Gmail and Messages close when typing

After much more research, not finding any help, I saw a video that simply says to clean the contact points on the back of the iPad. Since it had been in the hard shell case, I didn't even realize those were there. I used a soft cloth and isopropyl alcohol and haven't seen the problems since. So if nothing else, try this fix and see if it helps! Might save me from having to try buying a new keyboard because it worked just fine for 7 months until about a week ago.

I have a 12.9" Pro 5th Gen 2022, version 16.5 that is less than a year old. Recently the iPad Mail app and Messages close when I try to type. (I have a Gmail account) I've force closed the app, rebooted, updated the Brydge keyboard, cleared the cache and NOTHING has helped. It worked fine up until a week ago (May 2023). I don't know if it was the latest iPad update, the iPad itself or the keyboard that is causing the problem and I haven't been able to find a fix online. I sure would appreciate any help!

See updated question. To clarify..... It is acutally the "MAIL" app (blue and white "envelope" icon) and not the actual Gmail app that has the problem along with "MESSAGES" (green and white "message" bubble icon). THANKS!