Logitech Combo Touch for iPad Air (3rd Generation) and iPad Pro 10.5-inch Keyboard Case with Trackpad Review

Design

The most obvious aspect of this case is its size and weight. It certainly takes the “Air” out of the iPad Air 3. You’ll feel like you’re carrying a small (yet fat) laptop and will probably completely forget how thin the iPad Air 3 really is.

In my comparison picture, you can see this Logitech Combo Touch case on the right compared to Apple’s official Smart Keyboard and a cheap, plastic back cover I found on Amazon. You can see that the Logitech case is almost twice as thick.

However, with this extra size comes stability and protection. I feel like I could drop my iPad Air without worry (but I’m not going to try it) with the Logitech case on it. Apple’s official Smart Keyboard offers no protection for the back, so it definitely would take some dings or possible damage in the case of a fall.

Therefore, this Logitech case would be ideal for professionals or students as they can easily toss this case into their bag without worry, knowing this case offers substantial protection. However, if you mainly use your iPad for reading or watching movies while holding it in your hand, you’ll find that your arm tires much faster with the added weight of this case, even with the keyboard detached.

The case also has a fold-out kickstand on the back that allows you to adjust the angle of the iPad, another thing that the Apple Smart Keyboard lacks. There’s a small loop to hold your Apple Pencil as well (you won’t find a holder on the Apple Smart Keyboard).

Keyboard

As promised, the keyboard requires no batteries and is powered completely by the Smart Connector on the iPad. Additionally, the keys are backlit, something the official Apple Smart Keyboard lacks. The case also has a trackpad, something only found on the newer “Magic” Keyboards from Apple, which are not available for the iPad Air 3.

I also like the “clicky” keys on the Logitech case better than the more “smushy” keys found on Apple’s Smart Keyboard. I’m actually typing this review on the keyboard and really have no complaints.

The trackpad works well with iOS 13.4’s new trackpad/mouse support. However, one feature that is lacking is the ability to just tap the trackpad to “click”. Taps do not register on the Logitech case; you must physically press down on the trackpad and make it click. You can use the two-finger gesture to scroll and the three-finger gestures to switch apps and return to the home screen.

The top row of keys feature iOS-specific shortcuts, including a home button, brightness controls (for both the iPad and the keyboard backlight), as well as media and volume controls.

The keyboard is easily detached when not needed, but it can not be folded behind the iPad. It also seems to fall off more easily than Apple’s Smart Keyboard, perhaps due to the heavier weight. Finally, I do find that occasionally the keyboard is not detected when I unlock my iPad, which requires removing the keyboard and reattaching it.

Exterior

I much prefer the cloth-like exterior of the Logitech Combo Case compared to the silicone material found on the exterior of Apple’s Smart Keyboard (whenever I accidentally scrape my fingernail across the silicone material, it’s like nails on a chalkboard to me). This makes the Logitech Combo Touch Case comfortable to hold, aside from the heavier weight.