Zagg Pro Keys

Over the years, I've owned several Zagg keyboards, including a fantastic detachable case for the iPad mini 4, which I loved so much that I ended up with two. However, I hadn’t revisited Zagg recently, as their products had become bulkier and less appealing for my sleek iPad.

When I searched for keyboard alternatives for the iPad Pro 12.9, Zagg’s Pro Keys emerged as a promising option. It offers over six feet of drop protection while maintaining a slim profile that doesn’t add excessive bulk to the iPad. The keyboard includes a magnetic back flap that serves as a stand, providing two docking positions for typing. I appreciated how the design kept the iPad easily accessible and inviting to touch while using the keyboard.

After twenty minutes of browsing Best Buy’s site, I decided to give it a shot, especially since it was priced at $169, significantly less than the Magic Keyboard. However, there are some trade-offs. Notably, the Zagg Pro Keys lacks a trackpad, which stands out since all other options I’ll review include one. Interestingly, Zagg offers a version of the Pro Keys with a trackpad for every iPad model except the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (and the iPad mini 6).

In practice, the absence of a trackpad hasn’t been a significant drawback for me; I’ve paired a Bluetooth mouse when needed, but otherwise, I’ve utilized the touchscreen as intended. This lack of a trackpad has highlighted something I’ve been ignoring: trackpad support on the iPad still needs improvement. While it has progressed, it doesn’t match the speed of direct finger interaction on the display. Zagg’s design encourages me to engage with the screen more, reminiscent of the experience with Apple’s Smart Keyboard Folio, but in my view, Zagg has executed it better.

The main downside is that the keyboard connects via Bluetooth rather than the iPad’s smart connector. While this means a separate charging process, Zagg claims a year of battery life with an hour of daily use, depending on backlighting. I haven’t tested battery life extensively, but I haven’t needed to recharge since I started using it. Zagg doesn’t provide a USB-C cable, likely assuming you’ll use your iPad’s cable, which is fine but means I’ll have to find an extra cable when charging both devices simultaneously.

Setting up the case is slightly less convenient than the Magic Keyboard, but once in place, it feels secure. However, pushing the iPad too hard can dislodge it from the case, and I’m not entirely convinced the magnetic back flap will prevent it from falling. While the overall package is thinner, it is bulkier than the Magic Keyboard, taking up more space in a bag. I wish the stand mechanism was part of the case instead of the keyboard so I could use the iPad independently, but at least the keyboard is narrow enough to save desk space.

The keyboard and case feature a soft material that feels better than Apple’s polyurethane and is hopefully more resistant to smudges. The keys are comfortable to type on, with good travel and responsiveness, allowing me to achieve my usual typing speed of 98 words per minute with 99% accuracy on Monkeytype.com without needing an adjustment period. One downside is the absence of a palm rest; when not on a flat surface, there isn’t much area to rest your hands, leading to some wrist fatigue during extended use.

Overall, my experience with the Zagg Pro Keys has been positive, setting a decent benchmark for the other keyboards. While it may not surpass Apple’s Magic Keyboard—thanks to its trackpad and slightly better keyboard quality—it’s an attractive option at nearly $200 less.

Logitech Combo Touch

I must admit, I initially hesitated to include the Combo Touch for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro because I’ve previously tried it with every other iPad model without success.

The reason for my reluctance is straightforward: I didn’t like it. There, I said it. My review ends here. The concept intrigued me, and I generally enjoy Logitech keyboards, but every time I used one, I ended up returning it.

While the keyboard itself is commendable, I find the canvas material that surrounds it uncomfortable for typing. It’s not terrible, but it doesn’t match the comfort of other keyboards, especially compared to Microsoft’s Surface Type Covers. The fabric has a tapered edge that can dig into your wrists, and as a Microsoft-style keyboard and cover, it lacks sturdiness on your lap, leading to a typing experience I’m not fond of.

Despite my initial hesitance, I felt compelled to try it once more on the 12.9 iPad. I’m glad I did.

The Combo Touch boasts a couple of advantages over other keyboards on this list. Aside from the Magic Keyboard, it’s the only option utilizing the smart connector, eliminating the need for charging. Additionally, it allows the iPad to stand independently without the keyboard attached—ideal for watching videos or using another Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. This feature will be especially useful when Apple’s Universal Control is available, enabling me to position the iPad near my MacBook Air without the keyboard taking up valuable desk space.

The trackpad is excellent—slightly larger than Apple’s and responsive across its surface. The kickstand provides almost any viewing angle you desire, though it lacks the sturdiness of Microsoft’s or Lenovo’s options. Occasionally, I experience issues where the trackpad mistakenly registers my palm as a movement attempt, but it’s not the worst case of accidental clicks.

Interestingly, I’ve always felt the Combo Touch added unnecessary bulk to smaller iPads, but it doesn’t seem to weigh down the 12.9-inch model as much. Perhaps because I’m not using this iPad one-handed like I often do with smaller versions, the thickness of the case doesn’t bother me.

