The best keyboard for iPad in 2023

In many ways, Apple are competing against themselves with the Smart Keyboard for iPad. This can quickly and easily turn your iPad into something like a MacBook Air in seconds. But why is it our number one pick? Well, for many, the whole ethos of the iPad is simple portability - and this keyboard has been designed to augment the tablet, not break its primary purpose by adding bulk.

Perhaps the most typically Apple feature here is the Smart Connector. Not only is this the magnetic mechanism that physically adds the keyboard to the iPad, it's also how it connects as a device - and how it gets it power. So, you can wave goodbye to worrying about keyboard charging and Bluetooth issues. Of course, this does limit the flexibility when it comes to placement of the keyboard, as - not being wireless - it is firmly joined at the iPad's hip.

However, going back to the whole principle of this design, it's trying to be a light laptop. So, the keyboard position is ideal for those who want to emulate a MacBook Air. Lastly, when open the keyboard is a stand for the iPad of course, but when folded away it doubles as a handy cover to keep that perfect screen in tip-top shape.

Arteck really has blow us away with what's on offer here, as the Ultra-Slim Keyboard does more than just take some design cues from the Apple Magic keyboard. With Bluetooth connectivity this is perfect for tucking into your bag when you travel, ready to place on a lap or table on the train for easier typing. Plus, being Bluetooth, the compatibility list is excellent - so you can be sure of it working across all of your Apple devices and more.

That said, it can't remember more than one device at once - so if you are going to use this on an iPhone and then an iPad and back again you'll need to quickly re-pair it each time. But that's a small price to pay for such a neat package, the keys are quiet scissor switches and some of them are hot keys pre-programmed for common iPad functions like volume and brightness. Battery life is impressive - you'll need to keep some AAA batteries with you, as they're not rechargable, but you won't have to change them for up to four months. Brilliant.

Another highly capable rival to Apple's own Magic keyboard, our review of the Logitech MX Keys found that this borrows from the Magic and even improves on it in some ways. A minimalistic Apple-esque profile is delivered via a metal build for that quality feel. There's also more wireless connection options, as it supports both WiFi and Bluetooth. The net result? You can sync this with three Apple Macs, MacBooks or iPads if you need to.

And talking of enhanced functionality, Logitech has made this keybaord work with the new Logitech Flow system. So, if you have a mouse that is also Flow enabled, this keyboard could be used on multiple Macs at the same time. Switching between them is seamless as you move your mouse from screen to screen. Once more taking Apple's lead, the keys are Perfect Stroke - specially designed scissor switches. They are a step above the standard ones found on many keyboards, and deliver a positive feel and smooth typing experience.

Another step-up here is the Adaptive backlighting that will automaticall adjust depending on the ambient light level. It's rechargable too, lasting around 10 days. The Logitech MX Keys for Mac is a favourite of What's The Best Deputy Editor William Lobley, who used it daily for over a year. There's also a Logitech MX Keys for Windows.

If you're not in the market for the Apple Smart Keyboard, but still want something that will double as a stand, this Bluetooth Keyboard from OMOTON is an excellent option. Whereas the Apple one has to be connected to the iPad to work, this keyboard has the best of both worlds. It can be used as a separate wireless device when you need that flexibility, but if your iPad doesn't have a case with a stand, the OMOTON can slide out a stand for you.

Also, as it's not part of an iPad case or cover, it can afford to be a little larger and roomier than some keyboards. The key sizes are good too, which means fewer typos. Much like the Apple Magic (which this clearly takes it's design inspiration from) there are dedicated Mac function keys too.

Given the price, there's only one small reason why this wasn't our choice for best budget keyboard here: the stand angle can't be adjusted. That's not a problem for anyone who aspires to give their iPad a laptop feel on a budget, but more adjustability here would normally require an iPad case with keyboard included - and that's a different proposition that we'll look at later in this list.

And here it is - the keyboard that so many brands try to emulate. And for good reason. Apple's Magic Keyboard is almost as iconic as the devices it connects to, the design is lightweight and sturdy too. It's widely compatible with a majority of devices thanks to Bluetooth connectivity. And those low-profile keys are a favourite with a wide range of users thanks to Apple's innovative scissor-switch tech. It's responsive, tactile and accurate to use.

As for the size, one part of the true magic of this device is the design and engineering that crams all of those keys - plus cursor keys - into what is a very small form factor. That not only makes this an ideal portable companion, but extremely usable - a feat not normally achieved by lesser brands.

Arteck make it back into our list with its Keyboard Case With Trackpad. Now, trackpads (or touchpads) are a little bit of a divisive issue for touchscreen fans, but not every iPad user wants to mess up their shiny screen. And it's with those users in mind, perhaps those who prefer a more genuine laptop experience, that this has been designed. Clearly, this is meant to transform your iPad into the closest thing to a laptop.

