There are times when I prefer not to carry both my MacBook and iPad—especially for tasks I can do on either device. With that in mind, I needed a keyboard case for my iPad but decided against investing in one of Apple’s keyboards for these reasons.
1Third-Party Keyboards Are Cheaper
While I’m a big fan of anything Apple, its products are expensive enough to leave a dent in my wallet. Since I already own a MacBook and use it for most of my work, I only needed an iPad keyboard to occasionally write articles or handle tasks, like replying to emails, when I don’t have my MacBook with me–for example, when I’m at college with just my iPad.
Apple sells two keyboard cases for my 5th generation iPad Air: the Magic Keyboard and the Smart Keyboard Folio, priced at $299 and $179 respectively. While I could justify the price if I relied solely on my iPad, I can’t justify spending that much on an accessory for a device I mostly use for school and occasionally for work.
That’s when I realized a third-party keyboard would be the ideal solution. It would suit my needs and save me a significant amount of money. I ended up buying the Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s keyboard for $39.99 from Logitech’s website. You can get it for even cheaper, for $27, on Amazon.
The bottom line is that whether you choose Logitech or another brand, third-party keyboards are typically much cheaper than anything with Apple’s name on them. So, perhaps you shouldn’t waste your money on the Magic Keyboard when cheaper alternatives exist.
2Apple’s iPad Keyboards Aren’t Practical
Since I use my iPad primarily for note-taking, I constantly switch between writing with the Apple Pencil and typing. None of Apple’s keyboards for my iPad Air can fold back fully, meaning they would get in the way when I want to use my stylus comfortably.
I would either have to use it at an angle or fold the keyboard behind, which is far from ideal for extended use with the Apple Pencil. This meant there was simply no way to write comfortably with the Apple Pencil while still having the option to type.
Therefore, a separate Bluetooth keyboard that I can easily set aside when I want to use the Apple Pencil and bring back when I’m done seemed like a much better solution.
3Apple’s iPad Keyboards Don’t Offer Full Protection
The last thing I want is to spend hundreds of dollars getting my iPad’s screen repaired or replaced because it slipped right out of my hand. That’s why the first thing I did when I purchased my iPad was get a case that protects it from every angle.
Apple’s Magic and Smart Keyboard attach directly to the iPad via magnets and the Smart Connector. Ultimately, this limits me to two options: either use my iPad without a case or remove my case every time I want to attach the keyboard. Apple’s keyboards offer some protection, covering the front and back of the iPad when closed.
However, they provide absolutely no protection for the iPad’s exposed edges, which is enough reason for me not to feel comfortable relying on the keyboard as a case. Since I also use a second-generation Apple Pencil that magnetically attaches to the iPad’s side, I’d be putting that at risk too, as Apple’s keyboard cases offer no protection for the Apple Pencil and don’t even have a latch for it, unlike most traditional cases.
Switching back and forth between a case and Apple’s keyboard felt like too much of a hassle, so I figured I was better off getting a keyboard that connects to my iPad via Bluetooth and doesn’t magnetically attach. Now, I can just slide my iPad into my backpack with my Bluetooth keyboard separately!
4My Keyboard Can Switch Between Three Devices
If you have a multi-device setup for work, like a MacBook and iPad, you probably already know it’s not easy typing on Apple’s iPad keyboards, especially if you own an 11-inch model.
Universal Control allows you to use your Mac’s keyboard and trackpad with your iPad and vice versa, but if you’re a Windows PC user, you’re out of options. However, the Logitech Pebble Keys 2 has Easy-Switch buttons that let you switch between up to three devices with just a press. This makes it incredibly convenient to move seamlessly from your laptop to your iPad and even your phone.
When deciding which iPad keyboard case is right for you, it’s important to consider your needs, budget, and comfort. If you’re using your iPad as a replacement for your MacBook, don’t use a stylus, and your primary use case is typing, you may be able to justify the price tag of Apple’s iPad keyboards. Otherwise, I highly recommend getting a separate Bluetooth keyboard.
