Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Useful Accessories for Apple's iPad Pro

MacRumors

MacRumors

macrumors bot
Original poster
Apr 12, 2001
68,184
38,969


Apple's iPad Pro is more powerful than many laptop computers on the market, and with the right accessories, it can be just as useful as a standard MacBook. For those of you who have iPad Pros and are looking to boost productivity, or for those who are planning to get an iPad Pro and are pre-shopping for accessories, we've rounded up some useful iPad Pro accessory options in our latest YouTube video.


Make sure to watch the video to check out our picks, and we've also provided short descriptions and links below.
  • Magic Keyboard ($300) - Priced starting at $300, the Magic Keyboard from Apple is the best keyboard and trackpad combo available for the 2018 and 2020 iPad Pro models. It features a unique floating design, scissor keys that feel great under the fingers, backlighting, and, of course, a trackpad that supports the trackpad gestures baked into the most recent versions of iPadOS.
  • Logitech Folio Touch ($160) - If $300 for a keyboard is too expensive, Logitech has the Folio Touch that's almost as good, as long as you have an 11-inch iPad Pro. It doesn't work quite as well in the lap, but it offers the same trackpad experience as the Magic Keyboard along with benefits like full device protection, a function row of keys, and support for more viewing angles. If you want to know more, check out our review here.
  • Nomad Rugged Folio Case ($70 to $170) - For those that don't need a keyboard case but still want protection, the Rugged Leather Folio Case from Nomad is a solid option for those who want protection with a luxury look. The high-end version is made from Horween leather and offers sleep/wake functionality, a built-in kickstand mode, and space for charging the Apple Pencil.
  • MEGOO Tempered Glass Screen Protector ($14) - To protect the iPad Pro's display from scratches and minor damage, a screen protector is a good idea. There's little reason to go with an expensive option when cheaper screen protectors from Amazon work just as well. MEGOO is a brand that MacRumors videographer Dan has used in the past, and since there's two to a pack, you get a do-over if you mess up the application.
  • Lamicall Tablet Stand ($24) - This affordable tablet stand works well with the iPad Pro and it's a good option if you want to have a way to dock your iPad at home. It has a solid aluminum construction with rubber pads at the bottom to prevent it from sliding around.
  • Logitech K380 Bluetooth Keyboard ($30) - If you need a no frills keyboard to use with an iPad Pro desk setup, Logitech's recently released K380 keyboard is worth checking out. It's full size, but portable, and it can connect to three different devices at the same time. It lasts for up to two years with two AAA batteries.
  • HyperDrive 6-in-1 Hub ($70) - The iPad Pro only has a single USB-C port, so an adapter that adds additional ports can be useful. HyperDrive's compact 6-in-1 Hub attaches to the side of the iPad Pro and adds a 4K HDMI port, a USB-A port, an SD and micro SD card slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB-C port for charging while using the other port options.
  • SteelSeries Nimbus+ Controller ($60) - If you want to game on your iPad Pro but don't have an Xbox or PlayStation controller, the SteelSeries Nimbus+ works with the iPad Pro, iPhone, and Apple TV. It has a built-in rechargeable battery and is compatible with thousands of titles across the App Store and Apple Arcade. It supports multiple joysticks and has tactile d-pad buttons for a fast and responsive gaming experience.
Have a favorite iPad Pro accessory we didn't mention in our video? Let us know in the comments.

Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.

Article Link: Useful Accessories for Apple's iPad Pro
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2020/08/28/ipad-pro-accessories/
Last edited:
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
I find the typing experience on the K380 to be miserable. I bought it because I loved the idea of being able to switch between my desktop, phone, and iPad, but it's not good enough for prolonged typing. I'm using the G613, which is fantastic, but only connects to two devices (1 via bluetooth, 1 via dongle) and is not at all portable.

I'd love a keyboard/trackpad for my 12" Pro, but I'm not willing to spend that much on the Apple keyboard, especially considering the poor protection it provides. I have a magic mouse trackpad, so I guess I just need a good portable keyboard. One that I could use on my lap would be best!
 
I’ve been thinking in getting a Logitech K380 for a long time, I would use it for both my iPad Pro and my Mac. It’s a lightweight bluetooth keyboard that would allow me to quickly switch between my iPad and my Mac, something I cannot do with my Magic Keyboard. However, it looks a bit “cheap”, low quality plastic... Also it is not Bluetooth 4 LE, AFAIK it is just Bluetooth 2 or 3. Not sure if it’s worth it, but honestly I need a small keyboard because I usually have the trackpad on the right side.
 
