Wondering which keyboard will be a perfect budget-fit for the new iPad Pro 2021? Let us walk through the cheaper yet effective Magic Keyboard alternatives.
With Apple recently announcing the 2021 iPad Pro, users worldwide are already busy looking for accessories, one of which is the keyboard, of course. Yes, iPads come with a capable virtual keyboard, but many reasons make owning an external keyboard essential.
To serve the purpose of turning an iPad into a more efficient device, Apple has its Magic Keyboard. According to an official statement, the 2020 model of the Magic Keyboard will be technically compatible with the upcoming variant of the iPad Pro. However, users might have a tough time fitting it in the 12.9-inch model.
Although the scenes are yet to get clear, it seems like Apple is setting up the stage for a newer version of the Magic Keyboard. If it happens, we can’t expect users to get much excited about owning another premium accessory after having to pay minimum $1,099 for the 12.9-inch device itself.
Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro: why is it expensive
Although the Magic Keyboard sets itself up higher in the pricing range, it is also the effective most addition to your iPad. Before choosing a keyboard against the Apple’s official one, you need to learn about the features that make the Magic Keyboard stand out as a premium option. Availability of these features to a certain extent qualifies a keyboard as an effective alternative.
Connectivity: Whenever you decide to connect an external device to your iPad, the very first thing that you look for is how easy it is to deal with connections. With Magic Keyboard’s lightning cable, you get exactly the ease and convenience you seek.
User Experience: One of the best things about the Magic Keyboard is how the overall typing experience turns out. From the keys to the touchpad, everything seems fluent to work with. Besides, the Magic Keyboard also features a light-sensitive backlit that lights up whenever you are working in a low-light environment. This feature goes a long way in enhancing the user experience.
Design and Portability: Another reason that makes up for the Magic Keyboard turning out so good is how well the keyboard is built to meet the looks and portability factors. From the sleek and compact design to the ability to flex in suitable angles, the Magic Keyboard stands out in the convenience factor.
Costing around $300 to $350, the Magic Keyboard can be an expensive option for many. However, the good thing is, there are several cheaper and effective alternatives. Having access to these keyboards that are in this list will ensure you enjoy premium features, spending way less.
Best cheaper Magic Keyboard alternatives for iPad Pro 2021
Now that you are well aware of the features you need to look for while choosing a cheaper alternative to the Magic Keyboard, let us look at the best options available for the upcoming iPad Pro 2021.
- Brydge 12.9 Max+ Wireless Keyboard
- Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard
- Brydge Pro+ Wireless Keyboard
- Typecase Touch iPad Keyboard Case
- Levet Touchpad Keyboard Case
- OMOTON Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard
- Chesona iPad Pro Case
- Logitech K380 with a wireless mouse
Each of the products that we’ve picked for the buying guide comes with best-in-hand reviews from several paying customers to ensure you end up buying a quality product.
Note: These keyboards have been serving as an effective solution for the available iPad Pros. Having said that, it is also expected that the keyboards will perfectly fit into the new iPad Pro 2021 as well.
Best premium Magic Keyboard alternative for the new iPad Pro
Brydge 12.9 MAX+ Wireless Keyboard
Just days when Apple announced its latest iPad Pro, the widely known iPad accessory manufacturer Brydge has joined the party with its latest addition to the keyboard category. Crafted with high-grade aluminum, the Brydge 12.9 Max+ Wireless Keyboard is set to be the most viable and premium alternative to the Magic Keyboard.
Whether we talk about the colors or the building material, it is safe to say that everything has been engineered to match the premium hold of your iPads. Unlike the traditional hinges featured in the former variants of Brydge Keyboards, the 12.9 Max+ brings in an integrated magnetic back panel. This will take care of the convenient fitting and overall protection of your iPad.
But it is not only the design that sets this keyboard apart; there is more to it. From Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity to iOS dedicated shortcut keys, from adjustable backlit keys to the highly efficient battery, this keyboard features the specifications that make it astonishingly advanced.
Besides serving an unmatched typing experience, this keyboard is also set to make users navigate seamlessly; thanks for bringing in the largest multi-touch trackpad ever made for any iPad. The trackpad that comes along this time is not only large but also more optimized when compared to one that features in the Brydge Pro+ keyboard. In simple words, the Brydge 12.9 Max+ wireless keyboard is designed to effectively serve iPads with minimum flaws. The scenes are expected to be similar for the 2021 iPad Pro.
Pricing: The Brydge 12.9 Max+ costs around $249.99. Although a bit expensive, still $100 less than the Magic Keyboard. Check current price on Amazon
Compatibility: iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th & 5th generations)
Pros:
- Premium built
- Efficient connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0
- Highly responsive keys
- Largest ever trackpad for fluid and precise navigation
- Adjustable three-level backlit keys for the different lighting condition
- Viewing angles to up to 135 degrees
- Excellent battery life
Cons:
- Price is a bit on the higher side
Best premium Magic Keyboard alternatives for the new iPad Pro (under $200)
The Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard
Coming from the home of Logitech, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of computer accessories, the Combo Touch wireless keyboard is an effective alternative to the Magic Keyboard. Designed specifically for the iPad Pro, the slim and beautiful keyboard takes typing experience to the very next level.
