What is the best keyboard for an IPad Pro 2018 that can last 3+ years? Planning on buying a new Ipad next year
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iPad Pro Best keyboard for IPad Pro?
- Thread starter Alaxlmartin
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For me it’s Logitech’s Keys-to-Go portable keyboard. It’s -almost- paper thin and extremely lightweight. Still it’s comfortable enough to type on and spill proof as a plus. I keep it inside my tablet sleeve or toss it into my shoulder bag in case I’d need to do heavy typing with my iPad Pro 11”.
There is no way I’d use one of those heavy, clunky keyboard cases including Apple‘s latest “fancy&magical” one with my iPad Pro. I mostly use my iPad on my lap for daily tasks like browsing, reading, communicating, content consumption, even editing photo&video with the help of Apple Pencil inside its 3rd party folio case. When decent typing is necessary I just take out my Keys-to-Go and start typing on a desk (I also have a Mac mini as main computer at home).
There is no way I’d use one of those heavy, clunky keyboard cases including Apple‘s latest “fancy&magical” one with my iPad Pro. I mostly use my iPad on my lap for daily tasks like browsing, reading, communicating, content consumption, even editing photo&video with the help of Apple Pencil inside its 3rd party folio case. When decent typing is necessary I just take out my Keys-to-Go and start typing on a desk (I also have a Mac mini as main computer at home).
My go to keyboard is still the Microsoft wedge keyboard. Small/Thin and sturdy keyboard. And looks amazing with the iPad. Very high quality keyboard.
www.microsoft.com
Also the top rubber cover turns in a stand for the ipad, honestly my favorite keyboard. I supplement it with a microsoft arc mouse. The mouse is great as it folds flat when not in use, easy to carry in a bag. And does have touch sensors built in, hopefully apple incorporates more of the touch with 3rd party mouses.
The keyboard is missing some apple shortcut keys, but the windows key also works as a command key so majority of the shortcuts I can do no problem. The mouse is very comfortable, bit finicky with the touch scrolling but I heard the new beta fixes the scrolling issue.
I did end up ordering the Smart Keyboard folio last night just to test it out, as it get bit annoying to carry around additional keyboard during my meetings (not an issue now since I’m working remote). We’ll see how the smart keyboard folio is. I’m not sold at all with magic keyboard yet, as I see it more of a stationary dock instead of a mobile folio and I have no use with my current setup.
Wedge-Mobile-Keyboard | Microsoft Accessories
The revolutionary design of the Arc wireless mouse combines the comfort of a desktop mouse and the portability of a notebook mouse as it can fold to 60% of its size.
Also the top rubber cover turns in a stand for the ipad, honestly my favorite keyboard. I supplement it with a microsoft arc mouse. The mouse is great as it folds flat when not in use, easy to carry in a bag. And does have touch sensors built in, hopefully apple incorporates more of the touch with 3rd party mouses.
The keyboard is missing some apple shortcut keys, but the windows key also works as a command key so majority of the shortcuts I can do no problem. The mouse is very comfortable, bit finicky with the touch scrolling but I heard the new beta fixes the scrolling issue.
I did end up ordering the Smart Keyboard folio last night just to test it out, as it get bit annoying to carry around additional keyboard during my meetings (not an issue now since I’m working remote). We’ll see how the smart keyboard folio is. I’m not sold at all with magic keyboard yet, as I see it more of a stationary dock instead of a mobile folio and I have no use with my current setup.
Another vote for the Keys-to-Go! I have heard some very great things about it regarding portability.
At the desk, I like the Logitech K380. For real lightweight travel, this one with backlighting and function keys for only $26 -
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FFVVDJ8
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FFVVDJ8
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Honestly, I’d say the new one Apple just released. The purchase price is steep (I’d say they tacked on $100 extra just because it’s Apple) but if you’re planning on using the 2018/2020 iPad model for the next few years, it would be a worthwhile investment.
You made a good point. How many model years out will support this particular Magic Keyboard? I love mine. I was actually surprised my 2018 was supported. In the end I made the jump knowing if I upgrade to a newer iPad in the future, my old one will be a hand-me-down to family. Dropping this much money on an accessory still boggles my mind, no matter how much I’m enjoying it.
The Magic Keyboard is obviously the best keyboard case if you are looking to make your iPad Pro into somewhat like a 2 and 1 laptop. The typing experience is good and the trackpad makes the iPad very viable for remote desktop with Jump Desktop. Yes, it doesn’t fold back, but I never really use the iPad Pro without a keyboard.
Before that, I used the Logitech Slim Folio Pro. It was okay, although bulky, but the keyboard wasn’t durable. Some of the keys stopped working after 6 months intermittently of heavy use, plus it uses Bluetooth. I still haven’t got my warranty replacement for that. In contrast, I never had any issues with the Apple Smart Keyboard on my iPad Pro 9.7.
Before that, I used the Logitech Slim Folio Pro. It was okay, although bulky, but the keyboard wasn’t durable. Some of the keys stopped working after 6 months intermittently of heavy use, plus it uses Bluetooth. I still haven’t got my warranty replacement for that. In contrast, I never had any issues with the Apple Smart Keyboard on my iPad Pro 9.7.
