We may earn compensation from reviewed products. Learn about our editorial policies.
Need-To-Knows
- Magic Keyboard remains the easiest choice for the Apple ecosystem
- Logitech Combo Touch is a great, cheaper alternative
- Logitech Flip Folio has no trackpad, but it is super convenient
With the introduction of iPadOS 26, the iPad is beginning a long-overdue and admittedly slow evolution into a true laptop replacement, boasting features like windowed multitasking, better file management, and improved app functionality.
These upgrades highlight the need for a reliable keyboard, something that transforms the iPad into a versatile workhorse rather than just a content consumption device. Whilst iPadOS 26 isn’t the perfect update, there are many things left to be desired as you can see in my iPad OS 26 review, having a top-quality keyboard that suits your needs goes a long way.
In this article, I’ll dive into three of the most talked-about iPad keyboards: Apple’s Magic Keyboard, Logitech’s Combo Touch, and the new, more divisive Logitech Flip Folio. Each has its strengths, but which one is the best fit for your iPad setup? Let’s break it down.
Shop the keyboards below!
Magic Keyboard
Logitech Combo Touch
Logitech Flip Folio
Apple Magic Keyboard: The Easy (Expensive) Option
Pros:
- Seamless setup with no pairing or charging required
- Excellent typing experience with backlit, full-sized keys
- Best-in-class trackpad for smooth navigation
Cons:
- Expensive, especially when bundled with an iPad
- Adds bulk and weight to the iPad
- Lacks full protection for the sides of the iPad
| Feature | 11-inch iPad Air Version | 12.9-inch iPad Pro Version |
| Price | £269 | £349 |
| Compatibility | iPad Air, iPad Pro 11-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch | iPad Pro 12.9-inch |
| Keyboard Type | Scissor Switch | Scissor Switch |
| Backlit Keys | Yes | Yes |
| Trackpad | Yes | Yes |
| Protection | Partial (screen, rear) | Partial (screen, rear) |
| Charging | No (powered via iPad) | No (powered via iPad) |
If you’re looking for the most seamless and polished iPad keyboard experience, Apple’s Magic Keyboard is hard to beat. It offers everything Apple fans love: a refined design, fantastic integration, and an outstanding trackpad. But with all that luxury comes a hefty, perhaps unjustifiable, price tag.
What sets the Magic Keyboard apart is its zero-fuss setup. As soon as you attach your iPad, it’s good to go, no Bluetooth pairing, no charging required. It’s the epitome of typical Apple ecosystem convenience.
Plus, the typing experience is top-notch. The keys are well-spaced, responsive, and backlit, which is a nice touch when typing in low light. Add to that the excellent trackpad, and you’ve got an accessory that turns your iPad into a highly functional laptop alternative. Apple’s trackpad is, without question, one of the best on the market, providing smooth and precise navigation through iPadOS.
Related: Read my full Magic Keyboard review
However, no product is without its drawbacks. One of the biggest issues with the Magic Keyboard is its lack of protection. While it does a good job of safeguarding the screen and rear of the iPad, the sides remain completely exposed. If you prefer using your iPad in its natural tablet form without the keyboard attached, you’re left with an iPad that’s vulnerable to scratches.
In addition, the Magic Keyboard adds quite a bit of weight to the iPad, which, for some, can make it feel bulkier than necessary. As much as the typing experience is excellent, the added weight can feel cumbersome if you’re after something ultra-lightweight and portable.
Best wireless mechanical keyboard? Kinesis mWave review
Lastly, there’s the price, which is probably the biggest turn off in truth. The Magic Keyboard is an investment, starting at £269 for the 11-inch iPad Air version and going up to £349 for the 13-inch iPad Pro. While it’s an exceptional product, it’s not the most affordable, or as you might be about to find out, the best value option.
For those who are all-in on the Apple ecosystem and want the ultimate trackpad experience, the Magic Keyboard is a top choice. But it’s not for everyone…
Logitech Combo Touch: Great Value and Functionality
Pros:
- Affordable compared to the Magic Keyboard
- Detachable keyboard for easy tablet use
- Full protection for the iPad when keyboard is detached
Cons:
- Trackpad quality is good but not as refined as Apple’s
- Material can attract smudges, especially on the keyboard
| Feature | 10.2-inch iPad Version | 11-inch iPad Pro Version | 12.9-inch iPad Pro Version |
| Price | £159.99 | £179.99 | £229.99 |
| Compatibility | iPad 7th-9th Gen | iPad Pro 11-inch | iPad Pro 12.9-inch |
| Keyboard Type | Scissor Switch | Scissor Switch | Scissor Switch |
| Backlit Keys | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Trackpad | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Protection | Full | Full | Full |
| Charging | No (Smart Connector) | No (Smart Connector) | No (Smart Connector) |
If you want something more affordable without sacrificing too much in terms of performance, the Logitech Combo Touch is a fantastic alternative. Starting at £159, the Combo Touch offers a solid typing experience, decent trackpad performance, and the bonus of full protection for your iPad, all without breaking the bank.
