iPad Keyboards Buyer's Guide: 10+ Differences Compared

[MacRumors]

Apple now sells three different keyboards for each member of the iPad lineup, with the exception of the iPad mini, which is too small for a physically connected keyboard. It is compatible with Bluetooth keyboards only.

While choosing between iPad keyboards is now a clear-cut issue since there is only one available for each type of iPad, it is now even more important to consider their slightly different features and designs when choosing an iPad. All of the differences between the three models, as well as the recently discontinued Magic Keyboard for iPad Air and iPad Pro, are listed below:

Magic Keyboard Folio (2022–2025)	Magic Keyboard for iPad Air and iPad Pro (2020–2025)	Magic Keyboard for iPad Air (2025)	Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro (2024–2025)
Detachable keyboard
Separate magnetic kickstand	Integrated "floating" cantilever design	Integrated "floating" cantilever design	Integrated "floating" cantilever design
	USB-C port for passthrough charging	USB-C port for passthrough charging	USB-C port for passthrough charging
	Plastic hinge	Redesigned aluminum hinge	Redesigned aluminum hinge
0.84 pounds (381 grams)	11-Inch: 1.3 pounds (590 grams) 13-Inch: 1.56 pounds (710 grams)	TBC	11-Inch: 1.28 pounds (580 grams) 13-Inch: 1.46 pounds (662 grams)
Silicone top case	Silicone top case	Silicone top case	Aluminum top case
14-key function row		14-key function row	14-key function row
	Backlighting		Backlighting
Trackpad	Trackpad	Larger trackpad	Larger trackpad
Physical click	Physical click	Physical click	Haptic feedback
Available in White only	Available in White or Black	Available in White only	Available in White or Black
Compatible with iPad with A14 or A16	Compatible with iPad Air with A14, M1, M2, or M3 and iPad Pro with A12X, A12Z, M1, and M2	Compatible with iPad Air with A14, M1, M2, or M3	Compatible with iPad Pro with M4
$249	Discontinued	11-Inch: $269 13-Inch: $319	11-Inch: $299 13-Inch: $349

All of the keyboards feature scissor mechanism with 1mm travel for quiet, responsive typing and connect via a Smart Connector on the iPad, meaning there is no need for charging or Bluetooth.

The Magic Keyboard Folio is unique in offering a magnetic kickstand, separate from the keyboard itself, to prop the iPad up independently. While this is extremely useful for users who want to use their iPad on a table, it is not a very good experience for use on a lap. The Magic Keyboards for iPad Air and iPad Pro do not have a separate magnetic kickstand, instead prioritizing an all-in-one design that works well on a user's lap and is far more akin to a MacBook.

The iPad Air and iPad Pro's Magic keyboards are very similar, but the iPad Pro's version has an aluminum top case, giving it a more premium feel and appearance. Likewise, its haptic feedback emulates a physical click more uniformly and is equal to a MacBook, allowing users to choose how forcefully they want to click the trackpad. Backlighting may be essential for those who plan to often use their iPad in dark environments. However, both models feature a 14-key function row and a large trackpad.

If you already have the original Magic Keyboard for iPad Air and iPad Pro, the new versions are a notable upgrade, especially for the iPad Pro. If you're an iPad Air user, it's important to note that you will lose backlighting if you upgrade to the latest version of the accessory.

Article Link: iPad Keyboards Buyer's Guide: 10+ Differences Compared

 

[oneMadRssn]

What about the Smart Keyboard Folio? It was discontinued in 2024, but I believe it's compatible with all "flat" iPads except the new M4 Pro. It was the lightest and quietest keyboard, and frankly the best iPad keyboard imo.

 

[System603]

So... 10 key differences? I'll see myself out...

As they mention, it's simple—it depends on which iPad you have. However, looking at it from the opposite perspective—choosing an iPad based on the keyboard features you want—is an approach I hadn't really considered.

For example, backlighting might be a significant factor for some users. I did not know it's not there for Air's keyboard.

 

[Biro]

I still have the older keyboard for my 13-inch M2 Air. But, with the loss of backlighting with the new keyboard for the Air, if I were in the market I would look to third-party solutions.

 

[andiwm2003]

no backlighting for the air is a major letdown. typing on an airplane on a nightflight is hard without the backlighting and the screen set to very low light. using the reading lights is disruptive to other passengers. for 270 bucks I don't see why they omitted that, given that other keyboards have it.

 

[kevinbal]

The older Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro and iPad Air works perfectly fine with the M4 iPad Air. There a lot of reasons why it is superior, backlighting and the black finish being huge reasons. Current version is downgrade in practical areas.

 

[tennisproha]

That price is criminal. You can buy an iPad or an Apple Watch for the same price as a keyboard.

 

[EightBitLover]

Or go with one of the Logitech options. The only real alternative if you want a keyboard that makes use of the smart connector but is also cheaper than the Apple ones.

 

[aknabi]

That price is criminal. You can buy an iPad or an Apple Watch for the same price as a keyboard.

I think we can use "Apple priced" as a synonym for "criminal"... usage: "That dude is Apple priced... he was convicted of armed robbery last month and is doing 3-5"

To topic, also the fact I couldn't use the magic keyboard from my last iPad Pro (nor my Smart Keyboard Folio as it was much thinner and handy when I don't want an iPad setup as heavy as my MacBook Air since hell then will take that and have a real machine with me... not even offered for the m4)

 

[EBone12355]

What about the Smart Keyboard Folio? It was discontinued in 2024, but I believe it's compatible with all "flat" iPads except the new M4 Pro. It was the lightest and quietest keyboard, and frankly the best iPad keyboard imo.

I bought a refurbished one for less than $100 last year for my 13" M2 Air. It works great, but there is no trackpad.

