There are a bunch of iPad Pro models available now, from the original models, to the newest, updated iPad Pro 12.9 and 11. Regardless of the model you grab, accessory manufacturers have been busy designing an array of keyboards compatible with Apple’s tablets, because a touchscreen keyboard just isn’t the same as a traditional one. We have keyboards for the iPad Pro that don’t double as protective cases, but we also have some options that add a little protection to your investment.
Luckily, many of the cases on our list will make you feel like you’re using a touchscreen MacBook, especially given their laptop-esque designs. They also come at varying price points, meaning you don’t need to spend a lot to net a physical keyboard. Below, you will find our picks for the best iPad Pro keyboard cases, regardless of which model you opted for. Also, if you’re looking for content for your new tablet, be sure to check out our picks for the best iPad Pro games and our favorite drawing apps for the iPad Pro.
Keyboards for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2018
Apple Smart Keyboard Folio
Get used to seeing Apple’s keyboard on this list, because it’s always going to be one of the best options for your iPad Pro. The new series of Apple’s smart keyboard has seen some upgrades to match the style of the 2018 iPad Pro range. It now comes with full coverage, so it provides full back and front protection when it’s folded around your iPad Pro. It doesn’t need to pair with your iPad — just slip your iPad into the dock, and it’ll connect automatically. There’s no need to charge it up separately either.
As is usual for Apple, you’ll find a full-size keyboard on here, but the new folio stand means it’s easier to sit your iPad Pro at different angles. It has automatic sleep/wake functionality too. It’s expensive, but that’s par for the course with Apple. Regardless of price, it’s still one of the best options out there.
Brydge Pro Keyboard Case
Want to blur the lines between the MacBook and the iPad Pro? Then you’ve come to the right place. Brydge’s keyboard case is styled to emulate the look of Apple’s MacBook range, giving you the professional look of a laptop, with all the flexibility of a laptop. Best of all, it can be folded behind the tablet to create a fast 2-in-1 style tablet, or folded back to form a stand. The keys are backlit, giving you the flexibility to work with low lights, and it has dual connectivity either by USB-C or Bluetooth. Brydge even boasts of year-long battery life between charges. It’s certainly on the expensive side, but the protection it offers with that magnetic back plate is solid, and the flexibility to use your iPad Pro in multiple styles is invaluable.
ProCase Leather-Style Folio Case
Not every keyboard case has to put you over a hundred dollars out of pocket, and you can easily grab a great keyboard case for a much lower price. This keyboard case from ProCase is a great option if you’re looking to save a few dollars without sacrificing quality. It’s made from durable and stylish PU leather, with a TPE bumper around the iPad Pro itself to offer additional protection. As a folio, it folds out into an easy stand and folds down easily when not in use to protect your screen. There’s an included space to slip your Apple Pencil, and ProCase claims a single charge of the keyboard will last for a standby time of up to 100 days. Not bad for the price.
Keyboards for the 11-inch iPad Pro 2018
Apple Smart Keyboard Folio
The Apple Smart Keyboard Folio should always be your first port of call when you’re looking to get the most out of your 11-inch iPad Pro. It’s now a full coverage case which covers the front and back at all times, and the new folio-style stand means your iPad can be positioned in a bunch of handy positions. There’s no need to connect via Bluetooth, and there’s no need to charge it either. It’s slim and keeps your iPad protected when on the move. There’s a full-size keyboard, too. Though it’s expensive, it’s a great addition to your iPad Pro if you’re looking to boost your productivity.
Zagg Slim Book Go
Not every keyboard case needs to have a permanently attached keyboard. This case from Zagg has a detachable keyboard with backlit keys, allowing for flexible usage of your iPad. Need it as a productivity machine? Attach the keyboard. Just need a tablet? Detach the keyboard and your iPad Pro is still protected by the slim case with a kickstand on the back. Zagg claims the keyboard will see a year’s usage between charges, and the slim design is easy to slip into bags; it even comes with an Apple Pencil holder for the ultimate convenience. The keyboard section can fold into the case for protection while on the go, making this a great choice for flexible needs. It’s not as expensive as other options either.
Brydge Pro Keyboard Case
We’ve already highlighted the Brydge Pro case for the iPad Pro 12.9, but it’s important for iPad Pro 11 owners to know they’re also supported by Brydge’s great looking keyboard case. The version for the iPad Pro 11 is slightly cheaper, but it’s just as stylish, using a chrome color scheme to emulate the classic look of the MacBook. It’s just as good as its bigger brother, offering huge amounts of flexibility, and additional protection thanks to the magnetic clip-on back plate. Alright, it’s expensive, but it turns your iPad Pro into a very passable laptop alternative.
Keyboards for the iPad Pro 10.5
Apple Smart Keyboard
The first keyboard on our radar is, of course, Apple’s Smart Keyboard. This one is similar to the 9.7-inch smart keyboard, with the same shallow key travel and overall build quality. This iPad Pro keyboard case is a one-sided affair. It doesn’t cover your entire iPad like other keyboard cases, but it does make use of the Smart Connector, meaning you don’t need to pair it via Bluetooth. Like many Apple-branded products, however, this keyboard is pricey, but if you want ultimate compatibility and something that was built by Apple, then this should be your first choice.
Logitech Slim Combo
The new Logitech Slim Combo is, in some ways, what we wanted from Apple’s Smart Keyboard. This keyboard connects via the Smart Connector, just like Apple’s Smart Keyboard, so it requires no pairing. Physically, however, Logitech’s offering provides full-body protection. It also has a built-in holder for your Apple Pencil and is spill-resistant and easy to clean. The case is a good choice if you want to ensure your iPad is protected, even if you need to detach the keyboard.
Zagg Rugged Messenger
Protection can be a little light on most keyboard cases, but that isn’t the case here. The tough case is capable of withstanding drops of up to 6.6 feet, features reinforced corners to help resist other forms of damage and works as a folio case that completely covers your device. But it’s not just protective, it’s also a strong keyboard case. You’ll find backlit keys, support for multi-device pairing, a built-in kickstand, a holder for the Apple Pencil, and a claimed battery lifespan of up to two years between charges. That’s a heck of a features list for $100 and it’s a great choice for anyone whose iPad Pro follows them outdoors a lot.
IVSO Keyboard Case
Here is an affordable keyboard case made from polyurethane leather, with a microfiber interior that protects your iPad. What makes this option stand out is that the keyboard is held in place via magnets. You can slide the keyboard out and detach it from the case, allowing for a more comfortable typing position without requiring you to remove the case. You can also charge the keyboard using a Micro USB cable, which takes around three hours. Once charged, you can use the keyboard for an estimated 60 hours. It comes in an array of colors as well, including black, white, blue, gold, rose gold, and purple.
MoKo Keyboard Case
This keyboard focuses on giving you a great tactile typing experience with scissor switches for the keys. Like the aforementioned IVSO keyboard, the MoKo Keyboard Case is also removable, so there is no need to take off the case if you need to adjust the keyboard position. The leather is, of course, synthetic, but you can expect that at this price point. The inside lining is soft, but the rear exterior is tough, helping you protect your tablet from unexpected drops. If you’re going to do a lot of typing on your iPad, then a quality tactile keyboard is a must, one that will allow for a fast and accurate typing experience.
If you’re looking for alternative, non-keyboard cases, check out our picks for the best iPad Pro 10.5 cases.
Shiv has over 8 years experience working on Internet of Things and an avid user of Drones
