Best keyboard case for 12.9 iPad Pro 2nd gen, smart connector or Bluetooth? I've had the Logitech create case, it has some design flaws, a jtech Bluetooth case, are Bluetooth typing slower with lag because that is what I noticed. IVSO Keyboard Case for ipad pro 12.9-Lightweight One-Piece Wireless Keyboard Stand Case Cover with Pencil Slot for Apple ipad pro 12.9 inch 1st Gen 2015 ipad pro 12.9 inch 2nd Gen 2017 Tablet(Black) 4.1 out of 5 stars 222. ZtotopCase Case for iPad Pro 12.9 Inch 2018 (3rd Gen),Premium Leather Business Folio Cover,with Stand and Pocket,Support 2nd Gen iPad Pencil Wireless.
Best12.9-inch iPad Pro (2018) CasesiMore2020
Whether you use your 12.9-inch iPad Pro as a computer replacement or a supplement, you'll want to protect it with a great cover. Some covers offer additional functionality, such as a keyboard. We are here to help you sort through the best cases for your (2018) 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Best functionality: Smart Keyboard Folio for 12.9-inch iPad Pro
Staff PickIf you need a keyboard and you need a case, Apple's own Smart Keyboard Folio is your best option. It covers both the front and back of your iPad Pro when not in use, and it quickly folds open to just the right angle so you can start typing immediately. There is no pairing, plugging, or charging ever necessary. While this case is technically made for the 2020 iPad Pro model with the larger camera module, it will still fit the 2018 model with extra space around the camera.
$199 at AmazonTyping perfection: Logitech Slim Folio Pro
If an ideal typing experience is essential for you on your iPad Pro, then you've found it in the Slim Folio Pro. It's got Logitech's iconic scissor keyboard mechanism, well-spaced for a mobile device. The action on the keys is nice and springy and will be a delight to your senses.
$130 at LogitechMacBook design: Brydge Pro
The Brydge Pro is perfectly designed to look seamless with your iPad Pro. It looks so good that people will ask you if it's a touchscreen Mac. It comes in silver and space gray and has the same shade and brushed aluminum shade as your iPad Pro.
$150 at BrydgeLeather folio: Pad & Quill Oxford iPad Pro 12.9 Leather Case
This gorgeous handmade leather folio fits your third-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, either with or without the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio. Crafted from American full-grain bridle leather, this case lets you prop your iPad for video viewing, and it has sleep/wake functionality. Choose from two shades of brown: Whiskey or Chestnut.
$98 at Pad & QuillSmart and lightweight: ESR Yippee Magnetic Smart Case for iPad Pro
You can't go wrong with this lightweight, full-coverage case. It's got front and back coverage, sleep/wake functionality, and a folding stand for either typing or video viewing. The case is open along one side so you can charge your Apple Pencil without removing the case.
From $21 at AmazonFitting sleeve: MOSISO Laptop Sleeve
While technically a laptop sleeve, the 12-inch version of this will fit your 12.9-inch iPad Pro. With a furry soft interior and zippered outer pocket for all of your other stuff, this sleeve will protect your iPad on the go while not in use. It comes in various colors.
$12 at Amazon
Luxurious Sleeve: Waterfield iPad Pro Sleevecase
This classy sleeve is designed to fit your 12.9-inch iPad Pro even with the Smart Keyboard Folio. Protect your investment in style. Choose from a horizontal or vertical orientation, Black or Grizzly (brown), and what sort of strap you want (or not).
From $69 at WaterfieldDiamond style: Evecase Laptop Sleeve
While this is another laptop sleeve, its dimensions will fit the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The diamond pattern on the outside is for more than just looks: it's water-resistant padded neoprene, and it's designed to protect against drops and bumps. A soft fabric interior protects your iPad Pro while you're not using it.
$12 at AmazonPortfolio on steroids: Sunrise Hitek Business Portfolio
This portfolio case is almost a briefcase, with slots for a notebook, credit cards, pen, papers, and more. You can even fold it like an easel. It has four elastic corners that hold your iPad in place, and those corners can be moved to accommodate different tablet sizes.
$39 at AmazonFolio style: ZtotopCase for iPad Pro 12.9 Inch
Modeled after Apple's Smart Folio, this functional folio case activates Sleep/Wake functionality and folds around to make a convenient stand. It also has a slot where your Apple Pencil can be stored and charged at the same time. Choose from nine colors.
From $21 at AmazonHeavy duty: SupCase UB Pro Series Case for iPad Pro 12.9
This heavy-duty multi-layered hard PC and soft TPU case protects your iPad Pro from all angles. It even has a built-in screen protector. Additionally, it has a storage/charging slot for your Apple Pencil. There's also a kickstand on the back that you can pop out to watch videos.
From $35 at AmazonBargain keyboard case: CHESONA iPad Pro 12.9 Case with Keyboard
If you want a keyboard case without the hefty price tag, check out CHESONA. It's a folio-style case, and the Bluetooth keyboard can be removed when you don't need it. Apple Pencil charging is supported, and there is a slot to store it once it's charged. Choose from four different colors. For a slight upcharge, you can get a colorful, backlit keyboard.