 

[mlayer]

Sorry, while the cantilever designs are neat and add a touch of ergonomics to an iPad setup, the best keyboard is the one that can be used with most/all iPads. For me that's the original Magic Keyboard via Bluetooth, with a function row! I use it with a Fintie keyboard case and it has been a great accessory across five different iPads and ten years. It supports every iPad size and folds up easily. I might buy into the model-specific keyboard setup if I was also into the iPad as a desktop/laptop replacement instead of a third device. Thankfully that's not my use case. I also prefer not to have a bunch of easily obsoleted accessories lying around.

 

[DougiePhresh]

The removal of the backlight is inexcusable. That difference, alone, should make it a hard pass for everyone. I hope Apple sells 0 of these, loses a boatload of money, realizes their mistake, and reverses course.

 

[bookcase]

The removal of the backlight is inexcusable. That difference, alone, should make it a hard pass for everyone. I hope Apple sells 0 of these, loses a boatload of money, realizes their mistake, and reverses course.

Agreed. I was set to finally get function keys for my M2 Air, but the loss of backlit keys killed it for me. But I disagree with the article about it not being a good experience on your lap. I use it exclusively on my lap for my morning browsing and it works perfectly.

 

[thanxal]

What about the Smart Keyboard Folio? It was discontinued in 2024, but I believe it's compatible with all "flat" iPads except the new M4 Pro. It was the lightest and quietest keyboard, and frankly the best iPad keyboard imo.

1000% LOVED that keyboard. Hate the fact you can’t get one with the M4 pros. Much preferred it over the Magic Keyboard. The latter is far too thick and heavy with that giant hinge. Even an M4 Pro with that keyboard/iPad setup is still thicker and heavier than a MacBook Air.

 

[oneMadRssn]

I bought a refurbished one for less than $100 last year for my 13" M2 Air. It works great, but there is no trackpad.

Not directed at you specifically, but it seems strange to evaluate a keyboard based on whether it has a trackpad. The vast vast majority of keyboards don't have trackpads. Does anyone give Apple's Magic Trackpad negative reviews because it doesn't have a built-in keyboard?

Also, I never quite understood wanting a trackpad. The whole point of iPadOS is that everything can be done with touch, the whole UI is designed around finger-poke navigation. I would personally prefer to be able to run MacOS on the iPad, in which case I would totally understand needing a trackpad. But since we can't run MacOS on the iPad, I don't see the need for a trackpad.

 

[snipr125]

Should have just made the new MKB for iPP M4 compatible with all the previous model iPad Air/Pro’s. The fact that the ‘new’ MKB for iPad Air is £30 cheaper but with no backlighting and silcon top is some kind of joke honestly.

 

[SactoGuy18]

Or go with one of the Logitech options. The only real alternative if you want a keyboard that makes use of the smart connector but is also cheaper than the Apple ones.

You mean the Logitech Combo Touch models? They're not exactly the cheapest but they do work great for the current iPad Air and Pro models.

 

[ds10]

What about the Smart Keyboard Folio? It was discontinued in 2024, but I believe it's compatible with all "flat" iPads except the new M4 Pro. It was the lightest and quietest keyboard, and frankly the best iPad keyboard imo.

The Smart Keyboard Folio was what I used extensively. I don't need a trackpad, as I've got a touch screen right in front of me. I found the keyboard on it quite usable. My use case includes having the iPad in a stand on stage while I'm performing, so the Smart Keyboard Folio made that work well by folding the keyboard behind. I did get an M4 iPadPro 11", but Apple's keyboard offering just turns the iPad Pro into a less-functional MacBook, and is useless for my needs. I have a simple folio cover from Apple, and a separate keyboard, but the experience is far less than what I had with the M1 iPadPro and the Smart Keyboard Folio. As a result, I find I'm using the iPad less and less (except for on stage) and schlepping my MacBookPro with me more often to have a decent typing experience.

 

[baconcat_8964]

It seems like the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Air is 20 grams heavier than 2020 Magic Keyboard.

 

[Graham King]

What about the Smart Keyboard Folio? It was discontinued in 2024, but I believe it's compatible with all "flat" iPads except the new M4 Pro. It was the lightest and quietest keyboard, and frankly the best iPad keyboard imo.

Came here to say this! Bring back Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad Pro! I have the Logitech and it’s nice that it’s backlit but otherwise it’s big and clunky and difficult to open and sometimes when folded back the iPad still thinks there is an external keyboard attached. I also never use the trackpad.

 

[gregmac19]

Thanks for the useful article, MacRumors!

 

[svish]

Very good comparison chart. The Magic Keyboards are very good. Even considered buying one. But the prices are way too high.

 

[Abstract]

What about the Smart Keyboard Folio? It was discontinued in 2024, but I believe it's compatible with all "flat" iPads except the new M4 Pro. It was the lightest and quietest keyboard, and frankly the best iPad keyboard imo.

When I bought two new (at the time) iPad Air M2 last year, I also bought 2 Smart Keyboard Folios.

I regret not buying a 3rd. 🤷🏻‍♂️

 

[EightBitLover]

You mean the Logitech Combo Touch models? They're not exactly the cheapest but they do work great for the current iPad Air and Pro models.

Yes. I have the Combo Touch for my iPad Pro 11 and it works great. Full row of dedicated function keys, adjustable backlighting, and can flip the keyboard to the back or even remove it easily (it snaps to the case with strong magnets).

 

[MrAverigeUser]

Logitech keyboards have backlight of course...
offering an expensive aka astronomical iPad-keyboard even without backlight is like offering a car without wheels.... ridiculous !

Before purchasing the overpriced apple keyboards have at least a look at all the Logitech variants (and the very good reviews of them) of your personal iPad device !