Question 1

What keyboard case do you use for your iPad Pro setup?

Accepted Answer

I use the ESR Shift Keyboard Case (Detachable) with my iPad Pro M5. I’ve been loving it because it turns my iPad into a little mini MacBook setup. It also matches my space black iPad Pro really well, so it keeps that premium vibe.

Question 2

Is the ESR Shift keyboard case a good alternative to the Apple Magic Keyboard?

Accepted Answer

Yes—this is exactly why I wanted to share my setup, because it’s a really good Magic Keyboard alternative. It’s under $100, and it still gives me that laptop feel with a trackpad and a solid typing experience. Not going to lie, the iPad itself is already expensive, so I didn’t want to spend a couple more hundred on a case.

Question 3

Can you detach the keyboard and still type on the iPad?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and that’s one of my favorite parts—unlike a MacBook, you can detach the iPad from the keyboard. The keyboard is Bluetooth with up to a 32.8 ft range, so you can keep your iPad higher up and type from a more ergonomic position. I also think it’s super useful for group situations like reviewing a presentation.

Question 4

Does the ESR Shift case support portrait mode and vertical viewing?

Accepted Answer

It does, and it’s really easy to switch into vertical mode—you just flip out the support piece and it stays stable. I personally love portrait mode for browsing and online shopping because it feels like an iPhone, just bigger. I also use it a lot for reading books and PDFs.

Question 5

What angles and modes can you use with this iPad keyboard case?

Accepted Answer

It’s super flexible: I use 20° drawing mode when I’m sketching or doing Apple Pencil work, because it feels really comfortable on my arm. In landscape, you can go all the way up to 75°, which I love for watching YouTube and general work. That range makes it feel way more usable than a stiff, one-angle case.

Question 6

How is the trackpad on the ESR Shift keyboard case?

Accepted Answer

The trackpad is one of the biggest reasons I like this setup because controlling iPadOS with just your fingers can get annoying, especially with iPadOS 26. It supports multi-touch gestures like scrolling, dragging, zooming, and even a three-finger tap to go home. And it’s 65% larger, so it doesn’t feel cramped or stiff.

Question 7

Do you have to charge the iPad keyboard case every day?

Accepted Answer

No, and I feel like people assume you have to charge it constantly, but you really don’t. The battery life is amazing—technically you could charge it twice a year and be fine. So it’s not another device you have to worry about charging daily.

Question 8

Is the ESR Shift keyboard case protective enough for travel?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and that matters to me because I carry my iPad around a lot. It has Air Guard corners and protection around all sides, and the edges come up slightly over the screen. It also stays minimalistic and clean-looking, which is exactly the vibe I like.

My iPad Keyboard Setup | budget alternative to apple's magic keyboard

🛍️ Products Mentioned (7)

ESR Shift Keyboard Case (Detachable)

ESR iPad keyboards

LTK store

amazon store

camera

Music by STUDIO BEYOND - Love Week

Music by Sam Celentano - Apricot

About This Video

Frequently Asked Questions

🎬 More from Simply Sofia