The Slim Folios keyboard and case dont separate, though, unlike on some models weve liked. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. Although the Pro Keys is wider and heavier than some competitors, that extra bulk isnt severe, and it brings extra functionality. The iPad Air 5 is the exact same size as the iPad Air 4, so iPad Air 4 keyboard cases will also fit your iPad Air 5. The Max+ offers a great trackpad and a good keyboard, turning your iPad into a mini laptop with a protective, detachable case. In addition to adding the high-quality trackpad, Brydge made the Max+ feel more premium with a case that we like quite a bit on its own merits, separate from the keyboard. If youll be doing much of your typing on a desk, table, or other flat surface, a separate keyboard will give you a larger keyboard with better keys. She loves to travel the world and is always looking for portable tech and accessories so she can work from anywhere. Apples iPad Air is now more powerful than ever before. This can be useful for long typing sessions. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); A tech fanatic trying to help people figure out their technology. A keyboard case makes it a lot easier to achieve this, especially if your work involves a lot of typing or browsing. It has a protective layer for your iPad, a backlit keyboard, and a nice trackpad. Whereas most detachable cases feel like a mere piece of the total product, this case feels like something that could be sold on its own. At the top edge, there is an Apple Pencil holder. Overall, it just looks and feels cheap, and it takes up far too much room in a bag. NY 10036. Its around an inch thick when fully assembled and about a half-pound heavier than our main pick, and it offers the second-best typing experience we found. Apple announced a new 5th-generation iPad Air, with a physical body identical to the previous generation model. And when you lift the iPad off the base, the keyboard automatically disconnects. The protective case can be removed from the keyboard when you dont need to type, making this a true two-in-one solution. We tested the Fintie 360 Degree Rotating Case to see how a popular, inexpensive case stacked up. If you need a keyboard case that can position the iPad in a variety of angles and directions, go with the Yekbee 360 Rotatable. You cant fold the Folios keyboard underneath for a tablet mode, and it slides around on a desk more than better cases.
When you want to get some work done on the go, just flip out the keyboard attachment and place it on the bottom surface of the case to keep it in place with the help of magnets. Logitechs Rugged Folio is the only keyboard case other than Apples that uses the iPads Smart Connector, meaning no pairing process is necessary and it doesnt need its own battery. Nick Guy is a former senior staff writer covering Apple and accessories at Wirecutter. Tab, Caps Lock, Shift, and Command, for example, are still wider than the letter keys, but not by as much as they are on a full-size keyboard. Weve spent countless hours over the past several years typing on many iterations of the Slim Folio, and weve always found it pleasant. The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Air is made of premium quality material and connects to your device through Bluetooth, magnetic, or smart connector. Get Guiding Tech articles delivered to your inbox. Learn more. It does everything the next-best option, the Logitech Slim Folio, does just as well, and it does many things better. It is, however, noticeably heavier than Logitechs Slim Folio1.5 pounds, compared with 1.09 pounds. This is a lower-priced option that includes a trackpad, so you can get more laptop-like functionality from your iPad Air 5. As noted in our review, the Apple Magic Keyboard offers a smooth typing experience, a trackpad to get the most out of iPadOS, a USB-C port for charging, backlit keys, and front and back protection. Here are the things an iPad keyboard case should offer: Testing keyboards requires extended use, because switching to a new keyboard requires a period of adjustmentyou need to be sure that a keyboard that doesnt feel good at first is really a bad keyboard and not just one thats different from what youre used to. At about 0.9 inch, the Pro Keys isnt the thinnest keyboard case, but its not thicker by much. While you can connect an external keyboard via Bluetooth, its not as seamless as you will have to carry it along. With the right keyboard, your iPad can be a workable laptop replacement, and weve picked some great options built into a protective case. Instead of being housed inside the front cover of a case, its a standalone keyboard (our favorite Bluetooth keyboard, in fact). The last product on our list is a keyboard from Typecase that comes with rotatable hinges and other notable features, including an Apple Pencil holder, color backlight, and a multi-touch trackpad. If you want an all-in-one