Skip to main content

Razer's new keyboard for the iPad Pro packs mechanical switches built for PC gamers

On Wednesday, Razer said that its freshly-baked Ultra-Low-Profile Mechanical switches are used in the new Razer Mechanical Keyboard Case for the iPad Pro, which is available today worldwide for $170. This keyboard connects to Apple’s tablet by way of Bluetooth, and features a metal, multi-angle kickstand, creating a makeshift 2-in-1 device with a protective cover for working on the go.

The big deal here is of course Razer’s new switch, which is billed as the “world’s first mechanical switch for a mobile device.” This switch features a true actuation and reset point, according to Razer, with key presses registered with 70 grams of force. That means when iPad Pro owners type on this peripheral, the keys won’t feel squishy or flat despite the slim chiclet keycaps.

Recommended Videos

That said, mechanical switches just feel “precise” when typing. As a key is pressed, the switch stem underneath depresses a spring as it moves downwards. Once the switch activates and the user’s action is “actuated,” the user releases the key and thus the switch and key “bounce” back to their original state, resetting the overall key. In the long run, mechanical switches are more durable, and the key caps typically don’t easily pop off.

Razer iPad Pro Keyboard
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Razer introduced its own Green and Orange mechanical switches back in March 2014. The new Ultra-Low Profile switch is based on the “Green” version, providing “blazing fast” actuation, a distinctive click, and a reset distance that’s half of what other mechanical switches provide. That essentially spells out super-fast, super-precise typing — or in the case of gamers, the difference between life and death.

“Razer controls the entire manufacturing process of each switch, even the blueprint,” Razer states on its website. “This, in addition to the years of research and development, have resulted in a switch that surpasses the competition in durability, and features the tightest tolerance levels. Having control over the production gives Razer the opportunity to constantly innovate with new technologies, so you enjoy nothing but the very best.”

As for the mobile keyboard itself, the peripheral provides backlit illumination for typing in dark corners. There are actually 20 brightness levels to suit any low-light situation, and product images point to two dedicated keys mounted at the top-left to change the illumination levels. The keyboard comes with a detachable poly-carbonate protective cover too.

According to Razer, iPad Pro owners will see the keyboard’s built-in battery last for around 10 hours on a single charge with the keys set at their brightest level. If owners turn the backlighting off completely, the keyboard’s battery should last around 600 hours on a single change.

Razer’s new Mechanical Keyboard Case for the iPad Pro can be purchased straight from Razer right here.

Kevin Parrish
Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then…
The new iPad is a missed opportunity for Apple to go bold
Distorted 2025 iPad.

This week, Apple introduced the iPad Air (2025). However, less attention was given to a new version of the regular iPad, which was also announced. If you missed this additional news, that’s understandable. This latest version wasn’t so much announced as it simply appeared on the Apple online store.

The 11th-generation iPad wasn’t even worthy of a press release, which says a lot. Even the latest iPad mini, another tablet Apple hasn’t shown much love in recent years, received a press release when it was announced in October.

Read more
It’s 2025 and choosing the right Apple Pencil for your iPad is still complicated
Close-up of tip of Apple Pencil Pro being held in a person's hand.

Apple released two new iPads today in product refreshes at nearly opposite ends of the spectrum. While the 2022 entry-level iPad got a long overdue update to more modern specs, Apple also released a new M3 iPad Air with its predecessor barely ten months old.

While the M3 iPad Air update feels a bit unnecessary, it’s still a very solid midrange tablet — and we suspect most folks will find it a worthy alternative to the iPad Pro. However, it hasn't changed much from its predecessor.

Read more
The M3 iPad Air is the budget iPad Pro I’ve been waiting for
Angled view of the iPad Air with M3 silicon.

Less than a year ago, I left my trusty M1 iPad Pro behind and got myself the iPad Pro powered by the M4 silicon. The design refresh was eye-catching, and so was the allure of getting an M4 processor even before the Macs.

The biggest reason, however, was the 13-inch screen, which put it in roughly the same league as the MacBook Air. I splurged close to $1,700 and got the whole Magic Keyboard kit for a proper computing experience.

Read more