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6 Best & Affordable Magic Keyboard Alternatives: Comparison & Reviews 2024

6 Best & Affordable Magic Keyboard Alternatives: Comparison & Reviews 2024

    The Apple iPad is one of the best tablet on the market which comes with a capable virtual keyboard. Typing on the touchscreen is already surprisingly fluid and natural. But to serve the purpose of turning an iPad into a more efficient device, Apple also offers Magic Keyboard to give you the best typing experience. While the Apple Magic keyboard is the best external keyboard for your iPad, It is an incredibly pricey investment that not everyone can break the bank for. As such, looking for alternatives is your next option. In this guide, I collect 7 best & affordable Magic Keyboard alternatives for you. Read on to find the perfect match for you.

Cover Photo: Daniel Romero on unsplash.com

| #1 Logitech Multi-Device K380

Google Users Rating: 4.6/5

Logitech is a master when it comes to creating products that work well with Apple iPad. They demonstrate this again with their K380 addition, which is a slick, compact, minimalist keyboard.The design is unlike any other keyboards out there with it's circular buttons which gives more spacing between the keys.Featuring scissor keys, this wireless keyboard also ensures a fluid typing experience. Logitech K380 has the added benefit of being specially designed to control features on your iPhone or iPad, like navigating to the Home screen or switching apps. With a 10-meter wireless range, you can easily connect it to up to 3 devices and carry it around a room as you use it.

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Source:logitech.com

What's more, it’s much cheaper, at about 10% of the price of the Magic Keyboard. It’s also more versatile, as the K380 is compatible with almost any Bluetooth-enabled device, including your computer, smartphone, Apple TV, etc.You won’t have to worry about the battery dying out too as the battery life on this can last up to 2 years before they need to be replaced. It is worthing mentioned that Logitech K380 comes in multiple colors that blend well with the most popular Mac cases. So if you are looking for a cheap Magic Keyboard alternative, the K380 from Logitech deserves special attention.

Specs
Form Factor:Tenkeyless (TKL)
Keyboard Technology:

Scissor

Wireless:Yes
Lighting Type:

None

Numeric Keypad:

No

Touchpad:No
Palm Rest:No
Spill Resistant:No
FoldableNo
Keycap Material:

ABS

Number Of Keys:79
Dedicated Macro Keys:

No

Adjustable Tilt Function:No
Multimedia Keys:Yes
Internet Keys:No
Maximum Wireless Range:

30 feet

Operating System Compatibility:Windows, Mac, Chrome, Apple iOS, Apple iPadOS, Android
PROSCONS
Features a compact designThe keys don't feature backlighting
Light typing experienceNot user-friendly for people with big hands
Easily switches between up to three devices at once
Design that blends well with Apple iPad
Multiple color options
Budget-friendly

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| #2 Keychron K8 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

Google Users Rating: 4.6/5

If you’re serious about typing and spend a lot of time doing it, a mechanical keyboard can be a great investment thanks to  much more comfortable key switch mechanism. The Keychron K8 is a great way to get started.The design of this keyboard is based on ergonomics that provide comfortable angles for typing and reduce discomfort. It also offers precise linear click feedback for keypresses. The Keychron K8 gives your mechanical keyboard life up to 70 million keystrokes.

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Source:amazon.com

You also can easily hot swap every low-profile optical switch without soldering. You can even customize your typing experience on the K3. The Keychron K8 features both Bluetooth and wired USB-C connections. Furthermore, it boasts a 240-hour battery life (with backlighting off). What's more, the Keychron K8 is one of the few that really caters to Mac users. It has a proper Mac layout, but can switch to a Windows layout at the flick of a switch.  If you want a mechanical keyboard that fits in with the rest of your Apple gizmos, you’ll want to check out the Keychron K8.

Specs
Keyboard Dimension:13.9 x 4.84 inch
Keyboard Weight:
1.63lb
Number of Keys:87 keys
Number of Multimedia KeysL12
Switches:
Gateron G Pro Mechanical / Gateron Optical
ConnectionBluetooth or Type-C cable
Frame MaterialABS Material
Operating SystemWindows/Mac
Backlit Types18
Battery4000mAh Rechargeable Battery
PROSCONS
Ergonomic LED illuminated keyboardBattery life is poor with the backlight on
Easily customizable keysKeys can be loud
One of the best battery life when it comes to mechanical keyboards
Multiple backlight options
Mechanical speed and accuracy
Works with macOS and Windows

| #3 Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard

Google Users Rating: 4.6/5

One of the most popular alternatives to the Magic Keyboard for iPads – is the Logitech Combo Touch. It comes in a small compact design and uses scissor mechanism switches that allow for silent, comfy typing.  There’s a cut-out to magnetically charge an Apple Pencil on the side of your iPad. The keyboard itself detaches from the case if required, which you find offers a great deal of flexibility, whether you need the keyboard or not.It also has an excellent trackpad that supports multi-finger gestures and has click-anywhere tech.

