Since its introduction, Apple's iPad has seen its share of changes. Originally thought of as something to use mainly for play, both the iPad hardware and software have grown over the years.
But now, thanks to the powerful processors and several great productivity features, iPads can tackle almost any type of workload. One of the best is the 11-inch iPad Pro.
We're taking a look at some of the best keyboard cases for the 11-inch iPad Pro to help you add a big shot of productivity to your work session.
It should come as no surprise, but one of the best iPad Pro keyboard options is from Apple itself. The Apple Magic Keyboard attaches magnetically to the iPad Pro Smart Connector and takes power from the tablet, so you don't need to worry about recharging.
Thanks to a floating cantilever design, you can adjust the iPad Pro to find the best possible angle. The keyboard sports full-size backlit keys and a scissor mechanism that provides 1mm of travel. An additional USB-C port on the keyboard's side allows passthrough charging or connecting other accessories like a hard drive or display.
Using the trackpad, you can take advantage of many multi-touch gestures, including the ability to open the dock, go home, open the Notification Center, and more. When on the go, the case folds into a folio that protects the tablet's back and screen.
- Features both a backlit keyboard and trackpad
- Cantilever design allows for adjustable viewing angle
- Available in two color options
- Brand: Apple
- Backlight: Yes
- Additional USB-C port allows for passthrough charging and more
- Also compatible with the fourth-generation iPad Air
- Expensive compared to other options
The Logitech Folio Touch provides great protection for the 11-inch iPad Pro and great features to help you get work done. The backlit keyboard will automatically adjust its brightness depending on the lighting of your environment, so you'll always be able to see the keys.
There is also a whole row of iPad-specific shortcut keys to access popular functions. An integrated trackpad is compatible with iPad Pro multi-touch gestures. Using the iPad Smart Connector, the keyboard doesn't need to be charged or paired to the tablet.
An adjustable kickstand can place the tablet in a range of 40 degrees for the best viewing angle. When done with typing, there is also a sketch, view, and read mode. The case provides great protection from bumps and scratches.
As a nice touch, a secure magnetic latch helps keep it closed when packed away. There is also a place for you to store a second-generation Apple Pencil or Logitech Crayon.
- Backlit keyboard will automatically adjust the to lighting around you
- Multi-touch trackpad
- Compatible with all three generations of 11-inch iPad Pro
- Brand: Logitech
- Backlight: Yes
- Uses the iPad Pro Smart Connector and doesn't need to be recharged
- Provides place for Apple Pencil or Logitech Crayon
- Only one color available
Arteck's iPad Pro Keyboard is a great way to bring a keyboard to your iPad Pro without breaking the bank. The keyboard offers a standard Mac layout with larger keys for a better typing experience.
A built-in battery provides up to 100 hours of use. And it only takes two hours to charge the dead cell completely. It connects to a tablet via Bluetooth. When on the go, the case offers complete coverage of an iPad.
Along with all three generations of 11-inch iPad Pro, it's also compatible with the fourth-generation iPad Air. The keyboard case is backed with a 24-month warranty.
- The case protects the front and rear of the iPad Pro when on the go
- Keyboard will automatically go into sleep mode after a few minutes of no activity
- Built-in battery lasts for up to 100 hours of use
- Brand: Arteck
- Backlight: No
- Stand provides multiple viewing angles for the tablet
- Stand provides multiple viewing angles for the tablet
- Low battery life compared to other options
Brydge's 11.0 Pro+ is another option that provides both a multi-touch trackpad and keyboard for your iPad Pro. Compatible with all three generations of 11-inch iPad Pro, Brydge includes a snap-on magnetic cover to protect the tablet's back from scratches and dents.
The Space Gray keyboard features three levels of backlit keys to better adjust to where you're typing. A built-in rechargeable battery provides up to three months of regular use on a single charge. When it comes time for a recharge, you'll use the included USB-C cable.
Thanks to the unique hinge system for the iPad Pro, you can adjust the tablet for viewing angles of anywhere from 0 to 180 degrees. You can interact with the iPad Pro using gestures, including a two-finger scroll and a two-finger swipe on the trackpad.
