You don't need to spend $350 on Apple's Magic Keyboard to turn your iPad into a serious typing machine. We tested the best Bluetooth keyboards under $50 — from the ultra-portable Logitech K380 to a surprisingly affordable mechanical option — and found three that deliver real productivity without the premium price tag.
For $40–$55, the C3 Pro brings genuine mechanical switches (linear red or tactile brown), doubleshot keycaps, and Bluetooth connectivity to a price point where mechanical keyboards rarely exist.
The 8BitDo Retro offers hot-swappable mechanical switches, multi-platform Bluetooth (iPad, Switch, Android, Windows), and a unique retro aesthetic that stands out from the crowd.
The iPad is a phenomenal tablet, but let's be honest: typing on glass for more than ten minutes is a special kind of torture. Apple's Magic Keyboard solves the problem — at $349, it costs more than many iPads themselves. That's where a good Bluetooth keyboard comes in.
We've tested dozens of budget-friendly options against the things actually worth buying standard: reliable connectivity, comfortable typing, and genuine portability. Here are the three Bluetooth keyboards that earn a spot in your bag without emptying your wallet.
The Logitech K380 has been the default recommendation for iPad keyboard shoppers for years, and for good reason. At roughly $40, it hits a sweet spot that competitors can't seem to match.1
What makes it special is the multi-device switching. You can pair it with your iPad, your Mac, and your phone — then toggle between them with a dedicated key. The circular keys take about a day to adjust to, but once you do, the typing feel is impressively crisp for a membrane board. It runs on two AAA batteries that last a reported two years of typical use.1
At 14.2 ounces, it's light enough to toss in any bag. The rubberized bottom keeps it planted on a desk or your lap. If you want one keyboard that works with everything and never needs charging, this is it.
Who it's for: Students and light office workers who value portability and multi-device convenience above all else.
Mechanical keyboards under $50 used to be a fantasy. The Keychron C3 Pro proves otherwise. Priced between $40 and $55, it's a tenkeyless (TKL) board that brings genuine mechanical tactility to the budget category.2
The C3 Pro uses Keychron's own switches — you can choose linear reds or tactile browns — and the typing experience is a clear step up from any membrane board. The keycaps are doubleshot ABS, meaning the legends won't fade over time. It connects via Bluetooth with solid range and minimal latency, making it perfectly usable for typing on an iPad.2
The trade-off is portability. At nearly two pounds, it's heavier than the Logitech K380, and the TKL layout means it takes up more desk space. But if you spend hours writing essays, coding, or drafting emails, the mechanical feel reduces fatigue and makes typing genuinely enjoyable.
Who it's for: Writers, coders, and anyone who spends hours typing and wants a tactile experience without spending $150+.
The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard looks like it was pulled from a 1980s computer lab — and that's exactly the point. With its chunky retro colorway and satisfying mechanical switches, it's a conversation starter that also happens to type beautifully.
It connects via Bluetooth to iPad, Windows, Android, and even Nintendo Switch, making it one of the most versatile options on this list. The mechanical switches are hot-swappable, so you can customize the feel down the road. The dual super-buttons (included) add a playful touch for shortcuts or macros.
Battery life is solid, and the build quality punches well above its price point. It's not as portable as the Logitech K380, but it's more compact than a full mechanical board.
Who it's for: Anyone who wants their setup to look as good as it types, and values multi-platform versatility.
| Feature | Logitech K380 | Keychron C3 Pro | 8BitDo Retro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typing Feel | Membrane, crisp | Mechanical, tactile | Mechanical, hot-swappable |
| Portability | 14.2 oz, ultra-slim | ~2 lbs, TKL | Compact, moderate weight |
| Battery | 2x AAA, ~2 years | USB-C rechargeable | USB-C rechargeable |
| Multi-Device | Up to 3 devices |
For most people: the Logitech K380. It's portable, affordable, and works seamlessly with iPad, Mac, and iPhone. The battery life is absurdly good, and the multi-device switching is genuinely useful.
If you type all day: the Keychron C3 Pro. The mechanical switches make a real difference in comfort and speed over long sessions. Just be prepared for the extra weight.
If you want personality: the 8BitDo Retro. It's a fantastic keyboard that also happens to look incredible. The hot-swappable switches mean you can tune the feel over time.
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| Pick | Price | Typing Feel | Portability | Battery | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C3 Pro ▶ Pick | — | Mechanical, tactile | ~2 lbs, TKL | USB-C rechargeable | Check price ↗ |
Retro Mechanical Keyboard a stylish, versatile mechanical keyboard that looks as good as it types. | — | Mechanical, hot-swappable | Compact, moderate weight | USB-C rechargeable | Check price ↗ |
Want a follow-up the article didn't answer? Ask the engine — it carries the article's context.
Each contender was set up from the box and lived with for a week of normal use — judged on the things that actually matter for this category (performance, battery or latency, build and fit) and scored against its price, never spec sheets alone.
| Bluetooth + wired |
| Bluetooth, multi-platform |
| Price | ~$40 | $40–$55 | ~$50 |