Apart from doubling as a protective case, this will also bring an extra level of flexibility that the average laptop cannot. Firstly, everything is detachable thanks to the magnetic coupling built into each half of the case. Want to stand the iPad up but have the keyboard on your lap or away from the screen? No problem. Need to be able to flip the screen around and use it as a stand? Equally easy. Power-wise, it's rechargeable, and it will also sleep or wake you iPad when you close or open it.

Last but obviously not least, completing the laptop look and feel is that trackpad. It's not the largest, but can definitely help you to avoid having to touch the iPad screen for those advanced functions. To that end, it also supports two-fingered scrolling.

This is Logitech's answer to the Apple Smart Keyboard and it's a highly popular option for those who need to take their iPad out and about. This thing is tough, having been tested (and exceeding) military grade drop-tests. It manages to do that while keeping a slim and light design, which is what sets it apart from many heavier clamshell-style rugged iPad keyboard cases out there.

Like Apple's, this keyboard isn't wireless - but that comes with the advantage of having a magnetic Smart Connector that provides both connectivity and power. And if you do spill your drink onto it on the train, you can simply wipe it clean. That of course means a more membrane-feel to the keys than something with less protection from the elements, but once again Logitech has excelled itself by somehow making the keys feel positive with enough feedback to keep typists more than happy.

Combining the portability of the Smart Keyboard with the sturdy laptop-like feel of a MacBook Air, the Magic Keyboard for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is a thing of beauty. Firstly, you can attach your tablet magnetically, and again the Smart connector lets the keyboard draws its energy from the tablet. In a step-up from the standard Magic Keyboard above, this one is backlit and supports the usual Apple-centric functions.

Unusually, the keyboard also has a Type-C port - which means you can hook up other devices for charging, freeing up your iPad's one for your other peripherals. But what is this really doing for your large iPad Pro? It's somewhere between a folio and a case, but with the added benefit of a sturdy and strong hinge design that elevates the iPad up and away from the keys. That makes this feel a little more 'desktop' and a little less like a laptop. It's typical Apple - innovative, well designed, and yet is still a simple and worthy upgrade.

The iPad Mini was practically made for this Go Wireless Keyboard from JLab. Given it's diminutive size, it really does pack in a lot of flexibility and utility. Of course, if can connect to more than just an iPad via Bluetooth - but if you are looking to travel to and from the office, or just use other machines, it has a WiFi USB dongle too. Plus, it'll remember up to three devices at a time. Thankfully, despite being small, there's a good balance between size and usability. The keys are large and low profile, so you can expect good accuracy.

Even better than the usual iOS function keys that usually find their way onto portable keyboards, the hotkeys here are customisable. Our Affiliate Operations Editor Adam Binnie tested the JLab Go, found this to be a fantastic all-around compact option ideal for the commute. It's not rechargeable though, so spare AAA batteries are a must, but those should last four months or more, so you'll be good to go when you're out and about with your iPad Mini.

The cheap keyboards often thrown into tablet cases are often less ergonomic than typing right onto the iPad screen. But even someone with larger hands may buy a great quality iPad keyboard and still struggle to be comfortable. Thankfully, here MoKo have a Universal Foldable Keyboard with a feature not normally seen on truly portable boards: separated and angled sections for each hand.

It's neat, portable and full-size split ergonomic keyboard users will find themselves at home here. It is only Bluetooth though, so no WiFi connectivity. Also, given that this is foldable and compact, as you'd expect there is no wrist support. That said, you do get the benefit of a wider layout. One bonus is that it turns on and off when opened and closed.

A mechanical keyboard? With an iPad? Why not. Often the domain of gamers and typists who like a bit more sound and feedback, this Gaming Keyboard from TECURS does a few things that will appeal to iPad users. First, it's a tenkeyless board (no numpad) so it's nice and compact for a mechanical board.

Second, it has labelled the usual Mac-specific keys like Command and Option, and lastly there's some function keys for brightness plus a toggle for switching between Mac and PC functionality - ideal for anyone using this on a PC and then taking it away with the iPad for some remote working. The USB dongle for WiFi, Bluetooth, and wired connectivity make this one of the most flexible here.

There's the prerequisite gamer-oriented RGB lighting of course, but games aside this is a handy addition for writing in low-light. As for power, this will provide a massive 70 hours of operation with backlighting off, and 25 hours with it on - not bad at all for a mechanical keyboard with all of these features. An excellent bonus is that you can keep an eye on that charge level via the Fn+Space key combo which uses the F-keys as a level indicator.

There's adjustable legs for a comfortable angle when typing too. The switches underneath are TECURS Red switches - they're smooth and the noise level is audible but not unreasonably for a mechanical keyboard. This is a brilliant portable solution for anyone who wants a more traditional responsive typing experience on their iPad.