Logitech Slim Detachable Keyboard/Case Combo for iPad Pro 12.9″
Before Purchasing this Case:
- From the very first day I owned the 12.9” iPad Pro, I used the device naked - no case at all. A leather front cover protected the device when it was stored in my backpack; but that cover was always removed when using the device. I stressed the idea of lightest weight possible.
- I sometimes used an Apple Magic keyboard, and a compact Anchor stand, to setup for light typing. However, this required removing three items from the backpack. I found it easier to just walk over to my computer workstation.
After iOS 13, I discovered the potential of doing real laptop work with the iPad Pro. This was due to things like:
- attaching a mouse through Accessibility=>Touch
- learning x‑callback-URL schemes for app to app communication
- powerful apps like Pythonista, Working Copy, Drafts5, Ulysses, iVim, Textastic, Termius
- transferring files (pdf, xlsx, py, doc, md ) to/from iOS 13 Files app via USB hub
I started looking for a quicker keyboard setup. I settled on the slim detachable design offered by Logitech.
Pleasantly Surprised with many Design Features
The ability to detach the keyboard allows the option to continue to use the device as an iPad if desired — no need to give up cherished Saturday morning coffee routines studying articles of interest, watching YouTube videos, etc. Perfect !
I must devote a sentence or two highlighting that the keyboard can fold in half — saving space. Whenever I do upgrade (next year or so) I hope to find a detachable, under-folding keyboard design like this one. This is more important than first realized!
As for functionality, the keys respond very well to typing — which is the main reason for having a keyboard in the first place!
The backlit keys works great in low-light settings.
I LOVE the hard-vinyl, waterproof, bulletproof-feel of the textured material on the front of the keyboard. I don’t know what makes this black material so attractive to me — but it is! It always looks new and clean — not old and worn. Initially, I thought I wouldn’t be happy with any keyboard, unless I was able to remove it when I wanted to use the device like an iPad. That idea has all but disappeared — I’ve reached the point to where I mentally view the iPad and the back case as one item.
There is extra weight, but when the front keyboard is removed, it’s not a noticeable difference in weight. It certainly doesn’t hinder me from using the device as an iPad as before.
Unlike the detachable front, the back part of the case does not lends itself to constant removing/replacing. The fit is too tight.
I didn’t think I would enjoy the sleeve that holds the Apple Pencil very much — but it’s really a nice feature! Although I used the Apple Pencil a lot before, (love handwriting, especially Spencerian Script) I use it much more now due to the convenient location.
You’re not forced to use only a few preset tilt positions. The back folds (and holds) at any tilted angle. (Caveat — I’ve only had the case 16 days now — I’m hoping i don’t have to change this sentence in the future. Time will tell.)
The latest 3rd Gen iPad Pro is not that much different than the 2nd Gen iPad Pro — certainly not worth the money to upgrade ! This case enhances the laptop work abilities of new features of iOS 13. I’ll use it for another year before even considering an upgrade.
In short, all the things I though I would not be happy about have become either less important, or no issue at all! I’m using this case more and more as time goes on. I’ve used it for several work projects. It’s become a new device.
Recap
Pros
- detachable keyboard
- keys feel more like “keyboard” than Apple’s Magic keyboard
- keyboard is backlit (with different levels of brightness), and has Apple Function buttons
- keyboard occupies minimal area in front of iPad
- Apple Pencil sleeve is handier than I thought — using Apple Pencil more than before
- not locked into 2 or 3 preset angled positions, back angles for any position
- front of case has very attractive black heavy vinyl, waterproof, bullet-proof-feel texture.
Cons
All the things I thought of listing here are not that important now. (That is weird, because I am usually a very nit-picky person.) I’ve come to like this case as is. I guess if I had to list a con, it would be the tad bit extra weight when holding the device in your hands and using it as an iPad. But, honestly, the back of the case is not that much heavier, it’s hardly a noticeable increase in weight.
I remain very happy with this purchase.