Logitech Slim Folio Pro  Keyboard Review

Reviewed Mar 25, 2020 at 07:39am
Tested using Methodology v1.0 
Logitech Slim Folio Pro
6.9
Gaming 
6.9
Mobile/Tablet 
7.0
Office 
6.3
Programming 
5.9
Entertainment / HTPC 
 0

The Logitech Slim Folio Pro is a keyboard and a protective case for an 11-inch or 12.9-inch 3rd Gen iPad Pro. The keyboard features rubber dome switches that have good tactile feedback but can feel a bit mushy and don't provide the overall best typing experience. The case has a compartment for the Apple Pencil as well, which is a nice add-on. It's also very well-built and feels durable, although some plastic parts might give off cheaper vibes. On the upside, it's very portable and should be easy to slide in a backpack.

Our Verdict

6.9
Gaming 

The Logitech Slim Folio Pro isn't designed for gaming. Even if the keys have a short pre-travel distance, they're heavy to press due to the tactile bump. It also lacks customization software and you can't program macros.

Pros
  • Well-built design.
  • Very portable.
Cons
  • Only made for iPad Pro.
  • Mediocre typing quality.
  • No software.
6.9
Mobile/Tablet 

The Logitech Slim Folio Pro is a very good keyboard for mobile devices and is amazing if you have an iPad Pro. The case is designed for this product and the keyboard connects to your device via Bluetooth. It's easy to slide in a bag and doesn't weigh too much as well. Unfortunately, due to its design, you can't connect more than a single device to the keyboard.

Pros
  • Well-built design.
  • Very portable.
Cons
  • Only made for iPad Pro.
  • Mediocre typing quality.
  • No software.
7.0
Office 

The Logitech Slim Folio Pro is just okay for the office. It might not be the best option as your main keyboard, but if you want a second work station with an iPad on the side, it can be a good option. Its ergonomics are mediocre and the typing quality isn't the best. On the upside, it's well-built and typing on it doesn't make much noise, so you shouldn't bother surrounding colleagues.

Pros
  • Well-built design.
  • Very portable.
Cons
  • Only made for iPad Pro.
  • Mediocre typing quality.
  • No software.
6.3
Programming 

The Logitech Slim Folio Pro is sub-par for programming. It's designed to be used with an iPad Pro. It can't program macros and its typing quality isn't the best due to the cheap keycaps.

Pros
  • Well-built design.
  • Very portable.
Cons
  • Only made for iPad Pro.
  • Mediocre typing quality.
  • No software.
5.9
Entertainment / HTPC 

Pros
  • Well-built design.
  • Very portable.
Cons
  • Only made for iPad Pro.
  • Mediocre typing quality.
  • No software.
  • 6.9
    Gaming
  • 6.9
    Mobile/Tablet
  • 7.0
    Office
  • 6.3
    Programming
  • 5.9
    Entertainment / HTPC
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Jan 27, 2022: We've corrected the Depth and Width test results, which were accidentally reversed when this review was first published. Additionally, we've reclassified this keyboard as a Compact 75% form factor.
    2.  Updated Sep 08, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
    3.  Updated Mar 25, 2020: Review published.
    4.  Updated Mar 17, 2020: Early access published.

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    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    The Slim Folio Pro is available for both 11-inch and 12.9-inch 3rd Gen iPad Pro versions. We expect our review to be valid for both sizes, although the dimensions might be a bit smaller for the 11-inch version, as we reviewed the 12.9-inch variant.

    Popular Keyboard Comparisons

    The Logitech Slim Folio Pro is a good Bluetooth keyboard that stands apart due to its design specifically made for iPad Pro. It might not be as versatile as other mobile-friendly keyboards as the Logitech Keys-To-Go, but its design also acts as a protective case for your iPad. For more recommendations, check out our picks for the best keyboards, the best wireless keyboards, and the best keyboards for Mac.

    Logitech Combo Touch

    The Logitech Slim Folio Pro and the Logitech Combo Touch are very similar, low-profile folio keyboards designed for use with select iPad models. Both keyboards have variants for the 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro, but the compatible generations are slightly different. The Combo Touch also has a variation for the fourth-generation iPad Air, which the Folio Pro lacks. The Folio Pro connects wirelessly with Bluetooth. It uses a USB-C cable to charge its internal battery, but there isn't one included in the box. The Combo Touch has a trackpad, and you can detach the keyboard from its case. It only connects to select iPads using an Apple Smart Connector and relies on them for power. Both keyboards also have white backlighting, but the backlighting on the Slim Folio Pro is better as it has individually backlit keys.

    ZAGG Pro Keys

    The ZAGG Pro Keys and the Logitech Slim Folio Pro are both folio keyboards for iPads. The ZAGG comes with a removable iPad case that covers all edges of the iPad, while the Logitech only covers certain areas. The ZAGG lets you pair it with two differences, while the Logitech only lets you pair it with the iPad. Also, it uses scissor switches that provide nicer tactile feedback than the Logitech's rubber dome switches. That said, the Logitech has brighter backlighting, which is important if you often work in a dark room, but you can't change the colors like you can on the ZAGG.

    Apple Magic Keyboard 2017

    The Apple Magic Keyboard 2017 is a better keyboard than the Logitech Slim Folio Pro, but they don't quite serve the same purpose. The Logitech will be a better option if you have an iPad and you're often on the move and want something to protect your device as well. On the other hand, if you're more stationary, the Apple offers a better typing quality and is noticeably better built.

