I’ve had the Apple Magic Keyboard for over a year now with my iPad Pro 11 inch (3rd gen) and I’ve just recently gotten the Logitech Combo Touch. Here are my honest thoughts about both with regards to typing and trackpad experience, protection, portability, versatility, etc. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask in the comments and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

My use case:

I use my iPad Pro more as a writing tablet with the Apple Pencil, but I still do plenty of typing on it. I would say that it’s a 60/40 handwriting/typing split. I also bring my iPad Pro with me to work, so protection, portability, and versatility matter a lot to me.

TLDR:

Both the Magic Keyboard (MK) and the Combo Touch (CT) are two of the best iPad keyboard cases in their own right, but neither are perfect for all use cases. The best keyboard case for you depends on your specific use case. In my opinion, if you find you find yourself typing more on your iPad, if you have a tiny desk (like those school chairs that have an attached table), or if you’ll just be keeping your iPad on a desk at home, the MK would be the better option. But, if you find yourself using the iPad more as a tablet (especially in combination with the Apple Pencil (AP), if overall protection is a big factor for you (like if you move/commute a lot with your iPad or you just want it to be super protected all the time), and if you have the desktop space to spare (though it’s really not that much bigger imho), the CT would be better for you.

Typing experience: Magic Keyboard

I’m a bit of a mechanical keyboard nut so typing experience matters for me. That said, the typing experience on the MK is markedly better than on the CT. The MK is clickier, less fatiguing (possibly due to the lower operating and actuation force required on the MK), and just a lot more satisfying. I’m typing this whole review on the CT and after just 10-15 mins, I’m already feeling a bit of strain on my right wrist and on the tips of my fingers. It’s not unbearable—just noticeable. Whereas with the MK, I can type pages of text and feel very little fatigue, if any. The MK’s caps lock key also has an indicator light while the CT’s does not. The CT’s function row is nice overall—especially the backlight buttons—but I promise you that while you’re typing, you won’t need or miss it that much. (Though, to be honest, it really would’ve been nice to have just put the function row in the MK in the first place, Apple. Especially given the new, base iPad exclusive Magic Keyboard Folio… which is basically CT without side protection. But only for base iPads and not the iPad Pro! Can you tell that I’m pissed?)In terms of the screen’s angle while typing, it’s pretty much the same. The MK is closer to the face but limited in angles, whereas the CT is farther but can offer more angles—not that much of a game changer if you ask me.

Trackpad: Magic Keyboard (by a very small margin)

The trackpads of the MK and the CT are similar but not exactly the same. The MK’s trackpad is smaller but more accurate and slightly more pleasant to use, whereas the CT’s trackpad is bigger and a tad bit too sensitive. I find that when I use the CT, I have to make smaller and lighter gestures to it as compared to the MK. I also find myself accidentally touching the CT’s trackpad while typing, but it’s not that big of a deal. Overall though, the difference is not too big and I don’t think this should be a dealbreaker.

Protection and Versatility: Combo Touch

This is a huge reason why I bought the CT even though I already had the MK. I HATED the fact that I had to either use the iPad naked or take the time to put it into another case when want to transition from typing to handwriting on GoodNotes with my AP. I also hated that the sides of the iPad were exposed on the MK, especially since I usually just throw it in my bag. The CT offers the iPad plenty of protection as the sides are covered and the keyboard is detachable, so the iPad can still be in a case when I want to use it as a writing tablet. Also, contrary to some reviews, it’s not that hard to open the CT when the AP is attached. There’s a small gap on the tip of the AP that’s big enough to dig the tip of a finger in to open the case without dislodging it from the side of the iPad.

Portability: Combo Touch (by a somewhat small margin, depending on your priorities)

In terms of weight, the CT + iPad Pro is very slightly lighter than the MK + iPad Pro. But the main thing that makes the CT better for me is the added side protection and the fact that I can detach the keyboard and use the iPad as a writing tablet with a case on. It should be said though that both cases do a piss poor job at keeping the AP on when the iPad is in a bag or when you’re holding it, so best to buy an AP holder so you can put it in a secure place when you’re moving about or putting it in your bag.

