So, you bought the 10th-generation iPad. It’s got those flat edges, that landscape-oriented selfie camera that finally makes sense for video calls, and a USB-C port. It looks like an iPad Air, but it isn’t one. And that’s exactly where the headache starts when you begin hunting for a keyboard for iPad 10. If you walk into a store and just grab the first Apple-branded box you see, there is a very high chance it won't even fit your tablet.
Apple made a weird choice here.
While the iPad Pro and the Air use the second-generation Magic Keyboard—the one that floats—the iPad 10 doesn't have the magnets in the right places for that. Instead, it uses a two-piece system. It’s clunky. It’s expensive. And honestly, for a lot of people, it’s a total overkill. But then again, if you try to go too cheap with a random Bluetooth board from a discount site, you'll end up with massive input lag that makes typing feel like walking through mud.
Finding the middle ground is harder than it looks.
The Magic Keyboard Folio is a weird beast
Let's talk about the official Apple option first. It’s called the Magic Keyboard Folio. Not "Magic Keyboard." The "Folio" part is crucial. Unlike the versions for the more expensive iPads, this one comes in two separate pieces. You have a back panel that snaps on with magnets—and includes a kickstand—and then the keyboard itself which snaps onto the Smart Connector on the side.
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The kickstand is actually great. It’s very Surface Pro-esque. You can rip the keyboard off and just have a propped-up screen for watching Netflix or drawing with an Apple Pencil (the first-gen one or the USB-C version, because the iPad 10's pencil situation is a whole other mess).
But there’s a massive downside to this design: the footprint. Because of that kickstand, you need a lot of physical desk space to prop this thing up. If you're trying to work on a tiny airplane tray table, forget it. The stand will hang off the edge and your $450 tablet will take a dive toward the floor. It’s also nearly $250. That’s almost the price of the iPad itself if you caught it on a good sale. That price-to-value ratio is, frankly, pretty wild.
Logitech is basically the unofficial king here
If you don't want to spend half a grand on accessories, you usually end up looking at Logitech. They have a long-standing partnership with Apple, which is why they are often the only third-party brand you’ll see sitting on the shelves at the Apple Store.
The Logitech Combo Touch is the primary rival to Apple's own folio. It does almost the exact same thing—detachable keyboard, trackpad, kickstand—but it adds a bit more protection around the edges of the iPad. Apple’s version leaves the sides of your tablet naked. If you drop it, those aluminum edges are going to dent. Logitech wraps the whole thing in a rubbery shell.
Is it bulky? Yeah. It turns your sleek, thin tablet into something that feels more like a ruggedized laptop from 2012. But the keys are backlit. That’s a huge deal. Typing in a dark room on the official Apple Folio is a nightmare because it doesn't have backlighting. Logitech included it. It’s one of those rare moments where the third-party "budget" option actually has a feature the premium first-party one lacks.
Don't ignore the "Slim" options if you're a traveler
Then there is the Logitech Slim Folio. Notice the lack of the word "Touch." This one doesn't have a trackpad.
If you grew up using a computer, you might think you need a trackpad. But iPadOS is still a touch-first interface. If you are mostly writing emails or banging out a novel in a coffee shop, you might find that you don't actually need that little square of glass. By ditching the trackpad, the Slim Folio becomes much lighter and much cheaper. It uses coin-cell batteries that last for years instead of drawing power from the iPad’s battery.
Some people hate the idea of replaceable batteries. I get it. We live in a rechargeable world. But there is something weirdly satisfying about a keyboard that just... works. You never have to charge it. You never have to check the battery percentage. You just open it and type.
The Bluetooth rabbit hole: Cheap vs. Professional
Now, if you really want to save money, you look at the $30 Bluetooth cases on Amazon. Brands like Fintie or OMOTON.
Here is the truth: they are mostly fine for light use.
If you are a student taking occasional notes, a $30 keyboard for iPad 10 will get the job done. But there are trade-offs that the YouTube reviewers don't always mention.
- The Sleep/Wake Lag: Cheaper Bluetooth keyboards go to sleep to save power after about 10 minutes. When you start typing again, the first three or four letters you hit won't register while the chip wakes up and reconnects. It sounds minor. It is actually infuriating.
- The Key Feel: Most of these use "mushy" membrane switches. They feel like typing on a sponge.
- Weight: To keep them cheap, they use heavy magnets and thick plastic. Sometimes these "cheap" cases weigh more than the "premium" ones.