    Brydge 10.2 Keyboard for Apple iPad

    For an iPad, the Brydge 10.2 Keyboard for Apple iPad is a slightly better keyboard than the Logitech Slim Folio Pro. It's noticeably better built, and its design is made to mimic the keyboard of a MacBook Air keyboard, which offers a better typing quality than the Logitech. On the other hand, the Slim Folio Pro also acts as a protective case for your iPad, which the Brydge doesn't do.

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    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
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    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Dimensions
    Size
    Compact (75%)
    Height
    0.2" (0.4 cm)
    Width11.1" (28.2 cm)
    Depth
    9.4" (24.0 cm)
    Depth With Wrist Rest
    N/A
    Weight
    1.76 lbs (0.800 kg)

    Update 01/27/2022: Initially, we mistakenly provided reversed measurements for the Width and Depth tests. We've now corrected this mistake. Additionally, we identified this as a compact 65% keyboard as it lacks a traditional function row. However, it has a row of shortcut keys instead, which gives it a total of 78 keys. This brings it much closer to the typical key complement of a compact 75% keyboard, around 82 keys. Therefore, we've decided to reclassify this product as a compact 75% keyboard.

    As its name indicates, the Slim Folio Pro is very slim. Its compact format also takes a lot less space than a full-size keyboard. When folded, the height of the keyboard is about 1.7cm (0.67 inches). Note that we reviewed the 12.9-inch version, and the 11-inch model might be a bit smaller.

    7.5
    Build Quality
    Keycap MaterialABS

    The build quality of this keyboard is good. Its bottom frame is made from aluminum and feels solid. The rest of the build is either plastic or rubber. However, the keycaps feel a bit cheap, but the casing to protect your iPad is nicely built. If you want a similar keyboard with a better build quality, check out the Brydge Pro.

    7.0
    Ergonomics
    Board Design
    Straight
    Minimum Incline
    Medium Incline
    N/A
    Maximum Incline
    N/A
    Wrist RestNo

    The ergonomics of this design are mediocre. It lays completely flat as its an add-on for a tablet. There are no incline settings or wrist rest included, but since the board is so low profile, you might not need them.

    8.9
    Backlighting
    BacklightingYes
    Color
    White
    Individually Backlit Keys
    Yes
    Color Mixing
    White Only
    Effects
    No
    Programmable
    No

    The Logitech Slim Folio Pro has white backlighting and features three different brightness settings, which can be adjusted directly on the board.

    Cable & Connector
    ConnectivityWireless
    Detachable
    Yes (Charge Only)
    LengthN/A
    Connector (Keyboard side)
    USB type-C

    While this keyboard needs a USB-C cable to charge, note that there's no cable included in the box, which is unfortunate.

    7.5
    Wireless Versatility
    Bluetooth
    Yes
    Bluetooth Multi-Device Pairing
    No
    Proprietary Receiver
    No
    Battery Type
    Rechargeable

    This keyboard can connect to your devices via Bluetooth, but note that you can't be connected to multiple devices simultaneously. If you want a folio board that lets you pair with a second device, check out the ZAGG Pro Keys. For a board that connects directly to the iPad and doesn't need charging, check out the Logitech Folio Touch or the Logitech Combo Touch.

    Extra Features
    Media Keys
    Dedicated
    Macro Programmable Keys
    No
    Trackpad / TrackballNo
    WheelNo
    USB Passthrough
    No
    NumpadNo
    Windows Key Lock
    No
    Lock IndicatorNo Indicator

    The Logitech Slim Folio Pro has dedicated media keys, which is great to manage your music while working. It also has a few dedicated keys for its Bluetooth pairing procedure, or an on-screen keyboard button and an iPad lock button. The magnetic cover also has a little sleeve for the Apple Pencil. If you'd like a similar keyboard with a trackpad, check out the Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad 2021.

    In The Box

    • Logitech Slim Folio Pro
    • Manuals
    Typing Experience
    Keystrokes
    See details on graph tool
    Mechanical
    No
    Key Switches
    Rubber Dome
    Feel
    Tactile
    Operating Force
    70 gf
    Actuation Force
    35 gf
    Pre-Travel
    1.0 mm
    Total Travel
    1.8 mm

    The rubber dome switches found on this keyboard have a nice tactile bump before the actuation point. The keys also have very short travel, which is usually typical for chiclet keys.

    6.0
    Typing Quality

    The typing quality provided by this keyboard is mediocre. There's no support at all and your wrists have to rest on your desk. The low profile of the keys might not be for everyone and although the keys are stable, the switches don't provide as nice feedback as the Brydge 10.2 Keyboard for Apple iPad.

    Typing Noise
    Noise
    Very Quiet

    Typing on this keyboard is very quiet and you shouldn't bother people surrounding you if you're working in quiet environments like a cafe or a library.

    6.3
    Latency
    Latency Wired
    N/A
    Latency Receiver
    N/A
    Latency Bluetooth
    26.7 ms
    Software and Operating System
    0.0
    Software & Programming
    Software NameNo Software
    Account Required
    No Software
    Profiles
    No Profile
    Onboard Memory
    No
    Cloud Sync
    No
    Macro Programming
    No
    Ease Of Use
    No Software
    Software Windows Compatible
    No
    Software macOS Compatible
    No

    There's no dedicated software for customization options.

    8.1
    Keyboard Compatibility
    WindowsPartial
    macOSPartial
    LinuxPartial
    AndroidPartial
    iOSPartial
    iPadOSFull

    This Bluetooth keyboard has amazing compatibility, but is designed for iPadOS. Some keys won't work on other operating systems, but all alphanumeric keys work.