The Apple Magic Keyboard is by far the smoothest keyboard for your iPad, but as with anything Apple related, an original Magic Keyboard will cost you an arm and leg.
There are brands that make alternatives to the Apple Magic Keyboard which are much, much cheaper such as Omoton, Logitech and Keychron.
And with everyone wanting a piece of this market, various other Chinese brands have started manufacturing Apple Magic Keyboard alternatives for well under $100, providing actual competition to Apple.
I've picked up a couple of these alternatives and while not all were up to the mark, there were a few that came quite close to the original and then there were some that blew my mind.
This review covers my experience using Apple Magic Keyboard alternatives and this is the list of the top 12 that stood out.
Check out Apple Magic Keyboard alternatives on Aliexpress (Really good!)
| Top 12 Best Apple Magic Keyboard Alternatives | Features |
| OMOTON Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard | Overall Best |
| Logitech K380 | For Multi Device Connectivity |
| Typecase Touch iPad Keyboard | Great Design |
| Logitech Slim Folio | Impressive Connectivity Options |
| ANNE Pro 2 | Great Looking Mechanical Keyboard |
| ARTECK HB030B | Long Battery Life with LED Backlit Keys |
| Keychron K3 Bluetooth Mechanical Keyboard | Super Comfortable to Use |
| Brydge Pro+ Wireless Keyboard with Trackpad for iPad Pro | Multi Gesture Support |
| Jelly Comb Keyboard | Designed for Apple |
| Steelseries Apex Pro | For Apple Gamers |
| Das Keyboard / Mechanical Keyboard for Mac | Full Scale Mechanical keyboard |
| Macally Ultra Slim USB Wired Computer Keyboard | Slim Profile Design |
Best Apple Magic Keyboard Alternative
OMOTON Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard
The Omoton is the budget answer to the Jelly Comb keyboard. At $22 it’s 50% of the cost of the Jelly Comb keyboard. At the outset it’s a perfect fit.
Although the product manufacturers say it’s not compatible with Mac devices. It’s the Esc key which is the problem. To press the Esc key, you need to press the Fn+Esc key, which isn’t too much of a hassle.
It’s perfectly suited for the iPad as it is compatible with most iPad devices. There are 78 keys with 13 Hot iPad keys.
It’s compatible with most iPhone devices as well. The Keyboard isn’t compatible with the Mac Mini and the iMac.
It uses two AAA batteries and cannot be recharged. So if you don’t like recharging your devices, this is a good fit.
To conserve the battery, you can put the keyboard on sleep-mode. It doesn’t have a backlit keyboard, which is a downside.
Logitech K380
Logitech has earned a reputation of creating some amazing alternatives to Apple’s products. They have an amazing alternative for the Apple Pencil and now they’ve outdone themselves with the Logitech K380.
The K380 is an amazing alternative to the Apple Magic Keyboard. It’s an under $50 keyboard. The design is unlike any other keyboards out there with it’s circular buttons which gives more spacing between the keys. It’s compatible with multiple devices - Mac, Chromebook, Android, iPad, Desktop and PC.
You can seamlessly connect with 3 other devices simultaneously. It uses 2, AAA batteries to power the device that gives you two years of battery life. So there are no issues with having to recharge it.
It’s super portable and is one of the best alternatives for the magic keyboard. The colour options are super catchy and the one in Rose Gold is a complete standout.
Typecase Touch iPad Keyboard
If you’re looking for one of the most easy-to-use iPad Magic keyboards around, the Typecase is the one for you. This iPad magic keyboard alternative has been designed to offer a comfortable typing experience and lets you position the iPad in any way you wish.
This keyboard has been specifically designed to support 11” iPad’s and comes equipped with a Pencil holder on the left of the keyboard, you can use this to hold your Apple Pencil so it doesn’t get in your way. There’s even a touchpad built-into the keyboard that can literally turn your iPad into a laptop.
It is a lightweight alternative to the Apple Magic Keyboard and the keys are backlit and you can adjust the brightness and color of the keyboard. 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.
Logitech Slim Folio
The Slim Folio is a durable and highly versatile Apple Magic Keyboard alternative. It comes equipped with a 4-year battery life and offers three different modes to choose from such as the typing mode, view mode and even read mode.
This Apple magic keyboard alternative is comfortable to use and has well-spaced keys including an entire row of shortcut keys dedicated to iOS functions. It offers a high level of protection to your iPad by encasing the front and back so that it doesn’t get scratched or damaged.
One of the best things about the Logitech Slim Folio is that at the top of the hard-case you will find a built-in holder where you can either place your Apple pencil or Logitech crayon. It’s convenient to use and we really liked that the Slim Folio does not use much energy when connected to your iPad and offers low-energy connectivity via Bluetooth.
ANNE Pro 2
The ANNE Pro 2, on the first look, doesn't seem like an alternative to the Magic Keyboard, but when you find out the specs of this keyboard, you’ll know it packs a punch and is worth it!