Other Notes:

Here are some other random notes and observations for both the MK and the CT. These aren’t that big of a deal for me, but it might be for you.

Exterior material: The silicone exterior material of the MK is easy to clean but is a fingerprint magnet (especially if you have the black one—with my white it’s not so noticeable). I also can say that the MK’s exterior is very susceptible to dings, tears, and stains (especially with a white MK). I’ve been very careful with mine but I’ve noticed tiny holes and frays on the edges after a year of light to moderate use. I think it’s the same material that covers Apple cables. It feels like a soft leather, but it really doesn’t hold up very well over time, even if you’re careful. As for the CT, I’m not sure how it will hold up as I’ve only had it for a few days, but I can say right now that the fabric material (sort of like denim or a finely woven fabric, though it’s not absorbent) of the CT’s exterior feels quite nice.

Minor lag issues: I am loving the CT so far for my use case, but I have to say that within the first few hours of using it, I experienced an issue wherein while swiping between apps, the cursor would get stuck and the iPad would freeze up. The issue would happen every now and again, but it is easily resolved with a quick iPad restart. This has never happened to me during the one year I was only using the MK. That said, I think this needs to be addressed and may be a dealbreaker for some.

CT Sketch Mode: I think this is Sketch Mode and not Write Mode for a reason. The kickstand is too flimsy and the iPad bounces around when I write with my AP. I did a bit of sketching and the bouncing was somewhat less due to the angle of my AP and how light I sketch as compared to when I write. Might be a dealbreaker for some, but not for me as I usually write with the iPad flat on the desk.

Battery drain: I read some reviews saying the CT drains their iPad battery. I would said that the battery draw isn’t too far off from the MK. If this matters to you, best to either keep the CT’s backlight at low or off, or store the keyboard separately from the iPad. Though again, I don’t really see this as necessary.

CT’s detachable keyboard: More of a pro tip than a review point, but when you have to detach the keyboard, fold it back as you would fold back a notebook rather than pulling it away from the case. The magnets are very very strong and pulling apart too much and too often might damage the thin part of the case connecting the magnets to the rest of the keyboard. Shear force baby!

I wrote this review for other people like me who are looking for the best case for their precious iPad Pro but don’t want to waste time and money (like I did) trying out multiple cases, watching and reading reviews, etc. I really hope this helps someone out. And again, if you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments and I’ll get to it when I can.

Also, if you’re curious, I think I’ll be keeping the CT and selling the MK. The CT isn’t perfect by any means, but I feel like I’ll get more use out of it than the MK as it fits my use case much better.

For context, when I initially bought my iPad Pro M1, I got the Logitech Slim Folio Pro and initially enjoyed the typing experience. However, after a month of careful use, one of the keycaps fell off and never really stayed on. I ended up returning it for a Zagg case which I've been happily using so far.

I have recently started to use my iPad more for work, and have been wanting a keyboard case with a trackpad. My Zagg case is also starting to wear after years of use, so I've been looking into getting a Logitech Combo Touch. But my initial experience with Logitech cases is making me doubtful.

Does anyone have long-term experience with the Combo Touch and can vouch for the build quality? Any issues with keycaps falling off?

Hello everyone!

I am looking for a case with a kickstand like the Logitech Combo/Surface cases but without a keyboard for my new Ipad Pro 11'. I could get the Logitech Combo and simply put the keyboard in a drawer but it seems overkilling as whenever I need a keyboard I will use a full-sized keyboard on a desk (it is also quite expensive considering I would only use the case). I thought it would be easy to find something like that but to my surprise, the only cases I can find with a kickstand like that are rugged, clunky, and quite ugly.

Have you come across anything similar to what I am looking for?

Thanks!