As with the latest iPad versions, Logitech is ready right at the gate with the redesigned launch of the iPad Air, with a combined case that shapes productivity and portability. The latest accessory, Folio Touch for iPad Air, offers total protection for the iPad, a support with four viewing modes, an integrated backlit keyboard and a multi-touch trackpad, all in one affordable package.

Last week I tested the refreshed Logitech iPad Air case and I liked having a simple solution that understands the basics. With a solid keyboard experience, responsive trackpad and support for Smart Connector, Folio Touch is a must-have for those who want to turn the iPad into a productivity center. In fact, I came to love the Logitech Folio Touch for the iPad Air so much that I wrote and published this review entirely from the iPad - something I've never tried before with other trackpad keyboard covers for the iPad.

The Logitech Folio Touch is a complete all-in-one case for the iPad Air 4th Generation, with a protection frame, integrated trackpad and keyboard. The gray case has a smooth, woven material for the outer parts, which feels great in the hands, along with a set of soft plastic keys and trackpad. The case has precise cutouts for the new iPad Air stereo speaker arrangement, microphones, rear camera and USB-C port.

The Logitech case also houses the iPad Air's new TouchID sensor in the Sleep / Wake button and Apple Pencil 2, providing ample space for both unobstructed. Before I got my hands on the keyboard, I had some concerns about whether or not the case would interfere with the use of the newly added sensor, and I'm glad to say it's not at all.

Another initial concern of mine was how the case handles Apple Pencil storage, as it uses a magnetic strap that could prevent the iPad from being displayed. I am also happy to say that this is not a problem at all, as the strap attaches magnetically to the back of the case as well, which is just a nice touch.

At the back of the case is an adjustable leg with a mechanical hinge that stabilizes the iPad at different angles. Folio Touch is quite versatile, with four dedicated positions, each aiming for a specific task: type, viewing, sketching and reading. When you do not type the mode, the keyboard will turn off automatically to prevent accidental keystrokes and to save power.

Of course, the most critical factor in keyboard and trackpad cases is the keyboard and trackpad, which is where the Folio Touch shines. The keyboard on the Folio Touch provides the right amount of key movement and provides a satisfying click that you miss when using other iPad keyboards. If I had to compare the race of the Folio Touch keys with other keyboards I use, I'd put it a little less deep on Apple's Magic desktop keyboard for Mac.

Of course, the most critical factor in keyboard and trackpad cases is the keyboard and trackpad, which is where the Touch folio shines.

The keys are also perfectly sized for the iPad Air's compact form factor, with ample space between them to prevent accidental pressure. I especially like the fact that Logitech falls into a dedicated line of functional keys that put all the essentials at your fingertips. Features include brightness adjustments for the iPad display and keyboard backlight, volume and media controls, and shortcuts for locking the iPad and returning to the home screen.

My only complaint about the function keys is the placement of the lock button, which I usually accidentally hit, because it is just above the delete key. I am confident that I will break the pattern over time and gladly change the occasional inconvenience of having that row of functions on board.

Turning to the trackpad, I really like how fluid and receptive it is in everyday use. Navigating around the iPad screen with the indicator on the screen and using the usual gestures is smooth and natural. All the basics are here: two-finger scrolling, sliding revealing a sidebar, or scrolling back and forth through web pages and zooming in, everything works exactly as you'd expect.

Thicc and hesitant

Logitech Folio Touch for iPad Air (2020): What I don't like

As with everything, the Logitech Folio Touch for iPad Air has a fair share of drawbacks. The first of these is the size and bulky weight of the case. With a depth of 21 mm, the Folio Touch is three times thicker than the iPad Air, which is instantly noticeable. Folio Touch also weighs about 200g more than the iPad Air, so the whole package feels more like a laptop than a smart tablet.

