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Logitech Slim Combo

The Logitech Slim Combo is a Perfect Companion for the 10.5-Inch iPad Pro

June 23, 2017

June has been a great month for iPad fans.

Along with unveiling a new 12.9-inch and 10.5-inch iPad Pro at the WWDC keynote, Apple also took the wraps off of iOS 11. That software, currently in beta testing and officially arriving to the public this fall, is packed with a number of new productivity-focused features specifically for the tablet.

And popular accessory maker Logitech has already unveiled a new keyboard case for the latest iPad Pro models. I’ll be taking a look at the Slim Combo for the 10.5-inch iPad Pro.

Logitech Slim Combo for the 10.5-inch iPad Pro
Logitech Slim Combo for the 10.5-inch iPad Pro
  • Detachable keyboard connects to the iPad Pro via the Smart Connector.
  • The keyboard is fully backlit.
  • Has a built-in place to store your Apple Pencil.
$129.95
available
on Logitech
* price at time of publishing was $129.95

Versatile and easy-to-use

Versatile and easy-to-use
The built-in kickstand can place the iPad Pro in a number of angles with or without the keyboard attached.

The built-in kickstand can place the iPad Pro in a number of angles with or without the keyboard attached.

As you could probably tell by the name, there are two major parts of the system – a detachable keyboard a full protective case featuring a built-in kickstand and Apple Pencil holder.

Installation is quick and easy, just insert the iPad Pro into the case. The keyboard features a magnetic connection to the Apple Smart Connector. That’s a big plus and offers a number of advantages compared to regular Bluetooth keyboards.

The full-sized keyboard will directly connect to your iPad Pro once – no pairing process necessary. It also takes a small amount of power from the tablet. That means you’ll never have to worry about charging it.

Logitech’s keyboards for the iPad have also been known as top notch, and the Slim Combo is no exception. Along with being completely backlit, perfect for typing in dark situations, the key travel nice and feels great, akin to what’s found on the older Apple laptops.

Key spacing is not perfect but adequate for some longer-term typing projects – including this review. I’m not a huge fan of the palm rest, but I know many users who prefer that option on a mobile keyboard.

There is also a full row on the top of the keyboard made exclusively for iOS devices and includes a one-touch way to change brightness, control volume, lock the screen and more.

Detach in a second

Detach in a second
You'll never need to worry about misplacing an Apple Pencil.

You'll never need to worry about misplacing an Apple Pencil.

And when it’s time to detach the keyboard, the case itself is also great to use.

The kickstand can place the screen into a range of different options within 50 degrees -anywhere from a media viewing to typing angle.

As a nice touch, you can also place the stand in a vertical position as well.

Made with hard plastic, the case and keyboard seem to be well made and should be able to handle the usual drop and scrapes.

It’s far from a slim option as the entire combination weighs a bit more than a pound, but being able to detach the keyboard when necessary is a big help. I also like the Apple Pencil holder placement that easy to reach.

An overall winning package

An overall winning package
Even though it adds some bulk with the keyboard, Logitech's Slim Combo is a great choice for 10.5-inch iPad owners.

Even though it adds some bulk with the keyboard, Logitech's Slim Combo is a great choice for 10.5-inch iPad owners.

I’ve been using Logitech’s Slim Combo for almost a week with the new iPad Pro, and have come away impressed. Being able to attach and detach the keyboard when needed makes it a nice option for almost any use case imaginable for the tablet.

Being able to attach and detach the keyboard when needed makes it a nice option for almost any use case imaginable for the tablet.

While it takes a bit of a different approach than the company’s well-designed Create case for the first-generation 9.7-inch iPad Pro, it provides an even more MacBook-like experience than even Apple’s own Smart Keyboard, for $30 less. That’s hard to beat.

Available in blue or black, Logitech’s Slim Combo retails for $129.95 and can be purchased now directly from Logitech or Apple.com.

A version for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is also available. It costs $149.95.