Hybrid Work Accessories: Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro Keyboard Case
Apple’s latest iPad Pro is thinner, lighter, and more powerful (see our full review here). Apple launched a new Magic Keyboard to go with it that adds a function row and is lighter and sturdier that before. However, at $349 for the 13” model, consumers can be forgiven if they want to entertain alternatives. Logitech has been making iPad accessories from the beginning, and keyboards for over 40 years, and I asked for their new $260 Combo Touch for the iPad Pro 13” to test.
More than the price, the Logitech Combo Touch form factor is the biggest draw — and biggest drawback. The 2-in-1 convertible style design means that the Combo Touch provides protection and a kickstand to the iPad Pro even when separated from the keyboard segment. That may be ideal for some users.
The Logitech Combo Touch weighs 1.45 lbs, just about the same as Apple’s Magic Keyboard (1.48 lbs). However, Logitech’s Combo Touch also adds thickness and weight to the iPad even when separated from the keyboard segment, which squanders some of the benefits of Apple’s thinner-and-lighter design. The iPad Pro 13 alone is 1.29 lbs.; in the Logitech case without the keyboard it comes to 1.93 lbs., and the .6 lb difference is noticeable.
Finally, when connected to the keyboard, the overall footprint is long; you won’t be able to use it on your lap or on an airline tray table. For what it’s worth, Apple’s Magic Keyboard doesn’t work well on laps either; the design is so top heavy that it falls backwards the minute you lift your hands from the deck.
Pros:
The Combo Touch design protects the back and edges of the iPad even when not connected to the keyboard segment.
The design adds a useful kickstand for media consumption without requiring the keyboard to be attached.
At $260, Logitech undercuts Apple on price by $89.
The Combo Touch’s keyboard layout, key size, feel, and travel are all fine. I wrote most of this review on it without issue.
The large trackpad works well — I had no problems with palm rejection whatsoever.
The Combo Touch’s keyboard connects and gets its power from pogo pins on the iPad — there is no pairing process or separate batteries to recharge.
The keyboard is backlit.
The keyboard swings around and is inactive when you want to briefly hold the iPad as a tablet; you don’t have to remove it from the case like the Magic Keyboard.
Cons
Logitech undercuts Apple on price but it is still not inexpensive. For many users it might make more sense to buy a separate case, stand, and portable keyboard.
The long footprint when the keyboard is attached means that the Combo Touch requires a flat surface; it does not work on your lap unless you have exceptionally long, flat legs, and even then it will be wobbly
The length required and thin kickstand mean the Combo Touch doesn’t work on an airline tray table (it falls off the back).
To use the Combo Touch you need to set up the kickstand before every use, but it is flush with the rear of the case and lacks a tab or an indentation to easily pry the kickstand away.
The keyboard angle is flat; unlike Microsoft’s Surface Pro keyboards, there is no provision for snapping the keyboard up to the iPad at an angle.
Like Apple’s Magic Keypad, the Combo Touch has a function row, but Logitech’s lacks an ESC key, which is important to programmers.
Like Apple’s Magic Keypad, the Combo Touch does not feature a proper forward “Delete” key, and iPadOS does not support MacOS control delete shortcut (you can either twist your fingers painfully to hit control d, or reposition the cursor and then hit delete, which is actually backspace).
The Combo Touch is available in three shades of gray. Why not offer vibrant colors or patterns to differentiate from Apple, which seems to think that if you’re buying a “Pro” product, you don’t like fun?
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