Let’s be real for a second. Your 5th generation iPad—the one Apple dropped back in 2017—is a survivor. It’s the 9.7-inch workhorse that just won't quit, even if the battery isn't exactly what it used to be. But using the on-screen keyboard for anything longer than a quick "LOL" or a grocery list is a nightmare. You need a physical click. You need a 5th generation iPad cover with keyboard that doesn't feel like a flimsy piece of cardboard.
Here is the thing most people get wrong: they think they have to buy the most expensive Logitech case or hunt for a discontinued Apple accessory that costs more than the tablet is actually worth today. That’s a mistake. The 5th gen iPad (model numbers A1822 and A1823) doesn't have the Smart Connector found on the Pro models or the newer Airs. You’re looking for Bluetooth. Period. If a listing mentions "pins" or "magnetic charging" for the keyboard itself, it's for a different model.
Why Your 9.7-Inch iPad Still Needs a Keyboard
Speed. Honestly, it’s all about input speed.
When you snap a 5th generation iPad cover with keyboard onto that aluminum frame, you’re turning a Netflix machine into a word processor. I’ve seen people try to write entire college essays on the glass. It’s painful. A physical keyboard gives you back half of your screen real estate because the virtual keyboard isn't hogging the bottom 50%.
Most of these covers are basically "folio" style. They wrap around the front and back. It adds weight. You’ll notice it immediately in your backpack. But that weight is protection. If you drop a bare 5th gen iPad on a tile floor, it’s game over for that Retina display. The case acts as a roll cage.
The Bluetooth Connectivity Reality Check
Since there is no Smart Connector, you have to deal with batteries. Most modern keyboard covers for the A1822 model use micro-USB or USB-C to charge. You charge it once, and it usually lasts for months. Why? Because Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is incredibly efficient.
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Don't panic if the keyboard "goes to sleep." That’s a feature. It saves juice. You just tap the spacebar, wait two seconds for the handshake, and start typing. Some people find this lag annoying. I get it. But unless you want to carry a wired USB adapter—which looks ridiculous—it’s the life we live with older hardware.
What to Look for (and What to Avoid)
Avoid the "Universal" cases. Just don't do it.
They use these stretchy rubber corners to hold the tablet. It’s lazy design. They never fit right, and they usually block the volume buttons or the headphone jack. Yes, your 5th gen iPad has a headphone jack. Cherish it.
Key Travel and Tactile Feedback
You want "scissor-switch" keys. If the product description says "silicone" or "membrane," it’s going to feel like typing on a wet sponge. You want that satisfying click.
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Logitech’s Slim Folio is often cited by tech reviewers at The Verge and CNET as the gold standard for this specific iPad. It’s rugged. The keys feel like a real laptop. But it’s thick. If you want something slimmer, brands like Arteck or OMOTON offer Bluetooth keyboards that are separate from the case. It’s a bit more "modular," which is great if you don't always want the extra bulk of a keyboard attached to your hip.
Protection vs. Portability
Think about where you're going.
If this iPad is for a kid, get the chunky, ruggedized keyboard cases. Brands like Zagg make versions that can survive a drop from a kitchen table. If you’re a traveler, look for a "detachable" keyboard. These use magnets to hold the keyboard to the cover. You can pull the keyboard off, set the iPad on the airplane tray table, and keep the keyboard in your lap. It's a game-changer for cramped economy seating.
The Software Side of the 5th Generation iPad
We need to talk about iPadOS. The 5th generation iPad can run up to iPadOS 16, but it didn't get iPadOS 17 or 18. This is important for keyboard users.
You still get the essential keyboard shortcuts. Command+Tab to switch apps. Command+Space for Search. These work perfectly with a 5th generation iPad cover with keyboard. It makes the OS feel snappy even if the A9 chip inside is showing its age.
- Multitasking: Use the keyboard to trigger Split View.
- Notes: The 5th gen doesn't support the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil, but a keyboard makes the Notes app 10x more useful for long-form thoughts.
- Battery Life: Using Bluetooth will drain your iPad battery slightly faster. Maybe 5-10% faster over a full day. It's negligible for most, but keep your charger handy if you're doing a marathon writing session.
Real-World Durability Issues
I’ve seen plenty of these cases fail at the hinge. Plastic hinges are the enemy. Look for reinforced fabric or high-quality TPU. If you're constantly opening and closing the case, cheap plastic will stress-fracture within six months.
Also, watch out for the "Fn" key layout. Some cheap covers move the Control or Alt keys to weird places to save space. It will ruin your muscle memory. Look at the product photos closely. Ensure the "Shift" key on the right side isn't tiny. A tiny right Shift key is a dealbreaker for touch typists.
Dealing with the 2017 Specs
Let’s be honest: your 2017 iPad isn't a powerhouse anymore. Adding a keyboard won't make it render 4K video faster. It will, however, make it a distraction-free writing tool. Many writers actually prefer older iPads because they can't handle too many background apps, forcing you to focus on the document in front of you.
Actionable Steps for Your Purchase
Before you hit "Buy Now," do these three things:
- Verify your model number: Go to Settings > General > About. Tap on the Model Number to see the "A" code. If it isn't A1822 or A1823, this specific 5th gen keyboard won't fit perfectly.
- Check the charging port: If you are trying to minimize cables, find a keyboard that matches your phone's charger. Most newer budget keyboards are moving to USB-C, while older stock uses Micro-USB.
- Test your "top row" needs: Do you want dedicated buttons for brightness, volume, and media playback? Most integrated keyboard covers have these; standalone Bluetooth keyboards sometimes don't.
Upgrade your hardware experience by choosing a case with a dedicated Apple Pencil holder—even if you use a third-party stylus—as it keeps your tools centralized. Prioritize a keyboard with a matte finish to avoid the inevitable fingerprint grease that plagues glossy plastic keys. Once connected, go into your iPad settings under "Hardware Keyboard" to customize the "Modifier Keys" if you prefer a different layout for Caps Lock or Command. This small tweak makes an old tablet feel like a brand-new professional workstation.