The iPad Air 4 is a powerhouse in the tablet space. But a keyboard case will take your iPad Air to the next level. A great keyboard case gives you a better typing experience for writing emails, surfing the web, working on documents, or any other writing you do on your iPad Air. Since both the iPad Air 4 and newer iPad Air 5 are the same size, all of these keyboard cases are interchangeable between the two models, and are likely going to be at bargain prices come Black Friday.
Tap away with these iPad Air 4 keyboard cases
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Our top pick
Apple devices tend to feel a bit magical, and this keyboard case is no exception. The Apple Magic Keyboard is pricey, but it's our favorite keyboard case for the iPad Air 4 and the newer Air 5. The beautiful cantilever design, scissor mechanism backlit keyboard, and trackpad for multi-touch gestures and cursor control make it the best overall pick.
The best without a trackpad
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.
Laptop-like
The Brydge Air MAX+ is a multi-touch trackpad that gets you about as close to a laptop experience as you can get, but this keyboard comes in at a lower price point than Apple's version. The case itself is quite protective, and Bluetooth 5.0 gives you an instant connection.
Backlit keyboard
When we reviewed the Logitech Folio Touch we found it to be pure joy to use. It has a full backlit keyboard that connects via the Smart Connector, so just like Apple's own products, pairing is seamless — just 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 for optimal viewing.
Detachable keyboard
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.
Flexible
This 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.
Protective functionality
We've reviewed other ZAGG keyboard cases and find them to be excellent; this one is detachable so you can just remove the keyboard when you don't need it and your iPad is still protected from up to 6.6-foot drops. The backlit, rechargeable keyboard lasts up to a year between charges. You can even pair it with up to two devices simultaneously and toggle back and forth between them.
Stylin'
As you can tell from our review of another Fintie iPad case, we think that Fintie offers a lot for the money. This stylish folio keyboard case comes in tons of colors and designs. The keyboard itself attaches magnetically and so you can just pop it out when you don't need it. The folio holds your iPad Air up at three different angles so you can choose what works best for you.
Simple elegance
This one sports a simple and elegant design. We've reviewed other ESR iPad cases and found that they are both well-made and nicely priced. The back of the slime keyboard folio folds to attach your iPad Air magnetically at several angles, in either landscape or portrait mode. The keyboard has a trackpad, which opens up greater laptop-like functionality.
Why a keyboard case for your iPad Air 4?
Even if it's not the newest model, the iPad Air 4 is still one of the best iPads you can buy, offering nearly Pro performance without the price tag. Adding a keyboard case expand your iPad Air's functionality, making it almost like a mini laptop. If you get a keyboard with a trackpad, you can get even closer to the laptop experience, since trackpad support arrived with iPadOS 14. You can use the trackpad for cursor and multi-gesture control, so a keyboard case with a built-in trackpad is what you need for getting serious work done.
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 really need. The newer iPad Air 5 is exactly the same size as the iPad Air 4, so cases are interchangeable between the two. Plus, some cases (like Apple's own Magic keyboard) are even interchangeable between the 11-inch iPad Pro and the iPad Air models, meaning perhaps even the upcoming M2 iPad Pro (opens in new tab) can use these cases. One can hope.
Which of the best iPad Air 4 keyboard cases is for you?
Our top recommendation is the Apple Magic Keyboard. We know it's expensive, but it really is the ultimate iPad keyboard case, designed by Apple engineers to enhance the iPad's functionality in every way. The cantilevered design is so elegant, and it gives you your choice of viewing angles. Plus, the trackpad lets you do so many things quickly, like switch between apps and access the app switcher.
However, 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 at any time of day. Since it also uses the Smart Connector, you never have to worry about Bluetooth pairing, just pop in your iPad Air and start typing.
