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Logitech's Keyboard Case With Trackpad Now Available to Pre-Order for New 12.9-Inch iPad Pro

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Logitech's new Combo Touch keyboard case with a built-in trackpad is now available to pre-order for the new fifth-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro. There doesn't appear to be a specific shipping date listed at this time.

logitech-combo-touch-keyboard-fifth-gen-ipad-pro.jpg

Priced at $230, the Combo Touch keyboard is a more affordable alternative to Apple's Magic Keyboard for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which retails for $349. The keyboard features an integrated stand that can be adjusted for multiple viewing angles, backlit keys with adjustable brightness, a full row of iPadOS shortcut keys, and a cutout for storing the second-generation Apple Pencil, all while protecting the iPad Pro.

The keyboard connects to an ‌iPad Pro‌ using the Smart Connector, so there's no need for wireless pairing or charging a battery.

Logitech's Combo Touch was first released for the new 11-inch iPad Pro last month and is available in gray only. Apple recently introduced a new white color for its Magic Keyboard, alongside the original black version.

(Thanks, Steve G.!)

Article Link: Logitech's Keyboard Case With Trackpad Now Available to Pre-Order for New 12.9-Inch iPad Pro
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2021/05/04/logitech-keyboard-for-fifth-gen-ipad-pro/
Last edited:
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Doesn't look like there's any sort of strap or other means of holding the Apple Pencil in place during transport. That's a deal breaker for me. The magnetic pairing and charging of the Apple Pencil is indeed very convenient but it falls off so damn easily when the keyboard is closed and you're either carrying it around or keeping it in a bag. I always have to make sure I find a case that addresses this in some way. I just wish Apple's accessories and other's addressed this as well.
 
I have the 11" version of this case and it's fantastic.

All-round iPad protection, the trackpad itself is fantastic and very large, and the key spacing is brilliant. There are also function keys that are missing from the Magic Keyboard and ultimately I think it's a much better and more flexible solution than the Magic Keyboard. I actually tried both bring both keyboards home with me and returning the Magic keyboard a week later.

@Force332 - In terms of the pencil, you can charge it without issue (there is a slot on the top for that), and the strap holds it securely over the top. You can also slip it into the strap itself which is much better for long term transport. Either way, no issues with Apple Pencil at all and I assure you it won't fall out.

The only downside is the single USB-C port, but since I use a hub, it doesn't matter much.

It's worth every penny and truly transforms your iPad into an ultra-portable. (Also the fabric feel is very nice).
 
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beanbaguk said:
I have the 11" version of this case and it's fantastic.

All-round iPad protection, the trackpad itself is fantastic and very large, and the key spacing is brilliant. There are also function keys that are missing from the Magic Keyboard and ultimately I think it's a much better and more flexible solution than the Magic Keyboard. I actually tried both bring both keyboards home with me and returning the Magic keyboard a week later.

@Force332 - In terms of the pencil, you can charge it without issue (there is a slot on the top for that), and the strap holds it securely over the top. You can also slip it into the strap itself which is much better for long term transport. Either way, no issues with Apple Pencil at all and I assure you it won't fall out.

The only downside is the single USB-C port, but since I use a hub, it doesn't matter much.

It's worth every penny and truly transforms your iPad into an ultra-portable. (Also the fabric feel is very nice).
Click to expand...
Is it very heavy?
 
victry1 said:
Is it very heavy?
Click to expand...
I can't compare it to the Magic keyboard but it isn't the lightest, granted.

650g for the empty case and 1.168kg with my iPad Pro and Pencil. Not light!

But, then having said that, it's still great for meetings, meeting clients and working in remote locations or travel. It's incredibly useful.

I recall I also gave a more comprehensive review of the Logitech vs Magic keyboard comparison and as a touch typist, I came to the conclusion the Logitech keyboard was much better to type on. The keys have a nice feel, similar to the Magic Keyboard, but more importantly, they are spaced better which is so important when touch typing.

You also have the advantage of the function keys which for the life of me I don't understand why Apple didn't include this, and the touchpad is bigger and just as good as that of the Magic Keyboard.
 
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The biggest differentiators for me between this and the Magic Keyboard are that the Logitech case has
  1. A function key row. This is huge... especially for volume control.
  2. A removable keyboard (which is magnetically attached to the smart connector) with the rest of the case being protective with kickstand to boot. Have you ever tried taking an iPad Pro off a Magic Keyboard? You're just asking to drop it upon the awkward way it detaches from the magnets.
This case (for my old 11" iPad pro) was the the tipping point that made an iPad an actual laptop replacement for me (given the fact that I also have a desktop Mac mini that I use for editing and coding work)
 
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The last few Logitech keyboard cases I used were all a mixed bag and tend to fall apart after 1-2 years. I hope they have improved the quality a bit.
 
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ericwn said:
The last few Logitech keyboard cases I used were all a mixed bag and tend to fall apart after 1-2 years. I hope they have improved the quality a bit.
Click to expand...
I've had mine for a fraction under a year and it's as pristine as when I first picked it up.
 
Aeronauts said:
Why are the iPad keyboards so expensive. Add this to the price of a new iPad and it would be cheaper to buy a MacBook Air.
Click to expand...
Y'all paying for the aesthics. iPad do use standard BT connections for keyboards, right? If you want to cheap out, you can buy plenty of old Bluetooth keyboard/touchpad combo for under $50.
 
Is this a different case then the one currently on the Apple store? It’s listed as new and for $229 for 12.9” IPad 5th gen.
 
beanbaguk said:
Why did you not like it? Genuinely curious.
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The iPad came off the magnets far too easily. Inability to set any angle you like. The feel of the keys and the fabric.

I have a bluetooth-connected hinged/strong case with backlit keyboard I got off Amazon for about $50 that works great.
 
Personally after trying the Magic Keyboard case it put me off getting anything like that again… for me it would have to offer a tablet mode as well as I don’t like using my iPad as a tablet naked. I feel taking it out of the keyboard case and putting into another case to use as a tablet is just too cumbersome.

For me a better alternative was getting the Mac Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad 2 and keeping the iPad in a regular folio case, then I can just whip out the keyboard and trackpad when the need arises,

These keyboard cases just make the iPad into a dumbed down laptop, in which case you may aswell just get a MacBook Air.

Just my thoughts on it, now if Apple brought a refreshed keyboard with a collapsible hinge to convert it into a tablet mode, I may be swayed to get one again.
 
Force332 said:
Doesn't look like there's any sort of strap or other means of holding the Apple Pencil in place during transport. That's a deal breaker for me. The magnetic pairing and charging of the Apple Pencil is indeed very convenient but it falls off so damn easily when the keyboard is closed and you're either carrying it around or keeping it in a bag. I always have to make sure I find a case that addresses this in some way. I just wish Apple's accessories and other's addressed this as well.
Click to expand...
there are non keyboard cases that have slot on the "other side" that i am looking into. My current iPad Air with 1st gen pencil has this. Definitely can't do with a case in which apple pencil won't be secure..
 
The prices on these keyboards is insane, but really does make the iPad much more useful when I need to use it as a laptop replacement. Really on the fence on which way to go for the new one. I have the Apple version for my 2018 12.9 and both will get handed down to the family and need to decide what to get for my new iPad I will be picking up. The function keys are really, really useful thing so I may give the Logitech version a try.
 
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