Who remembers the Logitech Ultra-Thin keyboard case for the iPad 2 and 3rd generation? That keyboard was everywhere at one point. If you’re on a budget and don’t want to spend Apple-level money on the official Smart Keyboard, then the Inateck iPad Ultra-Slim Keyboard is a genuinely solid alternative.
I’ve been using this keyboard for everyday tasks — blogging, writing office documents, replying to emails — and it’s travelled with me everywhere alongside my 2009 MacBook Pro 13”. In both size and weight, carrying an iPad with this keyboard is noticeably lighter than lugging around a full laptop.
Below is a straight-up breakdown of the good and the bad, followed by a deeper look at how it holds up in real use.
Good VS Bad
| Good | Bad |
| Designed specifically for iPad use | No trackpad (not an issue if you use a mouse) |
| Auto wake & sleep when opening/closing | Charges via Micro-USB instead of USB-C |
| Apple Pencil (1st gen) holder built in | Bluetooth must be turned on manually |
| Ultra-slim design (1.5 cm thick) | No Smart Connector like Apple’s keyboard |
| Lightweight at approx. 0.7 lbs | Battery status only visible via FN shortcut |
| Uses Mac-style keyboard shortcuts | |
| Home button functions as ESC | |
| Acts as a protective back cover | |
Everyday Use & Typing Experience
For day-to-day use, this keyboard genuinely punches above its price. Typing feels comfortable and familiar, especially if you’re used to a Mac keyboard. Most of the standard macOS shortcuts work, which makes switching between an iPad and a Mac feel seamless. Pressing CMD first unlocks many of the same actions you’d expect on a desktop.
I use this keyboard primarily for writing — blog posts, notes, emails — and it’s never felt like a compromise. Key travel is decent, spacing is sensible, and it doesn’t feel cramped even during longer writing sessions.
Portability & Design
This is where the Inateck keyboard really shines.
At just 0.7 lbs and around 1.5 cm thick, it barely adds any bulk to the iPad. Compared to carrying my old MacBook Pro, the difference is night and day. It slips easily into a bag and doesn’t feel like you’re carrying “another device”.
A big bonus is that it also acts as a protective back cover, something Apple’s Smart Keyboard doesn’t do particularly well. For everyday travel and commuting, that extra protection is reassuring.
Battery & Charging
Battery life is good, but not perfect. The keyboard has a battery status key, which works by pressing FN + right CMD. When pressed:
- Flashing green = charged above 25%
- Flashing red = low battery
It’s functional, but not exactly modern. Charging is done via Micro-USB, which feels dated now, especially when everything else has moved to USB-C. That said, I already carry a cable, so it’s never been a deal-breaker for me.
Bluetooth & Connectivity
This keyboard connects via Bluetooth, which means you do need to turn Bluetooth on before it works — unlike Apple’s Smart Keyboard which uses the iPad’s Smart Connector. It’s an extra step, but once connected, the connection is stable and reliable.
The lack of a trackpad might bother some people, but personally I use a Bluetooth mouse, so this hasn’t been an issue at all.
Little Touches That Matter
One underrated feature is how the Home button doubles as an ESC key. On an iPad without a physical ESC button, this is surprisingly useful — especially when closing dialogs or exiting full-screen apps. It saves you from reaching for the screen constantly and makes keyboard-based navigation much smoother.
The built-in Apple Pencil (1st gen) holder is another nice touch. It keeps everything together and avoids the “where did I put my Pencil?” moment.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly iPad keyboard that’s lightweight, practical, and genuinely good for writing, the Inateck iPad Ultra-Slim Keyboard is still a solid choice.
It’s not trying to replace Apple’s Smart Keyboard — and it doesn’t need to. What it offers instead is value, portability, and reliability, especially for people who mainly type, write, and work rather than rely on gestures or trackpads.
For me, it’s been a dependable companion for blogging and everyday work — and one I’d happily recommend if you don’t want to spend Apple money.
