Unveiling an exceptional iPad keyboard, priced significantly lower than Apple's own offering.
In the market for a keyboard case for your iPad (2025) that offers both backlighting and improved key travel, but doesn't break the bank? Look no further, as we've rounded up some budget-friendly options that might just fit the bill.
ESR Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case
Leading the pack is the ESR Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case, currently listed at $119.99 (discounted from $134.99) on the brand's store. This keyboard case offers a lot more for half the price of Apple's Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad. It boasts a backlit keyboard with adjustable brightness levels, a sufficiently wide trackpad, and keys that provide a quieter typing experience than the MacBook Air's keyboard.
The ESR keyboard case is also designed with practicality in mind. It has soft rubber bumps around the corners to prevent the iPad's non-laminated screen from getting smudged, and a bi-directional magnetic flap at the top that securely locks the Apple Pencil in its place and prevents it from falling off. The case's single-body design is easier to handle and doesn't slide off.
Budget Alternatives
If the ESR Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case doesn't quite fit your budget, there are other options worth considering.
Logitech Slim Folio
Mentioned as a popular affordable option for iPad 10th Gen, the Logitech Slim Folio generally offers good key travel and reliable functionality. However, backlighting might be limited depending on the exact model.
eiP Magnetix Keyboard Case
Highlighted in recent budget accessory reviews, the eiP Magnetix Keyboard Case is a solid, affordable keyboard case for iPads including the 10th and 11th Gen. This case is noted for practical features and a fair typing experience, though backlighting specifics should be checked.
Zagg Messenger Folio 2
Praised for its good key travel and affordability, the Zagg Messenger Folio 2 includes useful shortcut keys and solid protection features, making it one of the better budget choices if backlighting is not mandatory.
Trade-offs in Budget Keyboard Cases
It's important to note that among these, backlit keys are generally rare in budget cases. Apple's Magic Keyboard Folio remains one of the few with both high-quality backlighting and premium key travel. Most affordable options improve key travel but often lack backlighting to keep costs down.
For the best mix of backlit keys and improved typing experience on a budget, products like the Logitech Slim Folio series with backlighting or newer models from budget brands such as eiP could be promising, though exact backlight models should be verified before purchase.
If backlighting is an absolute requirement and budget is tight, you may need to consider slightly higher price points or wait for newly released models targeting that niche in 2025, as current budget options mostly lack backlit keyboards but offer decent key travel improvements.
In summary, the ESR Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case offers a compelling option for those seeking a budget-friendly keyboard case with backlighting and improved key travel. However, if you're willing to make some trade-offs, there are other affordable options available that still provide a significant upgrade over Apple's Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad.
| Keyboard Case | Backlit Keys | Key Travel | Price Range | Notes | |-------------------------|--------------|------------------|-------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Apple Magic Keyboard Folio | Yes | Premium | Premium | Best overall but expensive | | Logitech Slim Folio | Some models | Improved | Affordable | Backlighting may vary; good value | | Zagg Messenger Folio 2 | No | Good | Budget-friendly | No backlight but quality key travel | | eiP Magnetix Keyboard Case| Likely No | Decent | Budget-friendly | Affordable with practical features |
- For those seeking a budget-friendly alternative to the ESR Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case, the Logitech Slim Folio, eiP Magnetix Keyboard Case, and Zagg Messenger Folio 2 offer good key travel and reliable functionality, though some models might lack backlighting.
- While the ESR Rebound Magnetic Keyboard Case features backlit keys and improved key travel, those looking for a more affordable option with backlighting can consider the Logitech Slim Folio series or newer models from budget brands such as eiP, provided that the backlight models are verified before purchase.
