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 :)
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!
Videos
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!
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?
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!
Find the photos of what I’m comparing here.
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?
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 :)
Do you recommend the Magic Keyboard? I’ve tried it and I’m impressed. I want to use for writing emails on gmail app, use Microsoft office for studies for assignments and my full time job. Sheets works perfectly on my iPad so I’m happy with that personally. Zoom calls for online classes while making notes. It would be easier as I commute a lot to appointments for evaluations of clients properties to make notes as well rather than bringing a MacBook everywhere with me. I feel it will cater more for my lifestyle especially also I travel sometimes as well. I even intentionally configured to 256GB as that’s enough for my games etc. I like iPadOS as it’s not all over the place and stage manager. I think it can really work really nicely for me, especially as an alternative laptop.
I just bought the 2024 IPad Air 11’ M2 model to replace my 2014 model. For years, I’ve loved the Logitech keyboard case. When I look for a keyboard case for my new Ipad, I am dismayed to find Logitech models all come with the TouchPad. I detest using a TouchPad and hate the way it takes up space on the keyboard that could be used for the actual keys.
Zagg makes a couple models without the touchpad, but their reviews lead me to question if that is aa good option.
Any recommendations for a non-touchpad keyboard for the IPad Air 11” M2 model? Ideally, it would also provide decent protection for the Ipad. I use my IPad several hours a day, so battery life for the keyboard is an important consideration for me.
TIA for any suggestions!
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.
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?
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.
Hello everyone! I recently got a refurbished air 5, with a magic keyboard. I wanted the keyboard so I don't have to carry my 13" macbook pro around as much (I am clumsy and have dropped it on more than one occasion and it is quite heavy), but my main use for the iPad is note taking. It's quite awkward to write with the keyboard on but I don't want to have it out without a case when writing out of fear of damage.
I'm looking into either getting a case compatible with the keyboard (in pics) or a folio type case (but I don't want to deal with carrying a folio and the keyboard). Which one is more ideal for this scenario?
Thanks!
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!