What is the difference between the smart keyboard folio for ipad pro and the smart keyboard for ipad air?

Smart Keyboard for the new 2019, 10.5 inch screen iPad Air 3 uses the older version smart keyboard designed to be used with the 2017, 10.5 inch screen iPad Pro.

The smart FOLIO keyboard is specifically for the newer designed 2018, iPad Pad models.

They are very similar in function. Apple has never included iOS shortcut keys on the Smart keyboards. You have to press the cmd on them to see what shortcuts are available within any app.

While I'm as big a fan of Apple products as one can be, the Smart Keyboards are not an option I would personally choose. There are many other high quality options there you can choose from, like Zagg, Logitech and Brydge, just to name three of the higher quality brands. They are however, Bluetooth keyboards, but all offer iOS shortcut keys and all include backlit keys, two major features that are missing on the Smart Keyboards and both very important to me.

I personally chose Brydge for my iPad Pro 11. It's the best keyboard for iPad I've ever typed on.

Magnets for the iPad Air 3 smart keyboard functionality are on the bottom of your iPad to interface with the case.

For the 2018 iPad Pro they are on the inside of one of the FOLIO case’s cover's panels and on the back of the 2018 iPad Pro.

As far a no function keys, the smart keyboards offer other alternatives to access some of the function key functionalities, but you will ALWAYS need the assitamce of the iPad's onboard, internal, virtual software keyboard for many features Bluetooth keyboards, even Apple's, do not cover.

Even if with third party software keyboards this still will always be true.

Best of Luck to You!

I meant with other third party Bluetooth keyboards, the onboard iOS virtual software keyboard WILL ALWAYS be needed.

So, whatever Bluetooth keyboard you eventyally choose, theas iOS compatible keyboards will NOT cover every iOS virtual keyboard character key with the iPad.

They just don't.

FYI.

You're welcome and good luck with whatever choice you make in a keyboard for your needs.

Agreed.

Best of Luck to You!