All the iPad Trackpad Keyboard Cases You Can Buy

 Apple 's official Bluetooth mouse and trackpad support for iPads was introduced with the release of iPadOS 13.4 in March 2020. Support for Apple's own standalone keyboards , mice and trackpads, as well as third-party input devices, has been added to the update. It also paved the way for the launch of Apple's own Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro, which debuted in late April ahead of schedule.

The new Magic Keyboard from Apple is not the only iPad keyboard case with a multi-touch trackpad built-in, though. We round up all the latest all-in-one case choices for iPad owners looking to take advantage of keyboard and trackpad input in this frequently updated post.

1. Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro

The $300 Magic Keyboard connects magnetically to the iPad Pro, starting with Apple's own, and includes a floating design that fits on either a lap or a desk, and an integrated trackpad to monitor an onscreen pointer, enabling users to enhance their workflows in different ways.

It features cantilevered hinges for smooth viewing angle changes of up to 130 degrees, including a full-size backlit keyboard and a scissor mechanism that provides 1 mm of movement. The only real downside is that there is a lack of a row of function keys in the layout, so users have no dedicated key to change certain device settings, including the brightness of the keyboard backlight.

For other accessories, USB-C pass-through charging leaves the USB-C port open on the iPad Pro. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) and the iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation) are both backwards compatible with both Apple's 2018 iPad Pro models.

The weight, which adds quite a lot of bulk to the iPad Pro, was the biggest concern about the new Magic Keyboard. The 12.9-inch model combined with a Magic Keyboard is actually heavier than that of a MacBook Air.

2. Brydge Plus Pro Keyboard

Brydge unveiled a 'iPad Pro' keyboard with a built-in multi-touch trackpad long before Apple launched trackpad support in iOS 13.4. Initially, the trackpad was included to take advantage of the features of AssistiveTouch on iPadOS, but now that Apple offers wider trackpad support, Brydge requires users to upgrade the firmware of their computer using the Bridge Link software to take advantage of the added functionality.

Using a set of hinges, the Brydge Plus Pro keyboard connects to the iPad Pro to allow the angle of the iPad Pro to be adjusted to match. It is made entirely of aluminium, like the iPad Pro, so the two match up well.

With three brightness stages, the full-size QWERTY keyboard features LED-backlit keys. It also features dedicated iPad settings, including a Siri button and access to the home screen options, iPad locking, brightness adjustment, media playback control, and more.

There are cases available for the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro versions of the new generation for $200 and $300 respectively, but the Brydge connects via Bluetooth 4.1 instead of the Smart Connector, unlike Apple's Magic Keyboard. As such, it has to be separately charged, and has a three-month battery life per charge advertised.

3. Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard Case with Trackpad for iPad, iPad Air, and 10.5-Inch iPad Pro

For the 10.2-inch iPad and the 10.5-inch iPad Air, Logitech keyboard cases with built-in trackpads are both priced at $150. The keyboards attach to the Smart Connector on each iPad thanks to Apple 's design feedback, meaning no batteries are needed. The 10.5-inch iPad Air's keyboard case is also compatible with the older 10.5-inch iPad Pro.

The full-sized keyboards feature an integrated trackpad with support for Multi-Touch gestures, backlit keys, a 50-degree tilt kickback stand, and four texting, viewing, reading, and sketching use modes.

A row of function keys are also present, with other options available to access the home screen, change the brightness of the screen, access search, and access media controls. For the original Apple Pencil or Logitech Crayon, the case provides some security to the iPad and contains a holder.

Style wise, thanks to the cloth design, the keyboard case has a Microsoft Surface look and feel to it, providing complete security for the iPad, except for the portion where the keyboard attaches. With the attached keyboard, when the case is closed and not in use, the iPad is secured.

4. Logitech Folio Touch Keyboard Case With Trackpad Designed for 11-inch iPad Pro

The Logitech Folio Touch is Logitech's first trackpad keyboard designed for the 11-inch iPad Pro (2018 and 2020 models) and functions as an alternative to the Magic Keyboard of Apple itself. Logitech has previously launched the Combo Touch, a trackpad keyboard that fits with the iPad 7th generation, the iPad Air, and the iPad Pro 10.5-inch.

• Logitech's $160 Folio Touch vs. Apple's $300 Magic Keyboard

The Folio Touch, similar in nature to the Combo Touch, features a case that wraps around the iPad along with a laptop-like keyboard with a built-in trackpad that fits with the trackpad support of the iPad Pro. There is also an adjustable kickstand, an Apple Pencil holder, and four use modes that include texting, viewing, sketching, and reading, to allow greater positioning flexibility.

The keyboard is powered by the iPad Pro 's Smart Connector, so it does not need to be charged and does not need to be connected via Bluetooth. The keyboard can be folded back behind the iPad Pro when not needed for typing, a function not available with Apple's own Magic Keyboard.

For $160, Logitech is offering the Folio Touch. For iPad Pro, Apple's Magic Keyboard is much more pricey at $300, but the Folio Touch certainly has affordability in its corner.