At $89, it’s in the mid range of keyboards. It’s a simple keyboard with backlit functionalities. Honestly, it’s one of the better looking keyboards out there with different RGB tones that make it stand out.
It’s a wired and wireless keyboard and they pack a 5 foot USB-C cable. You can seamlessly use it across iOS and Windows devices by just pushing the BT button behind the keyboard,
The best thing about the keyboard is the Macros. They can be programmed For shortcuts, just the way you want it.
The software helps you change the keyboard layout to the device you are using it with. There is a 60% mechanical version which has a slight learning curve as you need to learn how to use the TAP feature.
It’s one of the best hybrid keyboards out there and it beats the Magic Keyboard in price and value!
ARTECK HB030B
The cheapest alternative is the $19 ARTECK. It’s super slim and portable. It is backlit and rechargeable. Can be used with Windows, Mac, iOS and Android devices with ease. It has a 6 month battery life.
The Keyboard has 7 Elegant LED backlights that give the look to the keyboard. Let’s you control the volumes, copy paste in different devices with ease.
The zinc body gives it strength and also makes it lightweight, making it perfect for carrying around. The instructions on how to use this product are unparalleled and you wouldn’t be wasting time figuring out how to use this keyboard.
It also works with a PS4. Some users have complained that the caps lock key isn’t functional on some devices, but those are mostly for older devices.
At this price, this is a budget alternative to the magic keyboard and you can’t get anything cheaper than this!
Keychron K3 Bluetooth Mechanical Keyboard
The Keychron K3 is a top-notch Bluetooth Mechanical Keyboard that's available for cheap. It offers the perfect balance of form and function, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a keyboard to use with their iPad or Mac that is both stylish and comfortable to use.
It has a sleek, minimalist design that is sure to look great on any desk, and it is made from high-quality materials that are built to last. The mechanical keys provide a satisfying, tactile response, and the backlit keys make it easy to type in low-light conditions.
The K3 is also equipped with multi-device Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to pair it with up to three devices and switch between them with ease. Additionally, the keyboard has a long battery life, so you won't have to worry about constantly recharging it.
Overall, it is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a high-quality alternative to the Apple Magic Keyboard.
Brydge Pro+ Wireless Keyboard with Trackpad for iPad Pro
The Brydge Pro+ Wireless Keyboard is a great alternative to the Apple Magic Keyboard for the iPad Pro. This keyboard offers a sleek design and features backlit keys with adjustable brightness levels and a full-sized trackpad, which enhances the iPad's capabilities and improves user productivity.
The keyboard also features a sturdy aluminum build that matches the design of the iPad Pro, making it a seamless addition to the device.
With this keyboard you will get a laptop-like experience, along with a comfortable typing experience and multi-touch gesture support on the trackpad. It also offers multi-device connectivity, allowing users to switch between multiple devices with ease.
Additionally, the keyboard offers up to three months of battery life on a single charge, making it a reliable option for on-the-go use.
Overall, we found the Brydge Pro+ Wireless Keyboard to be a fantastic alternative thanks to its sleek design, backlit keyboard, and full-sized trackpad where users can enjoy a laptop-like experience while using their iPad Pro.
Jelly Comb Keyboard
Jelly Comb as a brand is known for their unique accessories and if you are looking for a magic keyboard alternative that closely resembles the magic keyboard, then this is a good fit.
At $43 it’s again a budget keyboard and it’s compatible with Mac/ iPad/ iPhone. If you are in the Apple Ecosystem, then this keyboard is a perfect fit.
You can connect it to three devices simultaneously and switch between them with ease with the help of the BT buttons. It has a rechargeable battery which can be charged through a USB cable.
The scissor switch keys enable easy removal of keys. The downside? The keyboard isn’t backlit.
One downside is, when the battery is slow, the keyboard gets sluggish and you need to recharge it immediately to get back to fast paced typing.
The lack of a backlit can be a downside for many people, but the fact that it’s a dedicated Mac and iPad compatible keyboard, makes this a unique keyboard built for the Apple ecosystem at a cheap price.
Steelseries Apex Pro
You might be wondering, what is a gaming keyboard doing here? If the keyboard is great and if you are looking for something multi-functional that can work with your iOS, Mac devices and that also helps you game?
Why not?
The SteelSeries Apex Pro is a beast of a gaming keyboard. It’s ridiculously popular online with a 4.5 rating on Amazon with 2366 ratings. That’s really good!
Let’s talk about comfort. It has a magnetic wrist support for complete ergonomic feel. The Omnipoint switches help with the customization of actuation distance.
The LED backlit has 16.8 million colors to give that rich experience. It has a OLED Smart display with pertinent information that helps you reduce tabbing time.
This might seem like an overkill as a Magic keyboard alternative, but it has all the features and specs of a good keyboard and if you are looking to buy a gaming keyboard that works with your Macbook, then this is a perfect fit.