One of the standout features of the Combo Touch is its detachable keyboard. This flexibility allows you to easily switch between using the iPad as a laptop or as a tablet. When you’re done typing, you can simply detach the keyboard, leaving your iPad completely free for tablet use.
Check out my Logitech Combo Touch review
Unlike the Magic Keyboard, the Combo Touch also provides full protection for your iPad, so you won’t need to worry about exposing the sides or rear. It’s a small difference, I know, but one that is so oddly ignored by Apple.
The typing experience is very good as well. The keys have good travel, it’s backlit, but you can tell there’s a very slight downgrade from the Magic Keyboard in terms of the overall typing feel. The trackpad, while good, doesn’t quite live up to Apple’s standard. It’s perfectly functional but lacks the crisp responsiveness of the Magic Keyboard’s trackpad. However, given the price difference, it’s a minor compromise.
Buying Guide: Find out the best iPad for you!
Besides the trackpad, the only other downside I can think of about the Combo Touch is that the material it’s made from can attract smudges easily. There also isn’t that seamless ecosystem pairing but it isn’t a problem at all. Overall, it offers a great typing experience for nearly £100 less. That’s pretty hard to argue against.
Logitech Flip Folio: A Perfect Medium?
Pros:
- Lightweight and super portable with a simple design
- Magnetic keyboard attachment when needed
- Affordable at £159
Cons:
- No trackpad
- Sides of the iPad are left exposed
- Keyboard can detach easily when placed in very tight spaces
| Feature | 11-inch iPad Air/Pro Version | 12.9-inch iPad Pro Version |
| Price | £159.99 | £179.99 |
| Compatibility | iPad Air, iPad Pro | iPad Pro 12.9-inch |
| Keyboard Type | Membrane | Membrane |
| Backlit Keys | No | No |
| Trackpad | No | No |
| Protection | Partial | Partial |
| Charging | No (Bluetooth) | No (Bluetooth) |
I wrote recently about how much I loved Logitech’s Flip Folio case. It’s an ingenious bit of design that nails my exact use case. I still love it now. But it definitely isn’t for everyone, mainly because it doesn’t have a trackpad (gasp!).
The Logitech Flip Folio is designed to promote a tablet-first experience. It functions normally as a case, but instead of the keyboard coming attached as part of the wider case body, it magnetically attaches to the rear.
That means the keyboard is totally wireless which is freeing when you need to be adaptable to different workspaces. The lack of trackpad forces you to use the iPad’s touchscreen, which I quite like because, well, that’s the whole point of having a tablet right?
When you’re done typing, you simply chuck the keyboard back onto its magnetic slot and it turns itself off. Then you’re free to use your iPad as a tablet via the built-in stand without a clunky keyboard in the way. It’s brilliant for people who need a keyboard every now and then. And hey, if you do need mouse capabilities still, you could just buy a Logitech MX Master 3S and have the best of both worlds!
Best iPad alternative? OnePlus Pad 3 review
Even better, the battery is rated to last two years, but even if it doesn’t, you can easily replace them at home. Perfect!
The main drawbacks are the lack of full protection of the sides of the iPad and that the keyboard can sometimes detach when placed into a tight bag. You kind of just have to get used to putting it in the right way.
All of this does mean that the Flip Folio is incredibly lightweight and easy to carry around, noticeably so compared to the others in this article. And it starts at £159 for the 11-inch iPad, making it the cheapest too.
It’s definitely a case of try before you buy with the Flip Folio, just in case you really can’t get onboard with the wireless design or lack of trackpad. But if you’re like me, you’ll love it.
Which Keyboard Is Right for You?
Your choice of iPad keyboard depends largely on how you plan to use your device.
Read my list of the best iPad accessories
- If you want the best of everything, easy integration and don’t mind paying a premium for it, the Magic Keyboard is the obvious choice. It offers superior trackpad performance, seamless pairing, and a polished typing experience. But the price, bulk, and lack of full protection may be dealbreakers for some.
- For those looking for great value and functionality, the Logitech Combo Touch offers the best of both worlds. You get all-around protection, a solid typing experience, and a good trackpad at a more reasonable price. It’s kind of a no-brainer if the Magic Keyboard is too expensive for you.
- But, if you’re less concerned with making your iPad fully into a laptop, but need a keyboard occasionally, the Logitech Flip Folio is an excellent bit of kit. It’s lightweight, so the best for travelling, affordable, and offers just the right amount of keyboard functionality without the bulk of a full case. It’s still my favourite!
The good news is, if you buy any one of these products, you’ll be satisfied. Apple is Apple; they make great stuff that works very well with its own devices. But you’re in just as safe a pair of hands with Logitech when it comes to this kind of stuff, so have no fear if you decide to save a bit of cash!
