Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad Air

Reviewing the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad Air

The iPad Air is a superb tablet for gaming, streaming movies and surfing the web. However, sometimes you might want to put your iPad Air to greater use and treat it like a laptop. The iPad Air doesn’t offer the same processing power as a traditional laptop, but it can run many of the same programs. The only problem is that working on an iPad Air can be difficult since there’s no keyboard.

That’s where the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad Air can be a game-changer. It’s an intuitive detachable keyboard that makes it easy to perform tasks such as word processing, creating spreadsheets, graphics editing and more.

Shop Now Amazon

Testing the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad Air

BestReviews testers are familiar with Apple products and smart keyboards and used their knowledge and experiences with both as a baseline to determine if the performance and design of the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad Air are up to par. After testing, they answered questions concerning its design and performance and whether it holds up against other smart keyboards for the iPad Air.

The BestReviews Testing Lab strives to investigate every claim a manufacturer makes about a product. For this article, BestReviews Testing Lab analyzed the aesthetics to get a feel for the keyboard and determine if its build quality is satisfactory. They then proceeded to set up the keyboard and connect it to an iPad Air, and after that, tested its responsiveness, sound output while typing and the durability of its keys.

What is the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad Air?

The Apple Smart Keyboard Folio offers a comfortable typing experience that iPad Air users usually don’t have. It looks like a standard keyboard only smaller in size and uses a magnetic connector to connect with an iPad. The front and back covers protect the iPad when folded and offer an ergonomic feel for comfort.

See how the keyboard folio compares to other products in its space — check out our reviews for the best smart keyboards.

Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad Air price and where to buy

The Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad Air costs $169 and can be purchased at Amazon.

How to use Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad Air

The Apple Smart Keyboard Folio is easy to set up, as it only requires the user to connect it to an iPad. Once connected, it works the same way a traditional keyboard does and can be used to type without downloading any additional software or following any setup procedure.

Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad Air benefits

The responsiveness of the keys is excellent, and they have some concavity to them for a comfortable feel. It holds an iPad in place, so gently shaking it won’t cause it to disconnect, and the outer layer has a rubbery feel for superior durability and comfort. The shortcuts are similar to those on a MacBook, and testers found the most useful one to be the Apple+Tab shortcut, which lets users toggle between apps.

The magnetic connection is firm — users can hold it by the keyboard without worrying about the iPad disconnecting. Typing on the keyboard is quiet and won’t disturb anyone nearby. This smart keyboard adds another dimension of functionality to the iPad experience and works seamlessly with the iPad Pro (Second, Third and Fourth Generations) and the iPad Air (Fourth and Fifth Generations).

Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad Air drawbacks

Although it’s suitable for most tasks requiring extensive typing, testers don’t recommend using the Apple Smart Keyboard for extended periods due to its small size. Typing on it for too long can cause hand and wrist discomfort.

The case provides adequate protection, but those looking for something more robust to protect the iPad from accidental drops and spills will want to look elsewhere. Also, the price is steep at $169, and testers don’t think it’s money due to the flimsiness of the case and questions regarding its durability.

Further, it lacks features offered by other smart keyboards. For comparison, the Logitech keyboard costs $150, is larger, more comfortable and has a trackball and a backlit display, and the Apple Magic Keyboard is significantly more expensive than both at $299. However, it offers features you won’t get with the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio, including a trackpad, USB-C charger and raised foldable adjustments.

Should you get the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad Air?

The Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad Air is suitable for anyone who wants to use their iPad for more than just streaming or casual web browsing. It’s sufficient for typing emails, word documents and working on spreadsheets.

If you don’t mind the inadequate protection it provides and a slightly flimsy feel, testers say it’s a fine choice if you need a keyboard for your iPad. However, it’s overpriced, and you might be better off with another keyboard if you’re looking for extra features to get more bang for your buck.