The primary advantages of the new design are that it has an extra viewing angle and protects the back of the iPad as well as the screen. Overall, I actually think it’s a step backward from the Smart Keyboard Cover Apple sold for earlier iPad Pro models (and now, the new iPad Air). The Smart Keyboard Folio isn’t perfect, though. Out of all the keyboards in this review, it’s the only one that really makes sense as a basic protective case at times when you’re unsure whether you’ll be doing any typing.Īpple’s keyboard is expensive and limited, but it’s the easiest to travel with It’s also really easy to remove whenever you just want to use the iPad as a tablet by itself, and it’s by far the thinnest and lightest keyboard option available.
You never have to charge the keyboard or dive into Bluetooth settings.
It’s the only iPad Pro keyboard to make use of the Smart Connector on the back of the tablet, which handles pairing and power automatically. The best thing about the Smart Keyboard Folio is its convenience. I prefer them to Apple’s current MacBook keyboards, and they’re certainly less likely to break. The fabric-covered keys have very shallow travel but actually feel good to type on. It’s a slim case that attaches magnetically to the back of the iPad and flips around like a laptop, with two angles that you can snap the screen into. If you know what you’re looking for or have a particular workflow in mind, you can probably find the right fit.Īpple’s Smart Keyboard Folio is the best option if you value portability and don’t plan to use your iPad Pro as a primary writing machine. I tested the 12.9-inch versions of these keyboards because that’s the iPad Pro I use, but everything should also apply to the 11-inch versions. There are, however, certain iPad Pro keyboards that are best at specific things. I just can’t do that here: there is no single best iPad Pro keyboard for everyone. I started writing this article thinking I’d be able to identify the best keyboard for the iPad Pro. And while various third-party options are just now starting to trickle out for the latest iPad Pro models, it might not be clear to you which one is the best fit, especially as Apple’s own keyboard has a divisive new design.
This week’s announcement of the forthcoming iPadOS software update is only going to narrow the gap.īut if you do want to use your iPad Pro for work, you’re going to want a keyboard. If you can deal with iOS to get your work done - which is admittedly a pretty big “if” for a lot of people - it’s hard for laptops to compete on those terms. They’re super fast and incredibly thin with an endless battery life and reliable cellular connectivity. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.There’s a lot to love about Apple’s new iPad Pro lineup. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions.
And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping.