Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro Review: Strong but Bulky
A surprising pattern emerged across multiple platforms: while the Logitech Combo Touch Keyboard Case for iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th/6th Gen) earns consistent praise for versatility and typing comfort, its added bulk and occasional connectivity quirks mean it’s not a universal fit for all users. Based on aggregated feedback, this accessory scores 8.7/10 for productivity-focused iPad owners.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — best for users who prioritize laptop-like functionality over portability
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Detachable, backlit keyboard with 16 brightness levels | Adds noticeable weight and bulk |
| Large, responsive click-anywhere trackpad | Occasional connectivity issues reported |
| Adjustable kickstand with wide viewing angles | Difficult to use comfortably on lap |
| Full row of iPadOS shortcut keys | Case can warp or stretch over time |
| Strong magnets for secure attachment | Limited color/material options |
| Protective front, back, and corner coverage | Apple Pencil storage not fully secure |
Claims vs Reality
Logitech markets the Combo Touch as “the thinnest keyboard case we’ve ever designed with a trackpad.” While it is slimmer than some competitors, multiple Best Buy reviewers noted that “it’s alittlebitthickandheavy” and “kind of feels heavy when all put together.” The weight was especially apparent for 12.9-inch users, reducing portability compared to the bare iPad.
Another key claim is instant pairing and power via the Smart Connector. Most users confirmed this: a verified buyer on Amazon noted, “power and pairing are instantaneous.” However, Trustpilot feedback shows a subset experiencing input dropouts, with one customer reporting “the onscreen keyboard is still present… even with the new replacement.”
Logitech emphasizes the “largest click-anywhere trackpad” they’ve made. This is validated by Reddit and Best Buy users who praised its responsiveness. A Best Buy customer wrote: “the touchpad gives iPadOS a whole different dynamic.” Yet some pointed out gesture differences from MacBook trackpads, such as no tap-to-click by default.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The detachable keyboard and four usage modes (type, view, sketch, read) resonate strongly with creative professionals and students. Best Buy reviewers valued being able to “remove the keyboard and still have protection” when sketching in Procreate. Reddit’s refurbished product buyers highlighted the flexibility for “sketch, watch or read with total freedom.”
Typing comfort is another standout. The scissor-switch keys, well-spaced layout, and backlighting earned consistent praise. A verified Best Buy reviewer said, “keyboard keys are responsive and have good travel for an iPad keyboard.” For late-night work or dim environments, the 16-level backlighting was considered a “lifesaver in low-light conditions” by one Reddit user.
Protection is a recurring benefit. Many users switch from Apple’s Magic Keyboard citing durability. One Best Buy customer compared fabrics, calling Logitech’s “like kevlar compared to Magic Keyboard’s cellophane,” appreciating its resilience after prior cases cracked.
Common Complaints
Bulk and weight dominate complaints. Users who travel frequently or hold the iPad for extended periods found it tiring. A Trustpilot reviewer admitted, “makes my tablet even more weighty than it already is.”
Lap use is problematic due to the kickstand’s dependence on a flat surface. A Quora answer confirmed, “the key board is not easy to use while sitting on the chair… the keyboard would get detached on my lap.”
Durability concerns include warping and stretching around speakers. Trustpilot customers noted cases “began to warp after about two months” and “gets stretched at the speakers if not used carefully.” Keycaps falling off was another frustration, reported by multiple Best Buy reviewers.
Connectivity glitches, while not universal, impact workflow. College students relying on the trackpad found it “loose connection and not want to click” after months of daily use.
Divisive Features
The kickstand’s wide-angle adjustability pleases desk users but frustrates lap typists. While some call it “more sturdy than previous tri-fold cases,” others see it as “always having to adjust from its flat position.”
Apple Pencil integration divides opinion. Logitech leaves the charging side open, which works for charging but offers no secure storage. Some users resorted to third-party holders, while others considered it adequate.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot and Reddit data show Logitech’s warranty and support are generally responsive — replacements within a year for faulty units are common. However, repeated issues with new units, such as connectivity failures, erode confidence for heavy-duty users.
Long-term Reddit reports suggest the fabric exterior holds up well, resisting fraying even after months of travel use. In contrast, several Best Buy customers experienced case fit degradation over time, with edges no longer flush to the iPad.
Certified refurbished units receive positive remarks for arriving “like-new” with updated firmware, providing a lower-cost entry point without major compromises.
Alternatives
The primary competitor mentioned is Apple’s Magic Keyboard. Users who switched often cite Logitech’s extra function row, detachable feature, and lower price. A Best Buy reviewer summed it up: “Aside from this being cheaper than the Magic Keyboard, the main reason I chose it… is the ability to remove the keyboard completely and still have protection.”
Magic Keyboard fans highlight easier lap use and a sleeker silhouette, but durability concerns and lack of a function row make Logitech appealing for productivity.
Price & Value
Prices range from $198 on Amazon to $259.99 at retail, with eBay listings as low as $99.95 for new units and $159.99–$169.99 for refurbished. Resale value holds moderately well due to demand for 12.9-inch accessories, but bulkier designs may deter casual users.
Community tips include buying refurbished directly from Logitech for warranty coverage and ensuring firmware updates via the Logitech Control app before heavy use. Several Quora and Reddit users stress that older iPad Pro generations (3rd and 4th gen) fit despite official compatibility claims limiting to 5th/6th gen.
FAQ
Q: Will this fit the 3rd gen iPad Pro 12.9-inch?
A: Yes, despite official specs listing only 5th/6th gen, multiple users confirmed snug fit and full functionality on 3rd and 4th gen models.
Q: Is it stable for lap use?
A: Not ideal — the kickstand needs a solid surface, and the keyboard’s magnetic attachment can detach when typing on your lap.
Q: Does it have secure Apple Pencil storage?
A: No dedicated holder — only an open side for charging. Many users add third-party pencil holders for travel security.
Q: How do I fix backlight not working?
A: Ensure ambient light isn’t disabling it; the keyboard draws power from iPad via Smart Connector. Contact Logitech support if persistent.
Q: Can it work with Logitech Crayon?
A: Yes, the open charging side supports both Apple Pencil (2nd gen) and Logitech Crayon attachment.
Final Verdict: Buy if you need a detachable, protective keyboard case with laptop-like typing and trackpad control — ideal for desk-based productivity, students, and artists. Avoid if you prioritize light weight, lap use, or require secure stylus storage. Pro tip from community: update the firmware via Logitech’s app immediately for best connectivity results.
