iPad Pro Logitech Slim Folio Keyboard for iPad Pro 11 compared to Smart Keyboard Folio

[omelet1978]

https://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/slim-folio-pro

I literally got my iPad 11 Smart Keyboard Folio set up to where it looked nice and protected the iPad Pro 11. I did this by adding a skin and then just in the last few weeks I-Blason released a case that was compatible for the Smart Keyboard (see picture).

Logitech just announced a keyboard case, so I was just wondering what everyone’s thoughts are on it. It does not use the smart connector, so it will have to be charged periodically. Also in the past with Bluetooth keyboards I’ve found they go to sleep and you have to tap them to wake them up, but I’m not sure if that is the case now with Bluetooth 4.0. The only other con is that they seemed to copy the plain brownish look of the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio (which I didn’t like an as such put a skin on it) rather than have a textured finish that would look better.

Overall though it looks pretty solid with side protection, backlit keys, and a function row. Thoughts?

 

[AutomaticApple]

https://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/slim-folio-pro

I literally got my iPad 11 Smart Keyboard Folio set up to where it looked nice and protected the iPad Pro 11. I did this by adding a skin and then just in the last few weeks I-Blason released a case that was compatible for the Smart Keyboard (see picture).

Logitech just announced a keyboard case, so I was just wondering what everyone’s thoughts are on it. It does not use the smart connector, so it will have to be charged periodically. Also in the past with Bluetooth keyboards I’ve found they go to sleep and you have to tap them to wake them up, but I’m not sure if that is the case now with Bluetooth 4.0. The only other con is that they seemed to copy the plain brownish look of the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio (which I didn’t like an as such put a skin on it) rather than have a textured finish that would look better.

Overall though it looks pretty solid with side protection, backlit keys, and a function row. Thoughts?

It looks nice. I don’t have one though.

 

[EugW]

I've sworn off Bluetooth keyboards now. Having to wake them up, or fix pairing issues just got irritating. The Smart Connector makes things so much better in terms of keyboard use. I actually use my wireless Bluetooth keyboard for my iMac wired now all the time so I never have to deal with keyboard Bluetooth pairing issues.

Also what is the keyspacing on the Logitech one? If it's ess than 18 mm, then that alone would be a dealbreaker for me. Check out my thread on keyspacing here:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/ipad-keyboards-key-spacing.2174641/

 

[Rafterman]

The is nothing "slim" about Logitech's keyboard. Way unnecessarily thick and plasticky.

 

[EugW]

Can you measure the key spacing? Measure from the left edge of the "Q" key to the left edge of the "[" key (if on a US English keyboard), which is 10 letters away. On a desktop keyboard the measurement is ~190 mm, meaning the key spacing is 19 mm.

On the Apple Smart Keyboard for the 11" Pro, the key spacing is 18 mm.

Both 18 mm and 19 mm are technically considered "full-size" and once you go significantly below 18 mm, it really starts becoming problematic. In fact, a 17 mm key spacing causes me wrist pain when I type, and even when it doesn't, I'm very inaccurate with that type of keyboard.

 

[tps3443]

I want to try a keyboard. But don’t want to buy one either lol. I’m just unsure if I’ll use it for a day or two and then put it in the closet after tiring from it.

 

[EugW]

I want to try a keyboard. But don’t want to buy one either lol. I’m just unsure if I’ll use it for a day or two and then put it in the closet after tiring from it.

Just get one from a store with a good return policy. Like the Apple Store with the Apple Smart Keyboard.

 

[xraydoc]

https://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/slim-folio-pro

I literally got my iPad 11 Smart Keyboard Folio set up to where it looked nice and protected the iPad Pro 11. I did this by adding a skin and then just in the last few weeks I-Blason released a case that was compatible for the Smart Keyboard (see picture).

Logitech just announced a keyboard case, so I was just wondering what everyone’s thoughts are on it. It does not use the smart connector, so it will have to be charged periodically. Also in the past with Bluetooth keyboards I’ve found they go to sleep and you have to tap them to wake them up, but I’m not sure if that is the case now with Bluetooth 4.0. The only other con is that they seemed to copy the plain brownish look of the Apple Smart Keyboard Folio (which I didn’t like an as such put a skin on it) rather than have a textured finish that would look better.

Overall though it looks pretty solid with side protection, backlit keys, and a function row. Thoughts?

I’ve got the same iBlason case. I like it so far. With it I’m way less afraid that the iPad will unexpectedly disconnect from the rear magnetic folio flap and fall to the ground.

I don’t think I’d want it any thicker, though, like the this Logitech one, however. Even if the keyboard is ‘nicer’ than the Apple membrane keyboard. May as well just carry a MacBook at that point.

 

[haruhiko]

No smart connector is the deal breaker for me. The Smart Keyboard / Smart Keyboard Folio for the iPad Pros have been flawless to me and I will not allow myself to deal with the Bluetooth pairing, on/off, charging, etc. ever again.

 

[ahostmadsen]

The Logitech is heavy and bulky (nearly twice the weight of the Apple keyboard), and presumable not so easy to just snap on and off. To me it would completely destroy the idea of iPad as a lightweight mobile device.

