Logitech combo touch for iPad Pro 10.5/air

[TDDM]

It seems to me that there are several issues, and I think I’ve narrowed them down to being iPadOS or just this product in general:

1. Keyboard stops taking inputs for letter keys, but still works with other commands like CMD+Tab, CMD+H, etc: This happened with my Smart Keyboard as well, and it seems more like an iPadOS problem. Can be fixed by resetting the RAM, quitting and restarting the app, or restarting the iPad.

2. Trackpad cursor disappears and stops taking inputs: Can be fixed by tapping a key on the keyboard, the cursor should reappear. Again, seems to be an iPadOS problem, as this also happens with the Magic Trackpad and requires you to turn it off and on again to regain function.

3. Full Keyboard/Trackpad disconnection: Keyboard and trackpad stop working as if disconnected, and then reconnect a few seconds later. This seems to be specific to this product in general, and I have no idea how to stop it.

None of these really strike me as a hardware issue, I’m really hoping these can be fixed through software. Also, have you guys noticed any excessive battery drain from using this? I had 4 hours of screen time and got down to 53%, that seems a little worse than usual, but maybe I’m just imagining things 🤨

 

[JoePa2624]

Received mine today and I keep having a really similar issue. The keyboard/trackpad disconnects anywhere from every few minutes to several times in a minute. Typing and trackpad both stop working, the keyboard backlight goes out, then fades back on a second later. It always takes around 2-3 seconds for functionality to return. It is extremely flaky. I just upgraded to iOS 13.4.5 public beta, didn’t help. My smart connector looks just fine. The keyboard isn’t even moving or wiggling at all, the device is perfectly steady on my desk. In fact, it doesn’t even disconnect when I intentionally wiggle it a bunch, so I don’t think that is the cause. This seems to be more of a firmware or software issue and happening truly randomly.

Yes, exact same issues you're describing.

 

[dlbrown2]

We have both a 10.5" iPad Pro and a 7th Gen iPad in our household. Can anyone tell what would keep the 7th gen version of the case from fitting on the 10.5 iPad or vice versa?

I would primarily be using it on the Pro, but I would llove to be able swap the cases between iPads occasionally, even if there were some tradeoffs (depending on what they were.)

 

[nicho]

We have both a 10.5" iPad Pro and a 7th Gen iPad in our household. Can anyone tell what would keep the 7th gen version of the case from fitting on the 10.5 iPad or vice versa?

I would primarily be using it on the Pro, but I would llove to be able swap the cases between iPads occasionally, even if there were some tradeoffs (depending on what they were.)

Size. The 7th gen is thicker than the 10.5" pro, so it won't fit in the case.

That said, the keyboard element separates. It's two pieces. The KB would be transferable. If you could get a similar-style back cover for the 7th gen (you'd need a rear shell with an opening on the side for a smart cover etc, with a kickstand on the back - i'm not sure they exist with kickstands though) then you'd be in business.

 

[dlbrown2]

Thanks for the feedback. I wonder how loose the 10.5 would be in the 7th gen version of the case, does anyone have any observations? Would the back camera cutouts also be an issue?

Good point on the separate case. You're right that it has been challenging to find a case with both a smart connector cut-out and a kickstand.

 

[clumsythief83]

Anyone knows where I can buy this case in Canada?

 

[dkang88]

It seems to me that there are several issues, and I think I’ve narrowed them down to being iPadOS or just this product in general:

1. Keyboard stops taking inputs for letter keys, but still works with other commands like CMD+Tab, CMD+H, etc: This happened with my Smart Keyboard as well, and it seems more like an iPadOS problem. Can be fixed by resetting the RAM, quitting and restarting the app, or restarting the iPad.

2. Trackpad cursor disappears and stops taking inputs: Can be fixed by tapping a key on the keyboard, the cursor should reappear. Again, seems to be an iPadOS problem, as this also happens with the Magic Trackpad and requires you to turn it off and on again to regain function.

3. Full Keyboard/Trackpad disconnection: Keyboard and trackpad stop working as if disconnected, and then reconnect a few seconds later. This seems to be specific to this product in general, and I have no idea how to stop it.

None of these really strike me as a hardware issue, I’m really hoping these can be fixed through software. Also, have you guys noticed any excessive battery drain from using this? I had 4 hours of screen time and got down to 53%, that seems a little worse than usual, but maybe I’m just imagining things 🤨

Ive been having these issues as well With my iPad Pro 10.5”. While using trackpad or typing, there’s a disconnect every few minutes or so and wouldn’t register anything (keypad light turns off And doesn’t work, cursor disappears) then after 3 second or so, it reconnects on its own. Idk if it’s the same problem as the Apple Smart Keyboard where sometimes it’ll just disconnect but when that happens the on screen keyboard will reappear so I’ll know if there’s a disconnect and will eventually require me to disconnect and reconnect The keyboard manually.

