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iPad Air Q&A
Update Published May 23, 2024
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What is the best external keyboard for the iPad Air? Which iPad Air models support an external keyboard? What about an external mouse?
All iPad Air 3 and later models -- including the current iPad Air M2 models -- support an Apple keyboard, but because different models have different physical dimensions, they use different keyboards.
The original iPad Air and iPad Air 2 do not support an Apple Smart Keyboard, but can work with just about any Bluetooth-equipped external keyboard and a good third-party keyboard case option also is available.
Originally, the iPad Air models only supported external mice as an accessibility feature, but the iPad Air 2 and later iPad Air models running iOS 13.4 or higher also are capable of using a Bluetooth external trackpad or mouse.
Best iPad Air Keyboards for Each Series
If you know exactly which iPad Air you have, you may wish to skip directly to Apple keyboards that are size specific for your model, otherwise read on for identification help:
iPad Air Identification (Skip)
If you are not sure which iPad Air you have, a simple way to identify each is by its Model Number; externally displayed toward the bottom on the back of each device:
iPad Air |
Model No |
All iPad Air models can be differentiated by other identifiers as well, such as the Order Number, which can be located by selecting the Settings app and pressing General > About and scrolling down to what is specified as "Model" within the iOS. For example, the iPad Air M2 11" (Wi-Fi+Cell) sold in the US in purple with 128 GB of storage is MUXG3LL/A.
To track down a particular iPad Air by a variety of different identifiers, please refer to the Ultimate iLookup feature.
Best External iPad Air & iPad Air 2 Keyboard Cases
For the original iPad Air and iPad Air 2, any full-size Bluetooth keyboard like our old favorite Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480 will work, and it might meet your needs if you mostly use your iPad at a desk, but it is getting hard to find these days. If you instead prefer to essentially convert your iPad Air into a notebook-style computer, a keyboard case is a better option.
Our preferred keyboard case for these iPad Air models is the Logitech Slim Folio 9.7", which still is possible to track down. It commonly is listed for the iPad 9.7" 5th Gen and 6th Gen models, which are a tiny bit thicker than the iPad Air and iPad Air 2, but it will work with these models, too.
Photo Credit: Logitech Slim Folio
The Logitech Slim Folio 9.7" is a soft case that wraps around the iPad Air and provides some protection and a firmer keyboard than the sponge-like Apple Smart Keyboard. It also provides a loop to hold the original Apple Pencil in place; a welcomed addition.
Best External iPad Air 3 Keyboard Case
The 10.5" Apple Smart Keyboard (MPTL2LL/A) is the intended option for the iPad Air 3 series.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad Air 3 with Smart Keyboard)
Best External iPad Air 4 and iPad Air 5 Keyboard Case
The iPad Air 4 and iPad Air 5 models are compatible with the size-specific Apple Smart Keyboard Folio 2 (11") (MXNK2LL/A) and Apple Magic Keyboard (11") (MXQT2LL/A). This Apple Magic Keyboard is compatible with the iPad Air M2 models with 11" displays, as well.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad Air 4 with Magic Keyboard)
Best External iPad Air M2 Keyboard Case
Finally, the current iPad Air M2 models -- which have 11" and 13" displays -- have size-specific Apple Magic Keyboards, available in white and black. However, the 11" model options are shared by the iPad Air 4 and iPad Air 5 whereas the 13" model options are shared by the iPad Pro 5 12.9" and iPad Pro 6 12.9".
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad Air M2 with Magic Keyboard)
iPad Air |
Compatible Apple Keyboard |
Order No |
iPad Air M2 11" |
Magic Keyboard 11" (M2) - White |
MJQJ3LL/A |
iPad Air M2 13" |
Magic Keyboard 13" (M2) - White |
MJQL3LL/A |
Choosing the Best iPad Air Keyboard for You
Ultimately, for those with modern iPad Air models, Apple has you well covered with specific keyboard options, but for the original and iPad Air 2, the keyboard from Logitech is at least as good and definitely makes typing on these tablets much faster and easier than using the onscreen keyboard.
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