Tablet keyboards

Tablet keyboards cover keyboard cases, folio covers, detachable keyboards and Bluetooth keyboards for iPads and Android tablets. They suit students, office workers and field staff who type on a tablet every day. Our range of over 90 products includes Logitech, Apple, Inateck and Belkin, plus Lenovo and ZAGG.

How to choose a tablet keyboard

Tablet model and generation. Keyboard cases are cut for a specific tablet, so match the exact model, screen size and generation, for example iPad Air or Galaxy Tab S. A case made for one generation often does not fit the next, because camera cut-outs, buttons and the tablet's thickness change.

Keyboard case or separate keyboard. A keyboard case protects the tablet and turns it into a small laptop, but it adds weight and thickness. A separate Bluetooth keyboard can be shared between a tablet, a phone and a laptop, though you will need a stand or a cover that props the tablet up.

Trackpad and typing feel. A built-in trackpad makes spreadsheets, long documents and web forms much easier on iPadOS and Android. Check key travel, backlighting and the layout, because UK and US keyboards place symbols such as @ and the quotation marks in different spots.

Connection and power. Keyboards that attach through a smart connector take power from the tablet and need no pairing. Bluetooth models need their own battery or a charging cable, but they work with more devices and can be used at a distance.

Protection and viewing angle. Check whether the case covers the back and screen, has a holder for a stylus and lets you change the angle. Rugged covers are worth considering for classrooms, vehicles and site work, where tablets get knocked about.

Tablet keyboard brands we carry

• Logitech: known for iPad keyboard cases such as the Combo Touch and Slim Folio, which add a keyboard and often a trackpad to a protective cover.
• Apple: makes the Magic Keyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad, which connect through the smart connector and need no separate charging.
• Inateck: specialises in everyday computer accessories such as tablet cases, sleeves and keyboard covers, with a focus on Bluetooth keyboard cases.
• Belkin: best known for chargers, cables and device accessories, and also makes keyboard cases for iPad.
• ZAGG: known for screen protectors and for protective keyboard cases with backlit keys.
• Lenovo, Samsung and Xiaomi: tablet makers whose keyboards are designed to fit their own tablets, so fit and pairing are straightforward.

Also in our range: Deqster, Gamber Johnson, Targus and Esperanza.

Tablet keyboard FAQ

Can I use any Bluetooth keyboard with my tablet?

In most cases, yes. Tablets running iPadOS and Android accept standard Bluetooth keyboards, and you pair them in the settings menu. Some shortcuts and special keys may behave differently from a model made for your tablet, and you will need a stand to hold the screen upright.

Do tablet keyboards need charging?

It depends on the connection. Keyboards that attach through a smart connector draw power from the tablet, so there is no battery to charge. Bluetooth keyboards have their own battery, which is usually charged by USB or sometimes uses replaceable batteries.

Is a keyboard case better than a separate keyboard?

A keyboard case is better if you carry the tablet around and want protection and a laptop-style setup in one piece. A separate keyboard is better for a fixed desk or for switching between several devices. Weight, trackpad and the need for a stand usually settle the choice.

Will a keyboard case fit a newer tablet model?

Not always. Keyboard cases are designed for a specific model and generation, and newer tablets often have different dimensions, camera positions or connector locations. Check the compatibility list for the exact model name and year before ordering.