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iPad Pro Q&A
Update Published May 17, 2024
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What is the best external keyboard for the iPad Pro? Do all iPad Pro models support an external keyboard? Which Apple keyboards are compatible with which iPad Pro models?
All iPad Pro models have a "Smart Connector" designed for use with an Apple Smart Keyboard, but because different models have different physical dimensions, they use different keyboards.
The iOS has long supported some external input devices as an accessibility feature to help those with disabilities, but the iPad Pro did not originally support a mass market external mouse or trackpad. That all changed with iOS 13.4, when Apple added formal, mainstream trackpad support to the iPadOS for the first time.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad Pro 12.9" 3rd Gen with Apple Smart Keyboard)
iPad Pro Identification (Skip)
If you are not sure which iPad Pro you have, a simple way to identify each is by its Model Number; externally displayed toward the bottom on the back of each device.
iPad Pro |
Model No |
Each iPad Pro can be differentiated by other identifiers as well, such as the Order Number, which can be located by selecting the Settings app and pressing General > About and scrolling down to what is specified as "Model" within the iOS. For example, the iPad Pro 11" (Wi-Fi Only - 3rd Gen) that was sold in the US in Space Gray with 512 GB of storage is MTXT2LL/A.
To track down a particular iPad Pro by a variety of different identifiers, please refer to the Ultimate iLookup feature.
Apple Smart & Magic Keyboard Options for iPad Pro
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad Pro Models with Apple Smart Keyboards)
Although many look quite similar, there are several different Apple Keyboard options compatible with different iPad Pro models:
iPad Pro |
Compatible Apple Keyboard |
Order No |
iPad Pro 12.9" |
MJYR2LL/A |
|
iPad Pro 9.7" |
Smart Keyboard (9.7") |
MM2L2AM/A |
iPad Pro 2 10.5" |
Smart Keyboard (10.5") |
MPTL2LL/A |
iPad Pro 2 12.9" |
MJYR2LL/A |
|
iPad Pro 11" |
MU8G2LL/A |
|
iPad Pro 3 12.9" |
MU8H2LL/A |
|
iPad Pro 2 11" |
MXNK2LL/A |
|
iPad Pro 4 12.9" |
MXNL2LL/A |
|
iPad Pro 3 11" |
MXNK2LL/A |
|
iPad Pro 5 12.9" |
Smart Keyboard Folio 2 (12.9") |
MXNL2LL/A |
iPad Pro 4 11" |
MXNK2LL/A |
|
iPad Pro 6 12.9" |
Smart Keyboard Folio 2 (12.9") |
MXNL2LL/A |
iPad Pro M4 11" |
Magic Keyboard 11" (M4) - White |
MWR03LL/A |
iPad Pro M4 13" |
Magic Keyboard 13" (M4) - White |
MWR43LL/A |
The Magic Keyboard options include an integrated trackpad and require the iPad Pro to be running iOS 13.4 or higher.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPad Pro Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro M4 11")
Each Apple Smart Keyboard and Magic Keyboard are available from Apple Authorized site sponsor Adorama with free shipping across the United States.
Best Third-Party Keyboards for iPad Pro
If you don't like the squishy and light texture feel of the Apple Smart Keyboard, especially those released prior to 2020, and the Magic Keyboard is not compatible with your iPad Pro and you would prefer a firmer, more notebook-like keyboard, there also are good third-party options from Logitech to consider.
Photo Credit: Logitech, Inc (Slim Folio PRO Keyboard for iPad Pro 3rd Gen)
Available in slightly different designs and sizes for different models, these Logitech options all provide a firmer keyboard than the Apple Smart Keyboard and double as a soft case to wrap around the iPad Pro, as well:
iPad Pro |
Compatible Logitech Keyboard Case |
Orig. iPad Pro 12.9" |
Logitech Slim Combo (12.9") |
Orig. iPad Pro 9.7" |
Logitech Create (9.7") |
iPad Pro 2 10.5" |
Logitech Slim Combo (10.5") |
iPad Pro 2 12.9" |
Logitech Slim Combo (12.9") |
iPad Pro 11" |
|
iPad Pro 3 12.9" |
|
iPad Pro 2 11" |
|
iPad Pro 4 12.9" |
|
iPad Pro 3 11" |
|
iPad Pro 5 12.9" |
|
iPad Pro 4 11" |
|
iPad Pro 6 12.9" |
|
iPad Pro M4 11" |
Logitech Combo Touch (M4 11") |
iPad Pro M4 13" |
Logitech Combo Touch (M4 13") |
Photo Credit: Logitech, Inc (Combo Touch Keyboard for iPad Pro M4)
Ultimately, an Apple Smart Keyboard or Apple Magic Keyboard is a good choice for the iPad Pro line, just make sure that you purchase one that is compatible with your specific device.
However, if you prefer a less "spongy" keyboard and the Apple Magic Keyboard is incompatible with your iPad Pro, or you would like to save a bit of money, one of the third-party options from Logitech might be even better for your needs.
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