How Logitech’s keyboard case transformed my iPad Pro into a perfect writing device

MacBook Pro or iPad Pro?

Do I switch from the MacBook Pro to the iPad Pro as my daily work machine? I hadn’t faced this kind of a choice in a very long time. At first, I literally freaked out and was totally against the idea of reviewing the Logitech keyboard case for the iPad Pro. I am a MacBook Pro/Air user through and through and thus wouldn’t want to trade my comfort for any other device including the iPad Pro. But let me also acknowledge that I have used the iPad Air and iPad mini for writing and editing stories in the past but never saw the iPad as a replacement for my Mac notebook not until I started using the iPad Pro.

Using the iPad Pro is like giving wings to the iPad, quite literally. The iPad Pro’s hardware combined with the iPadOS and its ecosystem of accessories feels like the future of computing. Some may not agree with my viewpoints but the iPad – especially the iPad Pro- has started to resemble a Mac notebook the way Apple is adding a new interaction layer on top of the software experience like improved multitasking, resizable Windows, and trackpad and cursor support. That is scary for a long-time Macbook Pro/Air user but it also challenges the beliefs I’ve had about how a portable computer should be.

Even with the keyboard case on, the iPad Pro still feels lightweight. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)

For someone who spends a large chunk of his day on a computer, it’s not an easy decision to switch to a new type of device. I want a reliable machine but it has to have a level of familiarity with the way I interact with the software, apps and the interface. The iPadOS is a touch-based operating system (similar to iOS) but the macOS isn’t. But the iPadOS does support trackpad and mouse support like macOS. However, the Apple Pencil support is limited to the iPad.

What really works, at least, in my case is exposure to both Mac and iPad and the larger Apple ecosystem. Still, as a mature consumer, I would think twice before changing my default computer. As I mentioned earlier, I am very much aware of how to use the iPad and for what purpose. For the longest time, I have used external keyboards with the iPad for writing stories. But the iPad Pro is a different beast altogether and I’m still new to keyboard cases that give iPads a more laptop-like feel.

The Look

Perhaps the first thing you notice about the Combo Touch keyboard is that the case is wrapped in a grey fabric with thick rubber surrounding the edges to protect the iPad. The case feels softer to the touch and the overall feel of the product is very inviting. There are wide cutouts for the USB-C port, microphones, plus cutouts for the four additional speakers on the Pro. There’s also a cutout to hold the Apple Pencil, although this does leave the Pencil exposed on the side.

The case features a removable magnetic keyboard and trackpad as well as an adjustable kickstand on the back of the case – the idea is similar to the Microsoft Surface Pro. This allows the iPad Pro to be used in different positions. For example, if you remove the keyboard, the iPad lays flat on the table which is perfect for drawing or handwriting notes. Open the kickstand and detach the keyboard, and you can watch a movie comfortably on the flight. Unfortunately, the biggest design flaw of the Combo Touch keyboard case is that there is nowhere to ease the keyboard when not in use. It doesn’t fold backward or magnetically attach to the back of the iPad if I want to read The Indian Express e-paper or read a book on the Kindle app.

The good thing about the Logitech keyboard case is that you don’t need to charge the keyboard separately; both the case and keyboard make use of Apple’s Smart Connector which means that they get powered by the iPad.

The trackpad is just very smooth. The tracking is fantastic. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)

Convenience takes a central role

The keyboard case transforms the iPad Pro into a laptop. It’s so convenient, and being a writer who is always on the move, I no longer need to carry a separate keyboard and mouse with me all the time. This also means I can keep my 16-inch MacBook Pro at home and just bring the iPad Pro with me whenever I travel to another city for work. The keyboard case makes the iPad Pro so productive, it’s beyond my imagination. It really works on a desk, which is where a keyboard case matters to me 90% of the time when I am writing stories from a cafe at the airport or travelling on flights. You can adjust the kickstand’s viewing angle for optimum desktop use, making the Logitech Combo Touch better than any traditional keyboard case I’ve used.

I am also surprised to see that the keyboard case works really well on a lap. The issue of “lapability” isn’t really there, but I am aware that getting it right is still a challenge for brands like Logitech and Apple.

To me, the iPad Pro + Logitech Combo Touch keyboard case doesn’t feel heavy either. Not only does it protect the iPad Pro from regular wear and tear but the case feels solid and durable. Sure, it adds a few grams to the iPad Pro but even the case and keyboard the device feels light. I haven’t done side-by-side comparisons but the case combo feels so much lighter and more slick than my 16-inch MacBook Pro.

There are multiple ways of using the iPad Pro. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)

Typing on the keyboard is fantastic

Which brings me to the keyboard itself. I am particularly impressed by the keyboard. The keyboard is full-sized and doesn’t feel cramped at all. All my favourite shortcut commands – be it the search button and volume keys – are there on the keyboard. The keys feel great, and they’re backlit too. You get comfortable spacing between the keys, resulting in a satisfying typing experience. It follows a chiclet-style design similar to the Type Cover – the one that comes with the Microsoft Surface Pro. Being a writer somehow I put extra emphasis on getting the right feel and typing experience. I think it comes very naturally to us. The keyboard provides a nice level of comfort when typing, and the built-in trackpad is nicely positioned. The trackpad may not be huge like the one on my MacBook Pro but it’s big enough for multi-finger gestures and tracking is precise. The trackpad feels natural to use and since the mouse cursor support is now baked into iPadOS, having a precise pointing device makes it easy to interact with the software. Having a keyboard and trackpad support never interferes with the touch-based iPad experience and full marks go to Apple for UI design.

The keyboard case impacts battery life

You never have to worry about charging or pairing the keyboard case to the iPad Pro thanks to the Smart connector. This means the Logitech keyboard case relies on the iPad Pro’s battery. I was a little worried it would quickly drain the battery. In the last few days of use, I noticed that the iPad Pro’s battery drains fast. This was also because I use the iPad Pro for a longer duration…sometimes 9 to 10 hours at a stretch. But in regular usage, I haven’t noticed a significant battery drop. To be clear, I am running the iPadOS 17 Public Beta on my iPad Pro so there’s a high chance it might be draining battery quicker.

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The iPad Pro is my go-to streaming machine. (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/Indian Express)

Should you buy the Logitech Combo Touch keyboard case for the iPad Pro?

The iPad Pro has its strengths and weaknesses like a Mac notebook. But when you have an accessory in the form of the Combo Touch, the limitations can be mitigated. The fact that I can transform my iPad Pro into a MacBook-style notebook with a keyboard case makes a lot of difference in the life of a frequent traveller. And being a writer, I rate the iPad Pro as the best writing tool when combined with a good keyboard. At Rs 19,990, some may find the price of the Combo Touch on the higher side but for me, this Logitech keyboard case might just be the best accessory for the iPad Pro ever.