Chapter 1: The Magic Keyboard Dilemma

When I acquired the iPad Pro, I was instantly drawn to one keyboard accessory: the Magic Keyboard. While I briefly considered Apple's more affordable Smart Keyboard Folio, my heart was set on the Magic Keyboard even before I had my hands on the iPad. The way the iPad seemed to "float" above the keyboard captivated me, promising a typing experience akin to my MacBook Air. At $350, it was a hefty investment, yet it felt justified.

However, my initial excitement faded. I started with the original dark gray model, which, despite its impressive performance—deemed "magical"—began to frustrate me over time. The typing experience was enjoyable, and the small trackpad was commendable. Yet, I was disappointed with the keyboard's material; for nearly the same cost as a basic iPad, I expected a more premium feel than the standard polyurethane used for Apple's smart covers. I've previously expressed my dislike for this material due to its tendency to attract dust, which you can read about here:

Upon the announcement of the upgraded white keyboard, I decided to give it another go. Surprisingly, this version resisted dirt accumulation much better than its dark gray counterpart, though after a few months, it too began to feel grimy under my fingers. Fortunately, I was nearing the end of my return window at Best Buy, prompting me to investigate alternatives before the deadline approached.

Today, I will explore four distinct alternatives to Apple's Magic Keyboard: Zagg's Pro Keys, Logitech's Combo Touch, Brydge's Max+, and a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse setup that doesn’t encase the tablet.

Let's dive into these options!

Chapter 2: Zagg Pro Keys - A Solid Contender

Zagg Pro Keys. Image by Author.

Over the years, I've owned several Zagg keyboards, including a detachable one for the iPad mini 4 that I adored enough to buy twice. However, I had not considered Zagg in some time, as their cases had become bulkier and less appealing for my sleek iPad.

When searching for keyboard alternatives for the iPad Pro 12.9, Zagg's Pro Keys appeared first in my results, and I was intrigued. The case offers over six feet of drop protection while remaining slim—far from the clunky design I had anticipated. Its magnetic back flap serves as a stand, providing two docking positions for the iPad, making it more user-friendly.

After just twenty minutes of browsing on Best Buy's site, I decided to give the Pro Keys a try, especially at its appealing price of $169—significantly lower than the Magic Keyboard. However, some compromises are present. Notably, the Zagg Pro Keys lacks a trackpad, which is surprising since Zagg offers versions of this keyboard with a trackpad for other iPad models but not the 12.9-inch.

In practice, the absence of a trackpad hasn't been a significant issue for me. If necessary, I've paired a Bluetooth mouse, but generally, I find myself using the touchscreen as intended. This experience has highlighted that trackpad support on the iPad still has room for improvement. While it's come a long way, using my fingers directly on the display remains faster. Zagg’s design encourages interaction with the touchscreen, which aligns with the iPad's intended use.

The Pro Keys connects via Bluetooth, which means a separate charge is required, but Zagg claims a battery life of up to one year (assuming an hour of usage daily). I haven't had to recharge since I began using it, but I do wish Zagg had included a USB-C charging cable in the box for convenience.

The setup is slightly more cumbersome than the Magic Keyboard, but once in position, it feels secure. However, a strong push can dislodge the iPad, raising concerns about the magnetic back flap's ability to keep it safe.

The materials used are softer than Apple's polyurethane, which is a plus, and the keys provide a pleasant typing experience. They have a rounded, "squircle" design that offers good travel and responsiveness. I've easily achieved typing speeds of 98 words per minute with 99% accuracy on Monkeytype.com without any adjustment period. The keyboard also features a full function row and can pair with two devices, providing additional flexibility.

While the Zagg Pro Keys have many positives, they are closer in nature to Apple's Smart Keyboard Folio than the Magic Keyboard. Despite being an improvement over the Smart Keyboard Folio, the Pro Keys still lack some features I value.

In summary, my experience with the Zagg Pro Keys has been quite positive, setting a high standard for the keyboards on this list. Although I don’t think it surpasses the Magic Keyboard, its lower price makes the trade-offs worthwhile.

Chapter 3: Logitech Combo Touch - A Surprising Turnaround

Logitech Combo Touch. Image by Author.

I must admit that when I began this comparison, I had no intention of including the Combo Touch for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. I had previously tested it on smaller iPads and didn’t enjoy the experience.

However, I couldn't ignore the benefits it offered. The keyboard is notably better than Zagg's and almost matches the Magic Keyboard in typing quality. The Combo Touch uses the smart connector, so there’s no need for charging, which is an advantage. Additionally, it allows the iPad to stand independently without the keyboard, which is useful for watching videos or using it in conjunction with a different Bluetooth setup.

The trackpad is excellent—larger than Apple's and clickable anywhere. The kickstand offers various angles, although it lacks the sturdiness of some competitors.

Despite my initial reservations, the Combo Touch has pleasantly surprised me. The typing experience has improved with the larger layout, and the kickstand functionality is a significant advantage. At $229, it occupies a middle price range and is worth considering over the Magic Keyboard.

Chapter 4: Brydge Max+ - Aesthetic Appeal vs. Practicality

Brydge Max+. Image by Author.

Historically, I've steered clear of Brydge keyboards due to their clamp-based design, which I feared could damage my iPad. However, the Brydge Max+ has transitioned to a magnetic backplate, alleviating my concerns.

When I first encountered the Max+, I was impressed by its aesthetic appeal. The keyboard feels premium, and the magnetic backplate is soft to the touch. It transforms the iPad into a MacBook-like device, albeit with some limitations.

While the keyboard is Bluetooth, which means charging is necessary, Brydge claims impressive battery life. The typing experience is solid, and I quickly adapted to the layout, achieving typing speeds of 94 words per minute with 99% accuracy.

However, there are some drawbacks, such as the trackpad's size causing accidental cursor movements while typing. A workaround is available by disabling tap-to-click, which improved usability. Yet, this feature could be better optimized.

Ultimately, while the Brydge Max+ initially seemed like my favorite, the trackpad issues and key squeaks have made it harder to recommend. At $249, it may not be the best alternative to the Magic Keyboard.

Chapter 5: Bluetooth Keyboard and Mouse - The Flexible Setup

Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. Image by Author.

These options aren’t specifically designed for the iPad Pro but can work effectively with it. I recently explored various mechanical keyboards and sought a solution that would allow me to use them alongside my iPad.

For this comparison, I selected the Keychron K3 ultra-slim keyboard, which has become my preferred choice. The flexibility of using any Bluetooth keyboard means users can select a setup that suits their preferences.

While this option may not be as portable as dedicated keyboard cases, it can be the most cost-effective or the most expensive, depending on the choices made. My Keychron K3 costs $94, and the Logitech MX Anywhere 3 mouse is priced at $79.

In conclusion, this Battle Royale led to unexpected results. I initially thought Zagg Pro Keys would be my favorite, but they ended up being the bulkiest option. The Brydge Max+ was a contender due to its aesthetic appeal, but ongoing issues have dampened my enthusiasm. Surprisingly, I found a new appreciation for the Logitech Combo Touch, which offers a pleasant typing experience and functional design.

As for the Magic Keyboard, it remains an impressive product despite its material shortcomings. It provides a reliable typing experience that many alternatives struggle to match. Ultimately, while I found redeemable qualities in all keyboards tested, the Magic Keyboard's allure is hard to beat.

What are your thoughts? Do you use your iPad for typing? Which keyboard do you prefer? Share your insights in the comments.