Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Anyone know of a good quality trackpad keyboard that works with the 9.7" iPad Pro? Seems like Brydge, Logitech and Apple don't currently have one?
 
If I really think about when a trackpad or keyboard make a big difference for me, it is when I am using productivity apps like Numbers, Pages and Keynote. So, I am not sure if I really need to have a trackpad integrated with my keyboard, since I might not really use it that often. Especially, if it makes tablet mode awkward and requires I remove the keyboard to use the iPad in it's more natural tablet configuration.

I guess I would need to play around with it to decide.
 
The old models are HEAVY. Had one on an iPad Air 2 and they are not light, nor slim. Hope these are lighter.
 
About $75 too expensive. I find it hard to justify an accessory for a tablet that’s half the price of the tablet (assuming you bought the iPad 7th gen during one of the many many sales).
 
  • Like
Reactions: tooloud10
About $75 too expensive. I find it hard to justify an accessory for a tablet that’s half the price of the tablet (assuming you bought the iPad 7th gen during one of the many many sales).

Yep. This is the reason it was a no brainer for Apple to add the Smart Connector and Apple Pencil support to the base iPad. They can sell accessories for big bucks.
 
Here’s to hoping they release one for the current 11” Pros. Apple can get out of here with their $300 keyboard.
 
  • Like
Reactions: durvivor
Not sure about their iPad stuff in particular but I’ve always been pleased with Logitech in the past with their other products

Personally I’ve ordered the magic keyboard but I have the old Smart Keyboard case. If there isn’t a large difference in my workflow likely will return it
 
WOW! I would rather get the Logitech for $150 VS $350 for the 12.9 model
APPLE is insane! People are out of work. states going bankrupt over COVID19 CRISIS!
$350 for just a keyboard with a trackpad for an IPAD????

If APPLE was smart they should just add a keyboard and trackpad to the iPad .
Next years A14 model with 5G is going to KILL sales of MacBook Pro's anyway
Just like the iPhone killed the iPod

People who can afford the iPad Pro are mostly likely not out of work and can afford the Apple keyboard combo.

If you’re strapped for cash there are even cheaper options in the form of a $20 Bluetooth keyboard.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ssspinball
I have Logitech smart KB case for my Gen 1 iPad Pro (12.9). I love this case - more durable than the apple one I had.
I highly recommend these cases!
 
iPad air:
1.0 pound / (456 g)

This keyboard case alone:
23.7 ounces (671 g)

Good thing the keyboard part can be detached.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ssspinball
I got my iPad 7 in early October and then waited for what seemed like an eternity to get my Logitech Rugged Folio case for it late November. That case has been very nice and seemed worth the wait because I wanted a keyboard case that used the Smart Connector feature on the iPad 7.

This new Logitech Combo Touch (I can't keep these Logitech accessory names straight LOL) seems very nice as well, of course because it adds the trackpad, but also because it has a backlit keyboard, which my Logitech Rugged Folio lacks.

However, my Rugged Folio has a keyboard that is covered entirely with a waterproof membrane and this new Combo Touch seems to have a regular keyboard and I doubt it is as "rugged" as the Rugged Folio.
[automerge]1587019071[/automerge]
This keyboard case alone:
23.7 ounces (671 g)
Wow it is even heavier than my (605 g) Rugged Folio case. I will say that's one thing for sure about these Logitech cases, they really make your iPad heavy. I have the (493 g) iPad 7 with cellular, so yeah, the case weighs more than the iPad.

Good thing the keyboard part can be detached.
Wow you're right. I didn't even realize the keyboard was detachable from the rest of the case. That's pretty cool, I wish the same was true of my Rugged Folio. However, unfortunatly I think most of the weight is in the part that the iPad goes into rather than the keyboard part.
 
Last edited:
Going to wait for the Chinese manufacturers to clone the design before I buy one for my Air.
 
Dumb question...where is the keyboard when using the iPad in 'full tablet' mode? Is it covered/protected by the kickstand?
FC2C5E4F-52F3-4E53-8C4B-616AFEBE5AEE.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: svendobbelaere
I would instantly buy this for my wife if it had country-specific layout as, e.g., the Apple Smart Keyboard offers. She would probably toss it after using the English layout for a few days.
 
Yes, pretty hefty. Also, the keyboard appears to need to be removed so you can use it in tablet mode. That is not ideal. With the Apple Smart Keyboard, you can flip the keyboard behind and hold the iPad in tablet mode. Of course, ASK doesn't have a trackpad, so......trade-offs.
Yes, the ASK can just fold back behind when using in tablet mode....I use it this way all the time on my 10.5 IPP for the past 2.5 yrs.

