The Best New iPad Keyboard Cases

An iPad keyboard/case combo can increase your productivity and protect your precious tablet while it travels. Here are the top five we’ve tested.

The new Apple iPad (check price) has plenty of strengths, but its on-screen keyboard isn’t one of them. It’s a problem with tablets in general, especially if you’re more interested in getting actual work done than sending birds flying through space. For productivity, an external keyboard for your tablet is a must-have. You could opt for a standard add-on Bluetooth keyboard, like Apple’s own $79 Wireless Keyboard, or, even better, get a combination case/stand/keyboard to protect your tablet in transport, and prop it up for video watching.

Keyboard folio cases come in a variety of form factors, ranging from thin and flexible to sturdy and substantial, but the main draw is the good old-fashioned hardware keys. External keyboards not only bring that familiar tactile feel to your tablet, but also free up valuable screen real estate so you can see and do more while typing. These keyboards are also specifically made to work with the iPad and include some convenient iPad-specific function keys like Cut, Copy, and Paste, as well as Home and Search keys.

If you’re content to tap away on-screen, but still need a case for you iPad, check out Cool New iPad 3 Cases and the Best iPad 2 Cases.

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Belkin Keyboard Folio (for New iPad, iPad 2)

$99.99 direct
The Belkin Keyboard Folio protects your iPad, while also providing a physical Bluetooth keyboard. It’s pretty bulky and surprisingly difficult to open and close, but the keyboard itself is quite good, with tons of iPad-specific keys. Read the full review ››

Belkin YourType Folio + Keyboard (for New iPad, iPad 2)

$99.99 direct
With its thin, pliable design and removable keyboard, the Belkin YourType Folio + Keyboard is a nice lightweight iPad case, but you lose some protection in the bargain. Read the full review ››

ClamCase (for New iPad and iPad 2)

$149.99 direct
The ClamCase for the new iPad and iPad 2 will turn your tablet into a veritable laptop, adding protection, a keyboard, and endless options as a stand. It’s the bulkiest and the priciest of the bunch, but also the most versatile. Read the full review ››

Kensington KeyFolio Pro Universal Removable Bluetooth Keyboard for 10″ Tablets

$99.99 direct
Have an iPad and another tablet? The Kensington KeyFolio Pro is a good keyboard and case solution that works with virtually any phone or tablet, but you’ll get more out of a device-specific add-on. Read the full review ››

Zagg Zaggfolio (for New iPad, iPad 2)

$99.99 list
The Zaggfolio iPad keyboard folio doesn’t disappoint, with an attractive, flexible design and a surprisingly comfortable chiclet-style keyboard. Its combination of hard and soft shell materials makes it a good compromise between the sturdy, yet heavy ClamCase and the light, yet flimsy Belkin YourType. Read the full review ››

By Eugene Kim, PCMag