As brilliant as the iPad can be in many ways, it’s hard to say that a giant touchscreen keyboard is anything beyond simply functional. It almost doesn’t matter how much you use your iPad, building muscle memory for a keyboard that offers no real tactile experience is all but impossible, and that makes the iPad on its own hard to use for anything that requires any significant amount of typing. That’s why an iPad keyboard is going to be a must-have accessory for many, particularly if the iPad is meant to replace a laptop.Some iPad cases perform double duty by serving both to protect the iPad and integrating a keyboard that’ll go everywhere your iPad goes. And, you can even pair some of the best keyboards with your iPad. But, if you don’t want to go the case route and want a keyboard that puts an emphasis on portability, you’ll be looking for something a bit more specific.We’ve rounded up some sleek keyboards that will make for a big improvement over your iPad’s touchscreen keyboard, and unlike integrated case keyboards, many will also function with a wide variety of other devices, like your iPhone or gadgets running different operating systems. Have a look at our top picks and stay tuned to the end for details on what you should ensure your getting from an iPad keyboard.
TL;DR These are the Best iPad Keyboards:
1. Logitech K380
Best iPad Keyboard
Compatibility: iOS, PC, Mac, Android, Chrome, Apple TV Fast-switching: Yes Key switch: Scissor Lighting: None Battery: AAA Battery Life: 2 years Size: 10.9 x 4.9 x 0.6 inches Weight: 14.9 ounces
Logitech is no stranger to portable keyboards, and Ive personally owned more than a handful of models. The K380 is a great all-around keyboard. It can connect to up to three different devices say, your iPad, smartphone, and desktop PC and switch among them with just a key press thanks to three color-coded shortcut keys at the top of the keyboard. The keyboard should connect to virtually any Bluetooth device you own, including Mac and PC, mobile device, and Apple TV.It also has a distinctive look. In a world of keyboards with square keycaps, the K380 has round keys. Im not sure that makes a huge difference ergonomically, but it looks unique. And yes, it feels fine when typing (though admittedly, your mileage may vary). Though this keyboard is on the larger side, its still short of full-size, which is a good thing for portability, though you might find some keys spaced a little close together for typeability.
This isnt a rechargeable keyboard; it runs on a pair of AAA batteries. Logitech claims that youll get about two years of use before you need to change the batteries, which, if accurate, means that one set could very well last for the entire lifetime of the keyboard. Its nice to not need to worry about swapping or juicing up your rechargeable batteries, since every other keyboard on the market can last a month, tops.
2. Sparin Bluetooth Keyboard
Best Budget iPad Keyboard
Compatibility: iOS, Android Fast-switching: No Key switch: Scissor Lighting: No Battery: AAA Battery Life: 30 days Size: 11.2 x 4.7 x 0.2 inches Weight: 11 ounces
Youre unlikely to find a keyboard priced more inexpensively than the Sparin Bluetooth Keyboard. Though keep in mind that when youre spending less than two Hamiltons, youre not going to get a ton of functionality. What wont you find here? LED backlighting, the ability to quickly switch among multiple devices, a rechargeable battery, or even a super rugged design.Even so, this keyboard can get the job done. Its close to full size, so the keys are spaced comfortably. The white finish is reminiscent of Apples aesthetic, so itll look like it fits in with your iPad. And youll get about a month of use out of the keyboard before needing to swap out the pair of AAA batteries.
But keep in mind that it has limited compatibility. Dont expect to use the Sparin keyboard with a Windows PC or MacBook Pro, and there are other incompatibilities as well, such as theres no Escape key if you insist on trying to use it with a MacBook. But you can use the Sparin Bluetooth Keyboard on any iPad or iPhone, and if thats all you need from a keyboard, then this sub-$20 keyboard can get the job done.
3. Arteck HB030B Keyboard
Best Backlit iPad Keyboard
Compatibility: iOS, Android, PC Fast-switching: Yes Key switch: Scissor Lighting: Yes Battery: Rechargeable Battery Life: 10 days Size: 9.6 x 5.9 x 0.24 Weight: 5.99 ounces
The Arteck HB030B is one of the more eye-catching keyboards made for the iPad. Its got a strong LED backlight that can be switched among any of seven different colors and varying levels of brightness. And the color isnt just for aesthetics; you can easily use this keyboard in a dark room.Power comes from an integrated rechargeable battery. You get about 10 days of runtime on a charge, and the battery can be fully recharged in about two hours. If you dont use it often, the battery should hold a charge between work sessions it will run for up to six months if with two hours of daily use. And while the keyboard does have a power switch, it will automatically go to sleep when inactive.
This somewhat-compact keyboard is highly portable and small enough to slip in whatever carrying case you have for your iPad. But in addition to using it with your iPad, you should be able to connect this travel keyboard to any of your Android phones or a Windows PC; there are a set of keyboard shortcuts that let you switch among them.
