Logitech "COMBO TOUCH" Review-The first keyboard with a trackpad that can be used with an unbranded iPad

Logitech, which has a strong lineup of keyboards for iPad, will release the COMBO TOUCH keyboard integrated case with a trackpad for the first time on July 30th. This time, let's deliver a preliminary review of "COMBO TOUCH for iPad / iK1057BKA" compatible with the current 7th generation 10.2 inch iPad.

I like the simple fabric material

A separate model (model number: iK1093BKA) that can be used with both the 3rd generation iPad Air and the 10.5-inch iPad Pro will be released at the same time for COMBO TOCH. Both have the same functionality. The price is open, but the reference price is 20,460 yen (tax included). One color is graphite. The keyboard layout is English layout.

COMBO TOUCH is also a protective case that covers the entire iPad. The keyboard part is a two-piece configuration that can be attached and detached with a magnet. Power supply and data communication to the keyboard are performed via the iPad's Smart Connector, eliminating the need for pairing and charging like a Bluetooth keyboard. The keyboard turns on and off when the case is opened and closed, and the iPad goes to sleep when the case is closed.

Since the outer material of the case is made of a fabric-like material, the appearance is very simple and pleasant. The holder that can attach Apple Pencil is also convenient.

Slightly heavy but tough protective case

Since the weight of COMBO TOUCH is 610g, the combined weight of the 7th generation iPad Wi-Fi + Cellular model (493g) is about 1.1. It can also be kg. It will be heavier than the Apple Smart Keyboard, so the appeal of the COMBO TOUCH must be evaluated comprehensively based on the "attachment of a trackpad" and "functioning as a robust protective case". There seems to be

Pros and Cons of the Kickstand

When using the keyboard, open the kickstand on the back of the iPad and hold the screen upright.

Logitech calls this position "typing mode", and you can also remove the keyboard part to enjoy watching videos, or completely fold down the kickstand to switch to the best position for sketching with Apple Pencil. We are appealing the multi-way usability.

The detachable keyboard part was revolutionary for me, who has been using Apple's genuine keyboard for a long time, and each task such as watching videos and using Apple Pencil at home was very smooth. On the other hand, I was troubled for a moment about where to put the keyboard when I suddenly wanted to use Apple Pencil on the go.

Even if you want to hold the iPad and take a picture with the camera, you need to hold the keyboard so that it doesn't come off, or quickly remove it and put it somewhere. Also, if you put the kickstand on your lap, the main body of the iPad will be slightly unstable when typing.

Built-in LED backlight can be adjusted in 5 steps

The keyboard has a built-in LED backlight that can be adjusted in 5 steps. Using the "iOS shortcut key", which is a feature of Logitech's iPad keyboard, you can quickly increase or decrease the brightness. You can turn off the backlight completely when you want to watch videos while wearing the keyboard.

In addition, by using the genuine utility "Logicool Control" app, it was possible to set the time to turn off the keyboard backlight when there was no operation from the iPad keyboard control function.

Take advantage of multi-finger gestures

COMBO TOUCH is Logitech's first dedicated iPad keyboard with a trackpad.

Apple's new Magic Keyboard for iPad is only compatible with the iPad Pro released after 2018, so it is compatible with the "Mujirushi" iPad and iPad Air, but also has a trackpad and a Smart Connector connection. There is no other keyboard product that can do this among the major peripheral device manufacturers in Japan.

Of course, the trackpad also supports gesture operations, so you can use pinch-in zoom and left/right swipe with two fingers to operate the browser page displayed back and forth.

Swipe up with three fingers to return to the home screen, swipe up with three fingers, hold, and lift to open the App Switcher. With a trackpad, you can operate various screens without touching the iPad screen, which is not only convenient but also hygienic because it keeps the iPad screen clean.

When you enter the iPadOS settings menu, you can also choose secondary button operation by adjusting the pointer speed or clicking with two fingers, just like Apple's Magic Keyboard.

How does the keyboard and trackpad feel?

Keeping in mind that the feeling of typing on a keyboard varies greatly depending on the person, I will give my impressions.

The key pitch is 18mm, so you can feel a solid amount of room when you take the typing position. A wide palm rest is provided on the left and right sides of the trackpad, so it is also a big attraction that you will not get tired when you continue typing for a long time. One thing I noticed was that the return key was small.

The keyboard uses a scissor structure with a keystroke of 1mm, but the height of the keys is a little lower than Apple's genuine Magic Keyboard, so the feeling of elasticity returned to the fingers was a little stiff. I think that the response of the keystroke is a good keyboard.

The trackpad felt a little soft to click. If you express it by sound, you will get a response like "poko poko" rather than "tick". You can freely change the pointer movement speed from the settings, but compared to Apple's Magic Keyboard, the pointer braking felt a little looser.

You can use your iPad like a Mac, and the price is attractive.

You can also use a trackpad on your iPad or iPad Air by connecting Apple's "Magic Trackpad 2" via Bluetooth. However, the advantage of COMBO TOUCH is that you can easily use the keyboard and trackpad together by simply connecting them to the Smart Connector rather than pairing them individually. You should be able to get a solid response that the iPad can be used like a PC.

Package price for a total of less than 60,000 yen if you purchase "keyboard + trackpad + case" at once and purchase it together with the cheapest 7th generation iPad (34,800 yen, tax not included) among the current iPads. It can be said that it is very attractive as a second PC for business people.