option, the Max+ is worth the price premium. Take a look at these rugged cases for the, 5 Best Rugged Cases for 6th Generation Apple iPad mini. This is another inexpensive option that you can consider for your iPad Air. Getting used to slightly smaller keys and their rounded-square shape is easier than having to relearn where a bunch of keys are every time you switch from your computer to your iPad. Apples own accessories for the iPad are classic and clean. Of the models that met our criteria, we tested each for a minimum of two weeks of regular use, and we used each of the top contenders for much longer. Your email address will not be published. Thank you for signing up to iMore. Compared with Logitechs Combo Touch, the only other 10.2-inch iPad case with a trackpad and our former pick in the category, the Max+ offers a more laptop-like design and a better case. The Zagg Flex universal keyboard uses the same good-but-not-great keyboard as the rest of Zaggs lineup, and the case isnt specifically tailored to any one tablet. This keyboard from Apple is compatible with different generations of iPad Pro 11-inch and iPad Air. Weve tested more than 100 iPad keyboard cases over the past few years, and weve found that the Zagg Pro Keys is the one you should get for any non-Pro iPad. Theres a slot at the top where the Apple Pencil can fit perfectly. You can remove the keyboard when you dont need it and still keep the iPads body protected, and because the keyboard uses Bluetooth, you can still type even when the two pieces are separated. You can order it in six different colors and seven backlight colors are added to the keyboard to make typing more enjoyable. It lets you use the iPad on its own, and the same Brydge model works with the 6th- and 5th-generation iPads, both iPad Air versions, and the 9.7-inch iPad Pro. This is a detachable wireless keyboard from COO that is compatible with Apple iPad Air and iPad Pro models. And its keyboard presses right up against the iPads screen, which might damage the screen over time. The Bluetooth 5.0 gives you a fast connection so you can just open up your "laptop" and get to work. And the M1 chip makes it a lot faster than its competitors. Then, the keyboard connects to the iPad via Bluetooth giving you an additional way to input text on the iPad. You can do a surprising amount of work on an iPad with the right gear. If youve ever thought, I dont like typing on this iPad screenI wish I had a real keyboard, odds are, youll benefit from a keyboard case. You can dramatically increase your iPad productivity with real, tactile keys that let you type (almost) as quickly and with (almost) as few errors as you can on your computer. However, just the UI isnt enough to replicate a desktop. This is a versatile and easy-to-use device that instantly transforms your iPad. Shes been writing about Apple since 2010 with a year-long break to work at an Apple Store as a product specialist. This USB-C port can pass-through power to the iPad, thus simultaneously charging the case and the iPad. This is hands down one of the best keyboard cases that you can get for your iPad Air 5th Generation. Before we get to the cases, heres something else you might be interested in: Keyboard cases for the iPad Air are generally on the expensive side, but this one from Gokoco brings the price down by converting it into a folio case with a detachable keyboard. 6 Best Rugged Case for 4th Generation Apple iPad Air, Do you live in constant fear that your iPad will slip from your hands and shatter? A simple loop on the right edge securely holds the first-generation Apple Pencil, offering a handy way to keep the Pencil from getting lost at the bottom of your bag. Even then, you should at least consider a standalone Bluetooth keyboard instead. The trackpad feels great and fully supports all of iPadOSs gestures. Type and edit documents in your iPad Air 5 with these wireless keyboards. This keyboards battery life is rated to last for a year, and you can easily recharge it via a USB-C connector. You get a backlit keyboard along with a smooth trackpad that supports gestures. Other models may require you to press a button to wake up the keyboard, whereas this one is ready when you are. Its a good folio case that can serve multiple purposes. Even though the trackpad is small compared with a laptops, it offers enough room for you to scroll and swipe without feeling cramped. The magnetic latch prevents the cover from opening unintentionally. Logitech's Slim Folio has great keysthe number one reason it was our top pick for many years (and remains so for 9.7-inch iPads). Your email address will not be published. The keys on the Max+ are slightly narrower than those of the Slim Folio, a difference we noticed when we put the two models side by side. But because the keys are still large enough, and in the right layout, we didnt have any issues or discomfort while typing from the start. The initial Bluetooth pairing