Logitech Launches New 'Folio Touch' Keyboard Case With Trackpad for 11-Inch iPad Pro

[macduke]

My daughter has this on her refurb 10.5” iPad Pro that we got her when school went remote. It works really well. The only downsides are the keyboard/trackpad part seems to pop off rather easy, the very top of the trackpad seems to have a clicking dead zone, and the folding kickstand doesn’t do well in a lap. The trackpad and keys are nice, though, especially the trackpad compared to all other third party cases.

 

[tripleburst]

Not picking sides on either or them, I think the both have their pros and cons, but I'd much rather just pull the ipad off for tablet mode then have the extra bulk and weight and feel all he keys behind my tablet.

My main concern would be which is more stable on my lap sitting on a couch or lying in bed.

The function keys for sure a big plus on the Log keyboard. Oh and price, obviously.

Yup I get it. There are tradeoffs for either design. Just pick the ones you can live with (and afford).

 

[DribbleCastle]

Probably a better design solution than "magic keyboard'

Can you take it out of the case as easily as the Magic Keyboard? Can you use it on your lap as easily? Can you carry it with one hand (when it's open) while walking around the house/office?

My opinion from watching reviews of the 10.5 version is No to all three of those questions. Therefore my assumption is, not nearly as good of a design. But might be good for some people's needs and pricing is more attractive for many.

The magic keyboard is premium and expensive for sure, but it has been my favorite Apple device/accessory since the Airpods.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

It's almost like they're trying to turn the iPad into a Surface.

I wish Apple would just add a kickstand already.

 

[1144557]

Been waiting for this. Just waiting on the 12.9 version. $350 for a keyboard is a no-go no matter how "elegant" it is.

That is 1/3 the cost of a base 12.9 ipad, or basically the same cost as an iPhone SE. It shows how overpriced the keyboard is. The parts for a phone cost a heck of a lot more than the keyboard materials.

Since this is $160 if the 12.9 is $180-190 that's the perfect price point (and Im SURE they are still making a killing at that price point too)

 

[blackcrayon]

Finally! Makes it affordable and protects the iPad as well. Something that’s bugging me on these iPad Keyboards, why does the manufacturers drop the “Esc” key?

Yeah that is strange- especially when Apple now includes the ability to substitute other keys (like caps lock) for esc.

Probably a better design solution than "magic keyboard'

As was said, I think it just depends on how you want to use it. I like having the ability to easily remove the iPad from its keyboard whenever I want vs having to pry it out of a case when I don't want the extra bulk. "Dock" vs "Keyboard case".

 

[Marlon DLTH :)]

Finally! A good alternative to the MK at half price.

 

[Expos of 1969]

Been waiting for this. Just waiting on the 12.9 version. $350 for a keyboard is a no-go no matter how "elegant" it is.

That's is 1/3 the cost of a base 12.9 ipad, or basically the same cost as an iPhone SE. It shows how overpriced the keyboard is. The parts for a phone cost a heck of a lot more than the keyboard materials.

And people are concerned about the low quality of material used in the Apple overpriced one. They continue to treat customers with contempt but yet millions still line up with open wallets. "It is Apple, I must have it. I don't care if it is poor quality"

 

[spinedoc77]

Mmmm... kickstand, it's a shame you have to put it on a bulky case. Time for Apple to just put a kickstand on the iPads.

 

[T-R-S]

I love the Logitech Pad KB's

 

[one more]

Great news. We use its analogue with iPad Air 3 and it’s excellent. The keyboard/trackpad part snaps into place magnetically in a second and if you want to use your iPad without the keyboard, the iPad is still protected by the shell around it. 👍 One thing you need to consider, though, that it adds quite a bit of weight to an iPad.

 

[T-R-S]

Interesting, but I think I prefer the Magic Keyboard.

I have an 1st Gen 12.9 iPad Pro and the apple Smart keyboard was incredibly ******. It was replaced once under warranty and the it failed again 6 months beyond the warranty. I replaced it with Logitech way better build nicer KB backlight. Apple Smart Keyboard and case was problem the worse build quality ever in any Apple precut I have owned.
Logitech iPads caKB and cases are awesome - the kick stand is the way to go. WTF is Apple thinking SJ is turning over in grave

 

[1144557]

And people are concerned about the low quality of material used in the Apple overpriced one. They continue to treat customers with contempt but yet millions still line up with open wallets. "It is Apple, I must have it. I don't care if it is poor quality"

Im not so miffed as to the quality. Plastic is plastic (or vinyl, whatever) Its not built to last forever.

If it was $150 and got grimy after 2 years, ok. Sucks but also not expensive. But not for $350.

And you know these things must cost $50 or less make too. The markup must be insane. Same as lightning cables Apple sells for $19; the BOM on the iphone shows the box, packaging, lightning cable, brick, and headphones are $7.50 combined. The cable must cost $1-1.50 in manufacturing cost but sold for $20 (yes store space, employee to sell it etc etc. Still a 5 times markup at least).

 

[wba1990]

On a separate note, out of curiosity do Logitech have to get apples approval to make a rival to the MK which ultimately could impact apples sales, or do they just make it with having apples permission?

 

[Jaekae]

Not picking sides on either or them, I think the both have their pros and cons, but I'd much rather just pull the ipad off for tablet mode then have the extra bulk and weight and feel all he keys behind my tablet.

My main concern would be which is more stable on my lap sitting on a couch or lying in bed.

The function keys for sure a big plus on the Log keyboard. Oh and price, obviously.

true i even pull off my smart cover when using it because feels nicer in hands, and will soon get the MK because i like that its more of a desktop dock instead one that should be on always

 

[frou]

On a separate note, out of curiosity do Logitech have to get apples approval to make a rival to the MK which ultimately could impact apples sales, or do they just make it with having apples permission?

They seem to collaborate behind the scenes to bring some less expensive alternative to the market, e.g. that orange Pencil alternative, which I think Apple pre-announced.

 

[jdb8167]

Looks very good but it depends on how well the trackpad works to make it a replacement for the Magic Keyboard. Looking forward to reviews.

 

[citysnaps]

No thanks. The Magic Keyboard would make much more sense for me.

This would just get in the way when I want to use my iPad bare - which is often.

 

[Johnny907]

So basically it converts an iPad into a Microsoft Surface?
Ok then. I actually might be interested in this. Ok after looking at the website I’m definitely interested in this. Ordering one from Apple, arriving next week.

 

[Works4Me]

I really do wish that Logitech would make one of these for the 12.9! Not sure why they haven't done it so far!

 

[TAJones99]

Yes I might get this instead of the magic keyboard, if they make one for the 12.9.

 

[dazz87]

If the Apple one looks so great why are people putting skins on it?

more to do with protection than looks.

 

[Veinticinco]

Isn't it about time they made the Crayon 2, that can magnetically charge just as the Pencil.

 

[Mr.Blacky]

Seems like to take a lot of space.

 

[TAJones99]

I like it! Nice work Logitech. If the keyboard can bend behind for "tablet mode" it's damn near perfect. (But I can't tell because the Logitech link in the story is dead )

The Magic Keyboard is more of a dock. This looks portable.

It worked for me and the keyboard does flip back.