If you have one of the brand-new M4 iPad Pros, you're probably considering the Apple iPad Magic Keyboard or the Logitech Combo Touch. These two keyboard accessories offer different designs, materials, features, functionalities, and pricing. Here's a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one suits your needs best.
Design and Materials
iPad Magic Keyboard
The iPad Magic Keyboard maintains the design introduced four years ago, featuring a double hinge cantilever design that allows for various viewing angles. It hovers over the keyboard due to its weight distribution, but it offers no protection for the sides of the iPad. The materials have been updated to include a fully aluminum case around the keyboard and trackpad, though the outside retains the same rubbery material that may absorb oils and develop stains over time.
Logitech Combo Touch
In contrast, the Combo Touch is a full-fledged case protecting all sides of the iPad, with a cutout for the Apple Pencil to connect and charge. It features a pull-out kickstand for multiple viewing angles and a detachable keyboard, offering more flexibility. The case materials have been updated to a rubbery texture similar to the Magic Keyboard, though the bottom has an aluminum plate.
Protection and Portability
iPad Magic Keyboard
The Magic Keyboard provides minimal protection, focusing more on functionality and design. If the iPad is dropped while closed, it is more likely to sustain damage.
Logitech Combo Touch
The Combo Touch offers superior protection with its full case design. The detachable keyboard and the kickstand enhance its versatility, making it suitable for various use cases such as note-taking, drawing, or watching videos.
Footprint and Lappability
iPad Magic Keyboard
The Magic Keyboard requires around nine inches of space and offers a stable, laptop-like experience on your lap. However, it can feel top-heavy and may topple over without a hand stabilizing it.
Logitech Combo Touch
The Combo Touch requires about 14.5 inches of space to achieve similar angles, which might be a consideration for those with limited desk space. Its kickstand design makes it less stable on a lap, especially on uneven surfaces.
Hinges and Stability
iPad Magic Keyboard
The hinge on the Magic Keyboard is sturdy and durable, showing no signs of loosening even after years of use. While there's a slight wobble when tapping the screen, it's generally stable for typing and using the trackpad.
Logitech Combo Touch
Despite initial concerns about its hinge, the Combo Touch has proven to be durable and stable over time. It doesn't wobble on hard surfaces and remains stable during use.
Weight and Thickness
iPad Magic Keyboard
The 13-inch iPad Pro with the Magic Keyboard weighs 1,244 grams, with the keyboard itself weighing 660 grams. Its thickness is approximately 13.1 millimeters.
Logitech Combo Touch
The Combo Touch, including the case and keyboard, weighs the same as the Magic Keyboard at 660 grams. However, using the case without the keyboard reduces the weight to 872 grams, offering a lighter alternative. The thickness is about 13.4 millimeters.
Keyboard and Trackpad
iPad Magic Keyboard
Both keyboards offer a similar typing experience with around one millimeter of travel. This year, the Magic Keyboard includes a full row of function keys, an escape key, an app switcher key, a Siri key, and a lock key. The new haptic trackpad is larger and provides a smooth, responsive experience without physical movement.
Logitech Combo Touch
The Combo Touch also includes a full row of function keys and an impressively large trackpad. However, the trackpad is a physically moving mechanism, which may collect dirt and crumbs over time. The key layout includes a home button that doubles as an app switcher and keys for adjusting the backlight brightness.
USB-C Ports
iPad Magic Keyboard
The Magic Keyboard provides unobstructed access to the iPad's USB-C Thunderbolt port and includes a secondary USB-C port for pass-through charging up to 60 watts. This feature allows simultaneous charging and connection of another device.
Logitech Combo Touch
The Combo Touch’s protective case surrounds the USB-C port, potentially limiting compatibility with some cables. It lacks a secondary USB-C port, which might be a drawback for users who need multiple connections.
Pricing
iPad Magic Keyboard
For the 13-inch version, the Magic Keyboard is priced at $349, and the 11-inch version at $299.
Logitech Combo Touch
The Combo Touch is more affordable at $259 for the 13-inch version and $229 for the 11-inch version.
Conclusion
Both the Magic Keyboard and Combo Touch offer unique benefits. The Magic Keyboard excels in premium materials, lappability, and additional USB-C ports. The Combo Touch provides better protection, flexibility, and a detachable keyboard. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities and whether the $90 price difference justifies the features of the Magic Keyboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Combo Touch keyboard be used when not attached to the iPad?
No, the Combo Touch keyboard lacks Bluetooth or wireless connectivity and must be attached to the iPad via pogo pins for power and connectivity.
Is the Combo Touch compatible with the new iPad Air?
No, but there is a specific version of the Combo Touch for the iPad Air with a slightly different color.
Does the Combo Touch work with older iPads?
No, but versions for previous generation iPads are available with similar features.
Is the Combo Touch compatible with nanotexture glass?
Logitech has not confirmed compatibility with nanotexture glass due to potential fragility concerns.
Can a glass screen protector be used with these cases?
Yes, both the Magic Keyboard and Combo Touch work fine with a glass screen protector.
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0:00 keyboard case vs keyboard stand
1:30 angle, keyboard adjustment, lapability
4:07 hinges and stability
5:35 materials
7:21 weight
9:40 keyboards
11:03 trackpads
12:47 USB ports
14:07 pricing and summary
15:15 other questions about the Combo Touch
