Best iPad Pro keyboard cases for people on the go [Reviews]

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The Smart Keyboard Folio turns the iPad into a laptop, but there are better options.
The Apple Smart Keyboard Folio is the best-known iPad Pro keyboard case, but it’s not the best option for everyone.
Photo: Andrea Nepori

Add a keyboard to your iPad Pro and it becomes a powerful but extremely portable laptop. So many people see the potential that companies make an array of keyboard cases. The range of designs gives buyers choices depending on what they want most: portability, protection, price, etc.

We’ve tested plenty of them; here are our picks for the best available.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Please note that some features go without saying. For example, every keyboard on this list is easy to type on — they wouldn’t appear here if that wasn’t so. And none of them interfere with charging an Apple Pencil 2.

Apple Smart Keyboard Folio

Many iPad Pro users gravitate toward the Smart Keyboard Folio because it’s made by Apple. And it really is just about the thinnest and lightest case possible with a keyboard in it. It uses the Smart Keyboard Connector, while all the others listed here depend on Bluetooth.

The Apple name carries plenty of cachet, but this isn’t the best option for everyone. Because it is so slender, the Smart Keyboard Folio provides almost no protection for the tablet inside. Also, there are no backlights for the keys nor are there any extra function keys offered — every other product on this list has both. Plus, this is the priciest option, with Apple asking $199 for the 12.9-inch version.

Buy from: Amazon

Be sure to read our Apple Smart Keyboard Folio review to get the low-down on this high-profile accessory.

Brydge Pro

Brydge Pro review
Make your iPad Pro into a MacBook — sort of — with the Brydge Pro.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

More than any other keyboard case on this list, the Brydge Pro does everything it can to turn the iPad Pro into a MacBook. It has a clamshell design, with the tablet held in clamps that are also hinges. Just about all that’s missing is the trackpad. As a bonus, a simulated-leather cover makes this the best looking option.

This case offers a reasonable amount of protection, but it’s heavy. The version for Apple latest 12.9-inch slate weighs a hefty 1.4 pounds. Price is also a consideration, as the larger model is $169.99.

Buy from: Amazon

Find out how well this mimics a MacBook’s design in our Brydge Pro review.

Zagg Slim Book Go

Zagg Slim Book Go review
The Zagg Slim Book Go has a kickstand, and it includes an Apple Pencil slot.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Slim Book Go comes in two parts: case and separate keyboard. The case wraps protectively around Apple’s tablet and includes a kickstand and a slot to hold the Apple Pencil. With just this section, the iPad can be used to watch movies or draw on the screen. The removable keyboard need only be attached when typing.

However, this design is hard to use in your lap. And at 1.8 pounds it’s the heaviest keyboard case on this list.

Still, the price is reasonable, with Zagg asking $129.99 for the version made for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Buy from: Amazon

Learn more about the two-part solution in our Zagg Slim Book Go review.

Logitech Slim Folio Pro

Logitech Slim Folio Pro review
Professionals can appreciate the Logitech Slim Folio Pro’s laptop-style keyboard.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The design of the Slim Folio Pro offers more cushoning for the tablet inside than many rivals. And at $129.99 for the 12.9-inch version, it’s more affordable than the Apple or Brydge devices on this list.

Alone of the keyboard cases listed here, this model doesn’t allow the iPad Pro to be easily separated from the keyboard.

Don’t miss our Logitech Slim Folio Pro review for plenty more details.

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