The iPad Air 5 has been around for a while now, and if you’re here, there’s a good chance you picked one up. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably clicking through blog posts and YouTube videos trying to find the best accessories for your shiny new iPad. Well, you’ve come to the right place. I have an awesome list of gadgets that you might want to add to your kit list.
With the M1 chip, the iPad Air has become a very compelling competitor to the iPad Pro. If you’d like to check out how they compare and contrast, go here. Right now, I want us to focus on something else. Let’s check out some of the best accessories that you can get to make the iPad Air 5 experience even more fun and perhaps increase ‘productivity’.
Without further ado, let’s talk accessories.
Stands and Keyboards
Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad
Our first accessory might seem a bit like a no brainer. However, it wouldn’t feel right for me talk about the iPad Air without at least mentioning the magic Keyboard. This is definitely the best keyboard-case combo that I’ve ever used with the iPad. I just love how the keys feel. It’s a really great overall typing experience. My iPad Pro literally lives in the magic keyboard and I had to get one for my iPad Air too.
The only downside to this keyboard-case is the $299 price-tag. The moderate price point of the iPad Air 5 compared to say the iPad Pro, is one of its main attractions. Therefore, I can totally understand some users not wanting to spend that much on a keyboard. In that case there are plenty of alternatives if you want use the iPad Air in a desktop setup.
MagFlött Magnetic Stand
My absolute favorite stand for the iPad is the MagFLott by Chargin. Man, did these guys do an amazing job on this. The Packaging, design language, even the unboxing experience just screams Apple. The parts come disassembled but they’re super easy to put together. After a few minutes of assembly, you get the most beautiful, sturdy stand for your iPad. I feel like it looks like a mini studio display. If you’ve been looking for a stand, look no further. It doesn’t get any better than the MagFlott iPad stand by Chargin.
Now that you’ve found the perfect Keyboard, you might be looking for a keyboard. I have a really cool option for you.
The Nuphy Studio Air60 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
This is a reduced size keyboard at 60% of the full-sized keyboards. I personally think it’s a really good size for a portable keyboard. It’s a mechanical keyboard with nice and clicky keys. However, it makes a lot more noise than the Magical keyboard, so that’s something to be aware of. You can choose between red, blue and brown switches. In addition, you can order extra coast PBT keycaps. They also come with a case, which I think I love more than the keyboard itself. You can use the case to prop up your iPad while typing, turning it into a portable mini desktop setup.
This is a great quick solution when you’re on the go, and not bringing a keyboard case or a stand. Even more, you can use this keyboard with other devices, both Mac and Windows. There’s even a small switch on the back that allows you to switch between Mac and Windows. Connection can be wired or wireless through Bluetooth. Lastly, the Keys and switches are hot swappable and backlit, for all you RGB lovers.
Charging Accessories
Obviously, we have to keep our iPads juiced. For this, I have two solutions; one for your desk and one on the go.
Baseus 65W PD GaN3 Fast Wall Charger Block
For desktop charging, my favorite is charger is one by Baseus. This is a company that makes high quality products that don’t break the bank. This is a 65W yang charger. In case you don’t know yang stands for Yalium Nitride, which is a material which uses far less heat. This makes it possible for this charger to be this small as it doesn’t need a lot of space for heat dissipation. The Baseus charger has two Type-C chargers and two USB-A ports which means you can charger almost anything on your desk. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to your Apple chargers, definitely check them out.
Satechi Quatro Wireless Power Bank
For charging on the go, I really like the Quatro wireless charger by Satechi. Not just because it’s a sleek looking 10000mAh battery, there are plenty of those around. However, the Satechi Quatro wireless charger has a few tricks up its sleeves. It has USB-A and USB-C but it is also a wireless charger for things like your phone and your Airpods. Even more, it features a dedicated Apple Watch charging spot. Lastly, it has a battery indicator to show how much juice you’ve got left. This is like the perfect all in one solution for charging on the go.
Input devices
One of the ways I use my iPad is for handwriting. I really enjoy taking handwritten notes when I can. Something about it just makes me remember stuff better. iPads are good note taking gadgets and the iPad Air is no exception. In addition to being a really nice size, it is compatible with the 2nd Gen Apple pencil. This means that I can use my Apple pencil across all my iPads.
Paperlike iPad Screen Protector
The one thing I don’t like about the Apple pencil is its hard tip. It makes writing directly on the glass surface feel slippery. This is where the Paper-like screen protector comes to play. Paper is more than just a screen protector though. It mimics the feeling of writing on actual paper. This gives you more control of the pencil when writing, sketching, or drawing, due to the paper-like roughness and resistance. It actually makes your handwriting look much prettier. Even more, it drastically reduces glare and fingerprints. If you like taking handwritten notes, paper-like is a must have. Every order comes with two sets of two paper-like covers and application accessories and they offer worldwide shipping.
Pentips
For those who need even more friction, you can couple your paperlike with one of this pen tips from pentips. You can order them in all types of different colors. Even more, you can custom make your pentips on their website. This are useful if you are an artist, and you want to have a lot of resistance with your pencil.
Twelve South Compass Pro for iPad | Portable Display Stand
If you’re into drawing, or like writing at an angle, I have a recommendation for you; The Compass Pro by 12 cents. It’s been in my arsenal for a while now. This has been my all-time favorite portable stand for the iPad.
ACASIS: Swappable High-Speed SSD Storage & 10-In-1 Hub, Docking Station, NVMe SSD Enclosure
Still on input devices, I cant forget to include my favorite dongle/SSD, the Acasis Hub. This is the one thing that goes with me everywhere in my tech bag. It has all the ports you could possibly need, including SD and MicroSD. You also get HDMI, and Ethernet port for that fast internet. The coolest part is that it is also an enclosure for and SSD NVMe memory. You can stick an internal SSD memory inside an turn it into an external SSD.
Bags
MagPac Magnetic Modular Bag
Obviously, you’ll need something to carry all these accessories. This is why I like to feature one bag for each iPad Accessories buyer guides. I found a pretty interesting bag for the iPad Air 5; The XXXXXXXXX. Inside, we a magnetic modular system. You have the main compartment that holds a laptop and at least one tablet. It comes with some mesh inserts that are magnetic. If you stick them into the sleeve, they snap to the sides and stay in place. It comes standard with a few of them but you can order ones that best suit your needs.
I hope you found this article useful. If you’re into this kind of stuff, check out some more buyer guides here. See you around.
