should they be too bright or too dim.
However, there are some areas of improvement. For instance, the Magic Keyboard doesn't have a row of keys designed specifically for functions such as volume or brightness, and the need to make manual adjustments may prove annoying to some.
Additionally, it leans on the heavier side, which may not contribute to as pleasant a carrying experience as one would like. All in all, the biggest dealbreaker for most users will probably be its hefty price.
For anyone who uses an iPad and needs a keyboard, the Apple Magic Keyboard is one of the go-to choices that can’t go wrong.
Apple Magic Keyboard
Best Apple iPad Keyboard
✓ Responsive trackpad
✓ Connected charging
✓ Seamless attach & detach
✓ Compact & sleek design
#3 Best for Heavy Users: Brydge 12.9 Max+
Brydge 12.9 Max+
From clicking and scrolling to switching between tabs and more, we rely a lot on the trackpad. The Brydge 12.9 MAX+ does the trick when you're looking for the convenience of having many tools right at your fingertips.
The magnetic plate where you rest your iPad on the MAX+ protects the back of the iPad without the need for a snap-on magnetic cover. This makes it easier to attach and detach the iPad than having to squeeze it into the hinge clamps on previous models. The Brydge 12.9 MAX+'s keyboard itself is a touch more responsive than Brydge's older products, elevating itself as just an above-average laptop keyboard. What sets the MAX+ apart from the Apple Magic Keyboard is the extra function row, where you can adjust brightness and volume.
Brydge 12.9 Max+
The Brydge 12.9 MAX+'s trackpad is its key selling point. Because of the trackpad's larger size by any standard, makes photo browsing and text editing more pleasant. Its backlight keys are adjustable too, designed to take you anywhere you want to work.
With the protective back cover, the tradeoff is the inclusion of a few more millimetres of thickness behind the iPad, adding extra weight. But, it helps with stabilisation and supports a wider range of viewing angles.
The Brydge 12.9 MAX+ isn't for everyone but with improvements in the size of the trackpad and the old hinge, it's a good option if you're looking to get work done on the go.
Brydge 12.9 Max+
Best for Heavy Users
✓ Dedicated function keys
✓ Large responsive trackpad
✓ Magnetic snap-on attachment
✓ Modern & sleek design
#3 Best for Budget: Zagg Pro Keys
Zagg Pro Keys
Want to turn your iPad into a laptop but also want something that promises drop protection? The Zagg Pro Keys can be just what you need for this.
The Zagg Pro Keys consist of a keyboard and case which attach magnets and can easily be separated or flipped around behind the screen. It folds up like a clamshell and opens using a kickstand, saving desk space. It features rubberised edges wrapping around the edges of the iPad, making it feel sturdy and guaranteeing protection from 2m drops. There is also a lip in the case design to prevent screen scratches. Your iPad's safety is assured wherever you go.
Zagg Pro Keys
The Zagg Pro Keys make using your iPad convenient with a row of function keys placed above the standard ones for letters, numbers, and symbols. Now, you can easily adjust volume, skip tracks, and more with a single button push. Seven backlight colours are available, including white, teal blue, red, purple, green, and yellow, adding a touch of colour to your work area. Plus, the keyboard can pair with multiple devices at once via Bluetooth, increasing your productivity dramatically.
Yet, the kickstand aspect when opening the Zagg Pro Keys limits propping up your display to two angles: 30 degrees and 40 degrees past vertical. While having multiple backlight colours sound cool, it doesn't get very bright and some critics have reported a bluish tint to the white backlight. There's also no trackpad which might be a boon or bane.
Overall, the Zagg Pro Keys is a wallet-friendly iPad keyboard that does the job of protecting your device and increasing productivity if you need to get work done with your iPad.
Zagg Pro Keys
Best for Budget
✓ Multi-device pairing
✓ Bluetooth connectivity
✓ Multi-colour backlighting
✓ Budget-friendly
Compare iPad Keyboards
Final Thoughts
Adding a great iPad keyboard can significantly improve your productivity away from home. The accompanying typing experience and trackpad (for some models) offer new ways to work with your iPad.
If you like to read more on iPad Keyboards, check out our other relevant guides here:
Logitech Combo Touch vs Logitech Folio Touch
Logitech Combo Touch vs Apple Magic Keyboard
Logitech Combo Touch vs Zagg Pro Keys
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