Best Keyboard Cases for iPad Pro in 2024 – CNET
Keyboard cases for the iPad Pro add a lot to the picture, especially with a trackpad. Cases that have both a keyboard and a trackpad help the iPad transform into something like a laptop. Granted, the OS is different. But Apple’s support for keyboard shortcuts and multitouch trackpad gestures work well on iPadOS. In 2020, I compared options. Here’s where we are now.
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iPad Pro keyboard options (from left): Logitech Combo Touch, Magic Keyboard, Brydge Max Plus 12.9.
” image-credit=”Scott Stein/CNET” image-alt-text=”A top down view of multiple iPad keyboards.” image-filename=”ipad-pro-2021-keyboards-hero.jpg” image-width=”4032″ image-height=”3024″ image-date-created=”2021-05-26″ image-do-not-crop=”true” image-watermark=”true” ng-block=”{"id":"fg9bo8bkt7zg3p5","type":"image"}” edition=”us” data-keep class=”c-shortcodeImage u-clearfix c-shortcodeImage-large c-shortcodeImage-hasCaption”>
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<div content="LIST ITEM" superlative="Most like a laptop" description="
Pros: Tremendous-size trackpad. Dedicated function keys. Improved design has a magnetic back to easily attach to the iPad Pro. Very lap-friendly. Bends back for wide viewing angles.
Cons: Needs to connect via Bluetooth.
Brydge’s latest premium keyboard case for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, coming in mid-June, makes a big leap over previous Brydge keyboards. The redesigned Bluetooth keyboard has more travel in its keys than Logitech’s or Apple’s keyboards (more like the 2015 MacBook Pro used to have way back). There’s also a tremendous multitouch trackpad that’s bigger than the one on the MacBook Air, which works very smoothly with multitouch gestures on iPadOS. This iPad keyboard is also more expensive than existing Brydge accessories. Still, it costs $100 less than the Magic Keyboard.
A snap-on magnetic back cover gives a little more protection than older Brydge keyboards, and it’s also a lot easier to attach/remove the iPad, but that also means that the iPad can’t bend back at quite as wide an angle as before. This is easily the most laptop-friendly iPad Pro keyboard case around, and really makes the whole thing feel shockingly like a MacBook Air.
The Bluetooth connectivity is easier and more instantaneous than before, but it’s not perfect. Sometimes I found the connection dropped out (as happens with Bluetooth), and sometimes (rarely) the trackpad gestures seemed a little skittish.
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<div content="LIST ITEM" superlative="Best keyboard that also doubles as a normal iPad case" description="
Pros: iPad case can be removed from the keyboard and used on its own with a kickstand. Comes with an extra row of function-based keys that the Magic Keyboard lacks. This iPad keyboard is more affordable than Apple or Brydge’s top-end new cases. Case offers solid protection.
Cons: Needs a lot of table space for the rear stand and keyboard base. Needs a stable flat surface to use (isn’t good for laps). Keyboard needs to be connected to a case to use (runs off Smart Connector power).
Logitech’s latest iPad Pro keyboard case is a Pro-sized version of the company’s Combo Touch case available on smaller iPads. It works just as well: The detachable keyboard and trackpad are generous enough, although the trackpad is a lot smaller than the giant Brydge one. The extra row of function keys for volume, screen brightness, play/pause and other helpful shortcuts is really useful, much like it is on the Brydge keyboard. Apple’s Magic Keyboard lacks them.
I found the responsiveness of Logitech’s keyboard to be really good, but the design also means you’ll need to sit at a desk. Much like Microsoft’s Surface tablet keyboards, the bottom-connecting design won’t really work in a lap. The standalone case offers the best protection of any of these three: The rubberized sheath should help protect against bumps. The adjustable rear kickstand is helpful as a viewing stand for family Zooms, too. The more versatile design of the case means you can flip back (or remove) the keyboard for non-typing needs, like drawing with a Pencil or reading, without needing to pop it out of the case.
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