The keyboard is compact and convenient, providing users with four viewing angles. Whether you are looking to view, type, read, or sketch, setting up your iPad is easy. Besides the viewing modes, the keyboard also features a smooth trackpad and various iOS shortcut keys, which is great for usability. With Logitech’s Combo Touch, it is safe to say that you are getting the most effective keyboard fitting into anyone’s budget.
Pricing: The Logitech Combo Touch costs somewhere around $149.99. Check current price on Amazon.
Compatibility: iPad 7th and 8th Generation
Pros:
- Excellent built providing protection and performance
- It comes with an inbuilt trackpad that serves accurate navigation
- Serves smooth and convenient connectivity
- The viewing angles can be adjusted according to the need
- The keyboard features other utilities like the backlit keys and a holding loop for Apple pencil.
Cons:
- The keyboard with its case is a bit bulky
The Brydge Pro+ Wireless Keyboard For iPad Pro
Brydge Pro+ wireless keyboard can be considered the best cheaper alternative to Apple’s Magic Keyboard. Spending somewhere around $170, you get everything you can ask from a keyboard. The flexible hinge, which allows viewing angles to up to 180, the multi-touch keypad, everything is designed to enhance the typing experience. Unlike the Brydge Max+ you are not getting a magnetic case, however it is important to keep in mind that you are paying $100 less.
Whether you talk about the keypad gestures or how the shortcut keys are designed to meet iPad OS needs, the Brydge Pro+ keyboard brings convenience with next-level performance.
Pricing: The 11 inch and 12.9-inch Pro+ keyboards from Brydge cost around $149.99 and $169.99, respectively. Check current price on Amazon.
Compatibility: iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd and 4th Generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Generation), 4th Generation iPad Air.
Pros:
- Sleek design with quality built
- Efficient connectivity
- Highly responsive keys
- Smooth trackpad for fluid navigation
- Adjustable three-level backlit keys for the different lighting condition
- Excellent battery life
Cons:
- Lacks the three-finger gesture support
Best Magic Keyboard alternatives for the new iPad Pro (under $100)
The Typecase Touch iPad Keyboard Case
Featuring seven different modes, the Typecase Touch iPad is an excellent choice for effective ergonomic typing. The highly precise trackpad with multi-gesture controls will let you navigate along with the iPad in a whole new way. The keyboard features a 360° hinge with which you can comfortably use your iPad for any desired task, from typing documents to watching videos.
Besides flexibility, the keyboard serves convenience with function keys designed to deal with various iPad activities. The keyboard also features ten color adjustable backlit keys, which are sure to drive user experience to the next level.
Price: The Typecase Touch iPad Keyboard Case costs around $69.99. Check current price on Amazon.
Compatibility: iPad 7th and 8th Generation, iPad Air 3, iPad Air Pro 10.5, iPad Air 4, iPad Pro 11, and iPad Pro 12.9
Pros:
- Features Touchpad at very decent pricing
- Efficient connectivity
- Backlit keys with ten different colors
- Compatible with Apple Pencil
- Functional at different viewing angles
- The keyboard case is fully protective
Cons:
- The keys are a bit small
The Levet Touchpad Keyboard Case
Talking about the best alternatives to the Magic Keyboard for something under $100, we have the Touchpad Keyboard case from Levit. Built with effective keys and a precisely sensitive touchpad, typing and scrolling are made easy with this keyboard.
The keyboard case features a 360-degree rotating ability that helps you set different viewing angles at your convenience. Apart from serving the user’s comfort, the keyboard also does justice with the overall look and feel. It comes with two backlit modes: the stable rainbow and the circular breathing rainbow, accompanied by three brightness modes.
Pricing: The Levet Touchpad Keyboard Case costs somewhere around $79.97. Check current price on Amazon.
Compatibility: iPad 3rd Generation 12.9 (2018) and iPad Pro the 4th Generation 12.9 (2021)
Pros:
- Practically easy to use
- Features in-built touchpad
- Excellent battery life
- Includes the Apple Pencil holder
- It comes with three brightness and two unique backlit mode
Cons:
- Weighing 2.4lbs, the keyboard case is pretty heavy to work with
Best Magic Keyboard alternatives for the new iPad Pro (under $50)
Suppose you are looking for a solid keyboard that provides all-over protection at decent pricing. In that case, the Chesona iPad Pro case deserves your attention. Whether you consider the looks or the productivity, either way, this keyboard comes up as an effective alternative to the Magic Keyboard.
The wireless keyboard comes with three different modes: typing, viewing, and reading, enabling you to adjust to your comfort zone easily. The detachable Bluetooth Keyboard also features a magnetic hybrid case that transforms the iPad into a laptop in no time. Besides, the keyboard comes with a powerful battery that works up to 80 hours on a single charge.
Price: The Chesona iPad Pro case costs around $49.99. Check current price on Amazon.