Too bad theres not an accessory to keep it from being as bendable.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • Haha
Reactions: AvisDeene
Meh. MX Keys and MX Master 3 for me. No need for a bespoke anything. Just click the button to switch Bluetooth to the iPad.
 
BuffaloTF said:
Meh. MX Keys and MX Master 3 for me. No need for a bespoke anything. Just click the button to switch Bluetooth to the iPad.
Click to expand...

I like those devices, but sadly I have to treat them as disposable. When the Mac version of the keyboard came out I was so excited to back it because I loved my MX Keys. Everyone told me I was wrong because the backlight doesn't work. I disagreed... and then 2 weeks later, about 6 months after I got mine, it stopped working properly.

Logitech customer service is inconsistent. They wait days between replies, often asking the same question over and over. Sometimes they ask for information that isn't even relevant to the device being used. I hate it, and this is the second keyboard, and second model I have had to have them replace.
 
  • Like
Reactions: AlyMourad
Neepman said:
Too bad theres not an accessory to keep it from being as bendable.
Click to expand...

The magic keyboard case actually does. It's bulky and thick as every review have mentioned, but it really works wonder in preventing any potential bend issues.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
fbr$ said:
It's intentional. Apple wants us to buy an iPhone, an iPad and a Mac. All three devices, at least.
Click to expand...

You’re probably right, but is it really that bad to own all three? They are different tools for different jobs. I paid $900 for my MBA, $250 for my iPad 7, and $200 (Walmart sale) for my iPhone SE. So, $1350 for the whole bunch. They all work seamlessly together.

BTW - All three devices for $50 less than the new Windows folding phablet.
 
  • Like
  • Wow
Reactions: Marlon DLTH :), sideshowuniqueuser, sgtaylor5 and 2 others
It’s not a lack of accessories that prevents the iPad from being a desktop replacement, it’s software.

The iPad (sort of) supports security keys. Not reliably, and not across the system. Many apps and websites that should be able to support U2F simply do not. Not necessarily an iPadOS problem per se, but there is something wonky with the implementation that has prevented sites from supporting it.

The iPad file management app is a nightmare if you need to receive, unpack, open, process, and resend attachments reliably.

Security is completely hidden and concealed from the end user, and things like VPN with kill switch are not baked in. This is a non-starter for any professional that needs to work with a mobile device.
 
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: sideshowuniqueuser, return2sendai and Johnny907
Populus said:
I’ve been thinking in getting a Logitech K380 for a long time, I would use it for both my iPad Pro and my Mac. It’s a lightweight bluetooth keyboard that would allow me to quickly switch between my iPad and my Mac, something I cannot do with my Magic Keyboard. However, it looks a bit “cheap”, low quality plastic... Also it is not Bluetooth 4 LE, AFAIK it is just Bluetooth 2 or 3. Not sure if it’s worth it, but honestly I need a small keyboard because I usually have the trackpad on the right side.
Click to expand...
I have been using one for over 2 years and find it a good keyboard for using on an iPad. It’s light, portable and the batteries last a long time. My use is usually 2-3 hours max at a time, so I don’t know how comfortable it would be for long periods. Overall, for 30 or dollars I find it to be a good value.

It is plastic but it is a good quality and has held up to being dragged around the globe in a bag.
 
The magic keyboard is an absolute game changer - that and AirPods are the two biggest things Apple has done in past few years - and you know the margins are high...
 
  • Like
Reactions: ascender
Populus said:
I’ve been thinking in getting a Logitech K380 for a long time, I would use it for both my iPad Pro and my Mac. It’s a lightweight bluetooth keyboard that would allow me to quickly switch between my iPad and my Mac, something I cannot do with my Magic Keyboard. However, it looks a bit “cheap”, low quality plastic... Also it is not Bluetooth 4 LE, AFAIK it is just Bluetooth 2 or 3. Not sure if it’s worth it, but honestly I need a small keyboard because I usually have the trackpad on the right side.
Click to expand...

I have one -- it's fine. Though it is plastic, I would describe it as good-quality plastic. It looks good and, although lightweight, feels good in my hands. On the other hand, the feel of the keys is just okay -- adequate, but not nearly as good as the feel of a magic keyboard or the Logitech MX series. If you spend all day working at a keyboard, you probably need something better. If you use it for travel or a second system, etc., then you might really like it. Overall, I'm satisfied, but I would far prefer that Logitech release a version of the MX series keyboard without the numeric keypad.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back