- Built-in rechargeable battery lasts for up to three months
- Viewing angles from 0 to 180 degrees
- Also features multi-touch trackpad
- Brand: Brydge
- Backlight: Yes
- Three levels of backlit keys
- Made with durable aluminum
- Just available in one color
The ZAGG Pro Keys is a versatile way to bring a keyboard to your 11-inch iPad Pad Pro. The backlit keyboard can shine one of seven colors to help you type no matter the location. Whenever you're done with work, you can remove the case from the keyboard to still protect the tablet.
The case also sports a built-in holder for an Apple Pencil. Using Bluetooth, the keyboard can connect to two devices simultaneously, so you can toggle back and forth between a tablet and phone if needed.
The rechargeable battery can provide up to a year of use before needing to be charged. The case itself can protect the iPad Pro from drops of up to 6.6 feet.
- Tablet and case can be detached from keyboard
- Backlit keys can show one of seven different colors
- Case provides drop protection of up to 6.6 feet
- Brand: ZAGG
- Backlight: Yes
- Compatible with all three generations of 11-inch iPad Pro
- The keyboard can pair to two devices simultaneously
- No built-in trackpad
If you're more interested in a thin and lightweight keyboard without a trackpad, Apple's Smart Keyboard Folio should be on the top of your list. There's no need to worry about pairing or battery life.
The keyboard, compatible with all three generations of 11-inch iPad Pro and fourth-generation iPad Air, uses the tablet's Smart Connector. So you attach the folio and start typing. You can place the tablet into two viewing angles to better fit your workspace.
The full-sized keyboard is covered with fabric that is designed to fend off liquid spills and crumbs. And when it's time to hit the road, this option protects both the front and back of your iPad Pro.
- Offers a full-sized keyboard
- Two viewing angles for the tablet
- Lightweight protection for the front and rear of the iPad Pro
- Brand: Apple
- Backlight: No
- Never needs charging or pairing thanks to Smart Connector
- Compatible with all three models of 11-inch iPad Pro and fourth-generation iPad Air
- Keyboard isn't backlit
The Typecase Touch 360° is a versatile option that provides a full keyboard and trackpad for the 2018 and 2020 11-inch iPad Pro. The keyboard features a whole row of iPad-specific keys to help you quickly accomplish tasks. Along with three levels of backlighting, you can choose from one of 10 available colors to make the typing experience unique.
One of the best features is a 360-degree hinge that provides almost unlimited viewing angles for the tablet and other useful options, including a true tablet mode—all without needing to remove the case. There is also a dedicated Apple Pencil holder, so you won't lose the expensive stylus. You can select from three vibrant colors; Rose, Platinum, or Light Green.
- Full row of iPad-specific shortcut keys
- Place iPad in almost any viewing angle imaginable
- 2.4-inch touchpad
- Brand: Typecase
- Backlight: Yes
- Available in three vibrant colors
- Select from one of 10 colors for backlit keyboard
- Just for the 2018 and 2020 11-inch iPad Pro
FAQ
Q: Why Do I Need a Keyboard Case For My 11-inch iPad Pro?
If you want to make your iPad Pro a laptop replacement, a keyboard case is pretty much a must-have accessory. A keyboard case will allow you to respond to email, type a report, and much more with ease instead of trying to fiddle with the on-screen iPad keyboard.
Many keyboard cases also feature a trackpad to give you even more control of your work session using the 11-inch iPad Pro. And as a big plus, most keyboard cases will offer complete protection of the expensive tablet when on the go.
Q: How Does a Keyboard Case Connect to an 11-inch iPad Pro?
There are two major ways that a keyboard case will connect to the 11-inch iPad Pro.
Some cases will use the built-in Smart Connector on the rear of the tablet. The advantage of that option is that you don't need to worry about an external power source for the keyboard, as it takes a small amount of power from the tablet itself.
Alternatively, other keyboard cases connect to the iPad Pro using Bluetooth. Those options usually feature a built-in rechargeable battery.
Q: What Should I Look for in an 11-inch iPad Pro Keyboard Case?
With the popularity of the 11-inch iPad Pro, there are a wide variety of keyboard cases available in different price ranges. Before purchasing a keyboard cases, decide how much work you plan to do on your iPad. If it is being used your main work machine, there are many options with higher-end options like trackpad and backlit keys for a better experience.
If you just plan on doing an occasional work session, there are also a number of options that won't break the bank.
