The entire keyboard is smaller compared with a laptop’s, but the difference is more noticeable on the miniature modifier keys than on the letters. The keyboard has all the keys you’d find on a laptop, and they’re all in the correct location, something that many other iPad keyboards get wrong. The keyboard layout is the same as what you get on a Mac laptop. We primarily look at models from known brands that provide good customer support and offer a good warranty, but we don’t entirely exclude popular models from less-established companies. A reputable brand: Keyboards have lots of moving parts, and cheaply made ones tend to have reliability problems.An Apple Pencil holder: All current iPads support the Apple Pencil, so having a way to carry one with you is a small but appreciated feature.Luckily, this is rarely an issue with current iPad keyboards. Long battery life: The less you have to worry about your keyboard’s battery dying, the better.

Multiple angle options: Multiple angles for propping up your iPad give you more flexibility in terms of ergonomics, comfort, and avoiding screen glare-but at the very least, a case should offer an angle that lets you comfortably view the screen but isn’t easy to tip over.An easy on-off design: We appreciate keyboard cases that let you easily leave the keyboard behind when you don’t need it, so you aren’t forced to carry extra bulk and weight.It also shouldn’t take up too deep a space on your desk. Reasonable size and weight: A keyboard case makes an iPad bulkier and heavier, but it shouldn’t do so to an unreasonable extent.Solid protection: A good keyboard case must protect your iPad well.We prefer (but don’t require) dedicated keys, as opposed to overlays that require you to press the Fn key to access these functions.

Dedicated iPadOS keys: We like having iPadOS-specific keys for functions such as Spotlight (search), brightness adjustment, and home.

The keys should have a decent amount of travel (the distance you press the key to activate it) and should have a good tactile feel.

Good keys: The keys shouldn’t be so small or so cramped that you regularly press adjacent keys by accident.

The right key layout: The keyboard should have a standard key layout with all the expected keys in all the correct locations.

After all, if typing on the keyboard isn’t dramatically better than typing on the iPad’s screen, there’s no point to the extra weight and expense.

A good typing experience: The most important part of any iPad keyboard case is the keyboard itself.

Zagg messenger folio for ipad mini 4