Hi All,
I’m curious if anyone knows of a good alternative to the Apple Magic Keyboard for the new 11” iPad Air (M2 chip)). I like typing on it, but it makes the iPad as heavy as a laptop, when in fact the device is supposed to weigh less. The one that seems most streamlined is the Logitech Folio, but it doesn’t look like it fits this latest iPad. The Logitech Touch Combo is half the price of Apple’s but it weighs about as much. I guess another option is a folio cover and a separate keyboard, but I find I use the keyboard a lot, so worrying about two accessories is always more complicated Anyway, I’m curious what other folks have come up with. Thanks!
That’s what I prefer, but only I use a keyboard about 20% of the time. It is an older Magic Keyboard I purchased for a Mac mini.
I have both the Magic Keyboard and the Logi Touch Combo.
The Magic Keyboard is a vastly superior product, but the price difference is significant.
The lack of a kick stand on the Magic keyboard makes it better to use anywhere, it takes up less space on a table/tray table and far more stable on a lap. The case on the Logi makes it easy to remove the keyboard, but the ipad remains within the other half and takes a bit of effort to remove.
I used standalone keyboards on my 9.7” iPad Pro, but it always seemed to add extra faffing, extra stuff to carry and charge and took up more space.
I picked my Magic Keyboard up second hand for half of the original price, but I doubt that’s an option with the new iPads yet.
Thanks! Like I said, I like the Magic Keyboard (and agree with what you say about the Logitech from trying it in the store. It’s just how heavy the new Magic Keyboard is! And yeah, the price for sure.
I’m going to try this I guess. Any advice about keeping things together?
I have a Logitech k380s standalone keyboard. Two AAA batteries last 3 years so I never have to worry about charging it. It also has dedicated buttons so I can switch instantly between 3 devices.
I use the same one with my MacBook and like it a lot, and yeah, the batteries last a long time! For the iPad I’m replacing (from 2017) I used one of those goofy Apple accordion keyboard/folios, and it was all I needed. I weighed my new setup against the previous one, and it’s a little over a half pound heavier. If I wasn’t such a heavy keyboard user, I’d probably just go for folio and glass, but I definitely use it all the time and a separate keyboard is just one more thing to remember to protect and pack. I guess another way of saying all this is that with the Magic Keyboard I feel more like I’ve bought a second MacBook while my earlier iPad felt more like a different tool.
Ah, no, Apple provides a solution but has discontinued it! You can still get them though. Lighter and beloved by many! I had one and loved it. The only downside is the material tends to not wear well over a long period of time for many people.
Don’t wait too long though!
In the past I’ve used a Canopy case from Studio Neat. Currently I use a metal stand with my iPad at home (that puts the top edge about 13” off the desk) so I don’t use the case and just carry the keyboard in the side pocket of my canvas briefcase.
Note: the Canopy case only works with the Apple Magic Keyboard.
I’m have two of those (different desks) and they’re ok in situ, and wouldn’t want to carry them though
But they do have an off switch to avoid battery drain in a bag
I have the Logitech one for my 12.9 pro. As you mention, it’s too heavy. Especially when I’m not using the keyboard. And yes, it’s a pain in the neck (and wrists) to get it off
The Logitech k380 and k380s are both very compact and thin. I regularly toss mine in a bag to use with my phone on the go.
Oh, this looks exactly like what I want. Yeah, it’s not the toughest material, but…. I’ll definitely check this out. Thank you!
I have always been using a stand-alone keyboard with my iPad. For the last years, I have been using the Apple Magic Keyboard and Trackpad. When I travel, I only take a Logitech keyboard with me and use the Pencil (or touch) for navigation. Sometimes I also bring a mouse, if I know I will be needing to use it for a longer period.
This setup works ergonomically much better for me, as I need to raise the screen quite a bit above the desk surface to avoid that vulture neck pain that comes with laptop use.
The Apple Smart Folio has always disappointed me in that it starts breaking down after a short few months, so I opted for a 3rd party folio instead.