4. iClever BK03
Best Folding iPad Keyboard
Compatibility: iOS, Android, PC Fast-switching: Yes Key switch: Scissor Lighting: None Battery: Rechargeable Battery Life: 80 hours Size: 10 x 3.5 x 0.3 inches Weight: 6.3 ounces
There was a time, when mobile devices were newer, that unusual portable keyboard designs like the iClever BK03 were much more common. Keyboards folded, collapsed, and rolled up. Some would strap to your wrist like a sci-fi gadget. There was even a line of laser projector keyboards that displayed a keyboard on the tabletop. These days, most of those exotic keyboards are extinct and we need to get by with the iClever BK03.This device is interesting because it folds up for travel to something resembling a deck of cards (5.75 by 3.5 by 0.75 inches), but then unfurls to 10 by 3.5 by 0.3 inches. Unlike most of the other keyboards youre going to find for the iPad which are made mostly of plastic, this model is made almost entirely of aluminum. That shows in the weight 6.3 ounces but also in aesthetics, ruggedness and durability.
Open it up and it powers on automatically, and it goes to sleep automatically after 15 minutes of inactivity to conserve battery life. Its 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, and you can switch among three paired devices with a keyboard shortcut.
In actual use, it has one Achilles Heel since the unfolded keyboard doesnt lock rigidly in place, you can only really use it on a hard surface like a desktop. Most one-piece keyboards will work perfectly fine on a mushy bed or even in your laptop, but not the iClever BK03.
5. Omoton Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard
Best Desktop iPad Keyboard
Compatibility: iOS, Android Fast-switching: No Key switch: Scissor Lighting: No Battery: AAA Battery Life: 30 days Size: 11.2 x 4.7 x 0.24 inches Weight: 9.9 ounces
Another low cost keyboard, this model from Omoton does everything you need a keyboard to do as long as your needs are limited to typing on your iPad. That said, it also has limited compatibility with other devices as well. While Omoton doesnt certify that itll work with Windows, it actually does connect to Windows-based PCs just fine. Dont count on compatibility with Macs, though.You get a full-size keyboard in the Omoton that feels comfortable on a desktop, and yet is still thin enough to pack easily in a travel bag. It sits at an ergonomic angle, as well, which is good on your wrists. That angle comes from the fact that the bottom holds a pair of AAA batteries which give you about a month or so typing between battery changes.
And despite the very affordable pricing, the keyboard looks pretty snazzy as well, mimicking the standard Apple white aesthetics. It may scratch and scuff easily, through, so youll want to be careful with how you pack and care for the keyboard.
6. iClever BK06
Best Ergonomic iPad Keyboard
Compatibility: iOS, Android, PC Fast-switching: Yes Key switch: Scissor Lighting: None Battery: AAA Battery Life: 30 days Size: 12.9 x 4.0x .23 inches Weight: 9.9 ounces
If you suffer from repetitive stress injury (RSI) or just prefer the feel of an ergonomic keyboard, youre generally out of luck when it comes to portable keyboards for the iPad most keyboards are as straight as a ruler. The iClever BK06 is a split keyboard with an angled ergonomic layout, though which might be perfect for your needs.The BK06 divides the keyboard more or less in half, with 1-6 and Q-T on one side, and 7-Delete and Y-\ on the other. If youre not already a split keyboard user, it will definitely take some practice to get used to; youll need to retrain some of your fingers to know where to find certain keys. But once you hone your muscle memory, you might love the more comfortable angle.
Its not just an ergo keyboard; it also folds for travel, sort of like the BK03, also from iClever. But while the BK03 is all aluminum with mechanical hinges, the BK06 is a rubberized affair with a flexible membrane serving as a floppy hinge. Its not as elegant, but its essentially unbreakable. It goes from 12.9 x 4.0 x.23 inches when unfurled for business to 6.2 x 4.0 x .5 inches when folded for travel. 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 all iOS devices as well as Windows computers. You can connect to up to three devices at once and switch quickly among them with a keyboard shortcut.
What to Look for in an iPad Keyboard
When Steve Jobs introduced the original iPhone, he envisioned a radical device that had neither a keyboard nor a swipe zone for entering text via Graffiti-like gestures. Instead, the iPhone relied entirely on a touch screen for input, and a virtual on-screen keyboard when typing was needed. The iPad inherited that design philosophy, and it works well enough for limited amounts of text entry. But if you have enough typing to warrant getting a standalone keyboard, you need to make sure its one thats convenient and comfortable.Start with size. Many iPad keyboards are well-short of a full-size desktop keyboard, which means the key spacing will be tighter. Can you type on it without introducing lots of typos? Also consider how itll pack for travel. Some fold up and can literally fit in a pocket; others need to be slid into the same backpack or bag as the iPad itself. Whatever you choose, make sure it fits in with your lifestyle.
Since youll spend your time pounding on the keys, its important that you like how they feel. Thats generally determined by the kind of switch under the keycap. Mechanical switches generally are not an option in a portable keyboard, but you may be able to choose between membrane and scissor-style switches. Scissor switches usually have a much shorter travel than membrane-based keys, which means the keyboard can have a lower profile for portability; theyre also quieter and require little force to depress. The good news? Virtually all iPad keyboards rely on short-throw scissor switches.
All iPad keyboards are Bluetooth devices, but some can pair with as many as three devices and you can fast-switch among them with just a key press. If the keyboard is somewhat universal or multi-platform able to work with your phone, tablet, and PC, that extra convenience might be important.
And dont forget about the battery. Standalone keyboards cant draw power from the iPad itself, so theyre going to rely on batteries either built-in rechargeable battery, or disposables that youll need to swap out occasionally.
Dave Johnson has been writing about gaming and tech since the days of the Palm Pilot. See him shout into the Twitter void @davejoh
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