Review: Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard Case with Trackpad for iPad 7 [Video] - Latest News

Yesterday I received my hands on the most recent iPad 7 computer keyboard case offering: the Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard Case with Trackpad. This $149. 95 case features an integrated trackpad to make the most of the new cursor control in iPadOS 13.4.

If you have a 7th-generation iPad (review), this is one of the most useful accessories you can purchase out of the Apple Pencil. Logitech also sells a version of its \keyboard instance for the iPad Air 3. Be sure to subscribe to 9to5mac on YouTube, and observe our full hands on review inside for the details.

Specifications

Constructed in multi-touch trackpad
Backlit keys
Full row of iPadOS shortcut keys
Constructed in multi-angle kick stand with 50-level tilt
Four usage modes optimized for typing, viewing, reading, and sketching
Apple Pencil (1st-gen) / Logitech Crayon holder
Smart Connector for power and connectivity
Protective instance covers front, back, and sides of iPad
Also available for iPad Air 3
$149. 95 price

Unboxing and installation

Within the box you’ll find the two components which compose the keyboard case: a protective cover, and the keyboard part that attaches magnetically to the bottom of the iPad.

Video inspection: Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard Case

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Installing the Logitech Keyboard Case about the iPad 7 is as simple as lining up the tablet properly with the rear protective cap, and pressing down so that the borders that wrap around the iPad lock it into position.

From there, it is only a matter of attaching the computer keyboard to the Smart Connector portion of this iPad. What you’ll wind up with is a computer keyboard case that completely encloses and protects the inside.

Multi-angle kickstand

Logitech carries a multi-angle kickstand built in to the rear protective cover. The kickstand, including immunity, can be adjusted up to a max of 50-degrees to help achieve optimum viewing angles.

The kickstand works great for table-top operation, and you can do a fairly good job of letting you lap type. The viewing angles necessary for a comfortable typing position might result in a lap typing experience, but to my sitting position\.

Clearly you are not likely to have as good of a lap typing experience as you would with a conventional notebook such as the MacBook Air, but by finessing the flexible stand an individual can make it work.

Smart connector support is fantastic

One of the best features of the Combo Touch is its addition of connections in order to take advantage of one of those iPad 7’s new Smart Connector functionality. Smart Connector support on the iPad 7 allows users to immediately power and set peripherals like Apple’s Smart Keyboard, and Logitech’s Combo Touch Keyboard Case.

The presence of the Smart Connector means that you’ll never need to think about flaky Bluetooth pairing or batteries within the keyboard running out of juice. The 7 powers directly the computer keyboard itself, which greatly simplifies the process of using an external keyboard.

Versatility

Logitech designed the Combo Touch Keyboard Case in a way which allows users to make the most of four distinct usage modes. There is the conventional mode for typing, one for a sketching mode, a manner that is reading, and also viewing\. This is another way of stating that the keyboard cases adjusts in various ways to help alleviate the current task at hand and folds.

Another wonderful feature is the built in Apple Pencil/Logitech Crayon holder. I can’t tell you how often I’ve lost my Apple Pencil so I love having the ability to store it straight.

Security comes at a price

Logitech’s Combo Touch not just protects front and sides of the iPad, but it shields the back as well. Once the case is closed in reality, the iPad is protected, corner to corner.

Of course, such protection comes at the cost of a slim and trim package. The 7 is a rather thin device on its own, but it transforms into a hefty bundle that’s much thicker than the exact same iPad when mated with Apple’s Smart Keyboard when incorporating the Logitech Combo Touch.

The case also adds a significant quantity of weight to the package, weighing in at more than the iPad itself . 43 pounds. ) Coupled with the 1. 07 pound iPad 7, it is a total weight of 2.5 lbs. To place that weight into perspective, the 2020 MacBook Air weighs 2.8 lbs.

For those that love the idea off using a Smart Connector-power computer keyboard and trackpad, but can not get past the bulk, it’s possible to use just the keyboard portion of the package without the back protective case.

The drawback of such a decision is that you’ll want to use something to prop up the iPad since you lose the adjustable kickstand. In the instance in the video, I used the Slope from WipLabs, which can be an all round excellent iPad standalone.

I believe I could get away with the Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard sans case when only using it round the home, but I would probably need both the protection and the adjustable kickstand provided from the rear cover when out and about.

Trackpad characteristics

The key feature that divides the Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard Case from additional iPad 7 computer keyboard cases is its inclusion of a built-in trackpad with multi-touch gesture support. Having such a feature built in means that you don’t have to rely on an outside Bluetooth Magic Trackpad or even Magic Mouse in order to use the magnificent new cursor performance in iPadOS 13.4.

The upper surface of the trackpad is apparently glass, exactly like the trackpad you’ll find in a MacBook, but the surface area is a lot less than what you’ll discover on a Mac. It may feel a bit cramped when you’re utilized to using a standalone or laptop Trackpad.

Another big difference between this trackpad and only discovered on contemporary Apple laptops has to do with click enter. Clicking on the surface causes the trackpad to physically move in order for your click actuation to register As it employs a mechanical diving board layout\.

Keyboard experience

The Logitech Combo Touch includes well-spaced keys that offer sufficient visual feedback and essential travel to be in a position to comfortably type long-form content.

The keys on the keyboard are also backlit, making it simpler to sort in dimly-lit environments. The keyboard backlight can be controlled directly from the function row, which also features other iPadOS shortcuts keys, like the capability to visit the Home display, adjust quantity, invoke Spotlight search, etc.. There are four distinct backlight amounts from which to pick from.

LogitechControl, the above companion app for facilitating firmware updates, includes keyboard backlight management preferences. Via this company program, you can change the backlighting length from 5 seconds up to 60 minutes, and change the rate where the lights fade off after inactivity.

9to5mac’s Require

Provided that you are obtaining a Smart Connector-powered backlit computer keyboard and integrated trackpad with multi-touch gesture support, adding all this functionality to your iPad for just $149. 95 feels just like pretty good thing.

The largest drawback to this Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard Case is the majority, which is excellent for protecting your iPad 7, but otherwise is a bit much. You may attempt using the keyboard with no own case, if you’re adamant about staying thin and light, but you lose performance in the procedure\.

That having been said, this keyboard has whetted my appetite for Apple’s official Magic Keyboard alternative for the iPad Pro. That keyboard appears to add functionality without much of the bulk that is additional we see here, but in addition, it is double the price, and demands a Guru to use it.

If you have an iPad 7 and you’re seeking to take full advantage of trackpad aid in macOS, I believe the Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard Case is a solid choice. It’s a terrific way to turn your iPad 7. It’s bulky while utilizing the rear cover, but I think, if you can get beyond the majority iPad 7 owners will be quite happy it.

What do you think? Sound off down below in the comments with your thoughts and observations.

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