iPads are nice, but it’s the accessories like keyboards that let you use them to their full potential and can make them into pseudo mini-laptops. If you have one of the older iPads (2021 or older), the official Apple Smart Keyboard for iPad is available for just $50 (originally $159) at Walmart right now—and this model doesn’t have the annoying unresponsive keys or unbalanced flap that moves up and down when you press the keys.
Like virtually all Apple products, this keyboard was overpriced when it was released, but for $50 it’s a great value smart keyboard for your iPad. These are the iPads this keyboard is compatible with:
Apple iPad (7th Generation) 10.2″ (2019)
Apple iPad (9th Generation) 10.2″ (2021)
Apple iPad Air (3rd Generation) 10.5″ (2019)
Apple iPad (8th Generation) 10.2″ (2020)
You don’t need to charge this keyboard; it uses the three circles on the side of your iPad to leech power off your device, so there is no pairing or Bluetooth needed. Two of the biggest upsets is that it 1. lacks a backlight, so if you like typing in dark rooms, you will struggle, and 2. when you close it, while it protects your screen, it leaves the back of your iPad exposed to scratches and damages if dropped.
Other than those inconveniences, this is a solid keyboard designed by Apple that will get the job done.