Powered by the same brain as the all-new M1 iMac, the 2021 iPad Pro is one of a kind tablet computer. The new Liquid Retina XDR Display and the vastly-improved iPadOS only further enhance its reputation as a new-age beast. But what’s a computer without a physical keyboard? So if you are planning to unlock the full potential of your tablet that’s widely touted as a laptop killer, you better get a suitable keyboard for it. To make your task of finding a keyboard accessory a bit hassle-free, I have listed out the 10 best keyboard cases for the 12.9-inch and 11″-inch iPad Pro 2021.
Best 12.9-inch & 11-inch iPad Pro Keyboard Cases
Well, what sort of keyboard case are you looking for? Are you on the lookout for a full-fledged laptop-style keyboard or a premium keyboard case complete with a trackpad? Or do you want a reasonably priced keyboard case for your new iPad Pro in 2021? I have picked out a variety of keyboard cases keeping in mind different needs and budgets. You can expand the table below to check out all the available options.
1. Apple Magic Keyboard
While there is no dearth of high-quality keyboard cases in the market, Magic Keyboard stands out of the rest on multiple fronts. For starters, the keyboard case has a pretty compact design that makes a great match with the 2021 iPad Pro.
With the cantilever design, you can magnetically attach the keyboard to your tablet and adjust it for a more convenient viewing angle as well. Thanks to the tactile keys, you will get much-needed feedback while typing The backlit keys enable you to work even in dark environments. Moreover, it also features a trackpad to let you get the most out of your tablet.
While the USB-C port allows pass-through charging, the durable construction shields the tablet against impact and scratches. Add to that the neat folding design, and it becomes an ideal companion for your iPad Pro 2021. Though the price tag seems extravagant, the premium build and magnetic attachment get you your money’s worth.
Pros:
- Premium built
- Top-notch trackpad
- Cantilever design
- Exceptionally tactile keys
Cons:
- Too expensive
Buy from Amazon: $299 for 11-inch iPad Pro and $349 for 12.9-inch iPad Pro
2. Apple Smart Keyboard Folio
If you have set your sight on a high-quality keyboard case for your 11-inch or 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021 under $200, the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio can be your preferred choice. While the Smart Keyboard Folio lacks the elegance and versatility of the Magic Keyboard, it has all the bases covered to be a safe bet. For instance, it features an ultra-lightweight design and tactile keys that make typing a convenient affair.
Furthermore, you can also attach the Smart Keyboard Folio to your all-new iPad Pro magnetically, which is a big plus from a convenience perspective. Besides, the magnetic attachment also means there is no need to charge the keyboard.
In terms of protection, Smart Keyboard Folio shouldn’t disappoint you. The durable exterior and the shock-resistant interior have enough cushion to shield your 2021 iPad Pro against scratches and minor impact. What’s more, it’s also fully adjustable to let you boost your typing or media watching experience.
Pros:
- Sleek yet protective design
- Magnetic attachment
- Responsive keys
Cons:
- Doesn’t feature a trackpad
Buy from Amazon: $169.99 for 11-inch iPad Pro and $189.99 for 12.9-inch iPad Pro
3. Logitech Combo Touch
Logitech has long been a noted manufacturer of keyboards. And I must say that its Combo Touch seems to be probably the best alternative to Apple’s Magic Keyboard. The keyboard sports a sleek design that gets along nicely with the 12.9-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro 2021.
Despite a slim form factor, the keyboard is strong enough to offer you the essential safeguard to the front, back, and corners of the 5th-gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro and the 3rd-gen 11-inch iPad Pro. Beyond protection, Combo Touch provides up to 16 levels of adjustable backlighting that can play a key role in improving your typing experience at night.
The keys are responsive, allowing you to type at the desired speed. Plus, it also sports a row of iPadOS shortcut keys, including brightness, onscreen keyboard, search, home, volume and playback controls, lock, etc.
That’s not all. Logitech Combo Touch also features the productivity-defining trackpad to let you work proficiently on your new iPad Pro. It also allows you to magnetically attach the Apple Pencil to the iPad Pro so it can remain secure and get charged at the same time. Notably, this keyboard case is also cheaper than Apple Magic Keyboard. Thus, Logitech’s offering deserves to be rated as one of the best keyboard cases for the 12.9-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro in 2021.
