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12.9 Ipad Logitech slim case vs onscreen keyboard

G

Gary1580

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Dec 11, 2017
5
5
Hi All,

I have a question.. I am mainly a couch Ipad user, I was checking out the Logitech Slim keyboard case at Best Buy. Long term have most of you found you needed the external keyboard or were you fine with just the onscreen keyboard?

If the latter what's a good back cover the allows many angles for the lap? This is one thing I like about the logitech, the case back does a lot of angles, but is $150 too steep if you rarely use the physical keyboard. Was wondering what most of you experienced?

Thanks..
 
I would strongly recommend against getting a keyboard CASE. Even the thinnest keyboard cases add significant bulk and weight to an already large device. The Apple Smart Keyboard is a COVER that can easily be removed or folded back, keeping added weight and bulk to a minimum.

Due to the size of the 12.9 iPP, the onscreen keyboard is noticeably larger and more comfortable to type on than the 10.5 Pro or 9.7 iPad.

My recommendation would be to buy the Apple Smart Cover (there are no 3rd party cover-only options) and get a compact bluetooth keyboard for those rare times when you'd need one. I recently got a good deal on a Logitech K380 keyboard. It is slightly narrower than the iPad's landscape width. Key travel and feel are fine. Supports up to 3 devices without the need to re-pair.
 
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sracer said:
I would strongly recommend against getting a keyboard CASE. Even the thinnest keyboard cases add significant bulk and weight to an already large device. The Apple Smart Keyboard is a COVER that can easily be removed or folded back, keeping added weight and bulk to a minimum.

Due to the size of the 12.9 iPP, the onscreen keyboard is noticeably larger and more comfortable to type on than the 10.5 Pro or 9.7 iPad.

My recommendation would be to buy the Apple Smart Cover (there are no 3rd party cover-only options) and get a compact bluetooth keyboard for those rare times when you'd need one. I recently got a good deal on a Logitech K380 keyboard. It is slightly narrower than the iPad's landscape width. Key travel and feel are fine. Supports up to 3 devices without the need to re-pair.
Click to expand...


The problem I think with the smart cover is there is no protection for the back of the Ipad, also there is nothing to hold the Apple pencil. Guess you could just make sure you put it down with the side with the cover..
 
Gary1580 said:
The problem I think with the smart cover is there is no protection for the back of the Ipad, also there is nothing to hold the Apple pencil. Guess you could just make sure you put it down with the side with the cover..
Click to expand...
I have a clear thin skin on the back of my 12.9 Pro to improve grip and prevent scratches. I use the moxiware Apple Pencil Magnet to attach my Pencil to the iPad+SC.
 
sparksd said:
There are a number available. I have one for the 10.5 and this is the companion for the 12.9:

https://www.amazon.com/KHOMO-iPad-12-9-Charcoal-Color/dp/B071WQKKFT

Mine works great with the ASK.
Click to expand...
Technically that is a back cover, not a skin. :)

Gary1580 said:
Where did you find a skin that would work with the smart cover? Most wrap around the sides right?

Thanks..
Click to expand...
dBrand ($25) sells them. Bodyguardz ($35) does as well. But they are insanely expensive in my opinion.
I use clear Con-Tact paper $8 at Amazon for a 20' roll. So easy to apply and trim. Can be removed without leaving any residue. VERY durable. I applied it to mine back in Feb 2016 and it is still looks and works great.
 
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Check out the Zugu Prodigy X case. It has a great adjustable magnetic stand built into it, and other than that it serves as a regular Smart Cover but also protects the back.
 
If you don't plan on using the keyboard all the time and carrying it everywhere you go, I'd suggest you may be better off keeping it separate. Just use any slim cover or case that can double as a stand, and type on a BlueTooth keyboard (like the ones by Apple or Logitech) when you need to.
 
sracer said:
I would strongly recommend against getting a keyboard CASE. Even the thinnest keyboard cases add significant bulk and weight to an already large device. The Apple Smart Keyboard is a COVER that can easily be removed or folded back, keeping added weight and bulk to a minimum.

Due to the size of the 12.9 iPP, the onscreen keyboard is noticeably larger and more comfortable to type on than the 10.5 Pro or 9.7 iPad.

My recommendation would be to buy the Apple Smart Cover (there are no 3rd party cover-only options) and get a compact bluetooth keyboard for those rare times when you'd need one. I recently got a good deal on a Logitech K380 keyboard. It is slightly narrower than the iPad's landscape width. Key travel and feel are fine. Supports up to 3 devices without the need to re-pair.
Click to expand...

I don't see how this is very much different than getting the Logitech Slim Book. You can just detach the keyboard when you don't need it, and attach it back when you do.

I have the Logitech Slim Book and I love it because it works for me. It's hard to know if it's good for the OP but if you're just going to use it on the couch, then I would just buy something lighter.

For me, I love the adjustability of the back hinge on the Logitech, the Pencil holder up top, the full protection of the case, and the fact that I can detach the keyboard if needed. By the way, the hinge allows you to use the iPad both in landscape and portrait mode, both of which I use constantly =D
 
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ejin222 said:
I don't see how this is very much different than getting the Logitech Slim Book. You can just detach the keyboard when you don't need it, and attach it back when you do.

I have the Logitech Slim Book and I love it because it works for me. It's hard to know if it's good for the OP but if you're just going to use it on the couch, then I would just buy something lighter.

For me, I love the adjustability of the back hinge on the Logitech, the Pencil holder up top, the full protection of the case, and the fact that I can detach the keyboard if needed. By the way, the hinge allows you to use the iPad both in landscape and portrait mode, both of which I use constantly =D
Click to expand...
It's terrific that you have found a solution that is highly compatible with how you use your iPad. iPad usage is highly personal and it can be a challenge to find a solution that fits so well.

But it IS different than the smart cover because the smart cover is thinner and lighter than the keyboard section alone, and the back case adds additional thickness and weight (albeit minimal) compared to a clear skin.

ejin222 said:
It's hard to know if it's good for the OP but if you're just going to use it on the couch, then I would just buy something lighter.
Click to expand...
The OP stated he RARELY uses the keyboard. That is a piece of useful information that can help determine how much is reasonable to spend on a keyboard accessory. I use the ASK daily with my 12.9 Pro. Although I believe that the price is obscenely expensive, it has been worth it to me because I use it every day. As I expand the use of my iPP to do things more along the lines of magazine reading, sketching, writing, etc. I'm finding my use of the ASK starting to decrease. That is why I bought the Logitech K380 to keep in my office at work so that I can travel without the ASK but if I find the need for a keyboard, it is there.

For anyone, myself included, were to rarely use a keyboard, spending $150-$170 for a keyboard is not a wise financial decision.
 
I have both the ASK and the Logitech Slim Combo on my 12.9. My wife has the Zugu Prodigy X case on her 10.9. If the iPad is going to be used mostly on the couch, I would recommend the Zugu case. It is about the same weight as the ASK and the base/cover works well. The Slim Combo has the most weight and I do not like the very thin back stand pressing knifelike onto my leg when I am on the couch. Besides, when the Slim Combo is on a desk or table, it slides too easily when I poke at the screen. I use the ASK almost all the time.
 
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