The Apple iPad Air (2024) is a brilliant all-rounder, and I find it to be just as comfortable and fast to work with as my MacBook Air M1. However, I’ve so far refused to really recommend it as a “laptop alternative” because the Magic Keyboard accessory is so expensive. It costs $300 for the 11-inch version, or $350 for the 12.9-inch version, so surely I could find a way to lower the price, but not my productivity?

That’s exactly what I set out to do, and in the process, I turned my iPad Air into a great work machine – all for just $90. Here’s how I did it.

Apple’s Magic Keyboard is brilliant

Before I get into too much detail, I should say right away that the Magic Keyboard is a brilliant purchase if you don’t mind the money. I still have the one I bought for my iPad Pro (2020) and miraculously Apple didn’t change the design so it fits the latest iPad Air as well. I used the iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard instead of a laptop for a couple of years and it worked great. The typing experience is virtually flawless and because the base is solid, you can rest it on your lap rather than relying solely on a desk, just like a proper laptop.

In the four years I’ve owned the Magic Keyboard, it’s only had one problem. The right Shift key has come loose from its holder and now flops around annoyingly. It still works, but I can see where one of the tiny retaining clips underneath it broke off. I don’t know how this happened; otherwise, the case looks in surprisingly good condition considering how much time it’s spent in and out of bags in various places over the past few years.

That said, I think the Magic Keyboard is a good investment, assuming you’re going to use it a lot. The problem comes when you’re only going to use it occasionally and don’t want to just use the touchscreen keyboard, as that adds a lot to the price of the iPad Air. I found a cheaper option that sacrifices a little on usability, but you’ll increase the versatility and be able to work quickly and happily on the tablet, but still only spend $90. Yes, $90, and you get a case for that And a keyboard.

A fantastic keyboard for only $40

The keyboard is the most important accessory and I have found one that is excellent. I have been a fan of Keychron keyboards for some time and consider the old Keychron K3 to be a great partner for the Apple iPad. However, the Keychron B1 Pro is the better choice for this use case. This incredible ultra-low profile keyboard with chiclet keys is perfect for mobile use because it is so light – just 425 grams – and takes up barely any more space than the iPad itself. I carried it around in my bag without ever feeling like I had a keyboard in it.

It connects to the iPad Air via Bluetooth, and you can connect up to three different devices and switch between them with ease, making it a versatile companion. I synced it with my Mac Mini M1 and used it at home before switching it to my iPad Air when I left the house. The Bluetooth connection was flawless, it takes just a few moments to set up and reconnect automatically, and I haven’t charged the battery since it arrived a few months ago, despite using it for several hours a day.

Every article I’ve written since about April has been typed using the Keychron B1 Pro, whether it was connected to my iPad or Mac Mini, and I found it comfortable and accurate. The plastic casing makes it seem a little cheap compared to my usual Logitec MX Keys Mini keyboard (which it is), but it’s never stopped me from using it. There’s no backlight, which might frustrate some, but the keys are full-size, it’s fully customizable with Keychron’s software for macros and keyboard shortcuts, and it works with Mac OS, Windows, and Linux. Plus, it comes with a Bluetooth receiver dongle should you need it. For $40, it’s an absolute steal.

What about the case?

I mentioned the compromise in terms of comfort earlier. While the Keychron B1 Pro is a multi-function device (it can be used with other devices, unlike the Magic Keyboard), it is not attached to the iPad, so you will need some sort of case. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of folio cases that will hold the iPad upright in front of you, but I use the Zagg Crystal Palace Folio Casewhich costs $50 for the 11-inch version and $60 for the 12.9-inch version.

I chose it because I like the transparent back that lets the color of the iPad show through. It also has a built-in holder for the Apple Pencil if you have one. This adds comfort and makes up for the fact that the keyboard isn’t attached to it or the tablet. It’s not very heavy, well made, and the magnetic, folding front cover hasn’t folded up once. I find the angle a bit too extreme for some conditions and of course the Crystal Palace case and Keychron B1 Pro combo can’t be used on your lap. The upside is that the pair together only costs $90 instead of $300.

The B1 Pro keyboard is surprisingly thin at 14mm, but when combined with the iPad Air it’s quite thick. However, because of its light weight, the entire package with the Zagg case weighs 2.4 pounds. The iPad Air with the Magic Keyboard weighs 2.3 pounds, so there’s not much difference here. Yes, it’s a trade-off, but if it’s not going to be used all the time, that might be a sacrifice you’re willing to make for such a significant cost savings.

A winning combination

I’ve been using this combination for a few months and aside from not being able to sit on my lap every now and then and having to carry around a separate keyboard, it makes the iPad a surprisingly capable work machine for me. You could inevitably find a much cheaper case than the Zagg Crystal Palace if you want to cut costs even further, but I think you shouldn’t miss the Keychron B1 Pro if you’re looking for an alternative to the Magic Keyboard. The typing experience is excellent for the price.

My work needs are pretty basic, and the iPad Air (2024) has more than enough power and battery life to handle it, but I can only use the touchscreen keyboard for the basics. The Magic Keyboard is a great product, but it’s an extravagance, and I rarely missed it when using these two products, which are available to you for less than a third of its price.