Pros:
- Slim yet durable construction
- Highly-responsive keys
- Features a trackpad
- A row of iPadOS shortcut keys
- 16 levels of adjustable backlighting
Cons:
- Apple Pencil loop could be better
Buy from Amazon: $199.99 for 11-inch iPad Pro and $229.99 for 12.9-inch iPad Pro
4. BRYDGE PRO
Both in terms of premium design and smooth type experience, BRYDGE PRO is a top-notch keyboard case for the 12.9-inch and 11-inch iPad Pro 2021. Probably the best part about it is the striking similarity with MacBook Pro’s keyboard. Thus, you will feel like using a MacBook.
The full-size keyboard with dedicated iPadOS hotkeys enables you to get your work done faster. Due mainly to the tactile feedback, the keys make typing a breeze. Another feature that makes BRYDGE PRO a strong contender is the ability to adjust the viewing angle (0 to 180-degree), which can improve both your typing and media watching experience.
In terms of durability, BRYDGE PRO has enough cushion under the hood to provide 360-degree protection to your iPad Pro. The fortified corners along with the impact-resistant interior should stand you in good stead.
Pros:
- The striking similarity with MacBook’s keyboard
- Full-size keyboard with iPadOS hotkeys
- 0-180-degree viewing angles
- 360-degree defense
Cons:
- Could feel a little bulky
Buy from Amazon: $99.99 for 11-inch iPad Pro and $99.99 for 12.9-inch iPad Pro
5. BRYDGE PRO+
As you may have already guessed, BRYDGE PRO+ is a slightly beefed-up version of the Pro variant. The main differentiator is the built-in trackpad which could be a big deal if you prefer to use the trackpad to navigate or perform some tasks on your iPad. Brydge claims that it delivers the best possible trackpad experience.
While I won’t get into the debate about whether or not its trackpad is the best, I can vouch for its fluid navigation. Just like the standard variant, it also looks similar to MacBook’s keyboard. In terms of typing, expect BRYDGE PRO+ to give both Logitech Combo Touch and Apple Magic Keyboard a run for their money.
Talking about protection, BRYDGE PRO+ is second to none when it comes to protecting your iPad Pro from shocks and scratches. Add to that the precise cutouts, and it seems to check off every essential box to warrant serious attention and that too without costing you an arm and a leg.
Pros:
- Designed to offer a smooth typing experience
- Built-in trackpad
- Well-built and sturdy
- Impact-resistant design
Cons:
- A little bulky
Buy from Amazon: $149 for 11-inch iPad Pro and $169 for 12.9-inch iPad Pro
6. Logitech Slim Folio Pro
Logitech Slim Folio Pro is the sort of keyboard case that delivers the best of both worlds. Yeah, you got that right! It provides top-notch built quality at a relatively affordable price point. So, if you want an inexpensive yet premium keyboard case for your 11-inch or 12.9-inch iPad Pro, the Slim Folio Pro can be the perfect choice for your needs.
The laptop-style keyboard with a full row of iPadOS shortcut keys enables you to type faster. It also features backlit keys so that you can carry out your work even in dark environments. The case allows you to charge your Apple Pencil wirelessly and also store it safely. As for the battery life, it can last up to 3 months on a single charge (based on 2 hours of daily use).
As for protection, you can bank on the Slim Folio Pro to thwart impacts and keep scuffs at bay. In a nutshell, it is one of the best affordable keyboard cases for the 3rd-gen 11-inch iPad Pro and 5th-gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Pros:
- Slim profile
- Notebook-style keyboard with iPadOS shortcut keys
- Apple Pencil holder
- Premium experience at affordable price point
Cons:
- Comparatively lower battery life
Buy from Amazon: $65 for 11-inch iPad Pro and $89.99 for 12.9-inch iPad Pro
7. Levet Folio Smart Cover for iPad Pro
If you are looking for an affordable keyboard case for your iPad Pro 2021, Levet is yet another option you should check out. The wireless keyboard case features a slim yet durable profile. That means it can retain the elegance of your iPad without sacrificing the style factor. The hard TPU back cover and the fortified inner layer with honeycomb grid pattern endows it the needed strength to withstand drop impacts.
