REVIEW – It’s been around 10 years since I upgraded my iPad, so this year, I decided to bite the bullet and go for the M4 11″ iPad Pro. In the past, keyboard cases had connection issues and were terribly bulky, but the Logitech Combo Touch for iPad Pro advertises connecting automatically, just like my AirPods, so I had to give it a go.
What is it?
The Logitech Combo Touch for iPad Pro is a detachable keyboard case with a built in track-pad that connects automatically to your iPad for seamless use.
What’s included?
- Keyboard Case
- Instruction Manual
Tech specs
- Powered via iPad; No charging.
- Adjustable keyboard backlighting
- Row of iPadOS shortcut keys
- 19mm key pitch
- 1mm key travel
- Dimensions – 10 x 7.46 x .54 inches (11″ M4 version)
- Weight – 16.72 oz (11″ M4 version)
Design and features
As I mentioned above, it has been a long time since I have used a keyboard case with an iPad. They were so bulky, and when I attached the case to my new iPad Pro, I was skeptical of the weight it seemed to noticeably gain some. However, that changed when I realized how versatile the case truly was.
First, regarding protection, I was thrilled to see that the iPad has a protective lip around the edges, just in case I dropped it. It’s made of solid plastic and does not seem flimsy at all. Each button, while solid, was easy to press.
The only real open area is on the top ‘long’ side of the iPad, which is where you’d attach the Apple Pencil. The case allows it to easily magnetize to the iPad, just like it would if no case was attached. I did not feel it took away much protection by doing so, and honestly, I would prefer to attach the Apple Pencil over that little bit of protection.
When you have the keyboard attached to the Logitech Combo Touch case, it can close up completely, being magnetized to itself, and it stays firmly closed. My old ones back in the day would flop open, and I don’t use a folio case for the iPhone for the same reason. I was extremely impressed with how easy it was to open when you wanted to open it, but also how well it held itself closed.
I was puzzled at first on how to prop up the iPad in the case. You just pull out the flap on the back, which stays against the case when not in use, and adjust it to the level you desire. It definitely worked best in an approximately 60 degree angle, but it can be angled higher or lower depending on your preference.
The keyboard attaches to the Logitech Combo Touch case via magnets and when attached, automatically connects to the iPad. If you have used AirPods, it acts very similarly, just without the battery levels, as the keyboard pulls power from the iPad when in use. While I did not notice a significant drop in battery life, I also kept the backlit keyboard at the lowest light setting. In the time I wrote this, which is on the iPad with the keyboard of course, the power level only dropped 4 percent.
I am quite surprised at how well the keyboard responds when typing. It feels very much like a regular laptop keyboard under my fingers. Some of the keys are quite small, such as the apostrophe key, but the main keyboard itself has what seems to be standard-sized buttons on it. There is also a top row of shortcut keys, such as iPad display and keyboard lightning, volume controls, play and pause, and do not disturb mode. It reminds me quite a bit of the “F” buttons on the top of standard keyboards.
The track-pad seems to work well, though training my brain to realize I can use it was a challenge as I always wanted to touch the screen. I have been clicking around and rewriting things on this review, however, and I have had no issues pinpointing between words and letters as needed. It feels just like a laptop track pad and is similar in size to my old MacBook Pro and my newer laptop. It even has the same two finger scroll functionality that my laptop has.
After writing this out on the Logitech Combo Touch case, I am still quite impressed with how well it works. They’ve come so far from the 1st Generation iPad Air (which is the last iPad I purchased and had cases for!) to where this truly does feel like a very small laptop and a very useful case.
What I like about the Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard Case for iPad Pro
- Connects automatically
- Solidly protective all around
- Apple pencil can still magnetically connect with the case on
What needs to be improved?
- A bit pricey
- When keyboard is attached it does make the iPad weigh a noticeable bit more
Final thoughts
Overall, I was floored with how far they’ve come since the last time I reviewed a keyboard case for the iPad. The seamless transition between drawing and snapping the keyboard on to type was quicker than I could get an app open to type with. The case magnetically keeps itself closed, though even when the keyboard is removed there is a protective lip around the screen in case it is dropped. The price might be a little steep, but if you want a seamless keyboard case with a trackpad, the Logitech Combo Touch is a solid option I would recommend looking at.
Price: $229.99
Where to buy: Logitech Website and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by Logitech. Logitech did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
