Quickly open Apps, Files and Folders

Press command + spacebar 

This opens the Spotlight search field.

Now begin typing the first few letters of the app, file or folder you wish to open. For example if you wanted to open Chrome, it's usually enough to just the c h r for the field to auto populate with Chrome as the item you want to open.

Press enter/return key to launch the app

NOTE: this will also work if you have a bluetooth connected keyboard connected to your iPad