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iPad Pro Q&A
Update Published May 27, 2021
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What is the best external keyboard for the iPad Pro? Do all iPad Pro models support an external keyboard? What about an external mouse?
All iPad Pro models have a "Smart Connector" designed for use with an Apple Smart Keyboard, but because different models have different physical dimensions, they use different keyboards.
The iOS has long supported some external input devices as an accessibility feature to help those with disabilities, but the iPad Pro did not originally support a mass market external mouse or trackpad. That all changed with iOS 13.4, when Apple added formal, mainstream trackpad support to the iPadOS for the first time.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen with Apple Smart Keyboard)
iPad Pro Identification (Skip)
If you are not sure which iPad Pro you have, a simple way to identify each is by its Model Number located toward the bottom on the back of each device.
iPad Pro |
Model No |
Each iPad Pro tablet 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 Pro 11" (Wi-Fi Only - 3rd Gen) that was sold in the US in Space Gray with 512 GB of storage is MTXT2LL/A.
To track down a particular iPad Pro by a variety of different identifiers -- including its Serial Number -- please refer to the Ultimate iLookup feature.
Apple Smart & Magic Keyboard Options for iPad Pro
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad Pro Models with Apple Smart Keyboards)
Although many look quite similar, there are several different Apple Keyboard options compatible with different iPad Pro models:
iPad Pro |
Compatible Apple Keyboard |
Order No |
Orig. iPad Pro 12.9" |
MJYR2LL/A |
|
Orig. iPad Pro 9.7" |
MM2L2AM/A |
|
iPad Pro 2 10.5" |
MPTL2LL/A |
|
iPad Pro 2 12.9" |
MJYR2LL/A |
|
iPad Pro 11" |
MU8G2LL/A |
|
iPad Pro 3 12.9" |
MU8H2LL/A |
|
iPad Pro 2 11" |
MXNK2LL/A |
|
iPad Pro 4 12.9" |
MXNL2LL/A |
|
iPad Pro 3 11" |
MXNK2LL/A |
|
iPad Pro 5 12.9" |
Smart Keyboard Folio 2 (12.9") |
MXNL2LL/A |
The Magic Keyboard options include an integrated trackpad and require the iPad Pro to be running iOS 13.4 or higher.
Each Apple Smart Keyboard and Magic Keyboard are available from Apple Authorized site sponsor Adorama with free shipping across the United States.
Best Third-Party Keyboards for iPad Pro
Although an inexpensive Bluetooth keyboard like the Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480 also would work, most users who bought an expensive iPad Pro probably are not that concerned about the price of the keyboard. Keep in mind that this Logitech keyboard only can hold the big 12.9" iPad Pro models in portrait orientation, as well.
If you don't like the squishy and light texture feel of the Apple Smart Keyboard, especially those released prior to 2020, and the Magic Keyboard is either out of your price range or not compatible with your iPad Pro and you would prefer a firmer, more notebook-like keyboard, there are good third-party options to consider.
Logitech iPad Pro Keyboard Case Options
Photo Credit: Logitech, Inc (Slim Folio PRO Keyboard for iPad Pro 3rd Gen)
Available in slightly different designs and sizes for different models, these Logitech options all provide a firmer keyboard than the Apple Smart Keyboard and double as a soft case to wrap around the iPad Pro, as well:
iPad Pro |
Compatible Logitech Keyboard Case |
Orig. iPad Pro 12.9" |
Logitech Slim Combo (12.9") |
Orig. iPad Pro 9.7" |
Logitech Create (9.7") |
iPad Pro 2 10.5" |
Logitech Slim Combo (10.5") |
iPad Pro 2 12.9" |
Logitech Slim Combo (12.9") |
iPad Pro 11" |
|
iPad Pro 3 12.9" |
|
iPad Pro 2 11" |
|
iPad Pro 4 12.9" |
|
iPad Pro 3 11" |
|
iPad Pro 5 12.9" |
Brydge iPad Pro Keyboard Case Options
Photo Credit: Brydge (Brydge Pro Keyboard for iPad Pro 3rd Gen)
The size-specific Brydge keyboard options (no longer available) provide a rigid, mostly metal keyboard that attaches onto an iPad Pro tablet with latches or magnets and provides a typing feel closer to a quality traditional notebook computer:
iPad Pro |
Compatible Brydge Keyboard Case |
Orig. iPad Pro 12.9" |
Brydge (12.9") |
Orig. iPad Pro 9.7" |
Brydge (9.7") |
iPad Pro 2 10.5" |
Brydge (10.5") |
iPad Pro 2 12.9" |
Brydge (12.9") |
iPad Pro 11" |
Brydge Pro (11" 2018) |
iPad Pro 3 12.9" |
Brydge Pro (12.9" 2018) |
iPad Pro 2 11" |
Brydge Pro (11" 2020) |
iPad Pro 4 12.9" |
Brydge Pro+ (12.9" 2020) |
iPad Pro 3 11" |
Brydge Pro+ (11") |
iPad Pro 5 12.9" |
Brydge Pro+ (12.9" 2021) |
Choosing the Best iPad Pro Keyboard for You
Ultimately, the Apple Smart Keyboard or Apple Magic Keyboard is a good choice for the iPad Pro line, just make sure that you purchase one that is compatible with your specific device.
However, if you prefer a less "spongy" keyboard, and the Apple Magic Keyboard is too expensive or incompatible with your iPad Pro, the third-party options from Logitech or Brydge listed above may be even better for your needs.
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