GoKawiilOther iPad Accessories We Like
iPad accessories are endless. Here are some other options that are perfectly fine, though some have issues that knock them down a rung.
Zagg Pro Keys 2 Photograph: Brenda Stolyar
Zagg Pro Keys 2 Keyboard Case for $150: Zagg's case (7/10, WIRED Review) isn't as elegant as Logitech's system, but you can connect it via Bluetooth to two different devices. That means you'll need to recharge the keyboard case via USB-C. It's more protective, thanks to the folio cover, and it's a detachable system with a case that’s separate from the slate. But it's also a lot bulkier. The second-generation version doesn't come with a trackpad either, so you'll have to supply your own mouse. This one is only available for the iPad Pro (M4), but you can still purchase the first-gen version for the ninth-gen iPad, iPad Air (including the 11-inch iPad Air with M2), and 11-inch iPad Pro, as well as the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
ESR Rebound Case for $120: When I was gifted the iPad Pro (M4) for Christmas, I wanted an accessory that would allow me to use it as my daily driver instead of my MacBook. But I'm not a fan of the current options out there—the Magic Keyboard doesn't come with a case (leaving your iPad exposed whenever you want to use it as a standard tablet), and the Logitech Combo is top-heavy (especially on your lap). I decided to give the ESR Rebound case a chance and haven't looked back. It has a case that protects your iPad and magnetically attaches to a keyboard case, plus a clasp that keeps your Apple Pencil secure. The purple color is fun too, but it also comes in black, white, and blue.—Louryn Strampe
Logitech MX Mechanical Mini for $160: This keyboard is compact and has satisfyingly clicky keys, plus they're backlit. It recharges via USB-C, but I've only had to plug it in once every few months. It connects either via Bluetooth or a USB-A dongle (or with the included USB-C cable), and the connection never fails.
Logitech Crayon Stylus for $70: Apple Pencil not striking your fancy? This Logitech Crayon is a slightly more affordable option, It's especially great for kids because it's thicker yet maintains great palm rejection, decent (but not identical) pressure sensitivity, and low latency. Logitech has updated it with USB-C support, so now you can truly ditch that Lightning cable.
Satechi USB-C Hybrid With SSD Enclosure for $90: Satechi's four-port hub is a little too large, considering the number of ports you get, but there's a good reason for that. Pop off the aluminum cover and you'll find a slot for an M.2 SATA solid-state storage drive (SSD) slot. That means access to an external SSD, along with two USB-A jacks, one 100-watt USB-C pass-through charging port, and a 4K HDMI at the same time. I did not have an M.2 SATA drive to test, but this 1-terabyte card should work. Just know that Satechi's hub does not support NVMe M.2 cards.
Paperlike Screen Protector for $50: This screen cover goes over your iPad's screen to mimic the texture and friction of sketching on paper. Former WIRED reviewer Jaina Grey said the film is harder to apply than a typical screen protector (make sure you clean your iPad's screen thoroughly beforehand). But when you're done, it adds enough resistance that you'll find it hard to go back to drawing on glass.
Mageasy CoverBuddy Case (iPad Pro) for $70: Mageasy's case is compatible with Apple's Magic Keyboard case and is a great option if you want extra protection for your iPad without adding too much bulk. Like the ESR Rebound case, you can attach and detach it from the Magic Keyboard case without losing out on the extra protection. It comes with a slot for the Apple Pencil Pro or the USB-C version. There's also the CoverBuddy Lite for the iPad Air (M2).
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