Apple Magic Keyboard vs Logitech Combo Touch | What's the best keyboard case for the iPad Pro?

Are you looking to enhance your iPad Pro experience and make it more productive? The addition of a keyboard and trackpad can make a world of difference. In this video, I’ll be comparing the Apple Magic Keyboard and Logitech Combo Touch keyboard to see which one offers the ultimate iPad Pro setup.

After using both options for an extended period of time, I’ll share my thoughts on the pros and cons of each case and which one I believe is the better choice.

If you're looking to transform your iPad Pro into a true laptop replacement, this video is for you.

0:00 - I’m a big fan of iPads. I use them every day.
0:47 - Side by Side Comparison
1:24 - Why are these the two best?
1:30 - Similarities between them both.
2:00 - Apple Magic Keyboard - PROS
4:15 - Apple Magic Keyboard - CONS
7:32 - Apple Pencil Hack
8:51 - Logitech Combo Case - PROS
13:05 - Logitech Combo Case - CONS

[hugotipple]

You forgot to mention two thing: You can dettach the keyboard from the combo touch, turn it around and attach it again, so it folds back with the keys being on the inside. This way you don't have to worry about where you left the keyboard after using it. Number 2: the combo touch is finger print free!

[anaymakan]

having owned the magic keyboard for my iPad air for nearly a year now, I love the design and so many people have asked how its floating and literally looks like magic. Also, the keyboard feels like a macbook in my opinion, probably uses the same structure idk. But as you mentioned in the video, having no function row is really annoying when using it like a laptop, and the limited adjustment is also annoying as sometimes, i like to have it extended a little further but you simply cannot. And the biggest annoyance is when you take the ipad off the case, there is no case for you to protect the device or even use as a kickstand. So for that reason, as a student, anyone looking for a keyboard for their ipad, i would personally recommend the logitech combo as it has a detachable design where the case still stays on the ipad and has more screen adjustment as well as a function row. But, for typing on your lap which I do a lot, as the magic keyboard has a flat bottom, it's easier to rest on your lap like an actual laptop instead of the logitech which is designed like a surface device. But whichever you pick, I'm sure will suit your needs.

[jebaker]

I have used/owned both keyboard cases. For me, I like the Logitech a little better but, honestly, you can’t go wrong with regard to quality. I agree with you that I wouldn’t recommend any other keyboard case beyond these two at this point.

[AM_Tech.]

i originally bought the ipad for art, so i bought it with apples smart folio, which was amazing. and then i bought the magic keyboard for school, and i can easily switch between the 2 cases when its needed. if i need to work on an assignment, ill pop it on the keyboard, and if i want to sketch, i simply take it off, and put it on the smart folio. so, yeah

[FelixWong_com]

A few things not mentioned: 1. Magic keyboard raises the screen higher towards your eyes and closer to your fingers. So it's more ergonomic for both viewing and touch. 2. The Magic Keyboard is more "lapable". It doesn't have a kickstand to dig into your legs. 3. Both designs have minimal screen wobble upon touch, but the Logitech is a little better in this category.

[LyricTroll]

The extra keys, the detachability, different angles, the slot for the pen, better protection and the price drove me to the Logitech one over apples. If Logitech just had a passthrough charging port it would be more or less perfect.

[schmoosmith]

I just watched this after I purchased the Logitech and this video makes me feel better about my decision so thank you!

[ninjaahjumma]

I have both of these cases, and I have to say that both are very good cases. But the choice will go down to use case. If you are someone who will type a lot on your iPad, the Magic Keyboard is the way to go. The angle is great for typing and I personally find that it is not as fatiguing to type on it as compared to the Combo Touch (perhaps due to the CT’s 70gf operating force vs the MK’s 60gf). But if you are someone who will use the iPad more as a tablet (in my case, as a writing tablet with the Apple Pencil), the CT is better because you can keep it in the case and use it as a tablet.