Another problem is that the keyboard part of the case is not removable. The lack of a removable keyboard is not a problem, but I like that previous Logitech keyboard cases for non-Pro iPads could loosen at will. I assume this is due to the placement of the smart connector, as the new iPad Air positions it on its back to the previous air side.

My biggest upset with Folio Touch is the way it struggles with stability when used in the shift. The adjustable stand doesn't cut it in the classic position of the tour, because supporting it to keep the iPad screen flat or at a 90-degree angle makes it sway when you hit the keys. To balance the iPad Air on the lap, the stand needs to be adjusted so that the iPad display sits at an upward angle and even then, the Folio Touch still doesn't feel as stable as I'd like.

competition

As the iPad Air has just entered the market, competition for trackpad keyboard cases is somewhat limited at the moment. The most important competitors are, of course, the Apple magic keyboard and the Folio Smart Keyboard.

The Magic keyboard has several advantages over Folio Touch, in addition to the unmistakable floating design. One of these is the charging via pass, which keeps the iPad Air covered by the Smart Connector. The other is the slick magnetic system that makes the transition from productivity to tablet just a quick grab. The major disadvantage of the magic keyboard is the price, because it sells for $ 299.

Smart Keyboard Folio does not have a built-in trackpad and backlight, but it also has some distinct advantages. Like the magic keyboard, you can easily break the case, making the iPad a iPad again. The Smart Keyboard Folio is also much lighter and less bulky than the Folio Touch.

Logitech Folio Touch for iPad Air (2020): you should buy

You should buy this if ...

You want an all-in-one experience with keyboard and trackpad

The Logitech Folio Touch for iPad Air checks all the tapes when it comes to an authentic all-in-one experience. With the integrated keyboard, trackpad, holder, pencil strap and protective case, Folio Touch has everything you need to do your job.

You want a case that provides extra protection from the Magic Keyboard or Smart Keyboard Folio

If you want a case you don't have to worry about when you throw your iPad in your bag or if you have a history of drips, then Folio Touch is for you. High protection, Folio Touch offers much more than the Apple Magic keyboard and the Folio smart keyboard.

You don't want to mess with charging or pairing Bluetooth

Folio Touch offers Bluetooth and battery freedom by using the iPad Air's smart connector. With Folio Touch, you can forget that you need to pair your keyboard or trackpad - it works as soon as you insert iPad Air into it. The same goes for battery management, so you'll never have to wonder if you have enough juice to get through the day.

You shouldn't buy this if ...

Look for a thin and light keyboard and trackpad solution

If you want a keyboard and trackpad that retracts into the background when you're not using it for productivity, you'll need to look elsewhere. Folio Touch is significantly heavier and thicker than the iPad Air, affecting the portability of the sleek design and putting it close to the laptop's territory.

You want to be able to detach the keyboard when not in use

The keyboard portion of the Folio Touch is not removable, so using the iPad Air as a tablet with the back keys feels a little weird. It's not a bad experience, it's just different from what you would expect when using an iPad, and the weight will cause an extra period of extra effort compared to going without cases.

You plan to use it often on your lap

While the adjustable stand on the Logitech Folio Touch works in the lap, it does not provide solid stability. The iPad tends to sway in certain positions when you type and just doesn't fit the feel of a laptop where most of the weight is under the keyboard.

Whether you're looking for a cheaper alternative to Apple's magic keyboard, or you want multifunctional equipment that offers adequate protection, the Logitech Folio Touch for iPad Air is a fantastic choice. With excellent key movement, function keys, backlighting and a responsive trackpad, Folio Touch instantly turns the iPad Air into a productivity machine. This is certainly not the case for those who appreciate portability, but it's hard to go wrong with Folio Touch for those who want more from their iPad.

4
of 5

The Logitech line of iPad iPad cases is already the gold standard for all-in-one protective cases, and with the latest version of the iPad Air, the legacy continues. Sure, it's heavy, bulky and not as bright as Apple's magic keyboard, but with a lower price and a solid overall feel, Folio Touch is a winner.