Das Keyboard / Mechanical Keyboard for Mac
The Das Keyboard Mechanical keyboard is built for the Mac. It’s slightly pricey at $119. But as it’s built specifically for the Mac, it’s at a premium price. But is it worth it?
The laser etched keys ensure that the keys don’t fade at all even after years of use. The keys are german-engineered with gold contacts.
It has dedicated media keys for the volume, brightness, next track /previous track and so on. It has a 5 key rollover if you type very very quickly!
The keyboard layout is built for the Mac. It has USB ports on the side that let you charge and power your iPhone while using the keyboard.
The 6 feet extra long cable ensures you aren’t restricted because of the cable. Can save battery life with the sleep function.
It’s a plug and play keyboard and requires no driver. It’s a very solid device for the price you pay for it.
Macally Ultra Slim USB Wired Computer Keyboard
Apart from the mid-range pricing for this keyboard, the highlight is the 20 dedicated Apple shortcut keys. It’s a super thin keyboard with an aluminum base that is similar to the Magic keyboard.
Works well with Windows or the MAC. It has a dedicated numeric keypad which makes life easy for people who have to type in a lot of numbers.
It’s a plug and play device and there are no drivers required for installation. The scissor keys are perfect for stability and super fast typing.
It has a premium feel because of the aluminum encasing. The downside are the buttons. They require a firm press compared to the original Apple keyboard which is feather touch.
Another big downside is, it doesn’t have a plug-in for the wireless mouse which would have been a really good addition.
Overall it’s a decent magic keyboard alternative.
Buying Apple Magic Keyboard Alternatives for Cheap
What to consider when choosing a keyboard to replace your Apple Magic keyboard?
When buying a cheap alternative to the Apple Magic Keyboard, there are several important factors to consider.
Firstly, you need to make sure that the keyboard is compatible with your device. Most keyboards may only work with Windows or Android devices, while others may be compatible with Apple devices. So since you're looking for a Magic keyboard alternative make sure you check that the keyboard is compatible with Apple devices like the iPad or Mac.
Next, it is important to consider the build quality of the keyboard. You want to make sure that the keyboard is durable and can withstand regular use. Some cheaper alternatives may use lower quality materials that can wear out quickly, but there are plenty of cheap options available that are also durable like the Logitech Slim Folio and the Omoton keyboard.
Another factor to consider is the layout of the keyboard. You want to make sure that the keys are placed in a way that is comfortable for you to use. Some cheaper alternatives may have a different layout to the Apple Magic Keyboard, which can take some getting used to.
It's also good to choose an alternative that supports macOS and iPad OS functions instead of Windows function keys. Some keyboards support both operating systems and by installing the appropriate drivers you will be able to configure the keyboard according to the OS you're using.
Finally, it is important to take the type of connection that the keyboard uses into consideration as some alternatives may use a wired connection, while others may use Bluetooth. You want to make sure that the keyboard you choose will be compatible with your device and that the connection is stable. Also, consider how you're using the device, if you'll carry it with you on the go or if your iPad/Mac will remain in a single spot through its lifetime.
How do you pair an Apple Magic keyboard alternative to an iPad/Mac?
To pair your Apple Magic Keyboard alternative with an iPad or Mac, follow these steps:
- Step 1 -- Turn on the keyboard by pressing the power button. The keyboard should automatically go into pairing mode and the LED light should start flashing.
- Step 2 -- On your iPad or Mac, go to the "Settings" app and select "Bluetooth." Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
- Step 3 -- On the iPad or Mac, look for the option to put the device in pairing mode. This is usually referred to as "Bluetooth pairing" or "Add a device."
- Step 4 -- On the Bluetooth settings screen, look for your keyboard in the list of available devices. If it does not appear, try holding down the power button for 5-7 seconds to put it in pairing mode again.
- Step 5 -- Tap on the name of the keyboard in the list to initiate the pairing process. A code should appear on the screen that you need to enter on the keyboard. Type the code on the keyboard to complete the pairing process.
- Step 6 -- On the iPad or Mac, look for a notification that the keyboard is connected. You should now be able to use the keyboard to type on your device.
Note: The steps may vary slightly depending on the specific model of your Apple Magic Keyboard alternative, but the overall process should be similar.
Is the Apple magic keyboard worth it?
The Apple Magic keyboard isn't worth it as there are numerous alternatives that perform the same function at a much cheaper price. The Jelly Comb keyboard looks exactly like the magic keyboard and is available for $43 and has all the same functions as the magic keyboard and works seamlessly with Mac, iPad and the iPhone.
Is Apple Magic keyboard good?
The Apple magic keyboard is a good device with the feather touch keyboard and seamless connectivity across all Apple devices. The only downside to the Magic keyboard is the cost which is a bit expensive, considering there are many alternatives out there.
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