I wonder though if using it this way does not stress the connections in the ASK! I’m on my 2nd ASK for my 10.5 IPP. They both experienced the same issue over time:
- Many instances where the ASK loses it’s connection while typing and must be reattached. More frequent over time.
- Many instances where a period (.) or letter would just start repeating when typing...forcing me to pull the cover off and reattach to stop this. Problem becomes more frequent over time.

My first case finally stopped working altogether after the problems above started occurring much more frequently. I think either there is a basic design flaw with the ASK or its simply not that ”sturdy”.
[automerge]1587028528[/automerge]
If I really think about when a trackpad or keyboard make a big difference for me, it is when I am using productivity apps like Numbers, Pages and Keynote. So, I am not sure if I really need to have a trackpad integrated with my keyboard, since I might not really use it that often. Especially, if it makes tablet mode awkward and requires I remove the keyboard to use the iPad in it's more natural tablet configuration.

I guess I would need to play around with it to decide.
I’ve played around with attaching my Apple Trackpad to my IPP to see how it worked. Many nice navigation gestures included....a new way to interact with the iPad and helps keep the fingerprint smudges down😊
[automerge]1587028754[/automerge]
I have Logitech smart KB case for my Gen 1 iPad Pro (12.9). I love this case - more durable than the apple one I had.
I highly recommend these cases!
Yes, I had the same case...but for my 9.7 IPP (2017). Excellent case, fantastic keyboard (ie great feel and was backlit) and best of all....it had a pencil holder!
 
Last edited:
Just don't see the point. Buy a laptop.
Have you ever tried using an iPad with a keyboard case? Personally, I wouldn’t want to use an iPad without one....unless the Mini! The point is they add functionality to the iPad And make it more productive.
 
Too bad this (and proper touchpad support) wasn't available at Xmas. I would have bought this for the wife instead of the Apple Smart Keyboard, for her iPad 7.

Mind you, I got the Apple Smart Keyboard for cheap. Amazon had a lot of renewed and open box ones back then for half price, and truthfully she doesn't really need the touchpad.

For me though, I'll be getting the next iteration of the iPad Pro (fall 2020 / winter 2021?) with the Magic Keyboard. What I miss the most on my Apple Smart Keyboard for my iPad Pro is the backlight. Also, having the power cord coming out the middle of the side of the iPad is awkward.

Apple Smart Keyboard might be the worst keyboard I ever used, only 2 angles of viewing, added lot of weight

just a horrible product
 
Apple Smart Keyboard might be the worst keyboard I ever used, only 2 angles of viewing, added lot of weight

just a horrible product
It’s my favourite so far for those 10.2” to 10.5” models, as I really, really dislike Bluetooth keyboards.

It will be interesting to see how the Logitech is.
 
Apple Smart Keyboard might be the worst keyboard I ever used, only 2 angles of viewing, added lot of weight

just a horrible product
You must be referring to the Smart keyboard folio? I actually really loved the “form factor” of the Apple Smart Keyboard for my 10.5 IPP. Loved that it did not have a back case, it was slim and light...didn’t add a lot of bulk, and the keys weren’t exposed when folded back in tablet mode. Loved the design. I even l liked the typing experience. What I wasn’t crazy about was its reliability. I went through two cases and both had the same issues (constant disconnects requiring removing/re-attaching the keyboard, repeating letters while typing requiring the same cure).

I’ve now switched to the 2018 IPP (11 inch) and bought the Smart Keyboard folio. I hate it from a design aspect. Hate the look/feel of the exterior material used on the case, hate the aesthetics of it (so boring), hate the fact that the keys are exposed when folding back in tablet mode. However, the keyboard feels much more solid and the two positions are nice (compared to the smart keyboard).

I’m patiently awaiting the arrival of the Magic Keyboard (I have it on order). Will keep one or the other!

If I still had my 10.5 IPP or had an Air 3, I’d definitely be picking up this Logitech Combo Touch. Love the style of the case, built in trackpad is nice, backlighting, pencil holder (huge), ability to disconnect the keyboard easily and have a protected ipad (and something to grip) when using in tablet mode. I love Logitech’s keyboards in general (had the Smart Keyboard case for my 9.7 IPP...a fantastic keyboard experience). The only concern for me for this new case would be the usability as a keyboard on the lap....might work well, but would need to test it. To me, this one covers just about all of the bases.
 
  • Like
Reactions: boston04and07
...and what exactly would you put in the empty void where the trackpad was? Not like you can magically reduce the size of the iPad.
Was more a joke for me and the three other people in the world who can't use a Trackpad and are still loyal TrackPoint users. I'll put a /s next time.
 
I have an Apple Smart Keyboard on my iPad Air and this looks like a great alternative with a trackpad! I like the fact that it also protects the back of the iPad and provides a place for the Apple Pencil. Already ordered one.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.