If you go the Bluetooth route, I usually suggest skipping the "keyboard case" entirely. Buy a regular, protective cover for your iPad. Then, buy a standalone keyboard like the Logitech K380 or the newer Pebble Keys 2.
The K380 is legendary in the tech world. It’s small, it’s round, and it can pair with three different devices. You can switch from typing on your iPad to replying to a text on your iPhone with the tap of a button. Since it isn't attached to a case, you can position it wherever is comfortable for your wrists. Ergonomically, it’s a massive win. You can prop your iPad up on a pile of books at eye level and have the keyboard down on the desk. Your neck will thank you.
Why the Smart Connector matters more than you think
You'll see three little gold dots on the side of your iPad 10. That’s the Smart Connector.
When you use a keyboard that connects via those dots—like the Apple Folio or the Logitech Combo Touch—you are getting a data connection and power simultaneously. No Bluetooth pairing. No "searching for devices" in settings. No charging the keyboard separately.
This is the "It Just Works" factor that Apple fans pay for. For a professional who is hopping in and out of meetings all day, that five-second delay of a Bluetooth keyboard connecting feels like an eternity. If your budget allows for it, always prioritize a Smart Connector keyboard. It effectively turns the iPad into a modular laptop.
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The trackpad controversy
iPadOS 13.4 introduced real cursor support years ago, and it changed the iPad forever. But a trackpad on an iPad 10 case is a double-edged sword.
The trackpad on the official Magic Keyboard Folio is excellent. It’s clicky everywhere and supports all the multi-touch gestures like three-finger swipes to change apps. Many third-party trackpads are... not great. They are "diving board" style, meaning you can click at the bottom but not at the top. They can be jumpy. Sometimes the palm rejection is bad, so your cursor jumps across the screen while you’re trying to type a long word.
If you are a "mouse person," just buy a small Bluetooth mouse. The Logitech Pebble mouse is about $25. It fits in a pocket. It’s often a better experience than a mediocre trackpad built into a cramped keyboard case.
Real-world durability and the "Lid" problem
One thing people rarely talk about is how these cases hold up after six months.
The Apple Magic Keyboard Folio is white. Only white. It’s a bold choice for something that lives in a backpack and sits on coffee shop tables. It gets dirty. Fast. You can wipe it down with a damp cloth, but it will eventually pick up a grayish tint on the edges where your palms rest.
Logitech’s fabric-like finish is much better at hiding grime. However, the rubber edges on the Logitech cases can sometimes start to peel or "stretch" over time, especially around the speaker cutouts and the charging port.
There's also the "floppy lid" issue. Some cheaper cases don't have strong magnets to keep the keyboard shut against the screen. If you toss it in a bag, the keyboard can slide around, waking up the iPad screen and draining your battery while it’s in your backpack. Check for a secure magnetic clasp.
Making the final call
The iPad 10 is the "budget" iPad, but its accessories are anything but cheap. To get the most out of it, you have to decide what kind of user you actually are.
- The "Price is no object" user: Get the Apple Magic Keyboard Folio. The integration is flawless, the typing experience is the best in class, and the function row (which the Pro models don't even have!) is a game changer for adjusting volume and brightness.
- The "I need a real laptop replacement" user: Get the Logitech Combo Touch. It’s more durable, has backlit keys, and protects the edges of your device.
- The "I just want to type an occasional email" user: Buy a $15 basic cover and a Logitech K380 standalone keyboard. It’s the most ergonomic and cost-effective way to work.
- The Student: Look for the Logitech Slim Folio. It can survive being shoved into a locker or a messy bag, and you never have to worry about charging it during a long lecture.
Actionable steps for your purchase
Before you hit "buy" on any keyboard for iPad 10, do these three things:
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- Check the Model Number: Ensure your iPad is actually the 10th Gen (A2696, A2757, or A2777). If your iPad has a Home button on the front, these keyboards will not work.
- Verify the Connector: If the description says "Bluetooth," you will have to charge the keyboard. If it mentions "Smart Connector," it runs off the iPad's power.
- Consider the Weight: A heavy keyboard case can double the weight of your iPad. If you bought the iPad for its portability, look at the total weight in the specs—anything over 1.2 lbs for the case alone is going to feel heavy in a bag.
Ultimately, the iPad 10 is a brilliant machine that is held back by a confusing accessory market. Don't let the branding fool you; sometimes the best keyboard for your specific needs isn't the one with the Apple logo on the box. It’s the one that fits how you actually sit, type, and travel.