Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover user reviews

Pros Sleek, compact, lightweight, useful shortcut keys, matches the design of the iPad and does not add bulk.

Cons Fingerprint magnet on glossy finish (keyboard surface), likely to attract scratches on aluminum finish (back of keyboard).

Summary I just purchased this product from my local Best Buy. They have several in stock, but none on display. Luckily, there was a box that had already been open for me to check out. I first saw this keyboard on Logitech's website last week, after scouring the web for similar options. Was initially skeptical about it since there were no reviews. I picked this on over the Zagg option because it appeared to add to much bulk to my iPad.  I'm actually sitting on the couch with the keyboard in my lap as I write this review on my iPad 2. I purchased this to replace my HP bluetooth keyboard (the one that goes with the HP touchpad). It became a hassle to carry it around town with me, and I wanted to find something smaller and more compact.

I'm actually sitting on the couch with the keyboard in my lap as I write this review on my iPad 2.  Here are some of my obervations.

1. The design is very sleek and compact. The keys are tightly spaced together, but I'm still able to type pretty fast. The keys are somewhat noisy and it sounds like I'm hitting each key with my fingernails. But not noisy enough to be a nuisance.  The delete (backspace) key is a little small for my taste, but may be on par with other keyboards similar in size.  I am switching from a full-sized option though. Would not recommend using this with the iPad in portrait mode. Feels very unstable.

2. My main area of concern dealt with the case I use to cover the back of my iPad. I have the Speck smart shell that works with the Apple Smart Cover. I wasn't sure if it would fit, but it does with no problem. Both the Speck case and the Logitech keyboard fit together flawlessly. However, the case has to be removed when the iPad is placed on the keyboard. The keyboard magnets are not able to secure the iPad with the case on. Also, the hinge on the keyboard is not deep enough to fit the iPad with the case on at the same time. This could be a deal breaker for me. I'm still on the fence about it.

3. The back of the keyboard seems to be constructed of some thin "aluminum type" material. I think it will scratch very easily as it slides across various surfaces during use. It may also get dinged up when being transported. I have a sleeve that I carry my iPad in, so it may not be an issue. But over time, I think it will look very worn.

4. I was able to connect the keyboard to the iPad in seconds. And so far, the keys appear to be very responsive. Unlike my HP keyboard, which tended to lag when keys were pressed. Causing the same letter to appear numerous times.

5. The black plastic surface of the keyboard already has several fingerprints on it. I guess that why it shipped with a cleaning cloth.  Not a big deal for me, but may be an issue for some.

6. The various shortcut keys are a nice touch.  Especially the ones focused around manipulating text.  I can see how those keys will be very useful.

7. I just noticed that the number keys were of no use when I opened up the Evernote app and attempted to enter my security pin.  Haven't tested this on other apps yet.

So far, these are my thoughts about the product.  Overall, I'm leaning towards keeping it (only purchased it a few hours ago).  I like this better than the other options I've seen in person.  There is another option currently being funded on Kickstarter called the Brydge (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/552506690/brydge-ipad-do-more?ref=search).  If it were available on the market now, I would have probably gotten that one.  However, it doesn't appear that I can use the other one with the Speck case when transporting the iPad.  But I do like the overall design of the Brydge, and the option for an integrated speaker.  Let me know if you have any specific questions, and I'll try to answer them.

Pros Small/thin/lightweight

preserves OEM look

offers the same level of screen protection as a smart cover

Cons somewhat pricey

keyboard is on the smallish side

Summary The above 'reviews' are absurd. First, who cares what CNET said about another product? It's irrelevant in my book. Judge this review on THIS REVIEW. Second, SD slots? LOL Get real. You want those, get a laptop. It's a freakin iPad! Some people prefer to type emails, stories, etc on a physical keyboard so this type of solution is a good choice for them. Personally, I prefer the BT apple keyboard/origami combo. It gives me a real keyboard and I don't need to make the iPad something it's not when I'm not using it. Best of both worlds. Even still, this looks decent. As always, the 'retail price' is just the starting point. All products are over-priced when it comes to retail. I'm sure you'll be able to pick this up for a more reasonable cost sometime down the road.

