You just bought Apple’s latest 5th-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro but hesitating on its Uber-expensive Magic Keyboard? You might want to consider Logitech Combo Touch instead.
SPECS
PRICE: $329, available in Lazada and Shopee
CONNECTIVITY: Apple Smart Connector
WEIGHT: 780g
DESIGN
Only available in grey, it features a two-piece design that includes a protective case with an integrated kickstand and a detachable keyboard with trackpad.
As a result of this two-piece design, the Combo Touch supports four use modes – viewing, sketching, reading and typing – according to Logitech.
The protective case’s integrated kickstand allows for you to adjust the iPad to an ideal angle for viewing across a 50-degree range, so you can watch your Netflix or Disney+ shows comfortably. Or you can extend the kickstand to its lowest angle to draw or sketch your masterpiece.
You can also retract the kickstand flat and hold the iPad to read your e-books or browse the Internet. This way, you do not need to worry about dropping the iPad and damaging it with the protective case on.
Finally, when you need to work, just attach the iPad Pro with the case on to the keyboard for typing an urgent email and use the large trackpad for multi-touch gestures.
FOR
+ Two-piece design great for work and leisure
+ Slippage and dirt resistant fabric-like exterior
+ No need for charging
+ Pairing not required
AGAINST
– A tad heavy
– Takes up more table top space
– “Lapability” is lacking
PERFORMANCE
The Logitech Combo Touch (for 12.9-inch iPad Pro 5th-generation) is nearly $200 cheaper than Apple’s Magic Keyboard. But the Combo Touch actually offers much more value for money.
For a start, both the protective case and detachable keyboard have a fabric-like exterior that looks quite resistant to slippage and scratches.
Furthermore, its grey colour means it will not be so glaring or obvious when it gets dirty. Like why some car owners prefer their cars to be in grey.
The protective case has a rubber lining around its sides to protect the tablet, except for an open side on its right. This is intentional, so you can attach your Apple Pencil (2nd-generation) on it for easy storage and charging. You will find the Apple Pencil just fit this open side perfectly.
The rubber lining is a tiny wee bit taller than the display, to prevent screen scratches. But it allows enough space for you to put a protective screen on the iPad Pro’s display.
But the best part is the detachable keyboard. As the Combo Touch uses Smart Connector, the keyboard does not need to be charged or paired.
All you need to do is to attach the keyboard flap to the left side of the case where the Smart Connector resides. And you can type and swipe away.
The keyboard has a normal keyboard layout without any weird placement of keys. It even has a full row of iPadOS shortcut keys for one-tap access to the Home Screen, including volume, media controls, key brightness levels and unlock.
Not to mention, the keyboard has auto-adjusting backlit keys with 16 levels of brightness for comfortable typing wherever and whenever. The keys have very nice tactile response with minimal key travel. It feels like I am typing on a normal keyboard with little typos.
In addition, the large trackpad is responsive and lets you to perform multi-touch gestures easily.
On the downside, due to the kickstand design, the rear extends out more and thus will take up more table top space than Magic Keyboard.
This also means it does not pass my “lapability” test. In other words, I can’t type on my lap with the Combo Touch. Something I can do with the Magic Keyboard.
While the Combo Touch does not add much thickness to the iPad Pro, it is a tad heavy tipping the scales at 780g. That’s 70g heavier than the Magic Keyboard.
Plus, the Combo Touch does not have a USB-C port for charging that you can find in Magic Keyboard. But you have to pay $200 more for that luxury.
VERDICT
The Logitech Combo Touch is a great alternative to Apple’s Magic Keyboard. It offers great value-for-money while offering protection and keeping usability to a maximum.It might just be the ideal keyboard and case combo for your spanking new 5th-generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro.
RATINGS
DESIGN: 8/10
PERFORMANCE: 8/10
VALUE FOR MONEY: 8/10
OVERALL: 8/10
