Logitech’s Flip Folio iPad case is almost a great Magic Keyboard replacement

I really want to like Logitech’s new Flip Folio case for iPad Pro and Air models, but poor build quality sours what could otherwise be a great experience.

Logitech’s pitch with the Flip Folio case is appealing. It’s a basic iPad case with a screen cover that users can fold into a kickstand. Coupled with the magnetic Bluetooth keyboard, which rides along on the case and can be popped off when needed, it’s a compelling option for anyone who wants to boost their productivity while using an iPad. That’s exactly what drew me to the Flip Folio to begin with.

I recently started using an iPad Air for a few reasons. For one, I’ve never really used an iPad for productivity because, well, I didn’t think it could replace a laptop. I wanted to put that theory to the test, but after seeing what Apple is cooking up in iPadOS 26, I’ve put it on the back burner until I’ve had a chance to test out the new features.

Fixing the Magic Keyboard’s flaws

But while most of my iPad issues are software-related, there’s one big problem I have with the iPad hardware that new software won’t fix: the keyboard. Typing on a touchscreen just isn’t practical for me, and I hate Apple’s Magic Keyboard. It’s a solid piece of hardware, but it’s insanely expensive ($399 for a keyboard case?), and it’s so bulky and heavy that it totally ruins how thin and light iPads are.

I like using the iPad Air for some personal creative writing projects because it’s super light and easy to carry around with me. But the Magic Keyboard effectively doubles the weight and thickness of the iPad Air, making it heavier and thicker than a MacBook Air. It totally defeats the point.

Logitech’s Flip Folio case somewhat improves on this situation. It’s about 100g lighter than the Magic Keyboard, putting the Flip Folio and iPad Air combo just under the weight of a MacBook Air. However, when you tack on the weight of the keyboard (207g), the whole thing ends up being heavier than the Magic Keyboard. Further, the Flip Folio isn’t any thinner than the Magic Keyboard.

Wireless versatility

But while the Flip Folio might not improve on the weight and thinness situation, it does have other benefits. Overall, it’s much more versatile. I found with the Magic Keyboard, if I wanted to do anything other than typing on the iPad, it made more sense to just pop the tablet off. But with the Flip Folio, there’s a lot more versatility and I found I never really needed to take it off.

Plus, the wireless keyboard further increases the versatility. Since it’s not attached to the case, users have the freedom to place the keyboard wherever is most comfortable for them. The keyboard also supports connecting multiple devices — one example Logitech pitched was rotating the iPad and placing an iPhone next to it on the case, and then using the keyboard with both devices. It’s an interesting idea, but not exactly one I found useful in my time with the Flip Folio.

The keyboard itself is fine. It’s not my favourite typing experience and I prefer the feel of the Magic Keyboard, but the Flip Folio keyboard is very usable. Really, my biggest issue with the keyboard was the lack of a touchpad. Granted, you don’t really need one with an iPad because of the touchscreen, but I prefer having the touchpad as an option for instances when I need more precision.

It’s also worth noting the keyboard doesn’t have rechargeable batteries. Instead, it uses coin cells. The good news is that they’re replaceable, but it’s still a bit of a frustrating decision.

Quality gap

Although the Flip Folio didn’t quite address my weight and thickness concerns with the iPad Air, I generally enjoyed using it. But there was one problem with the case that really bothered me: the build quality. The Flip Folio case I tested had significant gaps between the case and the iPad on the corners, thanks to a general warping of the case itself, coupled with the camera cut-out not quite fitting the iPad Air’s camera bump.

The Flip Folio comes in two sizes compatible with the 11- and 13-inch versions of the iPad Pro and Air, and I tested it with the 13-inch Air. If I align the case with the corner of the iPad, it catches on the camera bump. But if I align the cutout with the camera bump, the case ends up overhanging on the opposite edge. Coupled with the gaps and other small quality issues, such as the messy-looking crease where the case bends, it’s a bit disappointing overall, especially for the cost.

Logitech charges $229.99 for the smaller version and $249.99 for the larger size. It’s less than the ridiculous Magic Keyboard, but at $250, I expect the case to at least fit the device properly.

Overall, my feelings on the Flip Folio are mixed. It’s not quite the Magic Keyboard replacement I had hoped for, but I can’t really fault it for that. That said, the Flip Folio is a viable Magic Keyboard replacement and even does a few things better than the Magic Keyboard.

I think Logitech has a lot of good ideas here, and if the company can shore up its manufacturing to eliminate some of the quality concerns, I think the Flip Folio could be a solid option for iPad fans. In short, I’d recommend the Flip Folio to anyone who wants a cheaper, more versatile alternative to the Magic Keyboard and who don’t mind if it doesn’t fit perfectly.

The Logitech Flip Folio costs $229.99 or $249.99 and is available directly from Logitech as well as from Best Buy (11-inch / 13-inch) and Amazon (11-inch / 13-inch).