When Apple introduced updated iPad Pro models earlier this year, they brought a new accessory, the Magic Keyboard. Starting at $299, the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro is Apple’s most advanced keyboard yet, offering backlit full-size keys and, more importantly, a trackpad.
At launch, there was no third-party equivalent to the Magic Keyboard because trackpad support was new to the iPad Pro, but last month, Logitech unveiled the Folio Touch, a $160 keyboard case that works with the 2018 and 2020 iPad Pro models.
Folio Touch offers the same functionality at a much more affordable price than the Magic Keyboard, and in some cases, design choices that are more convenient, making it a worthy alternative to Apple’s own keyboard options. There’s one caveat — currently, Folio Touch is only available for the 11-inch iPad Pro, no 12.9-inch model.
Design-wise, the Folio Touch features a case that attaches to the iPad Pro along with an attached keyboard, all covered in a soft gray fabric-like material. It feels pleasant to the touch and isn’t too far off from the fabric material Microsoft uses for its Surface Pro accessories. I prefer the fabric feel of the case to the material Apple uses for the Magic Keyboard, and it’s less prone to smudges, dust, and smudges.
Even as someone who tries to keep the Magic Keyboard clean, my iPad Pro’s Magic Keyboard cover still has some water drops and scuff marks from daily use, and while it’s not too hard to clean, those marks and marks don’t always come off the Folio Touch. Such stains will not show and the color and pattern will also mask the grime.
The iPad Pro is designed to fit into the Folio Touch case, which is made from a flexible rubber material. There’s a square-shaped camera cutout that accommodates both the 2018 and 2020 iPad Pro models, plus a cutout where the iPad’s USB-C port is located, a Smart Connector attachment point, and a cutout for Apple. Pencil charging.
With the ‘Smart Connector’, Folio Touch is powered by the iPad Pro and does not require recharging and does not require Bluetooth to connect. The Magic Keyboard has a passthrough charging feature that allows the iPad Pro to charge through the case via an additional USB-C port – this is not present on the Folio Touch and requires the use of the standard USB-C port on the iPad. There’s a cutout for the USB-C port, but it’s small, so if you’re using a dock or dongle that’s wider than a USB-C connector, you’re going to run into trouble.
Because it’s a case and a cover, the Folio Touch is a bit thicker than the Magic Keyboard, which isn’t ideal since the Magic Keyboard is already heavy. It’s still thinner and lighter than most laptops, though, and can always be removed when not in use. I didn’t find it too difficult to get my iPad Pro in and out of the Folio Touch, and it fits just like a traditional case. The Folio Touch is a bit taller and wider than the Magic Keyboard, but they’re ultimately similar enough in size that there isn’t much of a difference in use between one and the other.
The case feels protective, especially when the keyboard portion is closed, and has a strong magnetic flap that keeps it closed and holds an Apple Pencil. If you have a Logitech Crayon instead of an Apple Pencil, there’s a slit in the flap where you can store it so it never gets lost or misplaced.
The back of the case has a pull-out stand designed to prop up and straighten the iPad Pro while you type on the keyboard. The stand is fine. It’s not the sturdiest platform and I wasn’t a fan of using it on my lap because of the stand’s flex, but it works well enough on a flat surface. I’m not sure the Folio Touch will be comfortable to use on a lap for long periods of time due to the instability of the stand, which is something to keep in mind.
The stand and case have several viewing and usage modes. There’s a type mode where the keyboard is extended and the iPad Pro is propped up against the stand, which is the most obvious way to use the Folio Touch, as well as three modes where the keyboard is folded back.
View mode works by folding the keyboard and kickstand back for watching videos, Sketch mode is similar to View mode but pushes the stand down to make a slightly angled surface ideal for drawing, and Read mode is where both the keyboard and stand collapse. And the keyboard can be folded back so that the iPad can be used in a standard tablet mode without the need to remove the case.
This is one area where the Folio Touch outperforms the Magic Keyboard because Apple’s keyboard doesn’t fold back and must be removed if you want to use the iPad in a flat orientation. The stand offers 40 degrees of adjustment, but since it doesn’t work with a hinge or a locking mechanism, I’m concerned about how it will hold up over time. It uses tension, and it seems like a mechanism that might loosen up over time, but I don’t know yet if it will.
I’ve been using the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro for several months, and while it’s not difficult to move, it’s a hassle, so I appreciate the versatility that Folio Touch offers. The design of the case allows the iPad to be attached to the iPad Pro with sleep/wake functionality to activate the iPad’s display when the cover is opened.