process is identical to that of any other wireless keyboard and takes seconds. Great keys, a smart auto-wake feature, a four-year battery life, and good looks make this one of the best iPad keyboard cases around. Only our picks from the iPad Pro keyboard case guide will be compatible. The dual-axis, rotatable, 360-degree hinge gives you infinite viewing angles so you can flip it around to share your screen to people across from you. If you're using this out in the wild, people might even ask you where you found such a tiny laptop. But theres only one typing angle, the keys arent backlit, and you cant separate the case from the keyboard. There is an outer layer to the case that protects the iPad when youre not using the keyboard attachment. You cannot go wrong with the Logitech Folio Touch if you have an iPad Air. The keys themselves provide a good typing experience, and the removable OtterBox case is more protective than the Slim Folio. Its a faux-leather case thats more than an inch thick, with a big, ugly hole exposing the Apple logo on the back of the tablet. An extra port on the side is an additional perk that you get with the Magic Keyboard. Then, this is a good option to consider. You should get a keyboard case only if you need to use a physical keyboard regularly and you want one with you most of the time. And each key is backlit, with seven colors and four brightness levels. We have a dedicated guide to the best keyboard cases for the iPad Pro. The entire keyboard is smaller compared with a laptops, but the difference is more noticeable with the miniature modifier keys than with the letters. Who says a keyboard case can only be black, white, or gray? The K380 for Mac is bulkier than an all-in-one keyboard case, and it may be less convenient, but this combo costs much less, and its great to type on. If you love Apple's floating cantilever design but want to spend a bit less, check out this keyboard case from ESR. iMore is supported by its audience. Other features include military-grade 4-foot drop protection standards, Bluetooth 5.0 for zero lag, adjustable backlit keys, up to three months of battery life, and 135-degree screen rotation. Remove the keyboard and place it to the side. For about the same price as the Slim Folio, you get a case that you can arrange in many more ways, in a similarly sized package. Because Zagg doesnt make the Pro Keys for the 9.7-inch iPad, the Logitech Slim Folio is the best pick for people who use an older tablet. Although we dont think a trackpad is a necessary part of the iPad experience, we can easily recommend the Max+ for anyone looking to take advantage of a trackpad on the entry-level iPad. The Max+ has the same physical dimensions as the Slim Folio (its 0.8 inch thick when its on an iPad) but weighs about a third of a pound more. 2022 Guiding Tech. If you need extra protection from drops, Zaggs Rugged Messenger is the next-best option in this limited field. If what you really want is to turn your iPad Air 5 into a miniature laptop, the Brydge Air MAX+ Wireless Keyboard Case with Multi-Touch Trackpad will get you about as close as you can get. The hinge system allows you to position your iPad at a wide range of angles. But the Rugged Folio is spillproof and rated to survive drops, according to Logitech, so its a good choice if you use your iPad in a rough environment (or around kids). Here are some of the best iPad Air 5 keyboard cases you can buy. The case uses Apples smart connector pins at the back of the iPad to communicate with it. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. Karen is a contributor to iMore.com as a writer, social media manager, and co-host of the iMore Show. The iPad Air 5 has burst onto the scene with its powerful M1 chip, 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, 5G wireless option, and five fantastic colors. These are the best accessories for turning your iPad into a mobile work space. Brydge says the USB-Crechargeable battery will last for up to six months with two hours of use a day if you dont use the backlight and for 40 hours of consistent use if you do. But it offers less flexibility in how you can use it because it has a single typing angle and can pair with only one device at a time. Logitechs Combo Touch for iPad (7th, 8th, and 9th generation) is our former favorite trackpad case. For a true laptop look and feel, go for the Brydge Air MAX+, which we noted is great for complex workflows thanks to the native multi-touch trackpad. You get the superior productivity and typing experience of a physical keyboard, but you also add noticeable bulk and weight. But it does require making some compromises. Thankfully, the design allows you to easily snap the tablet out of the case when you need to. Plus, these keys are backlit, and a full row of function keys sits along the top. The whole package feels nice, especially in comparison with the usual combination of plastic and rubber we see on iPad cases.
