If you want to use an iPad like a laptop, a well-made keyboard case is the quickest route. Logitech’s Create keyboard case for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro is a good example of that approach: it combined a laptop-style keyboard, backlighting, a smart connector hookup and a protective case to give the iPad a much more productive feel.
What made the Create stand out
The Create used Apple’s Smart Connector to attach and communicate with the iPad. That matters because a Smart Connector keyboard typically powers and pairs with the tablet as soon as you snap it on — no Bluetooth pairing and no separate charging for the keyboard. It’s a tidy, plug-and-play arrangement that removes a few friction points between device and accessory.
Logitech focused on typing comfort. The keyboard layout ran edge-to-edge, with scissor-switch keys and roughly laptop-style key travel (about 1.4 mm), so typing felt responsive and familiar compared with many slimmer folio keyboards. A top row of shortcut keys gave quick access to brightness, media controls, Safari and the Home screen — little touches that make the iPad feel more like a conventional notebook when you’re in a rush.
Backlighting is another nicety for anyone who types in dim conditions. The Create offered adjustable backlight levels and simple power management to avoid wasting your tablet battery when the keyboard wasn’t in use. Logitech also built a dedicated slot for the Apple Pencil and provided a raised drawing angle that made handwriting or sketching more comfortable.
The case element wasn’t an afterthought: a polycarbonate frame added structural support, spill resistance and a wipe-clean surface to protect the machine from knocks and everyday mess.
Picking the right keyboard case for your iPad
If you’re shopping for a keyboard case — whether you’re looking at older models like the Create or newer offerings — focus on a few practical points:
- Compatibility: Make sure the case matches your iPad’s exact model and screen size. Smart Connector accessories only work with iPads that include the connector. - Connection type: Smart Connector keyboards are convenient and don’t need charging, while Bluetooth options work across multiple devices but require pairing and a battery. - Typing feel: Check key travel, switch type (scissor keys are common), layout and whether keys are full-sized. Try before you buy if you can. - Backlighting and shortcuts: Backlighting is helpful for low light, and dedicated shortcut keys speed up common tasks. - Pencil storage and angle: If you use a stylus, a built-in holder keeps it handy; a useful drawing angle can improve the experience. - Protection and maintenance: Look for a sturdy frame, spill resistance and surfaces that are easy to clean.
A keyboard case won’t replace every feature of a laptop, but it’s one of the simplest, most effective ways to turn an iPad into a day-to-day productivity machine. Think about how you type and work, and choose a case that gives you the balance of comfort, protection and convenience you need.