Buying guide for Best Smart Keyboards
There are many reasons to appreciate the design of the iPad for streaming movies, playing games, reading books, taking photos, and recording videos, but typing on a touchscreen is cumbersome. Enter the Smart Keyboard, a device that makes some iPad models even more useful. The Smart Keyboard connects directly to the iPad, turning your tablet into a device more like a laptop.
The key to finding the right Smart Keyboard for your needs is to make sure that you pick a model that is compatible with your model and size iPad. If you’re ready to upgrade your tablet with even more functionality, a good shopping guide and expert recommendations can make your shopping easier.
How to buy the best Smart Keyboard
When purchasing a keyboard for your iPad, you must select a model that is compatible with your tablet. The Smart Keyboard is just one of several different models made for iPads.
Models and compatibility
Smart Keyboard: This model comes in one size and is compatible with the following:
- iPad (7th, 8th, and 9th generations)
- iPad Air (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro (9.7-inch or 10.5-inch screen)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch screen (1st or 2nd generation)
Smart Keyboard Folio: This model comes in different sizes (12.9 and 11 inches) and is compatible with the following:
- iPad Pro 11-inch screen (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generations)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch screen (3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th generations)
- iPad Air (4th and 5th generations) The iPad Air requires the same size keyboard as the 11-inch iPad Pro.
Magic Keyboard: This keyboard comes in two sizes and is compatible with the same iPads as the Smart Keyboard Folio above.
Magic Keyboard Folio: This keyboard is compatible only with the iPad 10th generation.
If you’re used to typing on a mechanical keyboard, the Smart Keyboard has a different feel. It requires a bit of practice to learn to type quickly and efficiently.
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Features to look for in Smart Keyboards
Color
Color options for Smart Keyboards or for other keyboard models for the iPad are limited to black or white.
- Smart Keyboard: Black
- Smart Keyboard Folio: Black
- Magic Keyboard: Black or white
- Magic Keyboard Folio: White
Key size and design
The keys on the Magic Keyboard are backlit, a feature not available on other iPad keyboards. The Magic Keyboard Folio includes 14 function keys across the top, but none of the other iPad keyboards offer separate function keys.
Port
The Magic Keyboard includes a USB-C port, so you can charge your iPad through this port when the two are connected. Having a separate charging port on the keyboard leaves a port free on your iPad for attaching other accessories. The other iPad keyboards do not include a USB-C port.
Touchpad
The Magic Keyboard and Magic Keyboard Folio have a built-in trackpad below the space bar for controlling the cursor. The Smart Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio do not include a trackpad, so you’ll have to add a mouse if you want this capability.
Did You Know?
Because the Smart Keyboard connects to the iPad through the Smart Connector port, it doesn’t need batteries or a charging cord. It is powered by the iPad.
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How much do Smart Keyboards cost?
Inexpensive
At $159, the least expensive option is Apple’s Smart Keyboard, although you might be able to find it priced as low as $110 from some retailers. You can buy a refurbished Smart Keyboard for as low as $65.
Mid-range
The Smart Keyboard Folio costs $179, but you can find it priced as low as $125, and you can find refurbished models for as low as $75.
Expensive
The most expensive keyboards are the Magic Keyboard and Magic Keyboard Folio. The Magic Keyboard costs $299, but you might find one from a third-party retailer for $250. You can find refurbished Magic Keyboards for as little as $170. The Magic Keyboard Folio costs $249, but you can find them from third-party retailers for as low as $200. If you want to purchase a refurbished model, you might be able to find one for as low as $140.
The Smart Keyboard has some shortcuts similar to those offered on Macintosh keyboards. For example, you can open a Spotlight search by pressing the CMD key and spacebar simultaneously.
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Tips
Because the Smart Keyboard is made to be portable like the iPad, it might need to be cleaned more frequently than a desktop keyboard. Here are some tips for safely caring for your Smart Keyboard. Always disconnect the keyboard from the iPad before cleaning it.
- Wipe down the keyboard with a dry cloth. Gently wipe the keyboard with a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust and debris. Microfiber cloths won’t leave lint behind, which is important.
- Wipe down the keyboard with a slightly damp cloth. If the keyboard still has stains or spots the dry cloth didn’t remove, slightly dampen the cloth with water and wipe it again. Do not saturate the cloth. It could damage the electronics.
- Wipe down the keyboard with a cleaner. Apple says it’s safe to wipe the keyboards with a cleaning wipe with no more than 70% isopropyl alcohol, such as Clorox disinfecting wipes. Do not use harsh cleansers or anything containing ammonia, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or abrasives.
- Use a clean toothbrush to clean stubborn stains. If you can’t reach all the particles or remove stains with a cloth, loosen them with a clean toothbrush. Particles around the keys can cause them to stick, so gently brush the edges of the keys with the toothbrush.
- Do not submerge the keyboard in liquid. Submerging it in water or cleaning liquid will likely ruin the device.
FAQ
Q. How do I connect the keyboard to my iPad?
A. Connect the Smart Keyboard to your iPad using the three magnetic contacts (the Smart Connector) along the top edge of the keyboard and the edge of the iPad. If the keyboard still doesn’t work, install the latest updates for the iPad’s operating system, then restart your iPad to see if it will recognize the keyboard.
Q. Should I delete other keyboard drivers from my iPad before installing a Smart Keyboard?
A. Yes, because some of the drivers for these other keyboards could interfere with the performance of the Smart Keyboard. You can control your keyboard settings on the iPad in the General screen under Settings.
Q. Does the Smart Keyboard have full-size keys?
A. Although this keyboard is considered a full-size keyboard, it does have a few keys that are narrower than usual. A typical key has a squarish shape. On this keyboard, some of the keys that are used less frequently are narrower, including the bracket, hyphen, plus sign, and up and down arrow keys.
Q. Does the Smart Keyboard have a ten-key number pad?
A. No, this keyboard doesn’t offer a ten-key number pad like you sometimes find on laptop or desktop keyboards. Also, there is no option to temporarily change some letter keys to a ten-key number pad by using a toggle switch.