Honestly, if Apple redesigns the 2021 iPad Pro to where the magic keyboard doesn’t work, that would just be an awful move on their part. I understand they’re a business and they make profit off of accessories as well, but I’m hoping they can also consider the same mindset they have for their older phones and apply it for situations like these expensive accessories. However, I actually think it won’t happen since the 2018 slim keyboard folio is not compatible with the 2020 one and yet, ironically, the 2020 version is with the 2018. And what changed design wise? The camera. That’s it.
Apple new magic keyboard is by far the best but price isn’t ideal for everybody
Use the K380
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I plan on getting the next IPad in 2021, and that is what scares me
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The AMK is by far the nicest keyboard I have used on any iPad, however the price is steep. If looking for a cheaper, portable alternative that gets used from time to time I would highly recommend looking into the keys to go. When fully charged it seems to last forever typing feel and experience isn’t too bad and the way totally meant to be portable like the ASK there is no way for anything to get in and under the keys.
I think the best keyboard for you is going to depend on your use case, and I can only give you my past experiences.
Up until this week, I have been using the iPad Air 2 since it was first released. I just upgraded to the 11” 2020 iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard.
While using the iPad Air 2, I went through two cheap bluetooth keyboards (~$30 each), both of which either had poor typing with duplicate characters, or the internal battery died and quit charging. The last keyboard I used for it was a Logitech K480 which is a good keyboard, but not portable at all.
Now that I have the iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard, I would say this is the best combination I have ever had with an iPad. The trackpad changes the way I find myself using the iPad, but the ability to easily pull it off and use as a normal tablet is very handy. It does add some weight, but much less bulk than I have been putting up with in the past using a desktop style keyboard.
Again, your uses (and budget) will dictate what is best for you. Always having a keyboard with the Magic Keyboard, and the trackpad has really made this new iPad shine for me.
Up until this week, I have been using the iPad Air 2 since it was first released. I just upgraded to the 11” 2020 iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard.
While using the iPad Air 2, I went through two cheap bluetooth keyboards (~$30 each), both of which either had poor typing with duplicate characters, or the internal battery died and quit charging. The last keyboard I used for it was a Logitech K480 which is a good keyboard, but not portable at all.
Now that I have the iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard, I would say this is the best combination I have ever had with an iPad. The trackpad changes the way I find myself using the iPad, but the ability to easily pull it off and use as a normal tablet is very handy. It does add some weight, but much less bulk than I have been putting up with in the past using a desktop style keyboard.
Again, your uses (and budget) will dictate what is best for you. Always having a keyboard with the Magic Keyboard, and the trackpad has really made this new iPad shine for me.
I will say there's no one best keyboard (I know, sounds like a cop-out response, but hear me out).
If you want the best integrated experience, there's Apple's smart and magic keyboard, but they are expensive, the material isn't very durable, and there's no guarantee that they will be compatible with future iPad models.
Bluetooth keyboards will clearly work with any computer you have, but they are also one more device you have to bring around and remember to keep charged. I have used quite a few.
Keys-to-go: Thin and light, but cramped and typing experience leaves much to be desired. Keys are mushy and have little travel.
K380 - excellent typing, pretty affordable, can pair with up to 3 separate devices. I am using this with my work laptop (when it is hooked up to an external display). Less portable, but if you are parked at a desk most the time, this works.
K480 - extremely stable and comes with a built-in holder for your iPad, but bulky and heavy. You can forget about bringing this around with you.
I generally won't recommend any keyboard case that doesn't use magnets, as this makes the iPad very cumbersome to detach, thus defeating the purpose of getting an iPad.
If it's longevity you want, I will say to go with the K380. Best combination of price, typing experience and form factor.
If you want the best integrated experience, there's Apple's smart and magic keyboard, but they are expensive, the material isn't very durable, and there's no guarantee that they will be compatible with future iPad models.
Bluetooth keyboards will clearly work with any computer you have, but they are also one more device you have to bring around and remember to keep charged. I have used quite a few.
Keys-to-go: Thin and light, but cramped and typing experience leaves much to be desired. Keys are mushy and have little travel.
K380 - excellent typing, pretty affordable, can pair with up to 3 separate devices. I am using this with my work laptop (when it is hooked up to an external display). Less portable, but if you are parked at a desk most the time, this works.
K480 - extremely stable and comes with a built-in holder for your iPad, but bulky and heavy. You can forget about bringing this around with you.
I generally won't recommend any keyboard case that doesn't use magnets, as this makes the iPad very cumbersome to detach, thus defeating the purpose of getting an iPad.
If it's longevity you want, I will say to go with the K380. Best combination of price, typing experience and form factor.
If history is a guideline then the magic keyboard will be supported on this current body shell and Apple keeps that design for two generations (example keyboards for Pro gen 1 and 2) before changing the design.
Including an older generation like they do now gives them a larger buyer audience in what is probably a bit of a niche market (Pro iPads probably sell the least compared to the other models, based on price).