I have the ZAGG Simbook Go, not a bad product at all, just misses the trackpad, but has function keys and backlight. I'll eventually switch when a 12.9 with trackpad comes available. €300 for the MK keyboard is almost criminal.
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iPad Pro Keyboard Comparison: Logitech's $160 Folio Touch vs. Apple's $300 Magic Keyboard
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I have the ZAGG Simbook Go, not a bad product at all, just misses the trackpad, but has function keys and backlight. I'll eventually switch when a 12.9 with trackpad comes available. €300 for the MK keyboard is almost criminal.
Yeah but still, reviewing a keyboard without talking about the keys is a nice touch xD
Nice to see Logitech produce a capable alternative.
I know that I'm in the minority, but I long for the original Smart Keyboard Cover. It was the thinnest and lightest attachable keyboard option. It is the lack of any kind of cover for the iPad Pro that is the primary reason why I no longer have a Pro.
I know that I'm in the minority, but I long for the original Smart Keyboard Cover. It was the thinnest and lightest attachable keyboard option. It is the lack of any kind of cover for the iPad Pro that is the primary reason why I no longer have a Pro.
Better if they did mention them.’
Especially for those who cannot do a hands on test before buying....
Keyboard typing is subjective and can vary greatly from user to user. Aside from obvious “Is this keyboard case fits my 11” iPad Pro”, there is nothing much you can do if you cannot get your hands on those keyboards, especially typing experiences.
That said, the Butterfly keyboard in the MacBooks sure got a lot of heat from people who never typed on one!
But there are some things one can objectively review, like key travel, if they wobble, how fast they click and so on.
Butterfly keyboard's downfall was that it's mechanism was susceptible to debris much more than other keyboards. As someone who does have a butterfly keyboard I can confirm it's a PITA. It's an objectively obvious failing of the keyboard that they tried to engineer around but failed.
So, after a huge amount of debate, research and trying out the products in the Apple store, I finally ended up with the Logitech Folio keyboard. Price was not a factor in my considerations.
The Apple Keyboard undoubtably had a slightly better keyboard in terms of touch, but when it came to spacing, my large stumpy fingers found it very hard to float between keys. I am a touch typist and I found it insanely hard to find my position on the keyboard, frequently making errors.
The Folio keyboard was just spaced out that little bit better and while the keys are a little smaller and the feel isn’t quite as good (it’s still very adequate), I found I was able to type my faster and with much better accuracy.
Then features. The Logitech wins hands down on this. No question. The function keys are a clear winner for me and I actually found the touchpad a little nicer to use.
In terms of the case itself, again the Logitech is the clear winner. The thick, edge to edge protection is a huge bonus for me. I take my iPad everywhere and protecting my 1000eur+ investment is a priority for me. The Magic Keyboard offers no protection around the edges, and while some reviews seemed to claim the magnets hold the iPad solidly, it DOES come off if you catch the wrong angle, and that DOES happen. I can see moments where it comes loose, and I live in a home with marble floors, a 17 week old puppy and a 3 year old son. My iPad NEEDS protection and the Magic keyboard simply does not deliver on this.
I do agree I have concerns with the kickstand but we’ll see how it goes. The viewing angles are also much more versatile but again, I have some concerns. Having said that, I own a lot of Logitech gear and it’s generally excellent quality.
The final point I wanted to bring up was the lap support.
I get what the reviewer was saying but he obviously has very short legs. I am 5´11” and it fits just fine on my lap with plenty to spare. So for me, this is not an issue.
At the end of the day, the Magic Keyboard is definitely a case of style over substance. Apple could have done so much better, which is a shame as the the concept of the Magic keyboard is much more aesthetically appealing.
(Typed on a Logitech Folio Touch case).
The Apple Keyboard undoubtably had a slightly better keyboard in terms of touch, but when it came to spacing, my large stumpy fingers found it very hard to float between keys. I am a touch typist and I found it insanely hard to find my position on the keyboard, frequently making errors.
The Folio keyboard was just spaced out that little bit better and while the keys are a little smaller and the feel isn’t quite as good (it’s still very adequate), I found I was able to type my faster and with much better accuracy.
Then features. The Logitech wins hands down on this. No question. The function keys are a clear winner for me and I actually found the touchpad a little nicer to use.
In terms of the case itself, again the Logitech is the clear winner. The thick, edge to edge protection is a huge bonus for me. I take my iPad everywhere and protecting my 1000eur+ investment is a priority for me. The Magic Keyboard offers no protection around the edges, and while some reviews seemed to claim the magnets hold the iPad solidly, it DOES come off if you catch the wrong angle, and that DOES happen. I can see moments where it comes loose, and I live in a home with marble floors, a 17 week old puppy and a 3 year old son. My iPad NEEDS protection and the Magic keyboard simply does not deliver on this.
I do agree I have concerns with the kickstand but we’ll see how it goes. The viewing angles are also much more versatile but again, I have some concerns. Having said that, I own a lot of Logitech gear and it’s generally excellent quality.
The final point I wanted to bring up was the lap support.
I get what the reviewer was saying but he obviously has very short legs. I am 5´11” and it fits just fine on my lap with plenty to spare. So for me, this is not an issue.
At the end of the day, the Magic Keyboard is definitely a case of style over substance. Apple could have done so much better, which is a shame as the the concept of the Magic keyboard is much more aesthetically appealing.
(Typed on a Logitech Folio Touch case).
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This is a good point, but you can pry it from one of the top left or right corners and it comes out freely.
I also combine this case with a Moshi VersaCover when I don’t need a keyboard and want something lighter to carry around.
I appreciate you taking the time to review your purchase comparison thoughts.
Your detailed comments on the touch typing experience between your two options has barely been covered in any reviews previously.
The one aspect I will quibble with, is that the Apple Magic Keyboard is not really intended as a carrying case, but rather as a dock, so naturally if you are prioritizing protection for your iPad, the Logitech will undoubtedly be the better choice.