A keyboard case can significantly increase your productivity with an iPad. Apple offers an expensive iPad keyboard case called the Magic Keyboard, which most people consider buying with their iPads. However, I believe cheaper alternatives might be better.

Apple’s Magic Keyboard changed how I used my iPad Pro for work. It offers great vertical integration with features like passthrough charging, seamless connectivity, and a stellar trackpad. But in the grand scheme of things, at $349, theMagic Keyboard isn’t really the best deal.

The primary reason, apart from the pricing, is the soft-touch rubber material Apple uses for the Magic Keyboard. Over time, I’ve realized that this material is easy to indent and tear. I wrapped the outside of my Magic Keyboard in a marble-esque vinyl skin on the first day, but some of its exposed parts have still frayed over the years. And the inner palm rest, while not torn, does show some age.

So, if you consider the fact that the keyboard is not easy to repair or replace for many, it’s a poor deal. Plus, its competition can closely match the offered experience at half the cost—or lower.

Why Cheaper Alternatives to the Magic Keyboard Make More Sense

If you look at why we think the Magic Keyboard is a poor deal, you’ll understand that long-term usability is a major factor to consider here. Most people don’t upgrade their iPads every two years or so, as they’re powerful enough to last for several years. Therefore, the accessories you pair with it should last just as long.

But replacing a Magic Keyboard due to wear and tear might hurt more than you’d think. Substituting a cheaper keyboard is likely to be easier—not only on your wallet but even mentally—and you’d definitely feel you’re getting your money’s worth if you’re running it ragged.

Cheaper alternatives make more sense because many of them closely emulate how the Magic Keyboard works and go beyond it by offering additional features like a row of function keys, multi-device pairing, colored backlit keys, and more. Some third-party options have even picked up its visual aesthetic.

The Best Magic Keyboard Alternatives You Should Consider

Nowadays, you’ll findMagic Keyboard alternativesthat can go toe-to-toe with Apple’s first-party product for a little over $100. Most of these options come from ESR, but if you’re willing to spend a little more, you may find choices from other well-known brands like ZAGG, UAG, and Logitech.

The cheapest option, which would make a great add-on to your iPad, is theESR keyboard case. It replicates the Magic Keyboard’s cantilever design but improves its functionality by offering a portrait mode for mounting. It still connects to your iPad via Bluetooth, so it’s not the most seamless experience, but it should be worth your consideration and only costs $110.

Next up is theZAGG Pro Keys case, which offers the convenience of having a multi-device Bluetooth keyboard and an iPad protective case with one accessory. Its sleek design also makes it one of the lighter options on the market. Overall, it’s ideal if your use of a keyboard case is limited.

And rounding out this list of alternatives is theLogitech Combo Touch. This keyboard is the only third-party option that features Apple’s Smart Connector. This allows it to offer the same level of seamless connectivity that Apple’s Magic Keyboard offers. The Combo Touch is also quite rugged, so if you’re a student, this might be the one to pick.

If you’re not looking for a keyboard case setup, consider thebest travel Bluetooth keyboardsavailable on the market, as they’re portable and often easy to pair with multiple devices for ease of use.

All in all, if you don’t mind paying a premium for the tight integration and smooth trackpad experience, the Magic Keyboard for iPad is a decent investment. Its newer version, which is only compatible with the M4 iPad Pro, improves upon some of the shortcomings we’ve listed here too.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or you’re concerned about the Magic Keyboard’s long-term durability, you can find plenty of alternatives on the market that make a lot more sense.