Best Keyboard Cases for the 10.5-inch iPad Pro

The 10.5 iPad Pro is the Goldilocks of iPad tablets: Not too big, not too small. It packs all the great productivity features present in its bigger 12.9-inch cousin, all while retaining the portability of the standard 9.7 iPad.

If you're hoping to do writing work on your 10.5-inch iPad Pro, you're probably going to want a physical keyboard case as an option. While the software keyboard offers full-sized keys for a better digital typing experience, hardware keyboards are great for iPad power users: With one, you can take control of iOS's built-in keyboard shortcuts, navigate more efficiently through text, and type like a speed demon. Some keyboards also offer additional features like function rows to save you a swipe or two through Control Center to change your brightness, volume, and more.

Note: The 10.5-inch iPad Pro is both slightly wider and longer than its 9.7-inch Pro predecessor; as such, you won't be able to use older keyboard cases made for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro.

Here are the best keyboard cases for the 10.5-inch iPad Pro.

• Apple Smart Keyboard (10.5)
• Logitech Slim Combo Keyboard Case
• Fintie 10.5-inch iPad Pro Keyboard Case
• KuGi iPad Pro 10.5 Portfolio Case
• Zagg Rugged Messenger Case
• Apple Magic Keyboard combined with your current case

The $159 Smart Keyboard also folds into a slim, lightweight cover to protect the iPad Pro's screen when not in use. Its woven fabric keys do take a slight adjustment period, but as long as you don't mind the texture, you'll be typing away in no time.

This $130 keyboard case weighs a slightly heavier 1.16 lbs compared to the 0.94 lbs of the 9.7-inch Create, thanks to two distinct casing pieces: the top cas, and the thicker bottom keyboard case.

The top case wants to be a Microsoft Surface when it grows up. It offers an adjustable kickstand for multiple-angle viewing, which great for desk use, but not so comfortable when using the iPad on a lap or softer surface. There's also a simple fabric loop at the top for the Apple Pencil, though it leaves the Pencil (and its cap) vulnerable to being banged around in a bag or snagged on outdoor elements.

The rear keyboard case snaps to the iPad Pro using a flexible fabric ribbon Smart Connector, which allows the backlit keyboard to stay connected at multiple angles — an improvement on the Create's single angle workspace, though the ribbon is a bit flimsy for my liking and can occasionally detach from the Smart Connector when working on a lap.

The keyboard is as excellent as ever, with a full range of function keys. It's definitely not a perfect keyboard case, but it's currently the only 10.5-inch model on the market that offers backlit keys and the Smart Connector, so it makes the list. (For now.)

The Fintie iPad Pro Keyboard Case is a nice little protector for your iPad with the added benefit of having a sturdy keyboard that's detachable. It's got all the proper cutaways for access to buttons and ports. The inside of the case has three small groves so you can position your iPad Pro at different angles for a more comfortable typing experience. Since you can remove the keyboard entirely, you can use the case as a folio-style protector for your screen.

My favorite part of Fintie's case is the slot specifically designed for the Apple Pencil. It's a hard shell style slot that you just pop the Apple Pencil into. The cutaway on the side makes it easy to pop it back out when you want to use it. Even better, there's a smaller slot right next to the Apple Pencil slot for you to keep your Apple Pencil charging adapter. Nice.

Unlike the Logitech Slim Combo, KuGi's $22 case is an all-in-one shell and Bluetooth keyboard, with folding options to hide the keyboard away when using the tablet in multitouch mode. The case does require that you manually turn Bluetooth on or off to preserve battery life, but boasts a battery life of around 60-90 consecutive hours — which shakes out to around a month of use if you remember to turn the keyboard off when you're finished using it.

The keyboard itself is slightly smaller than either the Smart Connector Keyboard or Logitech model but remains comfortable enough to type on for lengthy periods. It's not my first choice of keyboards, but it's hard to beat the price. There's also a magnetic removable sleeve for the Apple Pencil if you need the stylus as part of your work setup.

The company claims the case can withstand drops up to 6.6 feet with no damage to either iPad nor keyboard, and it provides fully backlit keys for use in all circumstances. Zagg estimates that you'll get about 1-2 years of battery life out of the keyboard between charges — in part due to its intelligent sleep function that automatically disables the keyboard when not in use.

Even as someone who prefers the Smart Connector keyboard, I'm intrigued by Zagg's model, especially in more rugged environments. This could be a perfect accessory for those who use iPads outdoors for mapping, science, and more.

You can even pair it with a carrying case that doubles as a stand if you're interested: Studio Neat's $40 Canopy offers a synthetic canvas and microfiber stand that both protects your keyboard when not in use and sets up as a nice prop for working with your iPad at an angle.

And because the stand doesn't protect or block the rear casing, you can easily move your iPad out of the Canopy and use its rear camera.

Your favorite 10.5-inch iPad Pro Keyboard?

Do you have a favorite go-to keyboard case for your 10.5-inch iPad Pro? Put your favorite in the comments and we'll be sure to check it out.

Updated August 2018: Removed the Brydge due to being no longer available for the 10.5-inch iPad Pro and added the Fintie keyboard case.