Split the iPad Keyboard For Easier Typing
Nov 9, 2011 - 8 Comments
The split keyboard is one of the most under appreciated features that iOS 5 brought to the iPad, it makes typing while holding the device significantly easier in both landscape and portrait mode by allowing you to use thumbs rather than setting the iPad flat and trying to type like a normal keyboard.
Use the iPad Split Keyboard
- Launch any app or tap on any text field where the keyboard pops up
- Tap the keyboard button in the lower right corner to bring up the keyboard options menu, and tap on “Split”
Adjusting the location of the split keys by tapping on “Undock” can make it even easier to type by choosing a placement where your thumbs naturally rest. Docking and merging the keyboard is available through the same menu.
Both iPad and iPad 2 have this feature as long as they are running iOS 5 or greater.
Thanks for the tip suggestion Kara
Split keyboard and multitask gestures are the best usability enhancements to come to iOS and the iPad, but all in all I still can’t type seriously on an iPad. If it’s more than a sentence or two for a quick email reply I’m picking up my MacBook. Same story with the iPhone, or any other touch screen mobile for that matter.
Slightly easier way to switch to the split keyboard – tap and drag the keyboard button up to avoid the menu entirely.
probably the easiest way is pull the keyboard from both sides of the screen to split and push keyboard splits towards center to join. they’re both very natural gestures…
How is it easier? Idk about you guys but on my ipad2 the letters become slightly smaller in split mode.
The reason it is easier is for users holding the device in their hands. Allowing you to just use your thumbs to type. However, while the device is in a dock etc, it’s easier to just use the full keyboard layout.
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cool!
that was an awesome tip 
thanks. the only problem i see is, as said in previous comments, the letters get a bit smaller… but only compared to the full-keyboard mode.
[...] you know the split iPad keyboard in iOS 5 includes six hidden ‘phantom’ keys that make typing even [...]