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The faint numbers and symbols on the iPad’s onscreen keyboard are alternate characters, not disabled keys. To enter one without switching layouts, touch and hold the key that shows it, slide your finger down to the gray character, then release. This is often called a key flick.
Type a gray number or symbol with a key flick
- Tap an editable text field to bring up the onscreen keyboard.
- Find the letter key that displays the number or symbol you want.
- Touch and hold that key, then—without lifting your finger—slide down toward the gray character.
- Lift your finger. The character should appear at the cursor.
For example, to type a gray 5, press and hold the key displaying the gray 5, slide down, and release. Apple describes this drag-down gesture for entering numbers and symbols, and its iPad keyboard guide also explains how to access alternate characters by touching and holding a key. The exact characters and their positions depend on your active keyboard layout.
The motion matters: tapping the key types its main character; holding and sliding selects the alternate one. Keep your finger in contact with the screen until you reach the gray character.
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When to use the 123 keyboard instead
For a long number, a password with several symbols, or repeated punctuation, the dedicated number and symbol layout may be easier:
#1 Best Overall
- 【Compatibility】For iPad (A16) 11th generation 11-inch 2025 (Model: A3354/A3355/A3356), For iPad 10th generation 10.9-inch 2022 (Model: A2696/A2757/A2777). Not for any other models. Please check the model number No. "AXXXX" the bottom of the back of your tablet to confirm correct size before purchasing
- 【Quick Navigation Trackpad】Harvopu for iPad keyboard (A16) 11th/ 10th generation built-in high sensitive trackpad, allows you enjoy the convenience of performing multi-finger gesture control (like tap, swipe, scroll and switch apps), which level up your productivity when browse the web, edit documents and more
- 【Magnetically Detachable Keyboard】For (A16) 11th/ 10th gen keyboard is magnetic and it can be strongly attached to the case or detach completely. When you do not need the keyboard can be stored away, easy to carry it on the go. It is easy, fast and stable to connect via BT, reconnect immediately turning it on
- 【Illuminated Typing】Harvopu (A16) 11th/ 10th case with keyboard with a full row of the laptop-like iPadOS shortcuts is customized for your tablet, and allow you easily switch between adjusble 7 RGB pure backlit with 3 levels adjustable brightness, engaging yourself in a free and relaxed typing experience in any dim condition
- 【Multiple Viewing Angle】There are 3 anti-slip grooves design inisde of the case provides the perfect stand angle, so you can change where the tablet is on the case and adjust the screen angle this way for drawing or writing on, do more computerig, suitable for home, office or school use
- Tap 123 (or the key labeled Numbers) to show numbers and punctuation.
- Tap the character you need. If it is not shown, tap the symbol key to open another symbol layout.
- Tap ABC or the letter-key button to return to letters.
Key flicks are handy for one or two alternate characters in a sentence; the dedicated layout is often more comfortable for entering many digits or symbols. The labels and available characters can vary by language and layout.
Gray characters, accented letters, and layout differences
The gray markings are hints for alternate characters assigned to the same onscreen keys. They are not a universal symbol picker: only characters available for that key and layout can be entered with its gesture. Holding a letter can also reveal accented or other letter forms—for instance, an e may offer é. Slide to the option you want and release; accented-character menus may open in a direction other than down.
Rank #2
- For iPad 10th Generation Case with Keyboard 10.9 Inch: This keyboard case compatible with iPad A16 11th Generation 11-inch 2025(Model: A3354, A3355, A3356), compatible with iPad 10th Generation 10.9 inch 2022(Model: A2696, A2757, A2777, A3162). Not compatible with any other models. Please check the model number starting with "A" on the back of your tablet before purchasing
- Rechargeable and Long Battery Life: Our for iPad case with keyboard built-in 420mAh large capacity battery, more energy saving and lower consumption, ensure you can use at least 230 hours. It can be fully charged in 2 hours with Type-C charging cable, don't need to replace battery
- Magnetically Detachable Keyboard: This for iPad 10.9 case with keyboard is magnetic so it can be easily repositioned or removed from the case. Equipped with useful shortcut keys and compatible with IOS, Windows, and Android systems, provide you with ultimate convenience
- Multiple Viewing Angles: This for 10th gen iPad case with keyboard has 3 grooves to adjust the viewing angle as you like, make your tablet stand steadily. Turn your tablet into a laptop in one second, perfect for studying, working, writing, painting, reading or watching videos
- Adjustable 7 Colors Backlit Keyboard: This for iPad keyboard case is designed with laser-etched backlit keys that allow 7 vibrant colors to shine in the dark, illuminated typing is more fun and easy. You can choose your favorite color, bringing you different visual enjoyment. Ergonomic and mechanical scissor keys with rebound feature to reduce noise, enjoy comfortable typing even long hours
What appears varies with the selected language and regional keyboard, keyboard size or mode, app, and iPadOS version. If the character you expect is missing, check the active keyboard or switch to the Numbers/Symbols layout. To add or change a keyboard, go to Settings > General > Keyboard and review the keyboard list. Some apps also show specialized keyboards: in Numbers, for example, the cell context can bring up a numeric, date-and-time, duration, or formula keyboard rather than the ordinary layout (Apple’s Numbers guidance).
