Logitech Launches Keyboard Cases for New iPad Air and iPad Pro Models

[cnnyy20p]

This keyboard case is almost great . Mine for iPad Air has a problem with two fingers gestures and the trackpad suddenly suddenly going to sleep if I do not keep the backlight on. There is also a wearing issue around the speakers.

 

[ZZ9pluralZalpha]

I love how Logitech made their keyboard case compatible with both the M4 and M2 and earlier iPad Pros, but Apple didn't. So even more so that they broke compatibility purely in software to force a new Magic Keyboard purchase. That's a shame.

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That’s actually good news all around: it means that the Smart Connector is in the same place and unchanged, and therefore that Apple listing their own previous accessories as incompatible may just be to imply—as they did with the M1 iPad Pro—that the varying thicknesses will make the cover fit awkward/a bit loose, so it’ll work but don’t blame us if your iPad slips out and smashes on the floor!

EDIT: …aaaand @cnnyy20p nuked that hope, so never mind 😭

 

[EugW]

I love how Logitech made their keyboard case compatible with both the M4 and M2 and earlier iPad Pros, but Apple didn't. So even more so that they broke compatibility purely in software to force a new Magic Keyboard purchase. That's a shame.

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It is NOT the same product for M4 and earlier products. There are two different product classes.

These different product classes are NOT compatible with each other.

 

[ckoerner]

Have the same case, 3 years old. Still looks brand new. We have other ones as well and none look like this.

Same here. I've had one on my 11 inch since 2020 and have used it frequently without issue.

 

[GimmeDatApple]

Hope Apple brings back the Smart Keyboard Folio without the touchpad, and not the ugly one they're promoting for use with the non-pro iPads.

 

[dsusanj]

Have the same case, 3 years old. Still looks brand new. We have other ones as well and none look like this.

Perhaps I got a bad one, and there have been similar reports and posts on reddit over the years so it may be a quality control issue at Logitech. It has been good otherwise but I’m not sure I want to buy another one if I upgrade to the M4 iPad Pro.

 

[ninethirty]

They're out of their minds with that pricing. These are KEYBOARD FOR TABLETS.

 

[MallardDuck]

Also available on apple.com.

But, it still looks like it doesn't have a good answer for holding the pencil in place. I'm really torn, and might just get a Zugu case now and wait for the Zagg pro keys when it's released.

 

[batsai]

Personally for me, I'm disappointed that Apple doesn't offer the Smart Folio Keyboard for the new models anymore. While it had its issues, mine has held up well. I liked having a keyboard for the times I needed one, and the ability to tuck it away when I didn't need one (which is most of the time). The fact that it was waterproof was also a huge win for me. The new Magic Keyboard is beautiful, but I can't justify buying another one when it would be a gloried dock. I'll probably be picking one of these up.

 

[Darth Tulhu]

Same issue with the 2021 model, plus the issue in the image above. I think I’m about to upgrade to the M4 iPad Pro and between this Logitech product quality and MK being a fingerprint and a smudge magnet as the outer material has apparently not changed, it’s difficult to choose.

FWIW, I tried the M1 iPad version of both, and the Apple MK is ORDERS OF MAGNITUDE better.

To address the "felt" skin surface of the MK, I got skins for it from Dbrand which increased both durability and cleaning ability, besides the groovy patterns and available colors.

As far as price, I just shopped around like crazy and bought one at discount (since I didn't get my devices on launch day). But even at full price, I think it's worth it.

 

[MallardDuck]

Personally for me, I'm disappointed that Apple doesn't offer the Smart Folio Keyboard for the new models anymore. While it had its issues, mine has held up well. I liked having a keyboard for the times I needed one, and the ability to tuck it away when I didn't need one (which is most of the time). The fact that it was waterproof was also a huge win for me. The new Magic Keyboard is beautiful, but I can't justify buying another one when it would be a gloried dock. I'll probably be picking one of these up.

Yeah, I don't need/want a trackpad, so prefer a smaller footprint, plus I like one that has more flexibility on angles and heights. I've got one of each on order from apple, and plan to return the one that doesn't work.

 

[FitzSitzQuitz]

Also available on apple.com.

Thank you for that - I was able to successfully order it on Apple.com.

 

[Hogswarts]

No Escape key

 

[szw-mapple fan]

I love how Logitech made their keyboard case compatible with both the M4 and M2 and earlier iPad Pros, but Apple didn't. So even more so that they broke compatibility purely in software to force a new Magic Keyboard purchase. That's a shame.

