The iPad Pro is probably as close to a laptop-replacement as you can get in a tablet – especially if you opt for the larger 12.9in model, with a screen that’s larger than some of its laptop rivals.
Still, there’s one thing it doesn’t have: a physical keyboard. That’s for good reason (none of us want a tablet-sized BlackBerry) but sometimes those on-screen keys just aren’t enough, especially for the sort of demanding creative and professional tasks you might need an iPad Pro for.
With that in mind, we’ve taken a look at the best iPad Pro keyboards around – for both current models, and some that work with the older 9.7in and 10.5in versions – including both clip-on case keyboards and entirely separate wireless ones. If you own a regular iPad, or an Air or mini, you’d be better off with our general guide to the best iPad keyboards.
Apple Smart Keyboard
There are pretenders to the throne, but if you want a decent keyboard for either model of iPad Pro that also acts as a case (and wont scratch the screen!) then these are the ones to plump for.
Slim, microfiber-lined and wipeable, you dirty lot; while a tad expensive you wont be disappointed. It’s a vital accessory to use with the iPad Pro, and a shame that Apple couldn’t include it in the price of the tablet. But did you really expect them to?
The Smart Connector is one of this device’s trump cards – you don’t need to worry about battery life, or a Bluetooth connection, because everything is handled through that port.
The Smart Keyboard also has some useful extra shortcuts that are designed for iOS commands, such as a Home key (Command-H) and Search (Command-Space). It also lets you use a number of familiar Mac keyboard commands too, such as using Command-Tab to cycle between apps.
This model is for the 11in iPad Pro, but of course, Apple also sells versions for the 12.9in model (£169/$169).
Apple Magic Keyboard
The Magic Keyboard for Mac works with all iOS devices running iOS 9.1 and above. We tried it out with a number of iPads in our office – including the iPad Pro – and it worked fine (Apple’s older Wireless Keyboard used to work with the iPad too, so you can also try that if you already have one of those).
The advantage of using a conventional, standalone keyboard such as this is that it has larger keys than most iPad-sized keyboard-covers, and the keyboard panel is angled upwards at a more comfortable angle, so you can get down to some serious typing when you need to. The new Magic Keyboard also has a rechargeable battery that Apple says can last for a month between charges. And, of course, if you’ve already got one of these keyboards in your office then you don’t need to spend any extra money buying a brand new keyboard just for your iPad.
The disadvantage is that it’s not really very portable, and doesn’t act either as a cover, or as a stand for your iPad, so you’ll still need to spend some money on accessories somewhere along the line.
For an extra £30/$30, you can grab the larger version with a numpad instead, though you can often find it discounted on Amazon UK and Amazon US.
Fintie Keyboard Case for iPad Pro 11″
Fintie’s keyboard case for the iPad Pro 11 has been designed from the ground up.
The typing experience on the magnetically detachable keyboard is satisfyingly tactile with a good amount of travel. Fintie has specifically set out to make their keyboard simulate the experience of typing on a laptop keyboard, using ‘scissor switches’ to provide a balance between resilience and comfort.
As with many similar products, the cover doubles as a stand, and can be angled in three different positions to suit your workflow. There is also a dedicated Apple Pencil holder.
You can buy it now on Amazon for £29.99, making it one of the more affordable options on the market.
Arteck Portable Wireless Keyboard
Compatible with all recent iPad models, Arteck’s keyboard connects via Bluetooth to provide a fully wireless experience.
The company have borrowed a few design influences from RGB mechanical keyboards. with vibrantly coloured backlit keys. There are 7 choice in total, all of which vividly illuminate your keyboard in low light.
Despite a sturdy build, it is still thin (247x150x6mm) and light (272g) enough to be easily transported in a bag for productivity on the go.
Arteck also claim the built-in rechargeable battery will last a staggering 6 months, based on an average of 2 hours usage per day. This means you’ll rarely have to worry about being near a power source.
You can buy the keyboard now, complete with a 24-month warranty, for £15.99/US$19.99.
Inateck Keyboard Case for iPad Pro 12.9 3rd Gen
Specifically for the 3rd generation iPad Pro 12.9, Inateck’s detachable keyboard is heavy on the visual effects to provide a truly memorable typing experience.
Installation and everyday use is simple, with a flap on the rear of the case to prop up your iPad.
A supposed ‘Star Light Effect’ can be created as hundreds of colours emanate from the backlit keys, or if you’d prefer you can choose your own steady colour.
With the keyboard detached, the case can still double as a stand for a more immersive viewing experience, complete with three viewing angles. It includes a slot for your Apple Pencil too.
Their website delivers to the UK, but only via the German site. Be prepared to get your translations ready!
You can buy it now for an estimated £65.18/US$69.99.
Brydge 12.9 Series II
Brydge’s second-generation keyboard for the first-gen 12.9in iPad Pro is even better than before. Its aluminium build is outstanding and helps turn your iPad into a laptop in a way that the official Apple keyboard simply doesn’t.
The Series II is a backlit industrial marvel that comes in silver, space grey or gold to match your slab. Its minimal design with two study hinges to hold the iPad means it’s a smooth portable shape when closed, with thoughtful additions like rubber tips on the corners so glass is not against metal.
The hinges are 180 degree adjustable for optimum viewing angles while a three-level backlight to the excellent keyboard adds convenience, as do the function keys absent from Apple’s own keyboard. It charges via micro-USB but Brydge claims 12 months battery life depending on usage. It connects via Bluetooth 4.1 not via the Smart Connector.
