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With the M1 chip in this year’s iPad Pro models, Apple’s tablets are getting close to replacing standard laptops. They haven’t quite replaced the MacBook yet, but they’re getting there. The touchscreen-only devices don’t have built-in keyboards or mice, which is a key piece of the puzzle.
However, options like the Logitech Combo Touch iPad keyboard case, which we reviewed here, make it much easier to think about ditching your laptop altogether. We’re looking at the version of the Combo Touch made for the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation), but our thoughts should also apply to the iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, and 3rd generations) and iPad Air (4th generation).
Logitech Combo Touch Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | iPad models with Smart Connector |
| Keyboard Layout | Laptop-style keyboard with backlit keys |
| Trackpad | Large, responsive trackpad |
| Connectivity | Smart Connector |
| Apple Pencil Holder | Yes |
| Viewing Modes | Typing, Viewing, Sketching |
| Protection | Full wrap-around protection |
| Weight | Varies based on iPad model |
Design and Build
The Logitech Combo Touch has a plastic and hard silicon iPad shell with a hinge and a separate keyboard with a trackpad, unlike Apple’s Smart Keyboard, which is one unit. This attaches magnetically to the smart connector port, letting you take the keyboard with you when you travel. You’ll notice the 2021 iPad’s extra heft at least in the beginning, as its thickness increases from 0.3 inches to 0.85 inches when closed with the Combo Touch.
Logitech Combo Touch: Keyboard
Since we’ve been using the iPad Pro 11-inch version of this case, my comments may not be directly applicable to the iPad Pro 12.9-inch version. The keyboard isn’t full-sized, so it’s a little bit smaller than something like the MX Keys we use at my workplace. It’s only slightly smaller than a standard keyboard, though, so we had no trouble adapting after a brief period of practice.
The chiclet-style layout of the keyboard is reminiscent of that found on Apple and Logitech keyboards. The iPad can automatically alter the brightness of the illumination for all of the keys. You can buy this Logitech Combo Touch from its official website
Logitech Combo Touch: Trackpad
The integrated glass trackpad is as roomy and powerful as the rest of the device. Because it is an officially licensed Apple product, it works with the full range of multi-finger gestures available in iPadOS.
You won’t have any trouble with swipe gestures like the four-finger shortcut for swiftly cycling among open apps or the three-finger swipe for multitasking because it’s actually somewhat larger than the trackpad on Apple’s Magic Keyboard (55mm x 110mm compared. 50 x 100mm).
Performance and Usability
The Logitech Combo Touch provides a fantastic user experience. The keyboard is practically identical to the Apple Magic Keyboard in terms of comfort and ease of use, however it is not. The trackpad is big enough and responsive enough. The trackpad’s bigger size is a huge improvement over the one on the Magic Keyboard.
We like that you can adjust the height of the stand as well as remove the keyboard to better safeguard your iPad. The Smart Connector allows for a quick response time from both the keyboard and trackpad. While most Bluetooth keyboards should function normally with an iPad, a wired connection is more preferable.
Price and availability
Prices for the Logitech Combo Touch start at $199.99/£179.99 and go up to $229.99/£199.99 for the iPad Pro 12.9-inch model. That is not cheap at all for a keyboard or a case. But compared to the Apple-made option, it’s not even worth a penny.
Final Words
If you use your iPad at work, the Logitech Combo Touch is good enough for the office. It seems well-made and has a low profile that makes typing comfortable, even for long times. Its scissor switches are also very quiet, making it a good choice for offices that don’t like a lot of noise. There isn’t much room between the keys, which might make you make more mistakes or type more slowly at first.
Logitech Combo Touch review: The good and The bad
The Good
- Offers good protection for iPad
- A good sized keyboard and trackpad
The Bad
- Quite heavy
FAQS
When you type on it, the battery goes down faster, and when the lighting is on, it goes down even faster. I know that the lighting uses up battery, but it shouldn’t use up battery when it’s not being used.
This keyboard is well put together. The Combo Touch iPad case is made of both woven cloth and plastic with rubberized edges. Even though the case bends, it seems to be strong enough to protect your device.