I know the two main keyboards people recommend are
Apple magic keyboard $399 plus tax (openbox: $299)
Logitech combo touch $299.99 plus tax
I also noticed ESR has decent ratings, I just got their folio and the quality is nice. Does anyone have their keyboard folio in the picture I posted? That keyboard is only $149.99
Prices in CAD. (Imagine 35-40% off in USD)
Videos
Why you should get a keyboard for iPad
A keyboard for the iPad is useful because it makes typing more efficient and comfortable. For longer texts or documents, a physical keyboard is usually faster and more precise than typing on the touchscreen.
The use of a keyboard promotes a better hand posture, reduces fatigue during longer writing sessions and thus reduces the load on the hands. In addition, navigating and editing texts is much easier by using keyboard shortcuts.
Does a keyboard affect the use of the iPad in other applications?
Yes, a keyboard can interfere with the use of iPad in certain applications, especially if they are heavily dependent on touch gestures. It can be cumbersome to switch between keyboard and touchscreen, which can interfere with the workflow. Therefore, it is advantageous if the keyboard has a touchpad.
Do I need a trackpad?
With the latest iPad OS versions, Apple has improved the support of the mouse and trackpad, under iOS 26 you can now work with it even better.
I bought it for work while traveling. Weight, protection and word processing concerns. It will be thrown in my personal item which depending on the trip may or may not have a separate laptop sleeve.
I would LOVE a forward delete key, this is my biggest frustration with anything Apple. Also backlighting.
I have a pencil but do not plan to use it much, I do mostly word processing, and Google sheets. I will most likely not be typing off-line on plane as I need access to the research online.
I am not creative or a gamer. Plan to use it for watching movies on planes as well. Does it make sense for me to also get a cheap case or is that overkill and another thing to bring?
The guy at the store recommended the logictech. Will probably be ordering from Amazon for a quick delivery in the US.
I looked at the magic keyboard, but other than the expense I don’t like how it doesn’t enclose the perimeter apparently
I'm not planning to spend another $300 on a Keyboard again just for it to not be compatible with the next generation of iPads.
I'm looking for the best Magic Keyboard alternatives, any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thinking of getting the Magic Keyboard but not sure if worth getting it instead of the Logitech Combo Touch. The only downside of the Logitech one is that doesn’t have the power Botton to turn the iPad off and the material they use is not nice. The magic keyboard look and feel nice but doesnt have a case to protect the ipad. Do you use the ipad naked without any case when you remove it from the magic keyboard?