The iPad Pro is a beast. Everyone knows that. But honestly, it’s also a giant sheet of glass that feels terrifyingly fragile the second you take it out of the box. You’ve probably seen the Apple Magic Keyboard—the one that makes the iPad look like it’s floating. It’s cool. It’s also nearly $350 and leaves the edges of your $1,000 tablet completely exposed to the elements. That is exactly why the Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro exists. It isn't just a "cheaper alternative." For a lot of us, it's actually the superior tool.
I’ve spent months cycling between keyboards. Most of them are junk. They’re plastic, they’re heavy, or the Bluetooth disconnects every five minutes. The Logitech version is different because it uses the Smart Connector. No charging. No pairing. Just snap it on and start typing.
The Protection Factor Most People Ignore
Apple’s own keyboard is a marvel of engineering, but it’s a lifestyle accessory. The Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro is a suit of armor.
Think about how you actually use your iPad. Are you always at a pristine mahogany desk? Probably not. You’re at a coffee shop with a table that’s slightly sticky. You’re on a plane. Maybe you’re on the couch and the cat decides to do a burnout across your lap. The Combo Touch wraps around the corners. It’s got this woven fabric texture that feels premium but also—crucially—doesn't show fingerprints or scratches like the silicone on the Magic Keyboard does.
The edges are rubberized. If you bump it against a wall while walking, you aren't going to dent the aluminum frame of your iPad Pro. That peace of mind is worth the price of admission alone.
Why the Detachable Keyboard is a Game Changer
Here is the thing that really separates these two. With the Apple version, if you want to just use your iPad as a tablet to read a book or draw with the Apple Pencil, you have to rip the iPad off the magnets. Now you’re holding a naked, slippery tablet.
With the Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro, the keyboard part just... pulls off.
It’s held on by magnets, but the back case stays on the iPad. This back case has a kickboard. It works exactly like a Microsoft Surface. You can prop it up at any angle. Want to watch Netflix in bed? Extend the kickstand. Want to draw? Fold the kickstand almost flat. It’s incredibly versatile in a way that rigid "floating" hinges just aren't. Honestly, it makes the iPad feel like two different devices depending on your mood.
Typing Feel and That Massive Trackpad
Let’s talk about the keys. If you’re a fast typer, you care about travel. You want to feel the click.
The Logitech keys have a surprising amount of depth. They don't feel mushy. They also have a full row of function keys at the top. This is huge. Apple famously left these off their older Magic Keyboards for years. On the Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro, you get dedicated buttons for:
- Screen brightness.
- The onscreen keyboard.
- Search.
- Backlighting levels (yes, the keys are backlit).
- Media controls (play/pause/skip).
- Volume and mute.
- A lock button.
Being able to change the volume without reaching for the top corner of the iPad sounds like a small thing. It isn't. Once you have it, you can't go back.
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And the trackpad? It’s huge. It’s actually one of the largest trackpads you can get for the iPad Pro. It’s a "click anywhere" surface, meaning you aren't fighting with a diving-board mechanism where the top half doesn't click. It supports all the iPadOS gestures too. Three-finger swipe to change apps? Works. Two-finger pinch to zoom? Smooth as butter.
The Weight Trade-off
Nothing is perfect. I have to be honest about the weight.
The Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro makes the iPad thick. It makes it heavy. If you’re looking for the thinnest possible setup, this isn't it. The combination of the thick protective shell and the keyboard adds significant bulk. It’s basically the weight of a MacBook Air at that point.
Also, the kickstand footprint is deep. If you’re trying to use this on a tiny tray table on a regional jet, you might struggle. You need a bit of surface area for that kickstand to rest on. The Magic Keyboard is better for "lapability" because it has a rigid base. The Logitech is "lappable," but it feels a bit more precarious if you have short legs.
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Is the Fabric Material Actually Durable?
There’s been some chatter online about the fabric fraying over time. Logitech uses a high-tech synthetic weave. In my experience, it holds up way better than the Apple polyurethane, which tends to peel at the edges after a year of heavy use. If you get a coffee stain on the Logitech? A damp cloth usually sorts it out. Just don't go dunking it in a sink. It’s electronic, after all.
Technical Compatibility and Specs
You have to make sure you buy the right one. Logitech makes versions for the 11-inch and 12.9-inch (and the newer M4 models). Because the camera bumps and the thickness of the iPads change almost every year, you can't always reuse an old case.
Quick Reality Check:
- Power Source: Draws power directly from the iPad via Smart Connector.
- Connectivity: No Bluetooth (this is a good thing—zero lag).
- Apple Pencil: There is a large cutout so the Pencil still magnetically attaches and charges on the side.
- Backlighting: 16 levels of brightness that adjust automatically based on the light in your room.
The Verdict on Value
The Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro usually retails for significantly less than the Apple equivalent. We’re talking a $100 to $150 difference.
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For that lower price, you get better protection, a detachable design, and a row of function keys. You lose the "cool" floating aesthetic and you gain a bit of weight. For most students, writers, and travelers, that is a trade-off that makes total sense. It turns the iPad into a rugged workstation.
If you’re someone who takes your iPad into the "real world"—job sites, classrooms, messy kitchens—the Logitech is the smarter buy. It doesn't just make the iPad a better computer; it makes it a safer one.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Setup
If you’ve just picked one up, go into your iPad settings under General > Trackpad. Turn on "Tap to Click." It makes the experience feel much more modern and saves your fingers from the fatigue of physically pressing down on the glass-fiber trackpad all day. Also, check out the Logitech Control app in the App Store. It’s the only way to update the firmware on the keyboard, which can occasionally fix weird ghost-touch issues or backlighting bugs.
Next Steps for New Owners:
- Inspect the Smart Connector pins: If the keyboard ever stops responding, it’s usually just a tiny bit of dust on the three gold dots on the back of your iPad. Wipe them with a dry cloth.
- Adjust the Backlight Timer: You can tweak how quickly the keys dim in the settings to save your iPad's battery life.
- Test the Kickstand: Flex it out. It’s stiff at first, but it’s designed to hold its position even when you’re tapping firmly on the screen.