Keyboard

Best iPad Air keyboards

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated March 14, 2018

As iPad becomes more of a portable workhorse, the need for professional grade accessories drastically increases. Our own Jeff Benjamin swears by his iPad to muscle common tasks for his daily blogging needs. Of the most important professional additions, the keyboard rates at number one.

A virtual keyboard is perfect for portability. Software keyboards only take up screen space, but do not take up space in a travel bag or add weight. They are equally as noticeable when trying to actually accomplish some real work. The Bluetooth keyboard is the answer for users looking to get extra mileage from their iPad Air. Inside, we give a short spotlight to some of the best iPad Air keyboards...

Logitech FabricSkin Keyboard Folio review: a thin, light and classy keyboard for iPad Air

Lory Gil ∙ December 4, 2013

Now that Apple has finally updated its full-sized tablet with completely new dimensions, iPad Air owners are forced to update their cases, covers, and sleeves, too. I have been using the same Solar Keyboard Folio from Logitech since 2011.

Luckily, Logitech has recently revamped their line of keyboards, folios and cases to fit the thinner iPad Air. The FabricSkin Keyboard Folio for iPad Air has been updated with more than just different dimensions. The case has been redesigned to be thinner, lighter and easier to use. Read on for our review of the Logitech FabricSkin Keyboard Folio for iPad...

Moshi introduces new ultrathin ‘VersaKeyboard’ iPad Air case

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 12, 2018

If you're in the market for a non-conventional keyboard case for your new iPad Air, you may want to check out this new offering from Moshi. The California-based accessory-maker introduced the origami-styled VersaKeyboard yesterday.

The case is interesting because it can be manipulated to work as a stand and comes equipped with an ultrathin detachable Bluetooth keyboard. It works in both landscape and portrait mode, and the keyboard has a battery life of 130 hours...

A look at Belkin’s Keyboard Cases for the iPad Air

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 13, 2018

A few days ago, two of Belkin’s flagship iPad accessories arrived at my office — the soft touch QODE Slim Style Keyboard Case, and the anodized aluminum coated QODE Ultimate Keyboard Case.

Both cases provide iPad owners with a physical Bluetooth enabled keyboard, which is handy for serious typists. While many are able to get by with tap typing on iOS’ software keyboard, there’s simply no arguing against the fact that a physical keyboard is superior in virtually every way.

So, which one is right for you?

How to create custom keyboard shortcuts for Mac apps

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated November 8, 2021

Have you ever used a specific menu command in an app and wondered to yourself, "Why is there no keyboard shortcut assigned to this command?" Or "why can't I change that shortcut to something else?" I think we've all been there before. Fortunately, fixing the issue requires little more than a few minutes of your time. Inside, we'll show you how easy it is to quickly create a keyboard shortcut for your favorite apps.

Belkin launches new iPad Air accessories, too

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 5, 2018

One of the top accessory makers and among the leading players in the Apple accessories ecosystem, Logitech, today announced four new keyboard cases and covers designed specifically for Apple's upcoming iPad Air.

However, Logitech's arch-enemy Belkin earlier telegraphed an announcement of its own. A whole bunch of new iPad Air-specific accessories are part of Belkin's announcement, including three new Bluetooth keyboard models from Belkin's Qode lineup, one of them apparently made from an "aircraft-grade aluminum alloy".

Jump past the fold for the full reveal...

Logitech launches new iPad Air cases and keyboard covers

Christian Zibreg ∙ October 28, 2013

Accessory maker Logitech today announced a brand new lineup of Folio cases, Bluetooth keyboard cases and protective covers specifically designed for Apple's newly-launched iPad Air, which goes on sale this coming Friday. The Ultrathin Keyboard Folio and Cover, the FabricSkin Keyboard Folio and the Folio Protective Case are all now available for pre-order today and slated to ship in November. I've included more information and a few images right after the break...

Apple could announce Surface style iPad keyboard cover tomorrow

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated November 30, 2016

A sketchy video recently asserted Apple's Smart Cover for iPad has undergone a redesign that may launch Tuesday alongside new iPads. Suspiciously, we've seen no credible leak whatsoever to support the thesis. Though Apple's filed for a number of iPad keyboard cover patents, it's unclear in what direction it might take the Smart Cover come tomorrow.

If you ask a former Apple engineer, however, the company is seeking to address the success Microsoft has seen with Touch Type covers for the Surface by releasing its own Surface-inspired keyboard case for the new iPads that will incorporate a physical QWERTY keyboard and a bunch of other functions...

Preview: JellyBoard

Jeff Benjamin ∙ September 30, 2013

JellyBoard is an upcoming jailbreak tweak that supercharges the editing features on your iPhone's keyboard. Using swipe gestures, JellyBoard allows you to perform deletions, cut, copy, paste, select all, make uppercase, make lowercase, move the cursor, etc.

Think of JellyBoard as a tweak that similar to SwipeSelection, but a lot more customizable. There are tons of actions that you can assign to a variety of gestures, and we've showcased a few of them in our hands-on video preview inside.

Apple working on multitouch gestures for iOS keyboard, patent hints

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Although Apple's iOS is known for its gesture-based interface, the iPhone maker is notoriously hesitant about enhancing the virtual keyboard feature. A patent granted Tuesday reveals the company has been considering adopting multitouch keyboard from the moment the iPhone appeared. The patent filing entitled 'Swipe gestures for touch screen keyboards' outlines gestures to handle common keyboard tasks, such as deletion, punctuation and more...

iOS 7 Safari supports new shortcuts with external keyboards

Christian Zibreg ∙ September 24, 2013

Mobile Safari in iOS 7 has undergone some major under-the-hood changes which have vastly contributed to the overall speed increase in web page rendering times. The iOS 7 web browser is now nimbler, faster and greatly simplified, but that's not saying Safari doesn't pack in other improvements.

This includes the handy new Mac keyboard shortcuts. That's good news for people who use a Bluetooth keyboard with their iOS device as you can now open a new tab, close the currently active tab and even move the focus to the unified search/address bar using the familiar keystrokes...

Good deal: 30% off Touchfire Keyboard for iPad

Cody Lee ∙ September 21, 2013

If you're in the market for a keyboard accessory to help you type more efficiently on your iPad, you might want to check out the Touchfire. It's a silicon insert that fits over your iPad's display, offering tactile feedback as you type.

And right now, the folks over at Stack Social are running a promotion on the Touchfire KeyBoard, enabling you to pick one up at a nice discount. For a limited time, the deal site is knocking 30% off the accessory's retail price tag...