I’ve spent the last three weeks glued to my iPad Pro, and honestly, the most interesting thing about it isn't the M4 chip or the OLED screen. It’s the case. Specifically, the Logitech Combo Touch iPad version. Most people default to Apple’s own Magic Keyboard because, well, it’s Apple. It looks like a floating piece of art. But after years of testing accessories, I’ve realized that the Magic Keyboard is actually kinda limited for anyone who doesn't use their tablet exactly like a laptop 100% of the time. The Combo Touch is different. It’s rugged, it’s flexible, and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg.
Apple's design philosophy is often "form over function," and the Magic Keyboard is the poster child for that. It’s gorgeous. It’s also a bit of a nightmare if you want to take a handwritten note with the Apple Pencil. You have to literally rip the iPad off the magnets and hold it naked. That's terrifying if you're in a coffee shop with concrete floors. The Logitech Combo Touch iPad case solves this by actually being a case first and a keyboard second. It wraps around the edges. It protects the corners. It has a detachable keyboard. It basically turns your iPad into a Surface Pro, which, ironically, is exactly what most power users actually want.
The Kickstand is the Secret Sauce
If you’ve ever used a Microsoft Surface, you know the kickstand is king. Logitech borrowed that idea and perfected it. The back of the Logitech Combo Touch iPad case has this incredibly sturdy, friction-based hinge that lets you tilt the screen to almost any angle.
Why does this matter?
Because of the "Lapability" factor. Some reviewers say the Magic Keyboard is better for laps because it's a rigid structure. They're wrong. The Combo Touch’s kickstand allows you to angle the screen further back when you're sitting on a couch with your knees up. It feels more stable. Plus, when you want to draw or take notes in Notability or Freeform, you just flip the keyboard around or pop it off entirely, and the kickstand holds the iPad at a perfect 15-degree "sketching angle." You can’t do that with the Apple version without buying a separate wedge or stand.
The hinge isn't flimsy either. I’ve seen cheap knockoffs on Amazon where the hinge loses its tension after a month. Logitech uses a mechanical design that feels just as tight on day 300 as it did on day one. It’s also covered in a woven, fabric-like material that feels surprisingly premium. It’s tactile. It doesn't show fingerprints like the weird matte silicone Apple uses, which tends to look greasy after five minutes of use.
Typing Feel and the Trackpad Reality
Let's talk about the keys. A lot of people worry that a third-party keyboard will feel "mushy." This doesn't. The key travel is about 1mm, which is standard for a slim laptop. It’s clicky. It’s responsive. Honestly, it’s a bit quieter than the Magic Keyboard, which is a blessing if you’re typing in a quiet library or during a boring Zoom call.
And the trackpad? It’s huge.
Logitech maximized the surface area on the newer models for the iPad Pro and Air. It’s a "click anywhere" trackpad, meaning you don't have to hunt for the bottom corners to register a press. It uses the Smart Connector, so there’s no Bluetooth pairing or charging. It just draws a tiny bit of power from the iPad itself. This is a massive win over the cheaper Logitech Slim Folio or other Bluetooth alternatives. No lag. No "searching for device" pop-ups. Just instant productivity.
One thing I noticed that isn't talked about enough: the row of shortcut keys. Apple, for some baffling reason, omitted the function row on many of its own keyboard models for years. Logitech gives you everything: brightness, volume, media playback, and even a dedicated button to lock the iPad. It’s those little quality-of-life features that make the Logitech Combo Touch iPad experience feel more like a "real" computer.
Where the Logitech Combo Touch iPad Falls Short
I’m not going to sit here and tell you it’s perfect. It isn't. The biggest drawback is the footprint. Because of that kickstand, you need more physical desk space than you do with a Magic Keyboard. If you’re trying to work on one of those tiny tray tables on a budget airline, you’re going to have a bad time. The kickstand needs a place to land, and sometimes that place is thin air if your table isn't deep enough.
