What is the best external keyboard for the full-size, regular iPad models? Does the iPad even support an external keyboard? What about an external mouse?

The iPad models originally were designed to use an external keyboard, but they use touch sensitive navigation and do not have a "traditional" cursor. Now the iOS does support some external input devices as an accessibility feature to help those with disabilities, but the iPad does not support a general external mouse.

Early iPad models -- the original iPad, iPad 2, and iPad 3rd Gen -- have a 30-pin "Dock Connector" port and support the discontinued Apple Keyboard Dock Accessory (below). Because they are thinner, the iPad 2 and iPad 3rd Gen do not fit as "snugly" as the original iPad, though.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Original iPad with Keyboard Dock Accessory)

All full-size, regular iPad models can be connected easily to an external keyboard via Bluetooth including models equipped with a Lightning connector (starting with the iPad 4th Gen and continuing to the current iPad 9th Gen models).

For modern iPad models, effectively any Bluetooth keyboard will work, including Apple's own Magic Keyboard (available from site sponsor Adorama and other resellers).

The Magic Keyboard is compact, and it might be ideal for you if you prefer to use your iPad paired with a Bluetooth keyboard on a desk at home or in the office but as a tablet when out and about. However, a keyboard specifically designed to use with the iPad may be preferable, particularly if you want to use the keyboard on the go.

Best External iPad Keyboards

Well-regarded iPad keyboards with significantly different designs that may appeal to different types of users with different full-size iPads include the Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480, Logitech Slim Folio, Brydge Keyboard Cases, and Apple Smart Keyboard.

Logitech Multi-Device Keyboard

Photo Credit: Logitech (Multi-Device Keyboard K480)

The Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480 has a slot to hold all full-size, regular iPad models in either portrait or landscape mode at a comfortable angle and even supports as many as three devices with a dial to quickly change between them.

It supports any tablet up to 10 inches wide and 0.4 of an inch thick, so it will work with all regular iPad models with the exception of the original iPad, which is half an inch thick. Because it is increasingly difficult to find size-specific keyboard cases for older iPad models, this keyboard definitely is the easiest option for regular iPad models released before 2017.

Note that this Logitech keyboard only will work with larger 12.9" iPad Pro models in portrait orientation. Because there are many differences and other good options for the iPad Pro line, EveryiPad.com provides the best iPad Pro keyboards in a separate Q&A.

Logitech Slim Folio

Photo Credit: Logitech Slim Folio

The Logitech Slim Folio is a soft case that wraps around the iPad 5th Gen or iPad 6th Gen and provides some protection and a firm keyboard. It also has a loop at the top to safely hold a digital pen. Note that the original Apple Pencil is compatible with the iPad 6th Gen and later iPad models, but not the iPad 5th Gen. Other options are available for the iPad 5th Gen, though.

Brydge Keyboard Case

Photo Credit: Brydge (Keyboard Case)

The Brydge Keyboard Cases use seriously sturdy all aluminum "Unibody" case designs in color matched options and clips into the iPad itself and feels much more like typing on a MacBook. Earlier versions for the iPad 5th Gen and iPad 6th Gen models are hard to find, and the Brydge 10.2 MAX+ for the iPad 7th Gen, iPad 8th Gen, and iPad 9th Gen are no longer available, as well.

Apple Smart Keyboard (iPad 7th, 8th, & 9th Gen)

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad 7th Gen & Apple Smart Keyboard)

For the 10.5" iPad 7th Gen, 8th Gen, and 9th Gen models, Apple sells a size-compatible Apple Smart Keyboard (MPTL2LL/A) for the first time for a regular, full-size iPad. It is an ideal option for these tablets, although it feels rather "spongy" compared to the Logitech and Brydge options, so you still may prefer a third-party option if you are picky about your keyboards.

The Apple Smart Keyboard is available from site sponsor Adorama and other resellers.

Choosing the Best iPad Keyboard for You

Of these options, we prefer the Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480 for use with a regular iPad because it is inexpensive and works both at a desk and on the go, but it is easy to separate to use the iPad as a tablet. If that sounds ideal to you, you likely would prefer it as well.

One advantage of this Logitech option is that it isn't so size specific that it only can be used with one iPad model. Another advantage of being able to quickly separate the iPad and its keyboard is that if they are stored separately, airport security in the US doesn't usually require you to take either out of your bag so it saves time compared to traveling with a notebook computer or an iPad with an attached keyboard.

If you want to convert your full-size iPad into more of a proper notebook computer, the Logitech Slim Folio, Brydge Keyboard Case, or Apple Smart Keyboard could be perfect for you, just make certain that the particular model you buy is size-compatible with your specific iPad.

iPad External Keyboard Summary

If you find yourself doing quite a bit of typing on an iPad, a keyboard is a great investment because it will significantly improve your typing speed and corresponding productivity.

However, because the iOS was designed primarily for touch screen use, application support for keyboards can vary from app to app. Some apps support some key commands whereas others require a mixture of keyboard use and on screen touch to complete actions, which can be quite awkward in practice.

Although the iOS has been getting better for years in terms of keyboard use, it still can feel like a bit of a hack to use the iPad with a keyboard. If typing and navigating the operating system with the keyboard are high priorities, you still may prefer to do your typing on a Mac.