You can remove the OtterBox case when you dont need the keyboard. The Slim Folio cases design looks nice, if somewhat bulky, but despite its size, its quite light. We explain and teach technology, solve tech problems and help you make gadget buying decisions. Unfortunately, the keys arent backlit, so you may have a tougher time typing in the dark. Using a cursor in iPadOS feels natural, and the iPad supports the same kind of intuitive multi-finger gestures that youd use on a Mac. An incredible M1 chip, a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, and iPadOS have all turned the Apple iPad Air 5 into an excellent replacement for laptops and notebooks. The Pro Keys also offers a nice array of iPadOS-specific special-function keys in a half-height row across the top. But at the. Always check the listing before purchasing. The Pro Keyss exterior is plain, but classy. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Another advantage of this case is that the keys are backlit to them in the dark. This version is made for older iPads, but it has the same great keys, battery, and design that we like in the newest version, plus a fabric exterior thats especially nice. iMore is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. The Slim Folio provides only one typing angle for the iPad, with the tablet securely held in place by a magnetic strip much as with the Pro Keys. It has a magnetic back that attaches to the iPad via the smart connector pins on the rear. TSM reportedly considered leaving LCS for LEC, Female VALORANT team accused of having boyfriend stand in during online Galorants tournament, Chamber nerfs are now live on VALORANT PBE, Shroud: VALORANT makes Counter-Strike 'look like a joke' with its depth, difficulty, They 'should be homeless': Tyler1 vows to celebrate at Riot HQ if League balance team gets fired. The ProCase keyboard has a slim and lightweight design that makes it easier to transport the iPad Air. So you can buy a case to protect it and retain, Google Pixel 2 vs First-Generation Pixel: Should you, Only a couple of days after the October 4 event, it has become common knowledge that the Google Pixel 2 not only features a smarter, 6 Terrific Things You Can You Do with Amazon Echo Show (2nd, The Amazon Echo Show (2nd Generation) is a futuristic gadget from every angle. The keys on the Max+ are backlit, making it easier to type in the dark, and the trackpad is large. While the Slim Folios keys arent backlit, theyre quite large and comfortable to type on. The ABS material and anti-slip pads can protect the device to the best. The keys on the Yekbee Folio feel as cheap and hollow as those on the 360 Rotatable. It automatically connects with your iPad when its properly aligned in the typing position and disconnects when it isnt, so you never need to worry about turning the keyboard on or off. It has two major downsides, though: The keys dont feel quite as nice, and the maker isnt as established, so you may be out of luck if you require customer service. Here are the best rugged cases for iPad mini (6th Gen) you can buy to protect it. A keyboard case can be a great companion to house the Apple Pencil. The Chesona case is similar to the previous one in the sense that it has a detachable keyboard hooked onto a magnetic folio case. Get all-around protection for it with our list of the best rugged cases for, 6 Best Apple MacBook Air Protective Cases That You Can Buy, Apple MacBook Air is built with aluminum but is prone to scratches and dents. ESRs Rebound continues to be the best cheap iPad case you can get, including for the new iPad (7th generation). And though the Pro Keys has one of the best key layouts weve seen on an iPad keyboard case, the sizing is just a bit different from that of a regular keyboard, so you may end up making some errors. Ive been covering Apple products and accessories professionally since 2011, and in that time Ive reviewed more than 2,000 products, including keyboard cases for every model of the iPad. And most keyboard cases are specifically designed to let you type on your lap, as you would with a laptop, making a keyboard case better for portable use than an iPad with a separate keyboard and stand. Weve covered iPad keyboards since not long after the first iPad came out in 2010, and since then, weve tried pretty much every offering from every major brand, as well as dozens from brands youve likely never heard of. This clever power management helps the replaceable coin-cell battery last for up to four years, which is very likely the amount of time youll use the iPad itself. Zagg Pro Keys for iPad (7th, 8th, and 9th generation), Best for the 2019, 2020, and 2021 10.2-inch iPads, Logitech Slim