Typing feels improved on this larger model compared to smaller versions, though it’s still not my favorite. The keys are responsive yet somewhat shallow, reminiscent of Apple’s butterfly keyboard. While it’s not a negative experience, it differs from my usual typing experience, particularly after using a mechanical keyboard. The keys click satisfyingly, and they have a cupped design that draws your fingers in. They also backlight well, offering multiple brightness settings thanks to the function row.

Initially, I expected to advise against the Combo Touch, but I’m pleasantly surprised. This keyboard works well for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and the kickstand function is a major benefit when using the iPad independently. Priced at $229, it’s a middle-ground option; if the kickstand appeals to you, I recommend considering this over the Magic Keyboard.

Brydge Max+

I’ve always steered clear of Brydge keyboards due to their clamp system. The thought of forcing my expensive tablet into tight grips to connect it to the keyboard has always made me uneasy, especially after seeing numerous reviews highlighting cracked screens as a result.

Fortunately, Brydge has revamped its approach with the Max+, replacing clamps with a magnetic backplate that holds the iPad securely. I discovered this change while considering the Zagg Pro Keys at Best Buy, and I spent two days debating whether to give it a chance.

Despite the iPad Pro’s M1 chip, I had resigned myself to the notion that it wouldn’t replace my laptop due to iPadOS limitations. However, the Brydge Max+ intrigued me, as it could essentially transform my iPad into a MacBook Pro.

It was love at first sight. The keyboard deck felt premium and matched the iPad's quality, and the magnetic backplate—though plastic—had a soft-touch exterior that was irresistible. Once I attached my iPad, it felt perfect.

The experience is reminiscent of using Microsoft’s Surface Book Go, with a slightly smaller keyboard and display. It’s a hefty accessory, likely the heaviest on this list, necessary to counterbalance the iPad's weight. However, unlike a MacBook, you can’t open it with a one-finger lift, which feels cumbersome compared to my laptop. Additionally, while the magnets securely hold the iPad, it can be dislodged too easily, making me wary about tilting it.

Similar to Zagg, Brydge opted for Bluetooth over the smart connector, which is disappointing since the smart connector could easily have been integrated into the backplate. Brydge claims up to three months of use without backlighting and 40 hours at full brightness (based on two hours of daily use). They also don’t provide a USB-C charging cable.

Once set up, I quickly forgot that I was using an iPad instead of a laptop. The keyboard feels fantastic, and like the Zagg Pro Keys, I achieved typing speeds close to my usual rate (94 words per minute with 99% accuracy). The keys have great travel, making this my favorite keyboard of the three I’m testing. I’d even say it surpasses the Magic Keyboard. Unfortunately, I did notice some squeaking from the keys, particularly the space bar, which is slightly annoying and makes it feel less premium.

The backlighting isn’t the brightest, but it’s more visible than Zagg’s Pro Keys. Like the other options, it includes a dedicated function row.

A standout feature of the Brydge Max+ is its trackpad, which is enormous—arguably the largest among the keyboards I’m reviewing. However, it doesn’t perform as well; I frequently find my cursor moving unexpectedly while typing due to palm contact. I almost considered this a dealbreaker, but I resolved the issue by disabling tap-to-click in iPadOS settings, requiring a physical click instead. While I typically prefer tap-to-click, this adjustment significantly improved usability.

Brydge has faced its share of trackpad complaints, including lag and poor gesture support, but many of these issues seem to have been resolved through software updates. Still, it’s risky to buy a product based on promises of future fixes. The trackpad also features a diving board mechanism, meaning it doesn’t click everywhere—something to keep in mind.

Overall, the Brydge Max+ presents a dilemma. Initially, I thought it was my favorite, but the key squeaking and trackpad issues have made it harder to recommend. Visually stunning, it gives the illusion of turning my iPad into a MacBook, but it falls short compared to an actual MacBook experience. Priced at $249, I wouldn’t recommend it over the Magic Keyboard, even if it saves you some money.

Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse

Strictly speaking, these devices aren’t designed specifically for the iPad Pro, yet they work well. While many keyboard cases are made exclusively for the iPad, numerous keyboards are compatible.

Recently, I’ve delved into mechanical keyboards and have enjoyed various options. However, I wanted to use them with the iPad Pro, and it felt silly to ignore the keyboard linked to the iPad while I was using a different one. Moreover, my writing space isn’t large enough to accommodate both the iPad in its keyboard case and an additional keyboard.

This dilemma led me to consider alternative keyboards for the iPad Pro. I aimed to find a case that would allow me to detach the keyboard and solely use it as a stand while I utilized my mechanical keyboard. So far, only one of the keyboards I’ve tried meets this criterion, but there are many options available if you prefer an unattached keyboard and mouse setup. For instance, I favor Apple’s Smart Folio covers for simply propping up the iPad as they are slim and easy to remove, even if they’re made of the same polyurethane that annoys me about the Magic Keyboard.

