Best iPad Air 4 keyboard cases iMore 2021

The iPad Air 4 is a force to be reckoned with. Powered by Apple's latest A14 Bionic chip, the new minimal bezel design, support for the Apple Pencil 2, and a USB-C port, it very well may be the best iPad for a lot of people. Do you know what would make it even better? A great keyboard case. Our iPad Air 4 review mentions that it's finally powerful enough to be used as a laptop in some situations. A keyboard case gives you a better typing experience for writing emails, surfing the web, or working on documents. Here are the best iPad Air 4 keyboard cases.

iPad Pro Magic Keyboard

Our top pick: The Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11-inch

Staff Favorite

Apple devices tend to feel a bit magical, and this keyboard case is no exception. The Magic Keyboard is pricey, but it's the ultimate keyboard case for the iPad Air 4. The beautiful cantilever design, scissor mechanism backlit keyboard, and trackpad for multi-touch gestures and cursor control make it the best overall pick.

Apple Smart Keyboard Folio 2020 iPad Pro

The best without a trackpad: The Smart Keyboard Folio

This is a full-sized keyboard in a case that offers front and back protection for your iPad Air 4 when not in use. You never need to charge this keyboard, nor do you have to pair it to your iPad Air 4 via Bluetooth. Simply plop it into place and start typing. This is what I call a smart keyboard.

Brydge Pro Plus 11-Inch iPad Pro 2020

Laptop-like sturdyness: The Brydge Pro+ Wireless Keyboard w/Trackpad

The keyboard has Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, and you can get up to three months of battery life on a single charge. Note that your iPad isn't in a case here; the keyboard has brackets that hold your iPad Pro in place. When you're not using the iPad, you'll get front protection from the keyboard but no back protection at all.

$170 at Brydge
Logitech Folio Touch

Backlit keyboard: The Logitech Folio Touch

The Logitech Folio Touch has a full backlit keyboard that connects via the Smart Connector, so just like Apple's own products, you never have to worry about pairing — connect and start typing. Plus, the back kickstand gives your iPad Air 40 degrees of angle control, meaning whether you're typing, watching a movie, or sketching, you can find the perfect angle.

ProCase iPad Air 4 Case

Detachable keyboard: The Pro Case for iPad Air 2020 Keyboard Case with Pencil Holder

The leather exterior and hard plastic bumper around the iPad Air 4 make the ProCase iPad Air 4 Keyboard Case an excellent case to ward off scratches and scuffs. Plus, the keyboard is magnetically detachable, giving you the ability to set up where you want or leave the keyboard at home if you're commuting.

$26 at Amazon
Typecase Youch iPad Air 4

Excellent protection: The TYPECASE Touch iPad Air 4 Case

The TYPECASE Touch iPad Air 4 Case is a hard clamshell case and a keyboard with a touchpad. The hinge rotates 360 degrees, so you can use your iPad Pro laptop-style or tablet-style without removing the iPad from the case. The keyboard features a row of iOS function keys and 10 backlit colors. The 2.4-inch touchpad makes your iPad Air 4 feel more like a laptop, and it allows you to tap, scroll, and swipe without removing your hands from the keyboard at all.

$75 at Amazon

Why a keyboard case?

A keyboard case is a convenient option that makes using your iPad Air 4 more laptop-like. If you get a keyboard with a trackpad, you can get even closer to the laptop experience thanks to trackpad support in iPadOS 14. Now on the iPad Air 4, you can use a trackpad for cursor and multi-gesture control, so a keyboard case with a built-in trackpad is ideal. Of course, if you're surfing the web, watching movies, and maybe knocking out some emails, a less expensive keyboard without all the bells and whistles is all you'll need.

Our main recommendation is the Apple Magic Keyboard. We know it's expensive, but it really is the ultimate iPad keyboard case. The cantilevered design is elegant, and it gives you your choice of viewing angles, and the trackpad lets you do so many things quickly, like switch between apps and access the app switcher.

If you want something more reasonably priced, the Logitech Folio Touch is a great option for your iPad Air 4. Its fully backlit keyboard means you can type just about anywhere or any time of day, and since it also uses the Smart Connector, you never have to worry about a cumbersome pairing process.

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