Those who have used a Logitech iPad keyboard before will likely be familiar with the feel of the keys. They’re clicky, satisfying to press, and offer a decent amount of travel so there’s no serious compromise by using a keyboard case over a standard keyboard. The feel is similar to the feel of the Magic Keyboard keys, but with a touch less travel and a touch more softness.
If forced to choose, I’d say I prefer the feel of the Magic Keyboard keys, but the Folio Touch isn’t too far off and it’s easy to adjust to a different key feel. The Logitech keyboard offers a function row of keys for adjusting screen brightness, accessing the home screen, searching, and controlling sound and media playback, something Apple’s keyboard lacks and a feature I’ve missed with daily use.
The lack of these easy-access function keys is a downside of the Magic Keyboard, so anyone who uses these keys frequently may want to consider the Folio Touch. Folio Touch has backlit keys, much like the Magic Keyboard. The keys adjust to the ambient light but can be adjusted directly on the keyboard.
The Folio Touch has a small trackpad below the keyboard, making it on par with Apple’s Magic Keyboard. The trackpad has a smooth, plastic-like feel that’s hard to distinguish from the Magic Keyboard’s trackpad. Usage is almost the same, but you have to press harder on the Folio Touch to register a click. With Tap to Click enabled, a feature I use all the time, it doesn’t matter.
Both trackpads support exactly the same gestures and features that are baked into iPadOS, so there isn’t much difference between them. Below, I’ve listed the pros and cons of each keyboard to make it easy to see at a glance and to outline why you might choose one over the other.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Magic Keyboard
- Cost $300+
- Available for 11 and 12.9-inch models
- Consistent viewing angles, but case must be closed for tablet mode
- Works well in lap
- Silicone material picks up dust, dirt, and fingerprints but feels more premium
- Thinner than the Folio Touch, but not by much
- No full iPad Pro coverage
- Space for charging the ‘Apple Pencil’
- There are no function keys
- What is the backlight?
- The keys travel well and feel solid under the fingers
- The trackpad is responsive and easy to use
- There are additional USB-C ports built into the hinge for accessories
- Connects to ‘Smart Connector’
Pros and cons of Logitech Folio Touch
- $160 price point (cheaper than the $140 Magic Keyboard)
- Available for 11-inch ‘iPad Pro’ only
- Stand with multiple viewing angles and usage modes, including the option to fold the case back
- Doesn’t work well on laps
- Soft fabric cover material is less prone to showing dirt
- Thicker and heavier than the Magic Keyboard
- Rubber case protects iPad Pro
- Cutout for charging the Apple Pencil plus flap when the case is closed
- Full row of function keys
- What is the backlight?
- Solid key feel with good travel, but not as nice as the Magic Keyboard keys
- The trackpad requires more force for a click
- The USB-C port is accessible, but does not offer an additional port
- The USB-C port cutout is small and doesn’t accommodate all accessories.
- Connects to ‘Smart Connector’
We also did an article and video comparing the Magic Keyboard to the Logitech Folio Touch, and the video is worth checking out if you want to see both keyboards side-by-side.
bottom line
The Magic Keyboard costs $300 and the Folio Touch costs $160, so on price alone, it’s a good deal and a solid alternative to Apple’s iPad Pro’ keyboard. I appreciate the versatility of the Folio Touch’s stand and cover, and my only complaint is that it’s not ideal for lap use.
With the Magic Keyboard, if I want to use my iPad for anything other than typing or watching videos, that’s not the case with the Folio Touch. This is a huge factor for someone who likes a case that can be left on all the time. There are also function keys that are missing from the iPad Pro.
The Folio Touch doesn’t have a USB-C port for more convenient charging, but it’s still possible to charge with a standard USB-C port on the iPad Pro, so I didn’t miss the feature. I like the Magic Keyboard’s floating style, hinge design, and I like the feel of the keys and trackpad, but it’s so close that I think most people will want to save the $140 and opt for the Folio Touch.
If you’ve been put off buying a Magic Keyboard because of its price, the Folio Touch is a solid option. Unfortunately, Logitech only makes Folio Touch for 11-inch iPad Pro models at this time, so 12.9-inch iPad Pro owners are stuck with Apple’s Magic Keyboard.
How to buy
The Folio Touch for the 11-inch iPad Pro can be pre-ordered from the Logitech website for $160.
Note: Logitech provided MacRumors with a Folio Touch for the ‘iPad Pro’ for the purposes of this review. No other compensation was received.