Also I’ve noticed that there’s battery drain as well Compared to the Smart Keyboard (~3% drop every Few minutes) because I compared the drop with the Apple Smart Keyboard.

Still trying to figure out if I want to keep this or not if a firmware update will solve all this. If Logitech wants this as a keeper these issues described above need to be solved fast. Anyway my 2 cents. If the Apple Smart Keyboard didn’t have the random disconnect problem, I would’ve been happy with that

 

[dkang88]

Anyone knows where I can buy this case in Canada?

Logitech.com is now selling online.

 

[TrickyTreeRed]

Anyone knows where I can buy this case in Canada?

According to Logitech's Canadian website, it will begin to ship here in May. I'm in the same boat as you and will buy one once it's available.

Combo Touch for iPad

Shop Combo Touch for iPad. Compatible with iPad (7th, 8th, 9th, 10th gen & A16). Backlit, Multi-touch Trackpad

www.logitech.com

 

[Davidalan]

As I type their on my new magic keyboard, love it. There is some learning curve and arthritis doesn’t help. The feel of the keys are great. The trac pad is perhaps a little small but as I learn the multi gestures I’m more and more falling in love with it. Even the use of the delete key for deleting and email, quick. So far the only thing that I’m not 100% happy with the magnetic USB C adapter from Hogore. It’s ⅛ of an inch too log when using it on the USB C port on the Keyboard, hinders the closing of the iPad. But i got it to work.
Oh and BTW I’m typing this on my lap, no problems, except the old line less bifocals are a tad bit out of focus.

 

[chrfr]

I got one of these keyboards earlier today. I’ve been having the same issues others have reported:
-Intermittent connection loss (not a problem I ever had with the Apple Smart Keyboard.)
-Extremely fast battery drain, even with the backlight off.
-The ‘ key didn’t work until I changed keyboard layouts.
Otherwise, I do like it although the case is heavy and the kickstand is pretty uncomfortable on my lap as a result. I can’t help but wonder, though, if I shouldn’t just save the $150 and put it toward a newer iPad Pro some time in the future.
[automerge]1587864362[/automerge]

As I type their on my new magic keyboard, love it. There is some learning curve and arthritis doesn’t help. The feel of the keys are great. The trac pad is perhaps a little small but as I learn the multi gestures I’m more and more falling in love with it. Even the use of the delete key for deleting and email, quick. So far the only thing that I’m not 100% happy with the magnetic USB C adapter from Hogore. It’s ⅛ of an inch too log when using it on the USB C port on the Keyboard, hinders the closing of the iPad. But i got it to work.
Oh and BTW I’m typing this on my lap, no problems, except the old line less bifocals are a tad bit out of focus.

I think you’re in the wrong thread.

 

[dkang88]

I got one of these keyboards earlier today. I’ve been having the same issues others have reported:
-Intermittent connection loss (not a problem I ever had with the Apple Smart Keyboard.)
-Extremely fast battery drain, even with the backlight off.
-The ‘ key didn’t work until I changed keyboard layouts.
Otherwise, I do like it although the case is heavy and the kickstand is pretty uncomfortable on my lap as a result. I can’t help but wonder, though, if I shouldn’t just save the $150 and put it toward a newer iPad Pro some time in the future.
[automerge]1587864362[/automerge]

I think you’re in the wrong thread.

Yep exactly the same problems I had. I'm debating if I want to return it. The battery drain is pretty bad compared to the apple smart keyboard and the disconnect is too frequent at this point.

 

[Dellfanboy]

Is there a way for an escape key? I keep hitting the “home” key thinking it will escape. Also, is there a back button when browsing the web? Lastly, is there a way to right click from the trackpad?

 

[psymac]

Same problematic issues, here, so it's going back. Weighs more than MacBook 12" even with a typical case, bulky, too small and awkward to use from lap, input confusion on websites, disconnect randomly, power drain, etc. Going back to my MacBook 12" for now...

 

[TDDM]

Is there a way for an escape key? I keep hitting the “home” key thinking it will escape. Also, is there a back button when browsing the web? Lastly, is there a way to right click from the trackpad?