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If you look at how the Magic keyboard is constructed, you'll see that the new keyboard leans a lot further back to make space for the new function rows and larger trackpad. I doubt you can attach the older Pros and M2 Air without easily toppling backward. The space for the iPad on the older keyboard is also larger, so with the new Pros it wouldn't close fully flat, which would create space for dust/small items to get into. The Logitech keyboard uses a kickstand and a semi-rigid attachment for the bottom piece, so there wouldn't be issues there.

 

[EugW]

No Escape key

Yes, very good point. However, I believe Function-Home will work as Esc.

If you look at how the Magic keyboard is constructed, you'll see that the new keyboard leans a lot further back to make space for the new function rows and larger trackpad. I doubt this would be possible with the weight of the older Pros and M2 Air without easily toppling backward.

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This was on my mind when I was watching a few preview demo videos from YouTubers. There was one guy who was fumbling around a bit, and I saw the whole M4 Magic Keyboard setup tilt back twice. It didn't fall over, but it made me wonder if the centre of balance was also a bit further back too. However, it could just be the guy was a big klutz.

 

[tivoboy]

Not very lapable, and pretty $$, but thank you baby Jesus.

 

[FlyGuyDEN]

Perhaps I got a bad one, and there have been similar reports and posts on reddit over the years so it may be a quality control issue at Logitech. It has been good otherwise but I’m not sure I want to buy another one if I upgrade to the M4 iPad Pro.

Do you use hand lotion a lot?

 

[szw-mapple fan]

Yes, very good point. However, I believe Function-Home will work as Esc.

You can actually remap esc/modifier keys in settings. I've mapped my caps lock to esc on the iPad.

This was on my mind when I was watching a few preview demo videos from YouTubers. There was one guy who was fumbling around a bit, and I saw the whole M4 Magic Keyboard setup tilt back twice. It didn't fall over, but it made me wonder if the centre of balance was also a bit further back too. However, it could just be the guy was a big klutz.

The iPad magic keyboard has always been a bit top heavy since there are no batteries on the bottom. The new ones' tilt are probably moved back as much as the lighter weight of the new iPads allow, so it probably can't hold the older ones.

 

[iPay]

… and this is what the LCT keyboard looks like after less than two years of regular use (in fact, the keys have started peeling off within a year). Not to mention the warping of the top case around the speaker holes, which has allegedly been fixed on newer versions of the LCT. I'd recommend it otherwise, as it is a solid product that offers much more protection for the iPad than the Magic Keyboard, but I have never had a keyboard that developed so much wear and tear with regular use in less than two years.

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Is your cat writing novels at night? I have this keyboard for almost 3 years and it's quite fine, minus backlight glitches. Guess my cat can't type, tho.

 

[dsusanj]

Do you use hand lotion a lot?

None whatsoever, and I never had a problem similar to this with any other keyboard... 🤷‍♂️

 

[xyz01]

I have had 3 of these cases and never experienced this. Wow...maybe you got a bad one?

I have not had the issues with the keyboard, but I also have the issue with the warping around the speakers.

My main issue is that I while I want a keyboard and TouchPad some of the time, I don't want it most of the time (when commuting by train or subway) - and then the keyboard is just is in the way.

 

[dsusanj]

Yes, very good point. However, I believe Function-Home will work as Esc.

Cmd + . = Esc on iPadOS, and moreover special keys can be remapped in Settings so e.g. Caps Lock can be made into Esc.

 

[FlyGuyDEN]

I have not had the issues with the keyboard, but I also have the issue with the warping around the speakers.

My main issue is that I while I want a keyboard and TouchPad some of the time, I don't want it most of the time (when commuting by train or subway) - and then the keyboard is just is in the way.

I too have had the weird warping around the speakers...giving me stretched out earlobe from giant gauges vibe 🤣

 

[socialwill]

Just FYI I have used BOTH the Logitch and Apple iPad keyboards and prefer the Apple one. The current Logitech one is good, but it is something that needs to be on a desk. Using this on your lap or anything like that will be difficult. Not impossible, just difficult. The Apple one, while more expense, is a solid base and works on a lap with less space.

Also, the Apple one works better for airplane tray tables. The Logitech one, with the keyboard, takes up more space and is in your lap.

Just some feedback for anyone looking.

 

[akoi]

These prices arent even really competitive... does logitech think because apple raised their pricing on their new pro lineup they need to follow suit? I am half debating on buying the apple one now because of how stupidly priced this is..

(I want the detachable keyboard... but at that price for a 3rd party accessory? thats nuts...