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- Confirm the field accepts text. Tap the text field again. A keyboard may remain onscreen even after focus moves to a control that does not accept typing.
- Try the dedicated layout. Tap 123, then check the symbol layout if needed. If that works, the character may not be available as a flick on your current layout.
- Check the keyboard language. The gray characters depend on the active layout. Switch to the appropriate keyboard if the character or its hint is absent.
- Restore the full keyboard. A floating or split keyboard can make keys and gestures harder to use. The controls below explain how to return to the full layout.
- Check for a hardware keyboard. A connected Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard, or Bluetooth keyboard may hide the onscreen keyboard. Use the keyboard control in the Shortcuts bar and choose Show Keyboard when available, or type with the physical keyboard instead. The gray-character flick is an onscreen gesture, not a shortcut for physical keys. See Apple’s instructions for switching keyboards.
- Consider a system issue only if the keyboard is malfunctioning. If the number layout also fails across multiple apps, or the trouble began after an update, close and reopen the app and restart the iPad as general troubleshooting. There is no established universal iPadOS bug that explains gray-character flicks failing, so a restart is not the first fix for a missed gesture.
Restore a floating, split, or misplaced keyboard
Make a floating keyboard full size
A floating keyboard is smaller and movable, which can help with one-handed typing but make precise flicks harder. To make it full size, place two fingers on the keyboard and spread them apart. You can also open the keyboard’s More menu and choose Full. To make the keyboard float, pinch inward on the full keyboard or, where offered, touch and hold the Hide Keyboard key and choose Floating. Move a floating keyboard by dragging its More button. See Apple’s floating-keyboard instructions.
Rank #3
- WHY MAGIC KEYBOARD FOR IPAD — The incredibly thin and portable Magic Keyboard features a glass trackpad with haptic feedback, a great typing experience with a function row, USB-C pass-through charging, front and back protection, and magnetic attachability. No pairing or charging required.
- COMPATIBILITY — Magic Keyboard works with iPad Pro 13-inch (M4 and M5).
- DESIGNED FOR COMFORT — Magic Keyboard features a two-cantilever hinge design for smooth, adjustable viewing angles. Backlit keys with a scissor mechanism and a 10-key function row give you more versatility than ever. The built-in glass trackpad features haptic feedback and support for Multi-Touch gestures using the cursor.
- PROTECTIVE KEYBOARD AND CASE — Folds to provide front and back protection wherever you go and features a USB-C connector for pass-through charging. Available in black or white.
- Accessories are sold separately and subject to availability. Compatibility varies by generation.
Merge a split keyboard
On models that support a split keyboard, touch and hold the keyboard button in the lower-right corner, slide to Merge or Dock and Merge, and release. Apple’s current support guidance limits Split Keyboard to iPad mini and iPad models up to and including the ninth generation; newer models may not offer the option. For model-specific details, check Apple’s Split Keyboard support page.
If a keyboard has moved or become undocked, use the keyboard button or More menu to select the available docked or full-size option. The wording and controls can vary with iPadOS and keyboard mode. After restoring the full layout, try the flick again.
Rank #4
- Compatibility: iPad (10th gen & A16). Models: A2696, A2757, A2777, A3162, A3354, A3355, A3356
- Precision Trackpad: Edit documents, navigate apps and build presentations with unparalleled precision using a familiar multi-gesture keyboard trackpad
- Type Comfortably and Accurately: Well-spaced backlit keyboard with full row of iPadOS shortcut keys includes new Screenshot and Dictation keys to help you optimize productivity
- No Charging: You'll never need batteries - your smart keyboard pairs and powers on using the Smart Connector; power is sourced directly from your iPad so you never have to charge
- Four Modes: Get more done no matter where you are with four distinct use modes including Type, Read, Sketch, and View
Accessibility and alternatives
If sliding precisely is difficult, use the Numbers/Symbols layout instead of flicking, make the onscreen keyboard full size, or rotate the iPad to landscape for larger keys. Accessibility keyboard options are available under Settings > Accessibility; the available controls and labels depend on whether you are using the onscreen or an external keyboard. Apple documents options in its keyboard accessibility guide and its guide to controlling iPad with an external keyboard.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Compatibility: Designed for iPad A16 11-inch 2025 models A3354, A3355, A3356 and iPad 10th Generation 10.9-inch 2022 models A2696, A2757, A2777. Please check the model number on the back of your iPad before purchase
- Trackpad Productivity: Use the multi-touch trackpad to navigate, edit documents, browse the web, manage schoolwork, and build presentations with familiar gesture controls
- 360° Rotating Hinge: The patented 360° hinge supports 7 use modes for typing notes, watching videos, joining video calls, reading, presenting, or using your iPad in tablet mode
- Backlit Keyboard: Type comfortably day or night with laptop-style keys, a full row of iPadOS shortcut keys, and adjustable 11-color RGB backlighting for low-light use
- Protection, Battery & Support: A thin hard-shell case protects all sides of your iPad and includes auto sleep/wake, Apple Pencil holder, USB-C rechargeable battery, and 12-month Typecase support
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
