As more features are added to the Apple iPad and iPad Pro, making them nearly as capable as a full computer, many of us use them as our primary portable devices for getting work done. However, typing on a touchscreen can be rather frustrating. We've tested some of the most popular wireless Bluetooth keyboards available, and we can help you find one that suits your needs so you can stay productive no matter where you are.
We've tested over 105 keyboards, and here are our recommendations for the best keyboards for iPads. See also our recommendations for the best keyboards, the best mechanical keyboards, and the best wireless keyboards.
The best portable keyboard for iPad that we've tested is the Logitech K380. This wireless model is ideal for carrying around, as it's quite lightweight and compact in size. It can pair with your iPad and up to two other mobile devices over a Bluetooth connection, and switching between them is easy thanks to hotkeys. It’s also very quiet and should be suitable for any type of environment.
It has good ergonomics, and its low profile makes it comfortable to type on, even without a wrist rest. It uses standard scissor switches that feel light and responsive while giving great tactile feedback. The pre-travel is very short, though, so it may lead to more typos if you’re not used to it. There are hotkeys for media control, and some of the function keys can be reprogrammed from a list of preset commands.
Unfortunately, it has poor software support with minimal customization options, but at least the Logitech Options software is available on both Windows and macOS. Also, it doesn’t have any backlighting, and its build quality is only decent, as there is some flex to it. That said, it still feels solid enough for regular use. All in all, this is an excellent choice if you want something small and portable to go with your iPad.
If you want a more durable alternative, check out the Apple Magic Keyboard. Although it doesn't have multi-device pairing like the Logitech K380 and it doesn't work at all with Android devices, this is a great option if you mostly use Apple products since it's fully compatible with iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. It also feels better built with a rigid aluminum frame that doesn't show any signs of flex. The scissor switches are light to type on and feel very responsive, and thanks to its slim, wireless design, it's very lightweight and great for travel.
If you're a multi-tasker who likes pairing its keyboard to multiple devices at once, the Logitech is a better choice, but if you mostly use Apple products and want something with an exceptional build, get the Apple keyboard.
The best keyboard for iPad Pro with a folio case that we’ve tested is the Logitech Slim Folio Pro. It's specifically made for the 11 inch and 12.9 inch 3rd Gen iPad Pro and feels very solid with an aluminum bottom frame and a well-built case to protect your device. It’s also very portable thanks to its ultra-slim design that makes it easy to fit into most backpacks.
It has white backlighting, with three different brightness settings, and dedicated media keys. Its rubber dome switches are very light and responsive, with short pre-travel and a nice tactile bump. However, the typing experience is only passable and the keys can feel a bit mushy for some. On the plus side, you can easily connect it to your iPad via Bluetooth, but keep in mind that it can’t be paired with more than one device at once.
Unfortunately, the ergonomics are mediocre as there’s no incline setting or wrist rest included. Also, while it's rechargeable with a USB-C cable, it’s not included in the box, which is disappointing. Nevertheless, the Logitech Slim Folio Pro is one of the best keyboards for iPad Pro that we've tested.
If you have an iPad 7th Gen and are looking for a folio case keyboard, check out the Brydge 10.2 Keyboard for Apple iPad instead. It doesn’t have a protective cover like the Logitech Slim Folio Pro, but it’s noticeably better built, and once you attach it to your device, it mimics the look of a MacBook Air. The Brydge 10.2 is fully compatible with iPadOS, and most keys also work on Android and iOS systems, making it quite versatile. Its typing quality is decent, and typing on it feels like a MacBook Pro keyboard overall. There’s also white backlighting that’s great for dark environments. Unfortunately, it doesn’t support multi-device pairing and doesn’t have any software support, but you can connect it to pretty much any device via Bluetooth.
Overall, if you want a good folio case keyboard for your iPad Pro, check out the Logitech, but if you’re looking for something to go with an iPad 7th Gen instead, go with the Brydge.
The best keyboard for iPad with mechanical switches that we’ve tested is the Obinslab Anne Pro 2. This 60% compact model feels very solid and well-built, with a plastic frame and PBT keycaps. It takes very little space on your desk, and you can easily connect it to your iPad via Bluetooth, but it may take you a while to get used to its very compact design.
It's available in a wide variety of switches to suit your preferences. Our unit uses Gateron Brown switches, which offer great tactile feedback and have a fair amount of pre-travel distance, which helps reduce typos. It also has fully customizable RGB backlighting, and every key is macro-programmable, but keep in mind that it doesn’t have mobile software, so most customization features aren't available on iPad.
Unfortunately, it’s not the most portable option as it’s fairly thick, and the ergonomics are mediocre due to its lack of incline settings and wrist rest. There’s also no dedicated arrow keys or NumPad, which can be problematic for some people. That said, if you are looking for an outstanding mechanical keyboard to pair with your iPad, this is an excellent choice.
Feb 12, 2021: The Keychron K3 would be a great pick for 'Best Mechanical Keyboard for iPad'. However, it's currently only available for pre-order on the manufacturer's website, so we added it to Notable Mentions until it becomes easier to find and buy.
Dec 15, 2020: Added the Brydge Pro and Logitech Folio Touch to the Notable Mentions.
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best keyboards for Apple iPads for most people. We factor in the price (a cheaper product wins over a pricier one if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no keyboard that is difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you would like to do the work of choosing yourself, here is the list of all our iPad keyboard reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While no product is perfect for every use, most keyboards are great enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them. Be sure to know your key switch preferences before choosing.