Apple makes a keyboard designed for the 11 and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models, the Smart Keyboard Folio, but some people dislike it because of the thin keys, lack of key travel, and high price tag. For those who don’t like ‘smart keyboards’, Logitech has designed the Slim Folio Pro, a new keyboard case available for the 2018 iPad Pro models.
Logitech’s Slim Folio Pro is more affordable than Apple’s Smart Keyboard, which costs $120 for the 11-inch version and $130 for the 12.9-inch model. For comparison’s sake, Apple charges $179 for its 11-inch Slim Folio Keyboard and $199 for the 12.9-inch model.
Design-wise, the Logitech Slim Folio Pro is a a lot The Apple Smart Folio is thicker than the keyboard and adds quite a bit of weight and bulk to my iPad. I’m not and never have been a fan of thick cases that add a lot of extra weight to my devices, and for my iPads, I almost always go case-free and use a Smart Cover. With my iPad Pro, I’m using Apple’s Folio, which is already thicker than I like.
If you’re like me and prefer a thin case or no case at all, the Logitech Slim Folio Pro probably isn’t what you’re looking for, but let me give you a little more detail on how it works and how it looks on the iPad.
Like Apple’s Smart Folio keyboard, the Slim Folio Pro is available in dark gray. It would be nice to have color options, but gray is a suitable neutral color. The Slim Folio Pro connects to the iPad Pro using Bluetooth, so you’ll need to set it up in the Settings app the first time you use it. After that, though, it connects quickly when you put it in typing mode and start using it.
There is a base rubber and plastic case that the iPad Pro fits into, providing protection for the iPad when it is not in use. There’s thick rubber on the corners and on the left side, but on the right, there’s an opening because that’s where the Apple Pencil 2 goes for charging purposes. The top and bottom are also left open due to the speaker and USB-C port.
Logitech has covered the power button and two volume buttons in rubber, which makes them difficult to use. With the iPad Pro, there’s no home button so sometimes it’s hard to tell if it’s up or down, and the power button/volume buttons are harder to find by feel and harder to press. It’s not a deal breaker by any means, but a bit annoying.
The case that the iPad Pro fits into is rather thin, but there’s plenty to deal with the extra weight of the keyboard. The part of the Folio’s case that holds the iPad attaches to the keyboard with a second layer of material that also acts as a stand, holding the iPad magnetically in place for comfortable typing. There are just too many cases here.
I don’t mind the extra part of the case if the iPad Pro is in an upright position for typing because it’s distributed appropriately, but since it’s a folio, you want to keep it on the iPad at all times. So when not typing on the keyboard, you need to fold it under the iPad to use as a stand for something like drawing with the Apple Pencil, or on top and back of the iPad for reading, web browsing, playing games. , etc
In either of these orientations, the keyboard is in an awkward position that adds a lot of weight to the back of the iPad, although having an angled surface for drawing with the Apple Pencil can sometimes be handy. I do a lot of non-typing with my iPad Pro, like playing games and browsing the web, and I don’t like the extra weight. Getting the Folio on the iPad is a bit of a pain, so it’s not a situation where I want to put the Folio case on to type and then take it off to play a game, although that’s an option. .
If you use your iPad Pro for typing and sketching with the Apple Pencil, you probably won’t mind the extra bulk, but if you use it for other purposes, it’s not great because it’s just always in the way. My 11-inch iPad Pro weighs a pound by itself and the slim Folio Pro weighs 1.27 pounds, and I don’t want to be holding more than two pounds when I’m trying to play a game.
As for the typing, though, I have no complaints. I like Apple’s ‘Smart Keyboard’ Folio and I can type just fine with it, but the Slim Pro has much squishier keys with a better amount of press and more satisfying travel. It’s a joy to type on, and for most people, it’s probably going to be a more enjoyable experience typing on the Slim Folio Pro than on a smart keyboard.
The keys are all backlit, and while it’s not a full-size keyboard, there’s enough spacing between the keys that I was able to type at close to my normal typing speed. All the keys are in their proper place, and instead of an Fn key, there’s an emoji key so you can get to emojis quickly if you want (or swap keyboards if you use multiple languages).
A set of shortcut keys at the top of the keyboard are available to adjust the brightness of the backlighting on the keys, bring up the iPad’s search interface, enable or disable the on-screen keyboard, control volume, control media playback, lock the iPad. and turning off the display, accessing the home screen, and activating Bluetooth.
When closed, the Slim Folio Pro’s keyboard faces the iPad Pro’s screen. I don’t know if it’s likely to do any damage over time, but that’s also how Apple’s model works. With the Slim Folio Pro closed, there’s an extra small strap of fabric designed to hold the Apple Pencil 2 so it can charge while you’re on the go, which is handy.
The case itself offers a decent amount of protection when closed thanks to rubber corners and a keyboard cover for the display, so it’s probably going to hold up well to minor drops, bumps, and dings. Although there are exposed components, it is best to avoid dust and liquids.
I didn’t have to charge the Slim Folio Pro during my time testing it, and Logitech says it can last two to three months with about two hours of use a day. If you need to charge it, there’s a USB-C port on the right, so you can use the same charger you use for your iPad Pro.
bottom line
The Logitech Slim Folio Pro is a more affordable alternative to the Smart Keyboard Folio that, for most people, is going to provide a better typing experience because the keys aren’t as thin and flat.
The keyboard itself is nice, but since it’s a folio case, it has a big downside. It weighs more than the ‘iPad Pro’, so it won’t be for those who want their devices to be thin and light. You can, of course, remove this case when you’re not using the keyboard, but if you type a lot, it’s a hassle to do on a regular basis.
If bulk isn’t an issue and you’re primarily using your iPad Pro as a laptop alternative for writing and sketching with the Apple Pencil, then the Logitech Slim Folio Pro might be for you.
For those who don’t want the bulk and hassle of an always-connected keyboard but don’t care for Apple’s more expensive ‘Smart Keyboard’ Folio, an affordable standalone Bluetooth keyboard is a potentially good option.
How to buy
You can order the Slim Folio Pro from the Logitech website. It costs $120 for the 11-inch model and $130 for the 12.9-inch model.
Note: Logitech provided MacRumors with a Slim Folio Pro for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.