From $52 at AmazonOur personal recommendations
Apple's official Smart Keyboard Case is a staff favorite because it's thin, lightweight, and gets the job done in style. If you want something that looks good and just works beautifully, this is your case.
The case style I always choose for my iPads is the ZtotopCase for iPad Pro 12.9 Inch 2018. I like the slim, lightweight style and the front cover that folds back to form a stand for watching videos or typing. Simply opening and closing the cover wakes up your iPad Pro or puts it to sleep. If you have an Apple Pencil, this case is ideal. Not only will it store your Apple Pencil when not in use, but the case holds it in the right spot to charge while it's being stored.
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Protect your new iPad Pro from the startBest 2018 11-inch iPad Pro Cases in 2020
The 2018 11-inch iPad Pro is no longer Apple's latest model, but it's still an outstanding product and deserves an awesome case. Here are some of our favorites.
If you've purchased the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, chances are you're looking to do work beyond the occasional viewing of a film or playing of a game. And should you plan to use your machine professionally, you'll likely want to pick up a physical keyboard to augment your workflow.
Note: Though the second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro hasn't changed in its dimensions, camera improvements have altered the positioning of both the rear camera and its flash. As such, if you plan on using your iPad's camera, you may have to buy a new keyboard case. All the options below fit the second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro; we've noted if they interfere with the camera system.
Hardware keyboards are great for iPad power users who need to write more than the occasional tweet or email: 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.
Here are the keyboards we've confirmed work with the second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Smart Connector Keyboards
If you want the simplest way to connect your iPad to a mechanical keyboard, the Smart Connector is hard to beat. You don't have to worry about Bluetooth, nor do you have to charge or connect your keyboard — it automatically pairs when you snap it to your iPad.
Unfortunately, these models come with a few drawbacks: They're often more expensive than a stand-alone Bluetooth keyboard or keyboard case, and even in 2017, there are really only three options: Apple's Smart Keyboard, Logitech's Slim Combo, and Logitech's Create.
Apple Smart Keyboard
Apple's 12.9-inch full-size keyboard attaches to the iPad Pro using the Smart Connector and allows for charging and a two-way exchange of data — no Bluetooth required.
The $169 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.
Because the keyboard only provides a front — rather than a rear — cover for the 12.9-inch model, this keyboard will work with both the 2015 first-generation and 2017 second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
Logitech Slim Combo Keyboard Case
Logitech's latest Smart Connector case for the 12.9-inch iPad isn't as simple to use on laps as its predecessor, the Create, but it offers more features, and at a lighter weight, too.
The new $149.99 keyboard case weighs 1.41 lbs compared to the 1.6 lbs of the Create, shaving a little weight off by splitting it into two distinct pieces: the top case, and the 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 — 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.
The keyboard is as excellent as ever, with a full range of function keys; the 12.9-inch model also offers a fold-back panel to both elevate the keypad and keep the rear footprint from being too massive on a desk.
Logitech Create Backlit Keyboard Case
Logitech's Create keyboard case hasn't been updated for the second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro, but the 2015 version still works for most use cases. (When snapped into the case, you'll block the iPad's rear camera flash.) While a bit heavier than the Slim Combo and lacking a Pencil carrying option and multiple viewing angles, the Create offers an all-in-one solution that works better on laps — and saves you from having to carry around multiple moving parts.
Like the Slim Combo, it offers an excellent way to type — even in low-light environments. The backlit keyboard attaches to the iPad Pro's Smart Connector for an easy powered connection, while the rear case protects your iPad from drops, scratches, and other scrapes. It is a bit heavy — the case and iPad combined weighs just over 3 pounds — but more than makes up for it with its feature set.
The $149.99 Create's biggest 'pro' feature is its function row: Like the Slim Combo, it offers a full set of keys controlling screen brightness, play controls, search, and more.
Bluetooth Keyboards and Keyboard Cases
Though these keyboards have to be charged on occasion, they often offer a cheaper entry into the world of physical iPad keyboards, and are usually lighter and offer more viewing angles than their Smart Connector brethren.
Apple Magic Keyboard and Canopy Case
Apple's $99 Magic Keyboard is a simple choice for iPad users looking to type on their iPad, but not a poor one. For one, if you have an iMac, you likely already have a Magic Keyboard lying around. It connects via Bluetooth to your iPad, offering a half-pound typing option with a rechargeable battery that lasts over a month.
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.
Keyboards we considered
There are a number of other keyboards for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro out there that we considered for this roundup, but inevitably discarded due to fit, finish, weight, or reliability issues. Those include:
- Razer Mechanical Keyboard Case: The Razer case fits the second-generation 12.9-inch, but blocks its flash. It's also the heaviest of all the cases we considered.
- The Brydge: The Brydge fits the second-generation 12.9-inch model, but has struggled to build reliable keyboards; several people I know (including Six Colors's Jason Snell received defective models at first.
Your favorite 2017 12.9-inch iPad Pro Keyboard?
Found a second-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro keyboard case that you love and that fits the device well? Let us know in the comments!
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