How can I Connect an external keyboard to my ipad?
I think you need to use the “camera connetion kit” from Apple. I would recommend using the “big one” with USB and a charging port included.
Hope this helps
Hi William @William_Wu ,
You have 3 options:
- Purchase the Apple Smart or Apple Magic Keyboard made for your specific iPad model.
- Purchase one of the 2 universal Apple Magic Keyboards which are made to work with Macs and iPads. There’s a model with and without the number keypad.
However, you must be careful to purchase the universal Apple Magic Keyboard that’s iPad compatible, as they make a newer model which is only Mac compatible (mainly for compatibility with the newer M1, M2 Macs). - Purchase a 3rd party keyboard claiming iPad compatibility.
Quick Pros and Cons:
The Smart and Magic keyboards made for your iPad make a physical hardware connection via a magnetic connector on the iPad and the keyboard. Connection is immediate! Turn on your iPad and when it boots up and comes to the signin screen, this keyboard is the only one of the 3 which will work to sign-in to your iPad, even though iOS is not even loaded yet! Also, check the AppleCare+ policy for your iPad. When I got it for my iPad, it said it also covered accessories, and I think that is limited to things like this keyboard because it’s made for your specific iPad. You can ask about that in the Apple Support app on your iPad to be sure if it will be covered or not.
The second choice I mentioned, Apple universal Magic keyboards, are Bluetooth keyboards. The advantage of the Apple’s universal Magic keyboard is their history of maintaining compatibility with newer Macs and iPads. Also, because they are Bluetooth connected, they will also work with your iPhone! These keyboards require iOS up and running before they work, however, but your investment in this keyboard is better because it will work with Macs, iPads, and iPhones.
The third choice, which a lot of people opt for to save money, are my least favourite choice, because they can be a pain with Bluetooth connections and Support after your purchase. The 3rd party keyboards are typically Bluetooth keyboards, so like Apple’s universal Magic keyboard, they won’t work until iOS is up and running. They usually don’t have the same key layout as the Apple keyboards. They may include extra “shortcut” keys. Some of the 3rd party keyboards are also made for specific model iPads and others are universal, so this is something to watch. Buyer beware! I purchased a very popular 3rd party keyboard made for my iPad and had real problems with it making and dropping Bluetooth connections. Trying to reach this “famously popular” company’s support was a joke. Whereas with Apple, you can get on the Apple Support app and Apple will call you right away. I ended up sending back the 3rd party keyboard and spent the extra $50 to get the proper Apple keyboard made for my iPad. The only misgiving I have is that when I upgrade to a newer iPad I will have to buy another keyboard. But, if I do the math and figure out how much the keyboard cost me for each month of use, it was a good deal. And, I’ll keep this iPad and keep using the keyboard as long as I can.
Maybe a bit more info than you were looking for, but I’ve already done the homework for you in my own search for a keyboard. All you have to do now is verify my info to your satisfaction and weigh your options and go for whatever you choose. At least you’ll be a more informed consumer now.
Hope this helps!
John
Are you talking about a computer keyboard, or the music instrument with the black and white keys 
?
@William_Wu and @Chris_R I was referring to typing keyboards? Wrong kind? If you want to connect a music keyboard to your iPhone, the easiest way is via Bluetooth.
Otherwise, if you want to make a USB connection, you need two more pieces of hardware:
- The Apple Connector Kit (recommend the one with the lightning charging port as well as USB-A port).
- I recommend the Sabrent 7 port 12V powered hub (Amazon has it). 5V hubs have their limits. With a 12V hub you’re good to go for a long time. Why 7 ports if only 1 keyboard? Trust me, when you need another port, such as to connect an audio interface, or a page turner pedal, or a synth or some other keyboard by USB cable, or USB Mic, you’ll have both the ports you need AND the power to run all that gear. When shopping for powered hubs, one of the most important numbers is how many Amps is the power supply that comes with it? Lots of ports without enough power is a show stopper. A 12V power supply will give your audio interface enough current to convert to 48V or close to it, if you should buy a condenser microphone which needs phantom power. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself having to buy another piece of gear, such as the Mackie M48 Phantom Power Supply and connect that inline between your mic and audio interface.
Hope this helps! I’m sitting in front of a piano. Why didn’t I think music keyboard? Old age. Lol
John
I already used the kit connect to my ipad
发自我的 iPhone
Hi @William_Wu
Cubasis fully supports using class compliant devices, which normally works via plug and play.
I suggest getting in touch with the manufacturer of your external device, to check if it works with mobile devices and what are the requirements to do so.
Hope that helps!
Warm greetings,
Lars