Who makes keyboard cases for iPads? Best options

iPads have evolved from basically entertainment devices to portable computers packing enough power to enable users to do most of the tasks related to real work. Most of them, however, require a keyboard for effective execution. The options may be numerous, but those that promise a lasting relationship are actually few. We’ve compiled a list of 4 brands that design and make keyboards specifically for iPads, those that double as cases (folios, if you like) and offer protection, too.

1. Apple Magic keyboards

Apple Magic keyboards for iPads. Snapped at Apple website

Apple’s Magic keyboards are designed with the intention of creating the ultimate keyboard for iPad, and they deserve the first place of this little rating for nativity, at least. After all, they come from the foundries of the makers of devices you plan to use them with. As such, though, they share both pros and cons with the tablets.

Apple Magic keyboards for iPad pros

Excellent experience! Typing, setting up, adjusting… Just what you would expect from Apple.
Integrated trackpad, very handy in most scenarios.
Sleek design with adjustable viewing angles.
Full-fledged protection of iPad: all such keyboards from Apple are folios, folded, they turn into a case.

Apple’s Magic Keyboard for iPad cons

Expensive: models with a trackpad start at $199 in Apple’s online store, but there are always deals to catch in other outlets.
Somewhat unexpectedly, Apple’s keyboards are compatible with iPads starting from the Air 4th Generation (released in 2020) and up.

Find a keyboard folio for your iPad in Apple’s online store

Look for a better price on Amazon

2. Logitech iPad keyboards

Logitech Combo Touch for iPad. Snapped at Logitech website

Logitech hearts iPads, obviously, otherwise, how can you explain this abundance of keyboards for Apple tablets the Swiss company has come up with? As of this writing, Logitech is the only third-party brand whose keyboards for iPads are sold in the official Apple store, and they count 9 items, while there are only 7 Apple’s keyboards-and-folios there. That definitely means something.

The same as for the Magic keyboards above, we sum up the pros and cons of Logitech iPad keyboards, focusing on those shared by all of them. If you’ve decided one of them is right for you, things to consider are the degree of protection, availability of an integrated trackpad, and price.

Pros of Logitech iPad keyboards

Starting from the simplest Logitech Slim Folio, all keyboards for iPads from this maker double as device protection cases.
As native as it gets: the tablet turns on and off when you open and close the case, respectively
All Logitech iPad keyboards except the basic ones feature backlit keys and a trackpad, always handy.
Pricetags: always more budget-friendly than Apple’s products.

Cons of Logitech iPad keyboards

No Apple logo anywhere, if that’s a disadvantage for you.
Some models may feel a bit heavier than Magic keyboards.

Find a Logitech keyboard for your iPad in Apple’s online store

Catch a deal on a Logitech iPad keyboard in Logitech shop

3. ZAGG iPad keyboards

ZAGG Pro Keys Hero. Snapped at ZAGG website

ZAGG is an accessories maker from Midvale, Utah, USA. The company sells its products under the brands of InvisibleShield, Mophie, and ZAGG per se. As of this writing, there are 16 keyboards designed for Apple products, and they cover a wide range of those. The prices vary from $59.99 to $199.99 in their official online store, but on Amazon you can find the ZAGG Messenger Folio, the simplest one, for as low as $19.99.

ZAGG iPad keyboards pros

Great value for money ratio overall, given the wide range of use cases covered, from simple “tired-of-onscreen-keyborad” through case & keyboard all-in-one to feature-rich add-ons turning iPads into viable computer replacements.
Rugged models (you won’t miss them, they have this very word in their names) offer military-grade protection against falls and other such predicaments.
The usual: backlit keys (most models), adjustable stand, good battery life.

ZAGG iPad keyboards cons

Lack the Esc key (same as most keyboards for iPads, though, starting from Apple’s Magic keyboards).
Only a couple models have a trackpad.

Choose your ZAGG keyboard for iPad in ZAGG’s store

Catch a tasty deal on Amazon

4. Brydge iPad keyboards

Brydge Air MAX+. Snapped at Brydge website

Brydge is a company from Park City, Utah, USA, that’s known specifically for its tablet keyboards and docking stations. Conceived to be a trendsetter, the business went into turmoil in 2023, and was liquidated. The brand and the intellectual property were then acquired by Uinta Products, which is led by Brydge’s top execs. This means the story continues, and we’re likely to see new products under that brand.

Today, there are four Brydge iPad keyboards/cases available, costing from $109.99 to $199.99 in the official online store. Let’s see their pros and cons.

Brydge iPad keyboards pros

Antimicrobial protection and overall premium design through and through.
All cases feature drop protection (4 feet).
All models have a multi-touch trackpad integrated, ensuring native experience.

Brydge iPad keyboards cons

The focus on delivering laptop-like experience turns iPad keyboards by Brydge a bit bulkier than the alternatives.
The choice isn’t as wide as other makers offer.
Not that it matters much to an end user, but the company’s gone out of business once.

Get Brydge iPad keyboards from their maker

Grab a deal on a Brydge iPad case with keyboard on Amazon

Bonus: NuPhy folio plus keyboard deal

NuPhyAir60 and NuFolio V2. Snapped at NuPhy website

Seeing NuPhy in this piece, you may raise an eyebrow in surprise: this company is known for its mechanical keyboards, so, how come it’s listed here? Don’t stress; NuPhy, inter alia, makes the Air line of slim and compact keyboards, and NuFolio cases, which let you use the said products with iPads in a perfectly natural manner. Thus, if you’re looking for that characteristic clicking while working on your tablet without compromising portability, this is a good option.

Find your NuPhy keyboard and NuFolio case in the official store

There you have it! We hope this guide to keyboards doubling as cases for iPads will help you choose what you really need to turn the tablet into a full-fledged computer. Stay tuned for other hardware reviews!