There’s finally a better Smart Keyboard alternative for 2018 iPad Pro

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Logitech Slim Folio Pro
The Slim Folio Pro has a proper keyboard with backlit keys.
Photo: Logitech

Logitech has finally delivered its own keyboard case for the 2018 iPad Pro lineup. The Slim Folio Pro works a lot like Apple’s own Smart Keyboard, but it’s more affordable and even more useful.

You can order yours today.

Logitech makes some of the best accessories I’ve ever owned. Its K811 keyboard is a favorite of mine; I’ve been using one almost every day since I got it in 2013. I also enjoyed using its Slim Combo case for the 10.5-inch iPad Pro.

When I picked up the new iPad Pro last fall, then, I decided I would skip Apple’s own Smart Keyboard this time and wait for a more affordable alternative from Logitech. Now the Slim Folio Pro is finally here, and it looks even better than I hoped.

Logitech Slim Folio Pro ticks all the boxes

The Slim Folio Pro is available for the 11- and 12.9-inch iPad Pros launched in 2018. Like all good keyboard cases, it offers a laptop-like typing experience, with multiple viewing angles to provide comfort no matter how you’re working.

The case also provides protection for the front and back sides of your iPad when you’re not using it. And it folds out of the way so that you can hold the iPad like a tablet when you want to read the news, watch a movie, or take a FaceTime call.

Logitech Slim Folio Pro
The Slim Folio Pro gets out of your way when you don’t need it.
Photo: Logitech

But the best thing about the Slim Folio Pro is its keyboard. It’s more like a traditional laptop keyboard than the Smart Keyboard. It offers large, well-spaced keys with a proper scissor mechanism that provides decent travel. It’s also backlit, unlike the Smart Keyboard.

The Slim Folio Pro has a proper keyboard

Most importantly, the Slim Folio Pro boasts function keys. That means a single keypress is all you need to return to your Home screen, access Spotlight search, pause and play music, or adjust volume and display brightness.

What’s more, the Slim Folio Pro provides space to charge your Apple Pencil — and a place to tuck it away when you’re not using it so that it can’t fall off and get left behind.

It’s not quite perfect

There is some room for improvement here, however. The Slim Folio Pro uses Bluetooth connectivity as opposed to the iPad Pro’s Smart Connector. They means you will need to connect it manually and charge its internal battery every three months or so.

It’s also much bulkier than the Smart Keyboard, measuring around 22.5mm thick when it’s closed up.

Logitech Slim Folio Pro
It could be slightly better.
Photo: Logitech

Personally, I’m happy to accept those things for a proper keyboard with function keys. And I’ll be saving some of my hard-earned cash. The Smart Folio Pro is priced at just $119.99 when you choose the 11-inch model, and $129.99 for the 12.9-inch model.

That’s considerably less than a Smart Keyboard for the new iPad Pro, which will set you back at least $179.

You can order your Smart Folio Pro from Logitech today.

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