1. Yep, go to Settings - General - Keyboard - Hardware Keyboard - Modifier Keys

2. CMD + Left Arrow or Two finger swipe to the right.

3. Unfortunately, no, this trackpad only has one recognized “input”. Two finger tap is the best we have, but it’s nowhere near an actual right click.

 

[chrfr]

Is there a way for an escape key? I keep hitting the “home” key thinking it will escape. Also, is there a back button when browsing the web? Lastly, is there a way to right click from the trackpad?

Command period translates into the escape key if you don't want to remap other keys.

 

[TDDM]

I did a partial test on battery life, here’s my results:

iPad with Smart Keyboard: Drained battery from 100% to 50%, it took 6 hours and 57 minutes. I was mainly browsing, reading, and doing some typing. Nothing too heavy. Assuming the last 50% would be the same, that suggests a full battery life of 13 hours and 54 minutes.

iPad with Combo Touch: Same usage details, consisted of browsing, writing, and reading. The keyboard backlight was off for the entire usage period. From 100% to 50%, it took 5 hours and 45 minutes. If that usage would hold for the last 50% as well, the total battery life would be 11 hours and 30 minutes.

It’s kinda difficult to do a full 100% to 0% test, since the thing lasts so long, but here’s just an idea of the excessive drain. I‘m assuming the difference would be even more stark if I added in some youtube, music streaming, heavy browsing and trackpad usage, etc. Thankfully, the iPad should still last more than long enough for a full day’s work, but I’m surprised at how much extra juice the combo touch takes up 🤨

 

[chrfr]

I did a partial test on battery life, here’s my results:

iPad with Smart Keyboard: Drained battery from 100% to 50%, it took 6 hours and 57 minutes. I was mainly browsing, reading, and doing some typing. Nothing too heavy. Assuming the last 50% would be the same, that suggests a full battery life of 13 hours and 54 minutes.

iPad with Combo Touch: Same usage details, consisted of browsing, writing, and reading. From 100% to 50%, it took 5 hours and 45 minutes. If that usage would hold for the last 50% as well, the total battery life would be 11 hours and 30 minutes.

It’s kinda difficult to do a full 100% to 0% test, since the thing lasts so long, but here’s just an idea of the excessive drain. I‘m assuming the difference would be even more stark if I added in some youtube, music streaming, heavy browsing and trackpad usage, etc. Thankfully, the iPad should still last more than long enough for a full day’s work, but I’m surprised at how much extra juice the combo touch takes up 🤨

The battery use seems inconsistent. I've only had the keyboard since Saturday morning, and periodically the battery drain seems very fast, and other times it's closer to normal. I'll keep using it for a bit to see if I can figure out what it's doing but I'm leaning toward returning it.

 

[kitt9000]

I did a partial test on battery life, here’s my results:

iPad with Smart Keyboard: Drained battery from 100% to 50%, it took 6 hours and 57 minutes. I was mainly browsing, reading, and doing some typing. Nothing too heavy. Assuming the last 50% would be the same, that suggests a full battery life of 13 hours and 54 minutes.

iPad with Combo Touch: Same usage details, consisted of browsing, writing, and reading. The keyboard backlight was off for the entire usage period. From 100% to 50%, it took 5 hours and 45 minutes. If that usage would hold for the last 50% as well, the total battery life would be 11 hours and 30 minutes.

It’s kinda difficult to do a full 100% to 0% test, since the thing lasts so long, but here’s just an idea of the excessive drain. I‘m assuming the difference would be even more stark if I added in some youtube, music streaming, heavy browsing and trackpad usage, etc. Thankfully, the iPad should still last more than long enough for a full day’s work, but I’m surprised at how much extra juice the combo touch takes up 🤨

Thanks for doing the battery test, I couldn’t get my finger on how I felt about battery life. It reduced on my 10.5 Pro w/ keyboard use for sure, but I never had the apple Smart Keyboard so had no comparison. So these are good findings overall. Currently I am definitely using the iPad more W/ this keyboard/mouse. When dealing w/ big devices I’m just more of a keep my hands on the keyboard and navigate w/ a trackpad rather than a touch screen kind of guy. I also do have the 12 inch MacBook which I love and use daily for my work And surface go which I prefer less (given by my work) but it is useful when wanting to travel light.

I think some of the connect disconnect issues sound like they‘re affecting the 10.2 inch iPad, which is peculiar. Anyone w/ 10.5inch pro/air that is having connect/disconnect issues? I don’t have these random disconnects w/ my 10.5inch pro but do occasionally have the minor issue of turning on the iPad, and keyboard not initially working. removing the iPad and reconnecting fixes it everytime.