[selmanipek]

Logitech seems more compatible with why someone would buy an iPad in the first place - the flexible workflow. Personally a folio case plus k380 keyboard has been 👌🏻

[justsomemincedgarlic]

I just got the 12.9 inch m1 iPad Pro last month after using the 11 inch 2018 model iPad Pro for the last two years. Got the magic keyboard for both and its been incredible in both sizes. All the keyboard shortcuts and having zero lag on the trackpad/keyboard has been great. I use my ipad as a laptop most of the time, almost to the point where I forget that I can remove it from the keyboard. Its pretty clear they were built to go together from how well they work with each other.

[dmurray]

I might be crazy, but what I like most about the Magic Keyboard is that it takes up less space. A good example is if you fly a lot the Magic Keyboard sits perfectly on the tray. A lot of times I feel like the tray is too small for the Logi all spread out. Definitely an edge case for most. But I think Apple made it this way so that it literally could sit anywhere with no kickstand. I look weird but I just keep the folio cover in my back for if I want to read a paper or not user the Magic Keyboard.

[andrewalexander]

Just bought the Logitech Combo Touch for the main reason you mentioned - detachability. I use my iPad in sidecar a LOT, watch movies on it, etc, so the detachability is a huge value add for me. This video also showed me that the Combo Touch was more adjustable than I initially realized (I thought the kickstand distance was pretty static, apparently it's not). This makes the case even more valuable for me.

[monicawaite]

Thank you for such a thorough review & especially for the Stylus Sling to hold the pencil. Definitely like the Logitech Combo Touch over the Apple Magic Keyboard. I disliked that iPad kept falling off the Magic Keyboard, in addition to not having a protective case around that fits around the iPad. Even with being careful, Ipad like anything can fall. For those reasons I have returned the Magic Keyboard. Logitech Combo Touch provides better protection, the kick stand even provides for a nice secured hold with my fingers in multiple areas when I remove the iPad from the detachable keyboard. Go Logitech!!

[slob]

The Magic Keyboard is worth it because of all the small elements, like the hinge adjustment is really comfortable and the keys are really solid

[RichardShelton]

I just bought the Logitech for my 10th gen iPad on Amazon for about $140, and I'm loving it. Smartest purchase I've made in a while.

[JohnJakeWilliam]

I’m an Apple guy but after much research got the combo touch. I was concerned with the trackpad but it works great! It’s much more versatile than the magic.

[HsinHungTseng]

My Logitech Combo Touch (for 12.9" iPad Pro) only last 3 month (bought in Nov 2021). I applied the RMA, but there's no stock to replace the broken one since March. What a worldwide company.

[JamesBreuer]

Great review. I purchased the Logitech Combo when it first came out and have not been disappointed. I was weighing up between Logitech and the Apple keyboard, but really you cannot compare them both. The Logitech is so multi functional. During the work day i can have it sit in front of me without the keyboard and use Universal Control with my Mac’s magic keyboard and trackpad. After work i can use it on the couch for personal emails and browsing etc. Use it without the keyboard for cooking or later watching content. All the while, protected with a nice case. I do agree if you only use your iPad Pro on a desk, maybe Apple’s keyboard is best. If you want something to take with you wherever you go, the Logitech Combo case is the outright winner.

[Bruceneuman]

I have both cases. Each is a good product and you can find the Logitech discounted to $150. Aside from price, however, go for Apple’s keyboard. When open it sits at a perfect angle for typing. Removal for note taking with the Apple Pencil is a dream. Unless you want to constantly pop the iPad inland out of the Logitech frame, you are carrying an extra heavy device for note taking. The Magic keyboard also sits the iPad firmly in your lap for typing. It is just a great design.

[johnw]

I’ve had my Magic keyboard now for 2 years and I absolutely love it. I love the feel of the keys, and it fits nicely on my lap, a pillow or laying in bed. I don’t use function keys, so that’s never been a problem - I just swipe down to access the controls I need. I do a fair amount of writing with the case also. At those times I either flip the case around, or snatch it off and write on the closed case. Either way works, and I haven’t felt it was an issue. Lastly, the viewing angle has never been a problem. I tried the Logitech and it just takes up way too much space on my desk, and can’t be used in tight spaces.