The Best Bluetooth and Smart Connecting Keyboards to Pair with an iPad

Apple Magic Keyboard

0

The Apple Magic Keyboard was designed from the ground up for the iPad Pro, making it the best typing experience, if you have the cash for it.

Along with the impressive upgrades we discovered in our review of the iPad Pro M4, Apple’s Magic Keyboard also got a few enhancements, making it our favorite keyboard for Apple’s high-end tablet. By all appearances, this keyboard looks similar to previous models, offering a premium, sleek build with a floating cantilever design to find the perfect viewing angle. However, this time around, the keyboard is a little bit lighter and offers a slightly bigger glass trackpad with haptic feedback and Multi-Touch gesture support.

Connecting your device to the keyboard is simple thanks to a series of ultra-strong magnets. These magnets are in a new spot, so, unfortunately, the Magic Keyboard will only work with the latest models. Although no wires are required for a link to the tablet, a USB-C port for passthrough charging is available to keep the tablet topped off. When the iPad isn’t in use the keyboard wraps around it, acting as a protective case.

Typing on the Magic Keyboard is a pleasant experience with the scissor key switches offering similar feedback to the best Macbooks. The keys are slightly more cramped than the notebook but shouldn’t take long to get used to. Still, Apple managed to squeeze in 14 function keys to adjust brightness, volume, and more. Given all that’s on offer, this keyboard and case combo can turn your iPad into a viable laptop replacement.

Harburfine 7 Color Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard

0

Enjoy seven different colors of backlighting on this portable keyboard.

The majority of the keyboards designed for portability lack a backlight since running those depletes the battery far quicker, so most manufacturers opt out to save on juice. Still, when typing in darker spaces, lighting is often necessary, and the Harburfine 7 Color Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard is a great solution.

Beyond being wildly inexpensive, Harburfine’s keyboard offers bright backlit keys. It’s not just a basic white glow either; it cycles through seven different colors to fit your mood. An auto-sleep mode will turn off the lights due to inactivity, helping save on battery. Power comes from an integrated rechargeable battery, so forget about disposable batteries. However, the battery only lasts about four hours with the backlights illuminated. If they’re off, 15-20 days of juice can be expected depending on usage.

The Harburfine 7 Color Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard is one of the best travel keyboards thanks to its ultra-compact design, weighing less than half a pound and measuring about a quarter inch thick. Just be sure to keep it safely tucked away when not in use since it’s a little flimsy. When it’s time to get typing, the keyboard seamlessly connects to an iPad via Bluetooth. And once connected, the scissor keys are quiet and decently responsive.

iClever BK03

0

Take this keyboard on the go, as it folds up for travel, is made almost entirely of aluminum for durability, and offers a long battery life.

You don’t see too many unusual keyboards these days, so we welcome the more unique iClever BK03. This device is interesting because it folds up for travel, resembling something like a deck of cards, but then unfurls to 10 by 3.5 by 0.3 inches. Unlike most of the other travel keyboards you’ll find for the iPad, which are made mostly of plastic, this model is made almost entirely of aluminum. That shows in its weight, 6.3 oz, but also in aesthetics, ruggedness, and durability.

Open it up and it powers on automatically, and then the iClever BK03 goes to sleep automatically after 15 minutes of inactivity to conserve battery life. It’s equipped with a rechargeable battery that iClever claims runs for over 80 hours of continuous use and can hold a charge while asleep for over 200 days. And while compatibility is limited, it can connect to iOS, Android, and PCs. You can even switch among three paired devices with a keyboard shortcut. It does have an Achilles Heel: The unfolded keyboard doesn’t lock rigidly in place, meaning you can only really use it on a hard surface like a desktop. Most one-piece keyboards work perfectly fine on a mushy bed or in your lap, but not the iClever BK03.

Logitech MX Mechanical

0

Full-size mechanical keyboard offering responsive, low profile keys, multiple connectivity options, and a rechargeable, long-lasting battery.

When you don’t plan on taking your keyboard on the go, you might as well grab a quality full-size keyboard that works nicely with your PC and laptop, too. The Logitech MX Mechanical is the perfect option with its responsive mechanical switches, a full number pad, arrow keys, and function keys – some with double labels for a Windows or Mac machine. The keys are also low profile and feature smart backlighting, making for a more enjoyable typing experience.

You’ll connect to your iPad using low-power Bluetooth, but this wireless keyboard also features a tiny 2.4GHz wireless dongle for low latency when on your laptop or PC. Three included keys make swapping between using three different saved devices a breeze. As for battery life, the Logitech MX Mechanical juices up using a USB-C. With a full charge, you get 15 days of power when the backlighting is on and 10 months with it off. If you’re looking for a more compact keyboard, take a look at the mini version.

iClever BK06

0

Ergonomics aren’t forgotten on this foldable travel keyboard that features a unique split, angled layout.

If you suffer from repetitive stress injury or just prefer the feel of an ergonomic keyboard, you’re generally out of luck when it comes to portable keyboards for the iPad – most keyboards are as straight as a ruler. However, the iClever BK06 is a split keyboard with an angled ergonomic layout. It is more or less a keyboard divided in half. If you’re not already a split keyboard user, it will definitely take some practice to get used to, but once you hone your muscle memory, you might love the more comfortable angle.

It’s not just an ergo keyboard; it also folds for travel, sort of like the BK03, also from iClever. While the BK03 is all aluminum with mechanical hinges, the BK06 is a rubberized affair with a flexible membrane serving as a floppy hinge. It’s only 6.2 x 4.0 x .5 inches when folded. The keyboard also includes a rechargeable battery and can run for about 40 continuous hours or 30 days of standby. And the keyboard is compatible not just with the iPad, but with all iOS devices and Windows computers.

Logitech Combo Touch

0

Beyond protection, this case has a backlit keyboard and a trackpad for easier typing and text selection.

The easiest way to get an iPad to act like a laptop is with a keyboard folio cover, and we’re big fans of the Logitech Combo Touch. It’s similar to Apple’s Magic Keyboard but costs significantly less and works just as well, if not better than Apple’s offering. Pairing is equally simple with Logitech’s keyboard due to the inclusion of Smart Connector. Power is also sourced directly from the iPad ensuring battery life is never an issue. However, the model we’ve chosen only works with the new iPad A16 and 10th generation iPad.

Logitech’s design differentiates from Apple’s. The Combo Touch is a far superior case, as the edge of the iPad is fully protected to help keep it extra secure in bags or during the occasional drop. Even with the added peace of mind, it still keeps compact dimensions, adding minimal bulk to the iPad. We’re also big fans of the kickstand for better flexibility using the display, while the keyboard can be easily removed from the rest of the case to use the iPad in handheld mode.

Using the keyboard is an all-around pleasant experience. The keys are well-spaced and extremely responsive but slightly more cramped together than a traditional keyboard. For easier typing in dimmer spaces, the backlit keys even automatically adjust. As for the trackpad, it’s precise and supports Multi-Touch gestures.

ZAGG Pro Keys Wireless Keyboard

0

This iPad case/keyboard combo has a detachable, multicolored backlit keyboard and can fold to act like a stand.

Want to split off your iPad from a keyboard at will? This Zagg keyboard and case will do the trick. The keyboard connects to the iPad via Bluetooth, and you can easily detach it from the base when you don’t need it without having to take your iPad out of the case. The keyboard also acts as a screen protector when folded up, making it an ideal option for those who travel.