Compatibility: 2018 iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd Gen
Pros:
- It is a highly compatible magnetic keyboard
- Supports Apple Pencil charging
- Features RGB back-lit for an enhanced look
- Serves power with excellent battery life
- It comes with three viewing angles, 120, 125, and 130, to suit your level of comfort
Cons:
- The keyboard lacks a track pad
- Being somewhere around 2.5lbs, the keyboard is a bit on the heavier side
The OMOTON Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard
The Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard from OMOTON is one of the cheapest yet efficient alternatives to the Magic Keyboard. Whether you talk about the design or the performance, this keyboard provides effective results in each case.
From super compatibility to the reasonable Qwerty layout, everything is great about this keyboard. The keyboard is built with a stable scissor mechanism that ensures a precise and comfortable typing experience. Besides, the keyboard also features customized hotkeys designed to serve the common iPad activities conveniently.
Price: $18.99 (For Grey and Black variant) $19.99 (For White and Rose Gold Variant). Check current price on Amazon.
Compatibility: iPad 8th Generation, iPad Air 4th Generation 10.9 Inch, iPad 7th Gen, iPad 6th/ 5th Gen, iPad Pro 12.9 2018/ 2017/2015, iPad Pro11 2018, iPad Pro 10.5/ 9.7, iPad Air 10.5/ Air 2/ Air, iPad mini-5/ 4/ 3/ 2/ 1, iPad 4/3/2/1
Pros:
- Easy to connect, the keyboard is super convenient to use
- Features amazing ergonomic body with soft and sensitive keys
- It comes with an excellent battery life
- Features a Sliding Stand that helps in setting up iPads to a good viewing angle.
Cons:
- As the keyboard is pretty small, it might not be a good option for people with larger hands
- Lacks Trackpad
Best Magic Keyboard alternative for the new iPad Pro (with a wireless mouse)
Logitech K380 Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo
The Logitech K380 is a multi-device wireless device that serves as a perfect budget alternative to the Magic keyboard. Featuring scissor keys, the Logitech K380 wireless keyboard ensures a fluid typing experience. Besides, the keyboard comes with an auto-recognition feature that allows it to connect and optimize its function keys according to the operating system.
The mouse is equally effective in assisting the keyboard. It allows users to carry out the desired activities in a very convenient manner. Whether we consider the seamless connectivity or the ability to provide easy navigation, the wireless mouse that comes with the K380 keyboard somewhat serves the purpose of regular trackpads efficiently.
With that being said, if you are looking for a cheap Magic Keyboard alternative that comes with a wireless mouse, the K380 combo from Logitech deserves special attention.
Pricing: The Keyboard Mouse Combo from Logitech costs $69.98. Check current price on Amazon.
Compatibility: iPadOS 13.1 or later
Pros:
- Supports multi-device pairing
- Features a compact design
- Light typing experience
- It comes with a wireless mouse combo
- Budget-Friendly
- Excellent battery life
Cons:
- The keys don’t feature backlighting
- The keys might feel a bit small for the users with big hands
Frequently asked questions
What is the best iPad Pro 2021 Keyboard to get under $100?
With the latest iPad Pro 2021 lingering around the corner, the quest for cheaper Magic keyboard alternatives is already on. When we talk about two of the best available options for under $100, you have the Typecase Touch iPad Keyboard Case and the Levet Touchpad Keyboard Case.
To date, both are the best keyboards for iPad Pro to get under $100, and they are expected to continue their best run with iPad Pro 2021 as well.
What is the best iPad Pro 2021 Keyboard to get as an alternative to the Magic Keyboard?
The Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard and the Brydge Pro+ Wireless Keyboard For iPad Pro have been serving as the best alternatives to the Magic Keyboard for a long. Whether it be performance or design, both the keyboards are known to serve their purposes efficiently without breaking the budget. So, if you ask about the best iPad Pro 2021 keyboard to get as a replacement for the Magic keyboard you have
- The Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard
- The Brydge Pro+ Wireless Keyboard For iPad Pro
Will the older Apple Magic Keyboard fit into the 2021 iPad Pro?
The answer is yes, but to a certain level when we talk about getting fit precisely. The officials from Apple have recently declared that the first generation of the Magic Keyboard is completely functional and compatible with the newly announced iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation). However, due to the slightly thicker dimensions of the new iPad Pro, it’s possible that the Magic Keyboard may not find a perfect fit when the device is closed, especially when your iPad has a screen protector applied.
Final words
So, if you seek a keyboard for the latest iPad Pro 2021 that serves the purpose of Magic Keyboard without touching its price, then the list mentioned above definitely deserves your attention. The list comprises keyboards that fit every price segment with a distinct set of advantages and disadvantages. Going for the one completely depends upon the features you are looking for and the price you are comfortable paying.
However, considering the freshness of the iPad Pro 2021, you can expect more options to come up in the near future as well. To make sure you never miss out on any of the best gadgets that get introduced for your iPad, visit our website and keep yourself updated.
Just like these keyboards, we have cheaper options available that serve as effective alternatives to the Apple Pencils. Make sure to check them out.
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