At 710g it is by no means the lightest iPad keyboard out there, but many of us here at Macworld covet Brydge keyboards as the best available, and it’s hard to disagree with the improvements in this version.
You can also buy Brydge keyboards for the iPad Pro 11in (£149/US$149) and iPad Pro 12.9in (£169/US$169) in the UK and US.
Logitech Slim Combo for iPad Pro 10.5
Logitech’s Slim Combo for the 10.5in iPad Pro is a solid, sturdy offering that may not look quite as slick as Apple’s own, but offers functionality and protection that the official Smart Keyboard just can’t match.
This is a two-part case. The iPad itself clicks into a rigid hard-shell case that should offer drop protection while maintaining complete port access. It also includes a kickstand to prop the tablet up at a variety of angles, and an Apple Pencil holder for stylus users.
You can use this case entirely on its own for a little extra protection, but when you need to get down to work you can attach the keyboard component, which connects via the iPad’s Smart Connector. As with other similar keyboards, that means no need to worry about a separate battery life or Bluetooth connection – the Smart Connector handles both power and the connection.
The keyboard itself is impressive, with a comfortable low action and a full complement of keys – this feels as good to type on as most laptops. There’s also a range of iPad-specific function keys for controlling music playback, volume, screen brightness, and directly pulling up search or the home screen.
Adjustable backlighting is also included, though there are only three settings: off, dim, and bright. The bottom of the keyboard has a grippy finish to keep the iPad from slipping around, and the whole thing is very lightweight – though a little bulky.
This is yet another iPad Pro keyboard that does an impressive job of bringing the full laptop experience to the tablet – with the big benefit of a Pencil holder, something surprisingly few iPad Pro keyboards have opted to include. We just wish the design had a bit more flair, especially when closed.
Zagg Rugged Messenger for iPad Pro 10.5in
Zagg’s Rugged Messenger keyboard case does a bit more than offer protection – this is indeed a rugged iPad case, but it’s also got one of the most comprehensive set of keyboard features around.
The tablet itself slots into a very tough protective hard shell case, which then magnetically attaches to the accompanying keyboard – though sadly not via Smart Connector, so you will have to remember to top the keyboard up with the accompanying MicroUSB charger, and pair it to the iPad over Bluetooth.
Boldly, Zagg claims that it offers a two-year battery life (which, unsurprisingly, we haven’t had time to test). That’s assuming only an hour of usage per day though, so bear your own typical usage in mind – but in any case you shouldn’t need to top this up often.
The keyboard is fully featured, including a row of function keys designed with iOS in mind, and it can pair to two devices, with keys to toggle between them – so you can switch easily to typing on your iMac or iPhone if you so desire. Typing action is pretty average – it’s comfortable enough that you can’t really complain, but doesn’t get quite as close to the laptop feel of some rivals.
There’s also backlighting, which is some of the best we’ve seen – not only does it have three different brightness levels, but you also get seven colours to cycle between.
The rugged aesthetic of the case isn’t our favorite, but it does seem sturdy, and offers a choice of a few viewing angles. There’s also an Apple Pencil holder included – still a surprising rarity in iPad Pro keyboards and cases.
If you don’t mind sacrificing a little style and bit of polish from the typing feel, the Rugged Messenger boasts impressive features for the price, offering a great balance of protection, productivity, and pretty coloured backlights.
Microsoft Foldable Keyboard
Microsoft’s keyboards aren’t very pretty, but they’re always well-built, comfortable to use, and sturdy enough to take a bit of a pounding when you need to do some serious typing or number-crunching.
The Universal Foldable keyboard is a bit of an oddity. It’s a standalone Bluetooth keyboard that will connect to any device that works with Bluetooth, including Macs and PCs as well smartphones and tablets. But, as the name suggests, you can fold it in half so that it’s really small and light when you need to carry it around with you. And when you need to do some work you can just unfold it again and start tapping away.
Despite being a Microsoft product, it still provides good support for iOS devices, and even has a Mac Command key so that you can switch between apps and use other familiar Mac shortcuts.
The keyboard is covered with a tough fabric to keep it safe, along with a water-resistant coating to protect it outdoors, or cope with a spilled coffee at lunchtime. The keyboard can also pair with two separate devices, and allows you to switch between then whenever you want, and the rechargeable battery should last for up to three months between charges.
Griffin Wired
Most of these keyboards use Bluetooth to connect to your iPad, but there may be times when Bluetooth isn’t an option. You can’t use Bluetooth when your iPad is in Airplane mode, and quite a few government and other offices will ban the use of Bluetooth as it’s a potential security risk.
Griffin’s Wired Keyboard has a Lightning interface built into it, so that you plug it straight into recent iPhone or iPad model that also uses Lightning. The cable is one metre long, so you’ve got a bit of room to play with when setting up your keyboard and iPad. It can’t be used as a cover, or as a stand, but it’s larger than most iPad keyboards and is raised at the back so that it sits at a more comfortable angle when you’re typing.
In fact, it looks rather similar to Apple’s Magic Keyboard – which does use Bluetooth – and has a similar set of functions keys, including a Home button and the Mac’s command key for switching between apps. Ditching Bluetooth also means that the Wired Keyboard doesn’t need its own battery, just drawing a very small amount of power through the Lightning cable.
Omoton
Omoton’s Bluetooth keyboard is a good alternative to Apple’s own, but at a fraction of the cost. It promises connectivity from up to 10 meters and up to 30 days of continuous use on two AAA batteries – though it should last six months with its automatic sleep mode function.
It only weighs 282g, so is ultra portable too.
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Via MACWORLD