 

[haruhiko]

The Logitech is heavy and bulky (nearly twice the weight of the Apple keyboard), and presumable not so easy to just snap on and off. To me it would completely destroy the idea of iPad as a lightweight mobile device.

The Apple Smart Keyboard Folio is heavy enough (relative to the weight to the iPad Pro itself) already.. I can't stand anything heavier than that.

 

[RevTEG]

The Logitech is heavy and bulky (nearly twice the weight of the Apple keyboard), and presumable not so easy to just snap on and off. To me it would completely destroy the idea of iPad as a lightweight mobile device.

I thought this as well. However, I bought the Logitech Slim combo for the Gen 1/2 iPad 12.9 and loved it. I also owned Apples Smart Keyboard. They both have their benefits. The backlit keys and function row made the Logitech worst every ounce and penny.

Now I have the 3rd gen 12.9 pro with Apple folio keyboard. Its a great combo but I will also be getting the new Logitec Slim Folio Pro. The key travel feels way better than Apples. Add in backlit keys and I'm all for that.

I did have the occasional connection issue between the Logitech keyboard and the smart connector. I'm a little disappointed that Logitech moved away from the kickstand on their new model. But the way the Apple pencil can be stored is a cool feature. I've also heard the new case has a better feel to it material wise. I'm going to pick one up April 5 at Apple and take it for a test run.

I will admit that having the option to switch between either style keyboard is great. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
[doublepost=1554351449][/doublepost]

The Apple Smart Keyboard Folio is heavy enough (relative to the weight to the iPad Pro itself) already.. I can't stand anything heavier than that.

You can't stand anything heavier? You don't use a Laptop? They're heavier.
[doublepost=1554351676][/doublepost]

No smart connector is the deal breaker for me. The Smart Keyboard / Smart Keyboard Folio for the iPad Pros have been flawless to me and I will not allow myself to deal with the Bluetooth pairing, on/off, charging, etc. ever again.

I agree. I'm disappointed they didn't use the smart connecter. As I stated earlier I did have the rare connection issue between the first gen Slim Combo and the smart connector on my first ten 12.9. I'm going to test it out, if I don't like the bluetooth I'll return the new Slim Pro and stick with my Apple Folio keyboard.

 

[ahostmadsen]

You can't stand anything heavier? You don't use a Laptop? They're heavier.

A major point of the IPad is that it is such a slim and light device. If you put one of these bulky cases and keyboards on it (the Brydge is even worse), why not just get a laptop?

 

[haruhiko]

You can't stand anything heavier? You don't use a Laptop? They're heavier.

I mean for my iPad.

 

[omelet1978]

A major point of the IPad is that it is such a slim and light device. If you put one of these bulky cases and keyboards on it (the Brydge is even worse), why not just get a laptop?

I actually have both a MacBook Air and the iPad. I travel and spend 2 or 3 nights a week in hotels, so I use the iPad on the road and the MacBook when I’m at home. I use it very similar to how I use the MacBook, so that is why backlit keys and side protection is important to me. The side/drop protection since I’m always hauling it around and it would be easy to drop.

 

[Rafterman]

The prefect keyboard for me would be the eisting Apple smart keyboard with backlit keys. Come on Apple. Microsoft made a superthin backlit keybaord powered with a smart connector for their Surface Pros. Step up to the plate, Apple.

 

[omelet1978]

Has anyone actually ordered one of these yet?

One of the reasons I’m interested is for the backlit keys, but I saw a review on YouTube saying that the backlit keys cut off pretty fast which kind of defeats the purpose. Right now I have the apple keyboard folio and after putting a skin on it and then getting the i-Blason case from Amazon it looks pretty nice, so I have not been able to pull the trigger on the Logitech at this point.

 

[haruhiko]

I can definitely see why backlit keys are important to people but since I learnt touch typing (typing without the need to look at the keyboard keys) decades ago I can type in pitch dark environments provided that there is a ridge on the F and J keys, so Apple's smart keyboard folio is perfect for me.

 

[omelet1978]

I went and picked up a Logitech iPad 11 Keyboard case from Best Buy and it does offer a superior typing experience from the folio keyboard case.

HOWEVER...I’m not sure if I am going to keep it. The additional bulk really surprised me. From looking at it more than doubles the thickness of the iPad and is roughly 2.5 times as thick as it was. Also, they used the same material as the iPad keyboard folio for the exterior and it gets’s dirty really easy. So to fix that I’d have to get a skin.

I’m going to spend a bit of time with it this weekend, but as of now I’m thinking of returning it. The keyboard folio from Apple has a lot of problems but it works for me right now. After putting a skin on it and getting a case to put over it at least.

 

[The Game 161]

Has anyone actually ordered one of these yet?

One of the reasons I’m interested is for the backlit keys, but I saw a review on YouTube saying that the backlit keys cut off pretty fast which kind of defeats the purpose. Right now I have the apple keyboard folio and after putting a skin on it and then getting the i-Blason case from Amazon it looks pretty nice, so I have not been able to pull the trigger on the Logitech at this point.

Cuts off after 5 secs til you touch the keyboard again