Folio for iPad (7th, 8th, and 9th generation), A great alternative for the 2019, 2020, and 2021 10.2-inch iPads, Logitech Slim Folio for iPad (5th and 6th generation), A great alternative for the 2017 and 2018 9.7-inch iPads, Brydge 10.2 Max+ for iPad (7th, 8th, and 9th generation), Best case with a trackpad for the 2019, 2020, and 2021 10.2-inch iPads, Brydges 10.2 Max+ for iPad (7th, 8th, and 9th generation), Logitech K380 Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard for Mac, Logitech K380 for Mac Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard, Budget pick: Logitech K380 for Mac Multi-Device Bluetooth Keyboard, Logitechs Combo Touch for iPad (7th, 8th, and 9th generation). If you spend a lot of time typing, a mechanical keyboard can be a great quality-of-life improvement, and we have recommendations for just about every budget. Key travel was shallow compared with that of a high-quality laptop keyboard, though it was better than on an older 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Pro with the butterfly-style keyboard. Have some fun with your keyboard case design. Designed by OtterBox, the plastic and rubber case is slim but offers protection all the way around the iPad, including the buttons, with a raised lip to prevent the screen from making contact with the ground. Invest in these excellent iPad 9th generation keyboard cases and increase your productivity tenfold. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This article includes affiliate links, which may provide small compensation to Dot Esports. This standalone Bluetooth keyboardpaired with whatever case you like on your iPadis cheaper, but it may be less convenient.
*At the time of publishing, the price was $92.
But before you rush out and buy a keyboard case, consider the drawbacks and temper your expectations, because adding a keyboard case to your iPad is all about making compromises. You can cycle the backlit keys between seven colors and four brightness levels. You also get a fabulous typing experience, a trackpad that takes full advantage of iPadOS, a USBC port for pass-through charging, and both front and back protection. You dont need a trackpad to use an iPad, but having one can make your tablet feel more like a laptop. An iPad can do almost everything a laptop can, but to truly replace a computer, you need a great physical keyboard, too. This keyboard case from Fintie is compatible with iPad Airs 4th and 5th generations. An easy recommendation. To facilitate working with iPadOS, you also have a trackpad. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Initially, Google Assistant was exclusive to the in-house Pixel phones. But that particular trade-off is very common; few iPad keyboards include an Esc key. New York, Of course, check and match your device model number to reassure compatibility. If youre willing to spend almost $300 on a case, the Magic Keyboard is for you. If you are looking for that level of integration, Apples Magic Keyboard is your best option. The keyboard is available in black and white colors. The keyboard is backlit, and there is a trackpad at the bottom that you can use in place of touching the iPads screen. It has a magnetically detachable mechanism, and you can even adjust it to have the best viewing angle. Aesthetically, its also among the nicest keyboard cases weve tested: With the screen closed, the setup looks almost as if the iPad and keyboard had come in a package together. Heres why you can trust us. The Typecase Touch keyboard is available in four colors. Shes an early adopter who used to wait in long lines on release days before pre-ordering made things much easier. The Zagg Pro Keys is essentially a more affordable version of Apples Smart Keyboard Cover. The Smart Keyboards folding options allow for only one typing angle, and this model doesnt protect the back of the iPad. In addition to providing a great typing experience, the Pro Keys offers some benefits other keyboard cases dont. Much like the Zagg Pro Keys, its excellent to type on. