9 Hidden Keyboard Tricks for iPad: Double Your Typing Speed

Why Your iPad Keyboard Doesn't Feel Like a Laptop – and How to Fix It

You bought an external keyboard for your iPad – maybe even one from Inateck – expecting a laptop-like typing experience. But something feels off: periods appear where they shouldn't, English words get autocorrected, and you still have to reach for the screen every time you switch apps.

The problem isn't the keyboard. It's the settings.

iPadOS has a range of hidden options designed specifically for external keyboard users. With a few tweaks, your iPad becomes a true laptop replacement. Here are the 9 most important tricks – for anyone who uses their iPad for daily writing.

Part 1: Turn Off Three "Auto" Features That Get in the Way

These three features are convenient for the on-screen keyboard – but with a physical keyboard, they quickly become annoying.

① Turn Off "Period with Double Space"

The Problem: Two spaces in a row automatically become a period. When typing in English, this leads to constant deletions.

Path: Settings → General → Keyboard → "Period with Double Space" → Turn Off

Effect: Spaces stay spaces. Your typing flow isn't interrupted.

② Turn Off "Auto-Correction"

The Problem: Proper names, technical terms, product names – you type them correctly, but your iPad "corrects" them anyway.

Path: Settings → General → Keyboard → "Auto-Correction" → Turn Off

Effect: Red underlines remain (as hints), but your iPad no longer auto-replaces anything. You stay in control.

③ Turn Off "Auto-Capitalization"

The Problem: When coding, taking notes, or filling out forms, auto-capitalization gets in the way.

Path: Settings → General → Keyboard → "Auto-Capitalization" → Turn Off

Effect: Capital letters only appear when you press the Shift key – as it should be.

Part 2: Let the Keyboard Take Full Control

You type on the keyboard – but to switch between apps, you still have to tap the screen. That interruption is annoying. These settings let the keyboard take over more control.

④ Turn On "Full Keyboard Access" – The Most Important Trick

Path: Settings → Accessibility → Keyboards & Typing → "Full Keyboard Access" → Turn On

Effect:

• Tab key: Jumps between different options

• Spacebar: Confirms selections

• Cmd + H: Returns to the Home screen

After activation, you'll barely need to touch the screen.

⑤ Remap Modifier Keys

Note: This option only appears when an external keyboard is connected.

Path: Settings → General → Keyboard → Physical Keyboard → Modifier Keys

Recommendation: Remap Caps Lock to Escape (ESC) .

Effect: Whether you're coding, editing text, or using various apps, ESC is far more useful than Caps Lock.

⑥ Fine-Tune Trackpad Settings

Note: Only relevant for keyboards with an integrated trackpad.

Path: Settings → General → Trackpad

Recommendations:

• "Tap to Click" → Turn On (no need to press down firmly)

• "Tracking Speed" → Adjust to 70–80%

• "Natural Scrolling" → Toggle based on personal preference

Part 3: Advanced Tricks for Maximum Efficiency

⑦ Turn On "Dictation"

The Problem: To use voice input, you have to tap the microphone icon on the screen.

Path: Settings → General → Keyboard → "Enable Dictation" → Turn On

Activation: Press the Fn key twice to trigger dictation.

Effect: Switch between typing and dictating seamlessly – for long texts, your speed can double. No more reaching for the screen.

⑧ Customize "Full Keyboard Access" Commands

Path: Settings → Accessibility → Keyboards & Typing → Full Keyboard Access → Commands

Recommended Keyboard Shortcuts:

With these custom commands, you'll rarely need to touch the screen.

⑨ Set Up "Text Replacement"

Path: Settings → General → Keyboard → Text Replacement → Tap the "+" icon in the top right

Practical Examples:

Effect: Type a few letters, and a whole text passage appears. A huge time-saver, especially when writing emails and filling out forms.

Summary: Set Up Once, Benefit Forever

These adjustments take about 5–10 minutes in total. But once done, you'll type significantly faster – and your iPad will finally feel like a true laptop replacement.

You don't have to change everything at once. Start with what bothers you most – like auto-correction – and work your way through step by step.

If you regularly use your iPad for writing, these settings are worth the time. The right keys – paired with the right keyboard from Inateck – make all the difference.