iPad Pro Keyboard Comparison: Logitech's $160 Folio Touch vs. Apple's $300 Magic Keyboard

[rbailerum1]

Good review. Thank you!

My only issue with the review is how he glossed over the weight. One of the major criticisms of the Magic Keyboard, mentioned by almost every reviewer of note and for some was a deal breaker, was the weight of the MK. Yet the reviewer barely mentions that the Logitech is EVEN heavier. It comes off as him being so biased toward the Logitech that he doesn’t want to speak negatively of it (though in his defense, he does highlight other negatives steward the end of the video review).

 

[Digitalguy]

Good review. Thank you!

My only issue with the review is how he glossed over the weight. One of the major criticisms of the Magic Keyboard, mentioned by almost every reviewer of note and for some was a deal breaker, was the weight of the MK. Yet the reviewer barely mentions that the Logitech is EVEN heavier. It comes off as him being so biased toward the Logitech that he doesn’t want to speak negatively of it (though in his defense, he does highlight other negatives steward the end of the video review).

Probably because the difference is very small, under 10%

 

[sidewinder3000]

The Magic Keyboard's keys also feel better under the fingers with more travel and a sturdier press, but it's a close call.

It’s not a close call. I have both keyboards, and it’s a false equivalency to even pretend that the Logitech keyboard comes close to the Magic keyboard. The responsiveness, speed, and travel of the Logitech, while better than most, doesn’t even approach the exceptional user experience of the Apple keyboard.

 

[satchmo]

Logitech is meant for portable use, while the Magic keyboard is more as a dock.

As others have mentioned, the Logitech kickstand is not ideal for lap or lying on couch use. Having a more sturdy triangle base with a backlit keyboard would be better.

I wish the Magic Keyboard could actually fold back and carry like a book.

 

[donglewhine]

The non-idiotic layout for the arrow keys is worth the extra $140.

 

[TiggrToo]

I didn't read the article, I watched the video (opposite of my usual habit), did I miss something? The video definitely handed the win to Logitech.

You’re lucky if half the folk here even get beyond the headline and pictures...

 

[Abazigal]

Logitech is meant for portable use, while the Magic keyboard is more as a dock.

As others have mentioned, the Logitech kickstand is not ideal for lap or lying on couch use. Having a more sturdy triangle base with a backlit keyboard would be better.

I wish the Magic Keyboard could actually fold back and carry like a book.

Yeah, I ended up returning the magic keyboard because it couldn’t fold backwards, and bought a 2nd Smart Keyboard to replace my fraying one.

 

[D.T.]

I'm a little confused about what you're describing. The extra USB-c connector (in the hinge) is for charging only. I don't have a hub to test with, but couldn't a hub be connected to the primary USB-c port for use with peripherals and use the extra USB-c for charging? I use it this way with an external drive in the primary and charging in the extra at the same time.

Oh sorry, hahaha, that was a bit confusing, clearly the drinks the wife was making were strong ...

The article said the MK allows for an "extra peripheral", but really it's more like, it allows (like you've indicated) for charging + a peripheral (extra sort of implied you could hang a couple of USB-C devices off an MK'ed iPad ...)

The USB-C hub I use for my iPP also provides power, so I only need one port, but it can't be the MK port since that doesn't provide a data connection, and for a second I thought the article was suggesting it did. Like @7149041 indicated, you can't really use the MK for a "dock" so to speak.

Side note: this little hub is slick, provides power, two USB ports and HDMI (I'm using it to connect a DAC/Amp setup on my desk, sounds fantastic). And, as an extra bonus, it can function as a Nintendo Switch dock!

 

[pers0n]

Will the fabric get all oily over time? Imagine eating pizza and typing... It's going to be a mess.

 

[tripleburst]

Will the fabric get all oily over time? Imagine eating pizza and typing... It's going to be a mess.

It only looks like fabric. It's some sort of plastic.

 

[windowsblowsass]

TL;DR

Unsurprisingly MR sides with Apple big time.

It’s an Apple rumors website. Where you expecting hard hitting investigative journalism

 

[Isengardtom]

I like my Magic keyboard a lot.
The downside of the higher price is compensated with
- The extra charging port which I use all the time
- The more dock approach (snap on and off) when I want to use the tablet on a couch or in bed or something
- The nicer design (that’s subjective I know)



Is it too expensive? Yes, but I admit that this iPad Pro 11 inch + pencil + Magic Keyboard is one of the best buys I have made in the last few years even though it’s expensive.

 

[T-R-S]

If they offered one for the 12.9 i would have probably bought one.

Yes I agree too bad nothing for us 12.9 users
I am staying away from the Apple one the Apple quality of these products in the past have shown they do not last with respect too water and tear.

 

[rp2011]

Yes I agree too bad nothing for us 12.9 users
I am staying away from the Apple one the Apple quality of these products in the past have shown they do not last with respect too water and tear.

I love my the Magic Keyboard. I gave mine to my wife to use on her iPad Pro, I just think it’s kinda pricy and don’t want to buy another one right now.