For this comparison, I experimented with three different mechanical keyboards before selecting the one that worked best for me. The first, which I refer to as the “gateway drug” for my mechanical keyboard journey, was Logitech’s Pop Keys—a newer model featuring a typewriter-like experience with round keycaps and dedicated emoji keys. Although I found the design charming, I struggled to adjust and made frequent typos, prompting me to switch to a more traditional mechanical keyboard: Razer’s Black Widow V3 mini. I fell in love with it, especially with Razer’s linear switches, which suited me much better than Logitech’s tactile ones. Eventually, I tried Keychron’s K3 ultra-slim keyboard with clicky switches, which became my favorite. In short, the Keychron is what I’m using for this comparison, but you can choose any Bluetooth keyboard that meets your preferences.

This flexibility is a significant advantage of opting for a standard Bluetooth keyboard over a keyboard case for the iPad. With any of the keyboards discussed so far, you not only select the one you prefer to type on but also the case that houses your iPad. Pairing the iPad with a regular Bluetooth keyboard opens up numerous possibilities, from mechanical keyboards to Apple’s standalone Magic Keyboard and options from Microsoft, Logitech, and many others. You also get to choose from a variety of Bluetooth mice and external trackpads; I selected Logitech’s MX Anywhere 3 because it can be paired with my work computer alongside the Keychron and is rechargeable rather than reliant on AA batteries.

However, this setup presents a mixed experience. Your typing will depend on the keyboard and mouse you choose, and it limits you to using your setup at a desk or table; it’s not as lap-friendly as the Brydge Max+ or the Magic Keyboard case. My typing experience with the Keychron is exceptional (averaging 98 words per minute with 99% accuracy), but it may not suit everyone, particularly those looking to leverage the iPad's portability. If your primary use is at a desk, this could be a great option.

This choice can also range from inexpensive to quite costly, depending on your selections. My Keychron K3 ultra-slim costs $94, while the Logitech MX Anywhere 3 is priced at $79; Apple’s Smart Folio for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is $99 (though I’m currently testing this setup with the kickstand portion of Logitech’s Combo Touch).

It’s safe to say that this keyboard comparison didn’t unfold as I had anticipated.

Initially, I thought Zagg’s Pro Keys would be my favorite, given that I planned to compare it only to the Magic Keyboard. However, while Zagg’s option is commendable, it’s the bulkiest and least convenient option I’ve used. Though I didn’t mind the lack of a trackpad too much, I would still prefer one. As the most affordable option I reviewed, it’s still a solid choice, just not the right fit for me.

I genuinely expected the Brydge Max+ to be the standout keyboard after my first impressions, and I remain enamored by its aesthetics, which outshine the Magic Keyboard’s floating design. While I could manage without the tap-to-click feature on the trackpad, the squeaking keys after only a few days of use are disappointing. Each time I open my MacBook Air, I'm reminded of the Brydge Max+’s inferiority.

Surprisingly, I’ve developed a newfound appreciation for Logitech’s Combo Touch keyboard and cover. The keyboard's usability has improved compared to the smaller versions, likely due to the larger layout, which alleviates the discomfort I experienced before. The case and kickstand functionality are practical for the larger iPad, allowing me to use it like a tablet while still utilizing my Bluetooth keyboard and mouse—an excellent alternative to a keyboard case when working at a desk.

The final question remains: do these alternatives surpass Apple’s celebrated Magic Keyboard?

Apple’s Magic Keyboard

I’ve expressed many opinions about the Magic Keyboard throughout this comparison, but let’s consolidate my thoughts.

Typing on the Magic Keyboard is genuinely impressive. The key travel, feel, and smoothness of the trackpad all contribute to a delightful experience. While the floating design may lose some of its allure over time, it remains an appealing feature. The USB-C port on the keyboard allows you to charge the iPad while keeping the tablet’s port available for use.

The only downside I find with the Magic Keyboard is the material. I can overlook its lack of a function row and other common critiques, but I can’t excuse how cheap and grimy the polyurethane feels after a while, even if the white version doesn’t show dirt as prominently as the dark gray. If it were priced similarly to Zagg’s Pro Keys or Logitech’s Combo Touch, I could likely overlook this flaw. However, paying $349 for such subpar material feels excessive, especially when cheaper alternatives offer similar or better quality. While I understand Apple’s design philosophy, I disagree with their material choice in this instance.

That said, like most Apple products, it simply functions as intended. It lives up to its "magic" designation. Although you pay a premium for the Apple logo, I doubt any of the keyboards in this comparison—aside from possibly Logitech’s—can match the consistent reliability of Apple’s Magic Keyboard, even if it could benefit from improved materials.

While I found something to appreciate in all the keyboards reviewed, nothing quite matches the allure of magic, does it?

What are your thoughts? Do you use your iPad for writing? If so, which keyboard do you prefer? Share your thoughts in the comments.