Updated on May 7, 2012

Don't be a ******. I was responding to the other 'reviews' (all of which clearly never used one either.) Since there is no forum (like Engadget) the 'user review' section becomes the defacto forum to voice any/all thoughts related to the product. Some of which are actual reviews but a lot are simply opinions... however misinformed and illogical they may be. I was simply trying to bring people back down to planet earth.

Pros Fit, appearance, bluetooth connectivity, keystroke feedback

Cons Magnets not secure for portrait mode and may not hold in place when carrying closed iPad. No protection for iPad back. Cost for the white case is higher than the black case.

Summary This is the best iPad keyboard case that I have used for my white iPad (3rd generation). I use the keyboard for typing emails and letters as well as for editing documents. Overall, I am very impressed with the keyboard. The magnets function well for holding the iPad in landscape position but not as secure for portrait position. The key feedback is very good and enables fast typing.

I have not encountered any of the issues mentioned by the other reviewers. There are no scratches on the screen of the iPad where it attaches to the keyboard.

Based on my experience I will be using my iPad more as a replacement for tasks that I previously used my Mac.

Pros Thin, lightweight, excellent battery life. Shortcut keys are fantastic. Paired extremely easily. DOES work with the new iPad (3rd Generation, 2012).

Cons Not as "solid" feeling as the iPad itself. Fingerprints galore on keyboard surface. Back is easily scratched (see my review for a tip on how to avoid this.). Auto-correct doesn't work with this (or any other) external keyboard on the iPad.

Summary I'm writing this review on my new Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover as we speak. It really is an excellent solution if you need to have a physical keyboard to type on... I'm not having a terribly difficult time adjusting to the size of the keys, although they are a bit small for my taste -- however, Logitech has used the available real-estate very efficiently, with no wasted space, so the keys are about as large are they're going to get. It's a good compromise.

One thing that I highly recommend is buying these: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20095642-1/kicks-rails-are-like-rubber-feet-for-ipads/?tag=contentMain;contentBody;1n

Those rubber pads I ilnked above are fantastic for keeping the keyboard (and the iPad) from sliding around and getting scratched. They don't add bulk, like a case would, and seem to do an excellent job of preventing scratches. You don't have to remove them to fit the iPad into the slot on the keyboard! If you're going to buy this keyboard, you MUST get yourself those pads -- you will not regret it, although it will add to the price of what is already a pretty expensive keyboard... (Yes, I speak from experience -- I bought a 4-pack of those pads and have two on the back of my iPad, and two on the back of this keyboard -- they make all the difference in the world!)

The keyboard itself is not quite as "solid" feeling as the iPad. I don't mean it feels like it's poorly constructed, but it just feels a tiny bit "flimsy." Maybe flimsy is too strong a word... I just thought that it would feel as solid as the iPad itself, and it doesn't, quite. I think it will be just fine, though. Just don't expect something that feels like an Apple product, because it's not.

One complaint I have, and this is not specific to this keyboard, is that the auto-correct feature disappears when you're typing on an external keyboard like this one... I have yet to figure out how (if it's at all possible) to re-enable it for an external keyboard. Maybe this won't bother you, but it does kind of bug me a bit.

One other thing: If the keyboard is plugged in charging, the on/off switch seems to have no effect - you hit a key on the keyboard, even if the switch is in the off position, and the keyboard will wake-up and will take over your iPad's keyboard functions if it's within range. Not a huge deal, just be aware of it -- I thought my keyboard was broken, 'till I realized that it only did this when it was plugged in and charging.

One last word -- I'm using this keyboard with a 3rd-generation iPad, so YES IT DOES work with the newest iPad.

Overall, I'm extremely pleased with this keyboard. Is it worth $100? Hmmm... If you need an external keyboard to type on, then you absolutely owe it to yourself to look at this keyboard... I bought it, and I'm not excited about the $100 price-tag, but I will be keeping it because it's better than any other keyboard-cover I've yet seen. I would've given it 5 stars if it only cost, say, $75 or so.

If you have any questions at all, please respond to this review and I'll be happy to answer them.