Home iPadia iPad Accessories ,,,,, Over time the Swiss Logitech has accustomed us to keyboards for Apple products of ever increasing quality. Were they traditional iPads, oversized or mini, or the new Pros, Logitech has always declined its formula of keyboards made with “real” keys, with robust travel, with fast response, which also work as a protective case.
With the arrival of the new iPad 2017, the “normal” version compared to the iPad Pro (which as we know now has a larger 10.5-inch screen), Logitech could not fail to launch Slim Folio Bluetooth (102 euros on Amazon) a keyboard that was adequate for Apple's cost-effective device. Given the lack of a dedicated port, as for the iPad Pro, the solution is that of the traditional Bluetooth, which however now comes to the LE version with very low consumption and allows Logitech to have a practically perfect power supply and connection system.
The keyboard itself has great qualities of both protection of the device, to which it acts as a front and back cover, and of writing, that is the main purpose for which it was created. The keys allow you to find the traditional Mac layout, obviously in Italian format. Now let's see in detail how this device works.
Logitech Slim Folio, how it looks
The Logitech Slim Folio Bluetooth is contained in a slim and sturdy box, with a magnetic latch opening that greatly simplifies unpacking. Inside, the keyboard with some protective plastic (you can easily remove it) and a yellow tab to be extracted that puts the batteries in contact with the conductors, thus starting the operation of the Bluetooth connection system.
Logitech has worked with the Bluetooth LE standard which allows very low consumption. It's the perfect standard for a battery, as it allows two button cells to last for a full four years in typical use mode. For sure, for this review we did not have the opportunity to verify the actual life of the batteries, which we still used daily to write articles, emails, essays and other material. There have been no drops after the few weeks of testing and this at least testifies that the duration is greater than that of a traditional charge for a non-removable battery.
The choice of removable button batteries helps to have a slimmer keyboard without USB ports or anything else to attach cables and cables to to recharge it. This allows you to have a sleeker body which however remains robust and well structured: Logitech essentially offers one of its classic “tank” keyboards that wrap the iPad and transform it into a laptop, with a thin and light protective case that wraps around all sides of the appliance.
The utility of this keyboard
During the test we appreciated, coming from two generations of iPad Pro, the compactness but also the robustness of the case: the Apple smart keyboard does not fulfill the iPad protection function and, while keeping it really thinner and more portable, it leaves it uncovered. so much so that the Cupertino-based company has also provided an unprecedented leather case to wrap the whole device.
Instead, the Logitech keyboard presents itself as a unique solution for transport and protection, as well as for writing. In this second aspect, the philosophy of Apple with its keyboard (we repeat: only for iPad Pro) and that of Logitech could not be more different. While Apple offers extremely separate and “atypical” keys, practically comfortable buttons covered with kevlar, Logitech offers a series of very traditional keys with a robust and precise excursion, strongly reminiscent of an old Apple laptop keyboard. We say “old” because now with the new MacBook Pro alongside the 12-inch MacBook, Apple has chosen the philosophy of the new ultra-flat keyboards that allow you to write with a different approach. The Logitech keyboard is not identical to an “old-fashioned” MacBook keyboard but it still closely follows its philosophy and differs from both the smart one of the iPad Pro and that of the new MacBook and MacBook Pro.
How does it work
The fifth generation of Logitech has solved practically all the problems of previous generations thanks to a robust and precise connection, thanks to keys with excellent travel, to a locking system with a single position for writing however very precise and comfortable (slightly more inclined compared to that of an Apple smart keyboard), and the idea of using button batteries that last so long.
The protection from bumps, scratches and splashes is remarkable because the iPad comes very well protected. The possibility of using only the Slim Folio as a protection for the iPad 2017 for its transport both by hand and in a bag make it very interesting. The precision of use, the strong autonomy and the presence of all the keyboard shortcuts that from iOS 9 have not only been implemented but also made easily knowable (just hold down the apple key in an app for all the contextually relevant keyboard shortcuts to appear ) literally repositions the cheaper iPad and makes it a very interesting competitor for those who have to do business and want to save a few hundred euros compared to the iPad Pro, with less power but with the same philosophy, the same professional apps and great flexibility of use thanks to the Logitech keyboard.
Obviously the keyboard is also compatible via Bluetooth with the new iPad Pro but, given the wrap-around coupling mode, it is not possible to insert the new iPad Pro. We didn't have a first generation iPad Pro (which has a 9.7-inch monitor like the 2017 iPad) to test for compatibility.
The particular strength and rigidity of the solution also allows, with a minimum of flexibility, to use it on the knees and not only on a stable support surface such as a table or other. This is an advantage for those who find themselves having to write without a table top (this happens more frequently than it seems, especially with a device as flexible as the iPad) and we have personally tested that it works quite well even in bed.
The keys seemed very good to use: 1.5 mm of excursion and scissor mechanism instead of the new butterfly allow you to rediscover the joys of “old style” writing that has made the Mac the favorite tool of the creatives of the word. The quality of the construction is striking, starting from the packaging, the attention to detail, the almost perfect functioning of the entire device, starting from the Bluetooth connection that is activated simply by opening the case and hooking the part with the iPad into the magnetic track that holds it steady.
The quality of the mechanical protection is also remarkable and aesthetically the product remains more than valuable without any yielding to luxury. In essence, it is an expensive but high quality keyboard, designed as a complement to the entry level version of a high-level device such as the iPad, which strengthens it, strongly improves its productivity and protects it at the expense of the racy. light weight of the appliance.
Conclusions
The Logitech keyboard costs more than compatible products that can be found on the market and that are “made in China” of fluctuating quality. From his it has an impeccable design and execution: everything works as expected and as it should, the quality of the materials is excellent, the connection without flaws, the keys work perfectly and the overall feeling is that you have bought an Apple accessory instead of a third party. The same thing cannot be said for the vast majority of products on the market that aim to have the same type of function.
The case protects the iPad more than well and strengthens its weak points while leaving the volume and power buttons reachable, as well as having a pragmatic function of shielding the device. Of course, other solutions such as Apple's smart keyboard for iPad Pro are much thinner and aim at the stylistic as well as functional aspect, making Logitech more clumsy and chubby. But you can't have your cake and eat it: with this keyboard you have practically a solution similar to that offered by Apple with the Pro devices, also obtaining a very strong battery life thanks to the good functions of Bluetooth LE and the two batteries. replaceable button.
Pro Robust and protective Four-year battery life Traditional keyboard superb for execution and operation
Against High price It makes the iPad “heavy” Quality materials but not very refined
Slim Folio Bluetooh for iPad can be bought in stores, on the Logitech website but also on Amazon with free shipping at 102,40
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