 

[Digitalguy]

It’s not a close call. I have both keyboards, and it’s a false equivalency to even pretend that the Logitech keyboard comes close to the Magic keyboard. The responsiveness, speed, and travel of the Logitech, while better than most, doesn’t even approach the exceptional user experience of the Apple keyboard.

that’s your opinion, not a fact, my opinon is that while the magic keyboard feels slightly better it’s indeed a close call

 

[CPL593H]

My biggest complaint is lack of a case with a removable keyboard. Sure I can remove the iPad from the magic keyboard, but then I don’t have device protection. Logitech combo from the 10.5 still the ideal solution. Full case and keyboard you can remove as needed.

 

[Jeremy3292]

Did Macrumors really include a picture of the Logitech with the iPad in it and the Apple one WITHOUT an iPad in it as a comparison of thickness??? wth

 

[bobbensen]

I have had ZERO luck finding iPad Pro 12.9 (2nd Gen) keyboard case. I have seen some rad products from RAZOR or Logitech just nothing on the market for reliable vendor now.

Shooting my shot to see if y'all might have a place to look!?

 

[urbanslaughter1997]

The reason I'll be spending the extra $140 is that my last Logitech Keyboard case (for the original iPad Pro) was constantly disconnecting from the iPad. This was so frustrating and it wasn't like I could just reconnect it. Sometimes it would work. Sometimes it wouldn't. I was never able to figure out what the problem was. Finally, my 4-year-old daughter broke a couple key covers off some of the keys. I never loved my Logitech keyboard case and decided a while ago, that when I buy a new case, I'm just going with the Apple version. Your experience may have been great. I hope it was. Mine was not.

 

[deevey]

Ugh Kickstands are simply horrible ... the very reason I went with the older Logitech Type+ over the folio and almost went with the Brydge for my 9.7"

I don't think anyone comes close to Apple where it comes to trackpads, but when it comes to keyboard durability I have to give 10/10 marks to Logitech. I've "worn out" far too many MacBook keyboards (Primarily cmd, c, v and z)

 

[sidewinder3000]

that’s your opinion, not a fact, my opinon is that while the magic keyboard feels slightly better it’s indeed a close call

Congrats! You know the difference between opinion and fact. I guess as far as this is concerned, I’m fairly confident in the validity of my opinion, and it’s usefulness for people who are considering purchasing one of these keyboards. And I think your opinion could easily lead to someone who types for a living being disappointed in their purchase.

Do you have both keyboards? I use both of them, everyday. My iPad Pro 12.9 w/ Magic Keyboard is now my favorite bit of new tech I’ve had in years, and I choose it 80% more than my brand new MacBook Pro 16, which is now pretty much just for FCP. And it’s always a bummer when I have to use the Logitech FT. The keys aren’t as responsive, there are more times the key strike doesn’t register, it sometimes stops responding and needs to be disconnected and reconnected to work again, the trackpad requires a heavier click and doesn’t do secondary click, the whole experience just feels slower, and it takes longer to do everything.

It’s insane to think that this Logitech Folio Touch keyboard, for $150, which also includes protective padding for the side and back of the device, could actually compete head-to-head with the new scissor keyboard and trackpad that are in the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro for $350. Maybe your standards are different than mine, but as a professional writer, I’d go coo-coo if I had to use the Logitech as my daily driver. And while I bought 3 Logitech Folios for our kids’ iPads, and would readily recommend it for anyone’s kids or people who don’t type much, I’d never recommend it for anyone who uses their keyboard for a living.

 

[dk001]

I have the Logitech Folio, not the Logitech Folio touch and the Magic Keyboard (IPP 11 G2)
Biggest miss on the MK: Function and Escape keys.
Escape Key because I use it frequently (mapped another key to work as escape).
Funtion Keys not that I use them a lot, rather that every other keyboard I use has them.

 

[dk001]

Tried them both. Both are heavy and bulky. For me, the Logitech was more useful because I use the iPad as a media consumption and short memo device. The Magic keyboard is meant for someone who types a lot. But, in the end, neither worked for me so I sent them back. What I need is the lightweight folio keyboard with backlit keys. Is that too much to ask?

Backlighting for me is a must have.
I kept them both and am doing a comparison between them (LF vs MK) based on my usage.

 

[dk001]

I assume both keyboard cases require iPad being used in a somewhat stationary fashion like a laptop. Magic Keyboard has a huge advantage of easily taking away the iPad when needed while Logitech Folio needs time to setup and tear down, something that can be detrimental for a device as thin and fragile as iPad. First party support also means compatibility is out of the question, while Logitech one has higher chance of having issues.

I am not a huge fan of smart connector. My Smart Keyboard Folio frequently needs to adjust or remove and attach to restore functionality. Small movements on iPad can create bad connection and eventually bad experience, something neither companies can reliably rectify I’d argue.

Function key on Logitech Folio is definitely a huge plus and I don't know why Apple hates function key row.

You might want to try using both (if possible). Been using the LF for a year now (not the touch version) and it has been a very dependable device - just started trying the MK recently. I found if I don’t lock the IPP into the folio, just use the bottom slot as a holder, I can easily use it in either ladscape or portrait for watching video or typing.

Both have their hits and misses but yeah, Escape and Function Keys. Those are a big miss.

 

[dk001]

Love it that the keys, how typing and travel of the keys aren't even mentioned in the article.

Kind of glad they didn’t. The LF keys are more like my Thinkpad or older MB. The MK keys more like my rMB.