The best keyboard for iPad in 2024

In many ways, Apple are competing against themselves with the Smart Keyboard for iPad. This can quickly and easily turn your iPad into something like a MacBook Air in seconds. But why is it our number one pick? Well, for many, the whole ethos of the iPad is simple portability - and this keyboard has been designed to augment the tablet, not break its primary purpose by adding bulk.

Perhaps the most typically Apple feature here is the Smart Connector. Not only is this the magnetic mechanism that physically adds the keyboard to the iPad, it's also how it connects as a device. Then, snuggly hidden on the device's left side is a USB-C port for pass-through charging.

Going back to the whole principle of this design, it's trying to be a light laptop. So, the keyboard and trackpad position is ideal for those who want to emulate a MacBook. Lastly, when open the keyboard is a stand for the iPad of course, but when folded away it doubles as a handy cover to keep that perfect screen in tip-top shape.

Arteck really has blow us away with what's on offer here, as the Ultra-Slim Keyboard does more than just take some design cues from the Apple Magic keyboard. With Bluetooth connectivity this is perfect for tucking into your bag when you travel, ready to place on a lap or table on the train for easier typing. Plus, being Bluetooth, the compatibility list is excellent - so you can be sure of it working across all of your Apple devices and more.

That said, it can't remember more than one device at once - so if you are going to use this on an iPhone and then an iPad and back again you'll need to quickly re-pair it each time. But that's a small price to pay for such a neat package, the keys are quiet scissor switches and some of them are hot keys pre-programmed for common iPad functions like volume and brightness. Battery life is impressive - you'll need to keep some AAA batteries with you, as they're not rechargable, but you won't have to change them for up to four months. Brilliant.

Logitech is a competent competitor to Apple's Magic Keyboard, with its range of sleekly designed iPad and iPad-compatible keyboards. Leading the pack is the Combo Touch, available in Graphite and Oxford Grey. That said, Logitech offers several impeccably crafted keyboards, some of which are featured here, all well worth considering. Unlike some of Logitech's iPad-compatible models, the Combo Touch is specifically designed for the iPad, much like Apple's Magic Keyboard, and is available for the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th generation iPads.

The Combo Touch is a folio-style keyboard and case featuring backlit keys with 16 brightness levels and a precision trackpad that transforms any iPad into a highly functional device on par with a MacBook. However, unlike the MacBook setup, the keyboard can easily detach and function as a standalone case, allowing you to switch between typing, reading, or streaming. Logitech also offers an Apple Pencil alternative, the Logitech Crayon, which can be conveniently attached to the case's top.

Overall, the keys and travel are beautifully minimal, and many users find the Combo Touch to be a perfect alternative and, in some instances, a superior typing experience to Apple's Magic Keyboard.

Excluding those that double as a case, the Logitech Keys-To-Go 2 is easily the best portable keyboard for iPad users on the move. Weighing in at a mere 7.9 ounces, it offers a remarkably lightweight, near-paper-thin design that slips easily into any bag. Its tactile keys provide a much-improved typing experience over its predecessor, and the multi-device Bluetooth support makes switching between your iPad and other devices seamless. With a pinch-yourself battery life of up to 36 months, this keyboard is the perfect purchase for students, professionals, and travellers alike.

While it does use non-rechargeable coin batteries, the installation of which can be fiddly, the mind-blowing battery life makes up for the faff. The only other downside, though this comes as a result of prioritising portability, is that users will need to supply their own tablet stand, as the keyboard doesn't include one.

This was tried and tested by Harvey Isitt, who has this to say about his experience: "I've been using the Logitech Keys-To-Go 2 with my iPad and laptop, and it has been a game-changing addition to my at-home setup. It has removed the need to invest in a MacBook replacement. The lightweight build is ideal for travelling, as it fits easily into my bag without adding noticeable weight. Despite its slim profile, the typing experience feels natural, the key travel is minimal, and the tactile keys make long typing sessions a breeze.

One downside is the use of coin batteries instead of rechargeable ones or, better still, a USB-C port. However, while it might not be the most convenient to replace, especially on the go, any inconvenience is offset by the incredible battery life that lasts up to 36 months (unbelievable, I know). I also highly recommend purchasing this alongside Logitech's Pebble Mouse 2 – together, they make a brilliant portable pair.

Overall, I cannot emphasise how excellent this keyboard is. It is easily the best keyboard I own and an ideal purchase for anyone who values portability and ease of use."

Arteck make it back into our list with its Keyboard Case With Trackpad. Now, trackpads (or touchpads) are a little bit of a divisive issue for touchscreen fans, but not every iPad user wants to mess up their shiny screen. And it's with those users in mind, perhaps those who prefer a more genuine laptop experience, that this has been designed. Clearly, this is meant to transform your iPad into the closest thing to a laptop.