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Source:logitech.com

Plus, the keyboard also has a full row of iPadOS shortcut keys along the top row, providing quick access to frequently-used features and settings. That’s something you won’t find on the Magic Keyboard or Smart Keyboard: given how often they get used, this feels like a missed opportunity from Apple.It is best for iPad owners who don’t have the option to get a Magic Keyboard, but still want a dependable keyboard for work. However, it’s also priced towards the higher end, although is usually still cheaper than the Apple Magic Keyboard.

Specs
Keyboard Dimension:0.89 x 7.68 x 10.12 inches
Wireless:
Yes
Interface(s):

Smart Connector

Illuminated:No
Number of Keys:78

Touchpad:

Yes
Operating System Compatibility:

Apple iPadOS

Backlighting:
Yes
PROSCONS

Excellent built providing protection and

performance

The keyboard with its case is a bit bulky

Support for multi-touch gestures and

click-anywhere

 Not so cheap
The viewing angles can be adjusted according to the need
Big name connectivity and reliability
Various levels of the backlight
Space for charging your Apple pencil

| #4 Brydge Pro+ Wireless Keyboard

Google Users Rating: 3.8/5

Brydge Pro+ wireless keyboard can be considered one of the best cheaper alternative to Apple’s Magic Keyboard. The design is highly reminiscent of a MacBook’s keyboard, and when attached to the iPad tablet, the similarity to a MacBook is uncanny. The oversized trackpad is designed for the iPad OS. The Brydge Pro+ also has pointer control,gesture control and two finger movements.Exactly like the original magic keyboard.

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Source:logitech.com

For nighttime visibility, the keyboard comes with 3 levels of the backlight to match your moods. The keyboard is also equipped to handle Bluetooth 5.0 for the ultimate lag-free connectivity experience.The battery is incredible with a 3 month battery life and can be replenished using a USB-C charger. If you want your iPad to function more like a laptop, but don't want to spend a ton, then the Brydge Pro+keyboard accessory is for you.

Specs
Keyboard Dimension:11.04 x 8.46 x 0.27 Inches
Wireless:
Yes
Illuminated:

Yes

Number of Keys:

77


Plug and Play Operation

Yes

Touchpad:Yes
Operating System Compatibility:

Apple iPadOS

Backlighting:
Yes
PROSCONS
Sleek design with quality builtLacks the three-finger gesture support

Smooth trackpad for fluid navigation

No additional case protection

Adjustable three-level backlit keys for the

different lighting condition


Lag-free connectivity with 5.0 Bluetooth


 Long battery life


 Cheaper than the Magic Keyboard


| #5 Typecase iPad Keyboard Case

Google Users Rating: /

The Typecase iPad Keyboard is a lightweight alternative to the Apple Magic Keyboard. Featuring seven different modes, this Keyboard is an excellent choice for effective ergonomic typing. The highly precise trackpad with multi-gesture controls will let you navigate along with the iPad in a whole new way. The keyboard features a 360° hinge with which you can comfortably use your iPad for any desired task, from typing documents to watching videos.

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Source:amazon.com

One of the main reasons to consider this keyboard is that it's cheaper than the original Magic keyboard and this model comes with Apple dedicated shortcut keys to take your multi-tasking to a whole new level. The keyboard also features ten color adjustable backlit keys, which are sure to drive user experience to the next level.If you're looking for one of the most easy-to-use iPad Magic keyboards around,the Typecase is the one for you.

Specs
Keyboard Dimension:0.79 x 7.87 x 10.24 inches
Keyboard Weight:
1.4 pounds
Wireless:
Yes
Number of Keys:78
Touchpad:Yes
Operating System Compatibility:iPadOS
Backlighting:
Yes
PROSCONS
Floating cantilever designThe keys are a bit small
Ergonomic, perfect for traveling and work
Functional at different viewing angles
Features Touchpad at very decent pricing
Backlit keys with ten different colors
Efficient connectivity

| #6 YEKBEE Case with Keyboard

Google Users Rating: 4.5/5

Yekbee is one of the cheapest iPad Magic keyboard alternatives out there. It’s thin and lightweight, but still provides decent protection and is compatible with most iPads as well. Its patented 360° hinge (20,000-cycle stress tested) lets you comfortably use for iPad for any task from typing notes to watching videos to using iPad in its native form in tablet mode.

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Source:amazon.com

The case is available in a wider range of colors than much of the competition, and the keys have a bright, if not particularly subtle, 10-color backlighting system. One thing I particularly appreciated with the YEKBEE Case with Keyboard was the full row of iPadOS shortcuts along the top. If you have one of the smaller iPad Pro models and don’t want to spend a lot on a keyboard , the YEKBEE Case with Keyboard is your current budget pick.

Specs
Keyboard Dimension:6.26 x 3.11 x 0.39 inches
Keyboard Weight:
1.4 pounds
Wireless:
Yes
Number of Keys:78
Touchpad:No
Operating System Compatibility:iOS, iPadOS
Backlighting:
Yes
PROSCONS
Thin and lightweight
No trackpad
RGB backlightingMediocre battery life
Full row of media/function keys
Premium typing experience
Budget-friendly
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2023-02-28 20:00322