The full-size keyboard promises to deliver a smooth typing experience. The keys are large and well-spaced, allowing you to type comfortably. Besides, it also provides quick access to media volume controls. As the keyboard is detachable, you can use it as a standalone case for your iPad Pro. Plus, the keyboard case also supports magnetic attachment so that the Apple Pencil can charge and stay safe. Taking all of this into account, the Levet Folio Smart Cover seems to be a great pick at $56.
Pros:
- Well-spaced keys
- Honeycomb grid pattern
- Detachable design
- Adjustable stand
Cons:
- Keys are less tactile
Buy from Amazon: $56 for 11-inch iPad Pro and $89.99 for 12-inch iPad Pro
8. KVAGO
This offering from KVAGO seems to be a steal at $39. Made of soft PU leather, the iPad Pro keyboard case features a professional-looking design. The neat craftsmanship and the precise cutouts only further enhance its appearance. While it can’t endure nasty impacts, you can count on it to protect your 2021 iPad Pro from low-volume impact and scratches.
The full-size keyboard with well-spaced keys should offer a decent typing experience. With 7 colors backlight and 3 level brightness adjustment, it has all the basics covered. Not to mention, the keyboard case also plays well with Apple Pencil allowing the digital pen to attach seamlessly to the iPad.
Another feature that makes KVAGO a great choice is the fully adjustable stand. It allows you to prop up your iPad Pro to have better viewing angles for a smooth typing or a hands-free video calling experience. Besides, the support for auto sleep/ wake ensures there is no unnecessary battery consumption.
Pros:
- Lightweight yet protective construction
- Supports auto-sleep/ wake functionality
- 7 colors backlight
- Adjustable stand
Cons:
- Lacks a better heat dissipation design
Buy from Amazon: $30.99 for 11-inch iPad Pro
9. Militwo Keyboard Case for iPad Pro
Sporting a nice-looking design, Militwo didn’t take long to catch my eyes. Though it can’t go head-to-head against the likes of the Apple Magic Keyboard or Logitech Combo Touch, it shouldn’t disappoint you either. If you are after a comparatively cheap yet decent keyboard case for your new iPad Pro 2021, Militwo is a decent pick.
The keyboard case is made of shock-absorbing TPU and soft PU leather. Thanks to the dual-layer of construction fortified by the honeycomb grid pattern design, it can withstand the impact of drops and also put scuffs away. The full-size keyboard with well-spaced keys should make tying easy going.
Militwo keyboard case allows Apple Pencil to charge wirelessly and features a separate slot where the digital pen can remain secure. Notably, it also supports multiple viewing angles as well to amp up your binge-watching Netflix TV series or typing experience.
Pros:
- Slim yet protective design
- Honeycomb grid pattern design
- Full-size keyboard
- Multiple viewing angles
Cons:
- The keys are comparatively less tactile
Buy from Amazon: $58.99 for 12.9-inch iPad Pro
10. CHESONA
To protect your iPad Pro against drops and have a decent typing experience, you can trust CHESONA to live up to your expectation. The keyboard case features a refined form-factor that wraps around the tablet snuggly while also providing a 360-degree shield against accidental damage. With the soft-touch finish, the exterior feels comfortable in the hands.
The QWERTY keyboard layout, along with the hotkeys for volume, music controls, brightness, and more, make the keyboard a safe bet. The keyboard case has a neat slot where Apple Pencil can stay safe when not being used. Besides, it also doesn’t interfere with wireless charging.
As for battery life, the company claims that it can deliver up to 80 hours of work time (stand by for 120 days). When you couple this with the support for adjustable angles, the CHESONA case seems to be the best affordable yet high-quality keyboard case for the 5th-gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Pros:
- QWERTY layout with hotkeys
- Adjustable angles
- Durable constructions
- Up to 80 hours of battery life
Cons:
- Seems a little bulky
Buy from Amazon: $65.98 for 12.9-inch iPad Pro
Top Keyboard Cases for 11-inch and 12-inch iPad Pro 2021 You Can Buy
That’s pretty much it! These are some of the best highly-rated keyboard cases for the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021. With a variety of top-notch iPad Pro keyboard cover recommendations listed above, I bet you will find the right companion for your all-new tablet computer. Is it the premium keyboard case from Apple or Logitech, complete with the trackpad, that has won you over? Or, is it the one that offers the premium build at an affordable price point? Do let us know the iPad keyboard case you picked and why. I would also appreciate your feedback in the comments section below.
Abubakar Mohammed