Apart from doubling as a protective case, this will also bring an extra level of flexibility that the average laptop cannot. Firstly, everything is detachable thanks to the magnetic coupling built into each half of the case. Want to stand the iPad up but have the keyboard on your lap or away from the screen? No problem. Need to be able to flip the screen around and use it as a stand? Equally easy. Power-wise, it's rechargeable, and it will also sleep or wake you iPad when you close or open it.

Last but obviously not least, completing the laptop look and feel is that trackpad. It's not the largest, but can definitely help you to avoid having to touch the iPad screen for those advanced functions. To that end, it also supports two-fingered scrolling.

This is Logitech's answer to the Apple Smart Keyboard and it's a highly popular option for those who need to take their iPad out and about. This thing is tough, having been tested (and exceeding) military grade drop-tests. It manages to do that while keeping a slim and light design, which is what sets it apart from many heavier clamshell-style rugged iPad keyboard cases out there.

Like Apple's, this keyboard isn't wireless - but that comes with the advantage of having a magnetic Smart Connector that provides both connectivity and power. And if you do spill your drink onto it on the train, you can simply wipe it clean. That of course means a more membrane-feel to the keys than something with less protection from the elements, but once again Logitech has excelled itself by somehow making the keys feel positive with enough feedback to keep typists more than happy.

The iPad Mini was practically made for the Go Wireless Keyboard from JLab. Despite its small size, it packs flexibility and utility, connecting via Bluetooth to multiple devices and featuring a WiFi USB dongle. It can remember up to three devices and offers a good balance between size and usability with large, low-profile keys.

Even better, the hotkeys are customisable, enhancing its functionality. While it's not rechargeable and requires AAA batteries, those should last four months or more, making it a convenient choice for travel.

Tried and tested by Affiliate Operations Editor Adam Binnie: "I wanted a small wireless keyboard that I could fold away into my desk at the end of the day and fit into a small rucksack when I was heading into the office. Most importantly though it had to be Bluetooth because my laptop USB slots are already a bit of a premium."

"This one from JLab ticks all the boxes and does so at a very approachable price. From edge to edge, it's not a lot bigger than the keyboard on my laptop, and the keys themselves are slim to keep the overall bulk low but have a much more positive action, more like a full-sized desktop keyboard."

The cheap keyboards often thrown into tablet cases are often less ergonomic than typing right onto the iPad screen. But even someone with larger hands may buy a great quality iPad keyboard and still struggle to be comfortable. Thankfully, here MoKo have a Universal Foldable Keyboard with a feature not normally seen on truly portable boards: separated and angled sections for each hand.

It's neat, portable and full-size split ergonomic keyboard users will find themselves at home here. It is only Bluetooth though, so no WiFi connectivity. Also, given that this is foldable and compact, as you'd expect there is no wrist support. That said, you do get the benefit of a wider layout. One bonus is that it turns on and off when opened and closed.

A mechanical keyboard? With an iPad? Why not. Often the domain of gamers and typists who like a bit more sound and feedback, this Gaming Keyboard from TECURS does a few things that will appeal to iPad users. First, it's a tenkeyless board (no numpad) so it's nice and compact for a mechanical board.

Second, it has labelled the usual Mac-specific keys like Command and Option, and lastly there's some function keys for brightness plus a toggle for switching between Mac and PC functionality - ideal for anyone using this on a PC and then taking it away with the iPad for some remote working. The USB dongle for WiFi, Bluetooth, and wired connectivity make this one of the most flexible here.

There's the prerequisite gamer-oriented RGB lighting of course, but games aside this is a handy addition for writing in low-light. As for power, this will provide a massive 70 hours of operation with backlighting off, and 25 hours with it on - not bad at all for a mechanical keyboard with all of these features. An excellent bonus is that you can keep an eye on that charge level via the Fn+Space key combo which uses the F-keys as a level indicator.

There's adjustable legs for a comfortable angle when typing too. The switches underneath are TECURS Red switches - they're smooth and the noise level is audible but not unreasonably for a mechanical keyboard. This is a brilliant portable solution for anyone who wants a more traditional responsive typing experience on their iPad.

The Logitech MX Keys rivals Apple's Magic Keyboard with its minimalistic, metal build for a quality feel. It offers more wireless connection options, supporting both WiFi and Bluetooth, allowing it to sync with up to three Apple devices, such as Macs, MacBooks, or iPads.

Logitech enhances functionality with its Flow system, enabling seamless use across multiple Macs when paired with a Flow-enabled mouse. The Perfect Stroke keys feature scissor switches for a smooth, positive typing experience, and the adaptive backlighting adjusts to ambient light levels.

What's The Best Deputy Editor William Lobley shared his thoughts: "The Easy-Switch keys are a particular highlight of the keyboard. These three keys allow individual Bluetooth connections to be stored and switched between with a single keystroke. We found the Easy-Switch function flawless, allowing us to seamlessly switch between an Apple iMac, Samsung Android tablet, and HP Pavilion Windows laptop."

"The Logitech MX Keys is a worthy entry to the Master series, truly living up to the standards set by the superlative title. This is an excellent keyboard for a professional of any discipline."

For more, read his full review here.