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. The Zagg Rugged Book, which fits the iPad Air, iPad Air 2, 9.7-inch iPad Pro, 5th-generation iPad, and 6th-generation iPad, is thicker and heavier than every other case we tested, including the Rugged Messenger. Since its Apples first-party accessory, you get the best compatibility and an additional USB-C port on the side to charge the keyboard and the iPad. The Brydge 9.7 is a very good keyboard in a laptop-like aluminum body; two small, silicone-lined hinges hold and position your iPad like a laptop screen. Karen is a wife and mom (and dog mom) who is also a part-time teacher and occasional movie extra. (The same OEM design is available from many different brands on Amazon.) Even then, you should at least consider a standalone Bluetooth keyboard instead. Brydge Air Max Plus Ipad Air Lifestyle Hero, Apple Pay may soon work on Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, Applications are now open for Apple's Entrepreneur Camp in October, Elon Musk hit with class action lawsuit over his 'lame' attempt to back out of a Twitter buyout, With iPhone 14 almost here, Apple reminds Android users how easy it is to switch, Read everything from iPhone to Apple Watch, Mags delivered straight to your door or device. This makes it a good accessory since Apples own Magic Keyboard also doesnt offer any protection for the sides of the iPad. The iPads left edgethe bottom edge, when you have it in typing orientationmagnetically connects to one of the two strips above the top row of keys (at 30-degree and 37-degree angles, respectively). Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). You can use it as a normal case and when you want to get serious work done, snap the keyboard on. Theres a small flap that you can extend at the bottom of the case to replicate a small wrist rest of sorts while typing. The Pro Keyss automatic connection is one of its best features. The colorful backlit keyboard and handful of color options make this even more fun to use. And using the Pro Keys felt more like typing on a real keyboard than on an afterthought accessory. A keyboard case combines the advantages of a physical keyboard with a protective caseinstead of having to carry a separate keyboard, you have a keyboard built right into a case thats similar to the one youre likely already using (though a keyboard case can be a bit bulkier since it has to accommodate the keyboard). You can also keep using your favorite iPad case, and if you ever upgrade your iPad, you wont have to buy a new keyboard case to fit it. It also provides thorough protection. Moreover, it provides great protection thanks to its fabric material and water-repellent features. We independently review everything we recommend. last updated 24 June 22. The Zagg Folio isnt as nice to type on as our pick. There is also a Pencil holder at the top. However, having a good keyboard is necessary to make the most out of the iPad Air 5 and use it for writing and editing purposes. The case even has an elastic loop on the right side to hold an Apple Pencil. Please refresh the page and try again. If you prefer separate options, we have recommendations for compact standalone keyboards and iPad stands. Karen S Freeman By You also get a slot to house the Apple pencil making it a good option if youre looking for a cheap keyboard case for your iPad Air 5th generation. The 4-by-2.4-inch trackpad is clearly the reason to choose the Max+ over the Pro Keys or the Slim Folio. An iPad keyboard case is worth getting if you need to use a physical keyboard regularly and you want one with you most of the time. The entire keyboard flexed as we typed, the finish on the keys on our review unit was a dry matte plastic that felt cheap, and the keys sounded unpleasant as we moved our fingers across them. The best solution to this problem is to get a keyboard case. The seven-color backlit keyboard includes a full row of shortcut keys and a precision trackpad with multi-touch gesture support. This is Apples default option for those looking for a keyboard case for their iPad Air 5th generation. Willing to spend more on a premium keyboard that attaches right onto the back of your iPad Air 5th generation? With Apple consistently improving iPadOS, weve come to a point where you can get a lot of work done on just an iPad without a dedicated computer. The list weve provided here will help you to choose the best keyboard for iPad Air 5 in 2022. Of course, check and match your device model number before purchase. (The biggest downside to a separate keyboard is that you cant easily type on your lap.). Get the best of iMore in in your inbox, every day! The case itself is separable from the keyboard setup, so you can use just the protector when you dont need to type. Apple's own premium keyboard case has just about everything you could want for your iPad Air 5. It comes with an M1 chip, the same as the one found on the 13-inch MacBook Pro, along with iPad OS. The iPad mini (6th Gen) doesn't come cheap. You can easily fold the case and put it in your bag without your benign worry about any damage to the device. *At the time of publishing, the price was $80. The keyboard has all the keys youd find on a laptop, and theyre all in the correct locationsomething many other iPad keyboards get wrong.
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