In response to AppleNew iPad Pro and iPad AirThe Combo Touch keyboard protection accessory launched by Logitech is mainly to optimize the user experience of the original Apple smart keyboard, while also providing a more affordable choice in terms of overall price. In conjunction with this experience of the new iPad Pro with the M4 processor, the author also compared the LogitechNew Combo Touch keyboard case, paired with the experience of using the new Crayon stylus.
In terms of price, Apple's new Magic Keyboard for the new iPad Pro is priced at NT$9890. Compared with the Combo Touch keyboard protection accessory for the new iPad Pro, which is priced at NT$6490, there is obviously a difference of more than NT$3000.
The new Crayon stylus has a suggested retail price of only NT$2290, which is more attractive than Apple's original second-generation Apple Pencil or this year's Apple Pencil with a suggested retail price of NT$4390. Its disadvantage is that it does not have magnetic fixation and wireless charging functions, but it is relatively more drop-resistant(?), the pen holder is relatively easy to hold and use, and the power supply can be cut off by the switch when not in use for a long time, thereby extending the battery life.
Differences in using the new Smart Control Keyboard
The updated Magic Keyboard for the new iPad Pro and iPad Air has been redesigned to not only make the top row of keys easier to tap, but also to make the keyboard layout and functions similar to those of MacBook models. It is even equipped with a trackpad with tactile feedback and a larger operating area. In addition, a shortcut key design has been added to make it easier to control functions such as screen brightness, allowing the iPad Pro to be used with an interface close to that of a MacBook.
However, if you want to use just the iPad Pro, you have to remove the iPad Pro from the Magic Keyboard, leaving it without any additional protection. Furthermore, the Magic Keyboard's limited flip-up angle can be inconvenient for some users. For example, if you're used to using the keyboard while taking notes with a stylus, the angle for writing or drawing may be awkward.
Therefore, the design of the Combo Touch keyboard protection accessory for the new iPad Pro mainly divides it into two parts: the part that can cover the iPad Pro body and the detachable keyboard.
The back of the iPad Pro features a flip-up stand, allowing it to be used at various angles. It also provides ample impact protection when used alone, while also retaining an opening for the Apple Pencil Pro. Adding a magnetic keyboard allows the iPad Pro to be used in a similar way to the Surface Pro, providing full scratch protection when closed.
As for the keyboard itself, it is powered by the Smart Connector metal contacts on the back of the iPad Pro, so there is no need to establish an additional connection via Bluetooth or other means, and it does not require additional charging. It also has a large touchpad and adjustable key backlighting. The key layout is roughly the same as the Smart Keyboard, but there are obvious differences in the function keys in the top row.
For example, on the Smart Keyboard, from the upper left corner, there are ESC, screen brightness adjustment, App arrangement, Spotlight, dictation, Do Not Disturb mode, media control, volume adjustment and device lock, while the Combo Touch keyboard protection accessory is adjusted to home page, screen brightness, backlight brightness, dictation, screenshot, media control, volume and Do Not Disturb mode, so there will be a significant difference in the user experience.
The keyboard cover material this time has replaced the woven surface used in the previous version with a more ordinary plastic material. The advantage is that it is easier to clean when it gets dirty, but the disadvantage is that it will detract from the visual effect.
New Crayon stylus
Compared to the earlier Crayon stylus that used a Lightning interface for charging and had an orange lining, the new Crayon stylus still maintains the silver metal material, but the lining has been changed to a more suitable white. At the same time, the charging interface has been replaced with USB-C to keep up with the times, and it also has a manual power-off design to further extend the stylus's battery life. The function also supports iPad low-latency writing and smart pen tip functions, and its usage is not much different from the Apple Pencil.
The built-in battery life is approximately 7 hours of continuous writing time. A 2-minute charge provides 30 minutes of writing time, and a full charge takes 70 minutes. It also supports automatic power-off if not used within half an hour, thereby extending the usage time.
The one-piece design provides impact protection against drops from a vertical distance of 4 feet (1.22 meters). The relatively flat body also makes it easier to hold and use. However, the USB-C charging port on the back doesn't include a dust cover or further protection, so be careful to avoid excessive dust or moisture infiltration.
Compared to Apple's new Apple Pencil Pro, which has additional configurable press shortcut functions, can be directly magnetically fixed to the side of the iPad Pro, and can be wirelessly charged, the new Crayon stylus does lack some convenience, but in terms of writing and drawing smoothness and accuracy, it can catch up with the Apple Pencil's user experience.
overall feeling
Compared with Apple's original Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil accessories, Logitech's Combo Touch keyboard case and Crayon stylus are quite attractive in terms of price. The overall user experience actually corrects the slight shortcomings of Apple's original accessories and adds a more convenient user experience.
For example, the Combo Touch keyboard case features a design where the case and keyboard can be magnetically attached and then detached, allowing users to easily combine them according to different needs, or to provide a considerable degree of protection for the iPad Pro when used alone. The Crayon stylus not only offers writing smoothness and intuitiveness almost identical to the Apple Pencil, but is also drop-resistant and easy to hold.
Of course, Apple's original Magic Keyboard is also very convenient to use and has a higher installation seal with the iPad Pro. The Apple Pencil not only has a very high level of writing precision, but can also be fixed magnetically to the side of the iPad Pro for charging. As for the Apple Pencil Pro, the addition of a side-pressing operation mode that can correspond to additional functions makes the overall writing operation more intuitive.
Therefore, the best user experience is still recommended to be based on personal usage habits. For example, in general use, I prefer to disassemble the keyboard part and only retain the protective case part that covers the iPad Pro. However, when I need to input a large amount of text quickly, I can still reinstall the keyboard for easier operation. However, some people prefer the usage angle and installation completeness of Apple's original Smart Keyboard, so it still depends on personal needs.
