Logitech Slim Folio Pro Keyboard Case REVIEW | Mac Sources

5 min readJun 19, 2019

Logitech Slim Folio Pro Keyboard Case

7.7

A good addition to the iPad Pro

I’m one of those people that typically prefers to use my iPad without a case or a keyboard. I just like it to be more natural feeling rather than have a bulky case on the device. That said, I do appreciate a really well-made accessory for the iPad like the ones that Logitech makes. Since I got my most recent iPad Pro, I’ve been using it almost exclusively with the Apple Smart Keyboard but thought I would take a timeout from that option to explore the Logitech Slim Folio Pro Keyboard Case.

DETAILS

The Slim Folio Pro Keyboard Case is specifically designed to work with the 3rd Generation iPad Pro (11-inch and 12.9-inch) that was released in late 2018. It has a backlit keyboard and features Bluetooth LE for easy connection between the keyboard and the tablet. There are three modes available to use the case in:

Type Mode: Dock the keyboard upright and type like you would on a laptop
Sketch Mode: Collapse the iPad screen to take notes or draw with the Apple Pencil
Read Mode: Fold the keyboard back to read books, articles, and more

The keyboard features iOS shortcuts built into a full row of keys while the case provides protection for the front and back of the iPad. The case has a magnetic latch that keeps the case closed when it’s not in use and it includes a storage loop for the Apple Pencil, too. The keyboard has an auto on/off feature that allows users to seamlessly work with the keyboard by placing the iPad in Type Mode. When the iPad is removed from the dock, it puts the keyboard to sleep. This helps to conserve power.

SPECS

Modes: Type, Sketch, Read
Keyboard Type: Integrated keyboard
Backlit Keys: Yes; 3 levels of adjustable backlighting
Viewing Angles: Fixed
Type Mode: 58 degrees
View Mode: 10 degrees
Dimensions
Slim Folio Pro for iPad Pro 11-inch
Height: 7.68 in (195 mm)
Width: 9.96 in (253 mm)
Depth: 0.89 in (22.55 mm)
Weight: 1.22 lb (552.42 g)
Slim Folio Pro for iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen)
Height: 9.06 in (230 mm)
Width: 11.30 in (287 mm)
Depth: 0.88 in (22.46 mm)
Weight: 1.56 lb (707.43 g)
Powered by rechargeable battery: 3 month battery life (based on 2 hours of typing per day)
Pair keyboard with iPad via Bluetooth® Low Energy
0.67 in (17 mm) key pitch
0.06 in (1.6 mm) key travel
Full row of iOS shortcut keys
Row of iOS Shortcut Keys (Left to Right)

IMPRESSIONS

This keyboard case does an excellent job of providing extra functionality to the iPad Pro. Even though the functionality is there, some of the design aspects are not to my liking. One of the first things I noticed about this case is that it was heavy. I’ve noticed this about other keyboard cases from Logitech before and this doesn’t really take away from the features it does provide, but it is a little bit of an issue for me since I don’t like adding extra weight to my tablet.

I like that this folio provides the three different modes — type mode, sketch mode, and read mode — so that users don’t have to sacrifice function for the sake of having a case on their tablet. I found it very easy to switch the case around to be able to use any of the three modes. I typically used the type and read modes the most, but my daughter really enjoyed using the sketch mode to draw using the Apple Pencil.

The case has a soft silicone feel to it, which I do prefer to something more slick. I don’t like feeling as though the case might slip out of my hands. I’ve never had a problem with feeling that my tablet was secure inside this case. It was a little tricky getting it inserted into the case, but once I did, I found that all the buttons and ports were all easily accessible.

One of my favorite features of this case is the backlit keyboard. As much as I like the Smart Keyboard from Apple, the backlit keyboard is something that’s very hard to pass up. There are three brightness levels for the keyboard, which makes it even better as a feature, in my opinion. I sometimes like to work while watching a news program with my family and at night, that can make typing difficult. This is one of the main reasons why I like the inclusion of backlit keys with this case.

The keyboard provides a very enjoyable typing experience for the user. The keys have been spaced out to be reminiscent of a standard keyboard layout and the ‘feel’ of them is very natural. I found it very easy to get used to the layout and style of the keyboard. The only thing I really don’t like about this keyboard is that it connects via Bluetooth rather than through the Smart Connector on the iPad. Normally, I would suggest that maybe the manufacturer doesn’t have licensing rights to be able to develop accessories using the Smart Connector, but this particular brand already has other devices available using that connection. Hopefully, in the future, that is a feature that will be added in.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Aside from the bulky nature of this keyboard case, I’ve been very happy with its performance. It’s enhanced the way I do things with my iPad and it’s been very easy to integrate into my workflow. I don’t know that it will be a long-term accessory for me, but I do like having it as an option for longer trips away from home.

For more information, visit logitech.com, Facebook, or Twitter.

Originally published at https://macsources.com on June 19, 2019.