Then there’s the weight. The Logitech Combo Touch iPad setup is hefty. It adds significant bulk to the iPad. If you bought an iPad Pro because it’s "thin and light," this case will hurt your soul a little bit. It makes the device feel substantial—more like a ruggedized laptop than a thin tablet. For some, the protection is worth the weight. For others, it’s a dealbreaker.
Another weird quirk? The fabric material. While it looks great and resists fingerprints, it can stain. If you spill coffee on it, you can't just wipe it off like you can with plastic. You have to actually scrub it. It’s a "lifestyle" material choice that comes with lifestyle maintenance.
The Durability Factor
I’ve dropped my iPad in this case. Not on purpose, obviously. It tumbled off a kitchen counter onto hardwood. Because the Combo Touch has a rubberized bumper that goes all the way around the perimeter, nothing happened. The iPad didn't even realize it had been dropped. If that had been a Magic Keyboard, the iPad would have likely popped right off the magnets and hit the floor unprotected.
Logitech designed this for education and professional environments where things get bumped. The corners are reinforced. There’s a little lip that protects the screen when it’s closed. Even the Apple Pencil is more secure. There isn't a dedicated flap on all models, but the way the case is shaped, it’s much harder to knock the Pencil off while it's charging compared to a naked iPad.
Who Should Actually Buy This?
If you are a student, buy the Logitech Combo Touch iPad. Period. You’re going to be switching between typing notes and handwriting diagrams. You’re going to be tossing the thing into a backpack filled with pens and textbooks. You need the protection.
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If you are a digital artist who uses the iPad for Procreate but also needs to answer emails, buy this. The ability to flip the keyboard around and use the kickstand for drawing is a game-changer.
If you only use your iPad on a desk and you want the most "minimalist" look possible, then yeah, maybe stick with Apple. But for the 90% of us who use our tablets in bed, at coffee shops, and on the go, the Logitech is the more practical tool.
It’s also significantly cheaper. We’re talking a $100+ price difference in many cases. That’s enough money to buy an Apple Pencil or a decent pair of headphones. When you look at the value proposition, the "Apple Tax" on the Magic Keyboard starts to look a lot less justifiable.
Real-World Performance Nuances
Something I found interesting while testing the Logitech Combo Touch iPad was how it handled heat. The iPad Pro can get pretty warm when you're rendering video or playing heavy games like Genshin Impact. Because the Logitech case is a bit thicker, I worried it might trap heat.
In reality, the back of the case is mostly the kickstand mechanism, which leaves some room for the iPad to breathe. I didn't notice any more thermal throttling than I did with other cases. It’s also worth noting that the Smart Connector pins are gold-plated and seem very resistant to corrosion. I’ve seen some third-party cases lose their connection after a few months, but Logitech’s build quality is leagues above the generic brands.
Final Practical Insights
To get the most out of your Logitech Combo Touch iPad, you should do a few things immediately after unboxing. First, go into your iPad settings and customize the trackpad speed. By default, it can feel a bit sluggish compared to a MacBook. Crank that tracking speed up.
Second, make sure you keep the Smart Connector pins clean. A quick wipe with a dry cloth every few weeks prevents those annoying "accessory not supported" messages that can pop up if dust gets in the way.
Lastly, don't be afraid to detach the keyboard. The magnets are strong, but the physical guide rails make it easy to snap back on without looking. It’s the versatility that you’re paying for, so use it. Don't treat it like a permanent laptop shell.
Next Steps for Your Setup:
- Check Compatibility: Ensure you're buying the specific version for your generation (Air 11-inch, 13-inch, or Pro M4). The dimensions changed slightly in 2024, so old cases won't fit the newest "Thin" iPads.
- Adjust Your Gestures: Spend five minutes in the "Trackpad" settings to enable "Tap to Click." It makes the experience much more fluid.
- Weight Test: If you can, go to a physical store and hold it. If the weight doesn't bother you, the extra protection and features make it an easy win over the competition.
The Logitech Combo Touch iPad remains the gold standard for anyone who wants their iPad to be a tablet first and a laptop second. It’s a tool for people who actually do things with their devices rather than just look at them.