I stil have till Friday to decide whether to return this keyboard. I think if this was $300 Like the magic keyboard, I may just return it and use my 12 inch MacBook only for portable lap/desk use. But for $150, I feel having the trackpad and keyboard capability added as an adjust to this portable device seems worth it to me. I still need to try some of my Remote Desktop work software and see how that works. Will make the decision probably by the last day LOL.

 

[chrfr]

I think some of the connect disconnect issues sound like they‘re affecting the 10.2 inch iPad, which is peculiar. Anyone w/ 10.5inch pro/air that is having connect/disconnect issues? I don’t have these random disconnects w/ my 10.5inch pro but do occasionally have the minor issue of turning on the iPad, and keyboard not initially working. removing the iPad and reconnecting fixes it everytime.

Mine is a 10.5 Pro and the keyboard disconnects sporadically.

 

[kitt9000]

Mine is a 10.5 Pro and the keyboard disconnects sporadically.

I see, sorry to hear that. In the middle of me working for hours+, I don’t recall having the keyboard sporadically disconnect. That sounds very concerning and does sound like a possible hardware issue. For 150 dollars, this should not be an issue you should have to deal with. And in my case, I can Confirm that this does not happen and therefore disconnection issues havn’t disrupted my workflow. Perhaps you can get this replaced? If you like the keyboard functionality, I would recommend trying a second piece to see if that one also gives you issues.

 

[chrfr]

I see, sorry to hear that. In the middle of me working for hours+, I don’t recall having the keyboard sporadically disconnect. That sounds very concerning and does sound like a possible hardware issue. For 150 dollars, this should not be an issue you should have to deal with. And in my case, I can Confirm that this does not happen and therefore disconnection issues havn’t disrupted my workflow. Perhaps you can get this replaced? If you like the keyboard functionality, I would recommend trying a second piece to see if that one also gives you issues.

Dan Moren wrote a pretty extensive review of the keyboard. I don't think it reveals anything new for those of us who have the keyboard, and there was no discussion about power consumption, but Dan did have connection issues as well:

Logitech Combo Touch review: Not so magic keyboard

It’s all keyboards and trackpads all the time these days, but if you don’t have one of the fancy new iPad Pro models released since 2018, such as that earlier 10.5-inch iPad Pro, then A…

sixcolors.com

 

[TDDM]

Dan Moren wrote a pretty extensive review of the keyboard. I don't think it reveals anything new for those of us who have the keyboard, and there was no discussion about power consumption, but Dan did have connection issues as well:

Logitech Combo Touch review: Not so magic keyboard

It’s all keyboards and trackpads all the time these days, but if you don’t have one of the fancy new iPad Pro models released since 2018, such as that earlier 10.5-inch iPad Pro, then A…

sixcolors.com

I pretty much agree with his conclusions. The difference is that for me, the trackpad *does* make up for the other shortcomings. I have some issues with it (Scrolling is wonky sometimes, case is heavy, decent battery drain), but I just can’t go back to not having a trackpad 😅

 

[kitt9000]

I pretty much agree with his conclusions. The difference is that for me, the trackpad *does* make up for the other shortcomings. I have some issues with it (Scrolling is wonky sometimes, case is heavy, decent battery drain), but I just can’t go back to not having a trackpad 😅

I feel the same way. Without the keyboard, when I have the iPad up in standing mode, I hate reaching up to touch the screen...the trackpad makes it much more convenient and effortless. And for 150 vs. 300-350 for the magic keyboard, the value seems to be definitely there. My only reservation is that I have a 12 inch MacBook that is not too much smaller (and is thinner than iPad w/ keyboard) and works flawlessly and has more functions than my iPad. I have to take iPad w/ me on my trips as a secondary device since its so easy to consume media and the internet during travels. I will likely keep the keyboard since its working fairly flawlessly for me, besides the scroll issue mentioned above in this thread and occasional trackpad not functioning when opening the keyboard cover, which resolved w/ a quick reconnect. I still have till Friday to decide but remain so far very impressed - usability of my 10.5 pro is much better. I think future iPad updates w/ will fix some of these niggling problems.

 

[Jman13]

I received mine today. Since I’d read about the potential for keymisses, I changed the setting to set hardware keyboard to US English rather than automatic right when I got it, and I’ve had no issues whatsoever in about an hour of typing. The trackpad works brilliantly too. Very smooth, gestures work great and the scrolling is smooth. It is a bit heavy, but I do think I will get plenty of use out of this. The keyboard is pretty darn good considering how thin it is. Good key action, nice tactility and has worked flawlessly for me so far. Overall, I’m very pleased with it so far.