I use my apple pen a lot to annotate my work because I prefer it. My current case is the typical tri-foldable one that elevates the iPad slightly so I can write better, with no keyboard.
But I was thinking of upgrading to a case with a keyboard as I type as well. But most of the cases with keyboards are inconvenient for annotating comfortably. Pls share some advice if you have any :)
Also, what about iPad cases, any recommendations for ones that offer good quality and protection?
And does the Apple Magic Keyboard provide decent overall protection for the iPad, or would I still need a separate case?
Videos
I was able to snag a brand new one for $55 on Facebook marketplace but I’d pay full price for it. Key travel is excellent and keys are clicky, trackpad is responsive, love the backlit keys, battery life seems great. My favorite part about this is that the iPad itself is in a case that you can remove from the keyboard if you want to use it in your hands. Very satisfied with ESR products…I’ve had other ESR cases in the past and they never disappoint. In my particular case I have the M2 13” Air, but they make this case for the pro models as well as the base iPad. Highly recommend!
First time buying an iPad and not sure what case and keyboard I now need. Obviously I want a cover to protect it but when I look online there’s so many different options it’s a mindfield 🙈 do I need the apple Smart Folio case or will an Amazon similar one be ok? And for a keyboard is it a magic or Smart Keyboard and is that a whole separate case then?
Just interested what keyboards that ARENT the magic keyboard that I could use! someone said there's a logitech. I would looks some recommendations!
Find the photos of what I’m comparing here.
I’m trying to choose a case for when I get an iPad Air M2, but I, wondering if you’d ever actually use the keyboard on an iPad case. I think it would be cool to use it like a laptop, but I’ve heard the keyboard can be quite low quality on the cases that aren’t more than 100 dollars. Btw If you have any case suggestions please comment them
What cases would you recommend to use with the magic keyboard? I'm very nervous about having the edges not protected.
I would also be interested in a folio case that would be easy to switch between the magic keyboard.
Thanks!
Hi everyone!
I just got my first iPad ever, an iPad Air M3 13” and honestly I’m a little scared to even hold it without a case or screen protector yet. 😅 I really want to make sure it stays protected and I’d love some advice from you more experienced iPad owners.
Right now, I’ve been looking at ESR cases and screen protectors, but I’m not sure if they’re the best choice. Are they good quality? Or is there something better I should get instead?
Ideally I’d like:
A case that protects well even if the iPad too bulky.
A screen protector that’s easy to install and doesn’t ruin the display quality.
Something that will keep my iPad safe from scratches or drops if I’m carrying it around.
Any suggestions on brands, models, or even what kind of case to get (folio? rugged? clear?) would be super helpful.
I bought an iPad Air recently and I’ve been feeling that I need a keyboard for it.
There are plenty of options besides the actual Magic Keyboard, but the review videos never answered my question.
Do these non-apple keyboards have delay issues? If so which one is better considering this delay aspect?
I’ve been searching about bettdow, ESR and some other brands, unfortunately the internet couldn’t answer my question yet.
Appreciate it :)
Just submitted my order for a 13 inch iPad Air. I’ll need a keyboard case for it, but I don’t want to pay through the nose for a Magic Keyboard. I have no idea and couldn’t easily find whether the dimensions of the older 12.9 inch Pro are that close to the new 13 inch Air. Thoughts?
I’ve been using an iPad Pro M4 13” with the Magic Keyboard (MKB) for a while now, and my wife has an iPad Air 11” paired with the ESR Keyboard Case. After messing around with both setups, I’ve got a solid feel for what each one brings to the table. Here’s the breakdown—keeping it casual, just my thoughts.
Why the Magic Keyboard Works for Me
So, I mostly use my iPad Pro as a MacBook replacement, and the MKB absolutely delivers. The touchpad is next-level—it makes multitasking smooth, and gestures just feel natural. The extra USB-C passthrough? A lifesaver for charging while still using the main port for other stuff.
Plus, the design is sleek, the keys feel great, and it’s built like a tank. Yeah, it’s expensive, but when I need to get work done, it does everything I ask for without missing a beat.
What Makes ESR’s Keyboard Case Cool 1. Magnets That Actually Make Sense: ESR’s magnets let you stick your iPad however you want—horizontal, vertical, even higher up for a better view. It’s super versatile, which is something I wish the MKB could do. 2. Full-On Protection: ESR includes a back case that covers all four edges of the iPad. You can use the keyboard with or without it, which is nice. My wife keeps the back case on all the time, paired with an ESR screen protector, and her iPad feels way more protected than mine ever does.
MKB’s Downsides – It’s Not All Perfect
Don’t get me wrong—I love the MKB, but it’s not flawless. I’m using a PITAKA case that’s supposed to be “compatible,” but I had to trim the corners to get the MKB to close properly. Seriously, scissors were involved.
Also, screen protectors are a no-go for me. I tried one, and the MKB wouldn’t close flush, so I just gave up on that entirely. For what this setup costs, you’d think compatibility would be less of a headache.
Why ESR Makes More Sense for the 11” iPad
The MKB is great when you’re using an iPad as a full-blown laptop replacement, like I do. The touchpad, the USB-C passthrough, and the premium design all make sense for that kind of workflow. But for my wife’s 11” iPad Air? The ESR Keyboard Case is perfect.
It covers 80% of what I actually need day-to-day, adds some cool extras (like flexibility with viewing angles), and does it all for a fraction of the price. If I were going with an 11” iPad again, I’d skip the MKB entirely and grab the ESR instead.
Final Thoughts
The Magic Keyboard is awesome for power users like me, but the ESR Keyboard Case is a killer option for most people. It’s protective, flexible, and way more affordable—without feeling like you’re giving up much.
Is the Apple Keyboard worth it?
I just purchased an iPad Air 13 inch plus an Apple Pencil pro and I was wondering which cases do y’all use? I would like to have one where the keyboard attaches but at the same time idk.
Just wanted to know/see what others are using. Thanks!
I refuse to pay 99 dollars for a Smart Folio. I use my iPad mainly for watching YouTube videos and series. Do not have a need to use it for work or school, neither for pencil.
I’ve been questioning myself if I need something as bulky as the Zugu or brown ESR. Would love that Pitaka looks so cool. What would you recommend? Also, are Casetify impact folio cases good?
recently purchased a new ipad im afraid to use it with out a case.. i dont know what case to go for i like to be able to cover the screen when not using it
Just bought the same Ipad.
Tried 3 cases so far :
ESR Rebound 360 : high quality case but I don’t like material used for the part which is supposed to protect the screen as it is a dust magnet and the dust is sticking to the material. The rest of the case is getting dirty very fast and it is a finger print magnet. Unfortunate because in terms of functionality it’s the best IMO
KingBlanc Case : better design than the ESR. Leather like material, i find it beautiful and classy.
The part which si protecting the screen is a softer material than the ESR (less chances to have sticky dust)
In terms of versatility the ESR is better as this one has only some landscape viewing angles
Timovo folio case : Simple folio case i like it but prefer the kingblanc so far. Th only thing I like more on this one is the type of soft leather protecting the screen, this is the less likely to have dust
So far I might keep the KingBlanc
Zugu cases are my go to cases for iPads. That’s all the company makes. They are well made and durable. They are also very reasonably priced. The only case I use. Never had any damage to one of my iPads.