iPad is a great device, but its cramped on-screen keyboard leaves a lot to be desired. It works fine for shorter typing excursions (e-mails for instance, short product reviews like this one, etc.), but it’s not meant to be used for extended typing sessions. This is even more the case with iPad Mini, which makes any serious typing an exercise in hand acrobatics.

Physical keyboards help alleviate this problem somewhat. The physical key response is very valuable, especially if you are a touch-typist. However, many such keyboards, including this one, are still pretty cramped and make fluid typing all but impossible.

That’s the bad news. the good news is that as far as iPad Mini keyboards go this one is pretty well built and designed. It is relatively lightweight and it doubles as a protection case. It allows for a quick storage of your iPad Mini when it’s not in use. Since it’s a Bluetooth keyboard, it relies on having it synced with your device for connection. This was relatively easy to accomplish, and the wireless connection remained steady and reliable throughout the time I was using it.

The keyboard allows you to prop up your iPad Mini while typing. The propped up iPad Mini was securely lodged, although I would not want to use this keyboard away from a flat surface (a desk for instance) on which to rest it. You are also unable to adjust the viewing angle while tying, which is another minor inconvenience.

This case also provides some level of protection for your iPad Mini, but I would not trust this case to protect my iPad Mini from more serious falls or impacts.

The rubberized exterior of this case may not be after everyone’s liking. It gives off much more functional than elegant and sophisticated look. This may not necessarily be a bad thing, and it may be the kind of style that you are looking for anyways.

I think that for the kind of value it offers this case is overpriced. It should really be in the $40 to $50 price category.

Overall, this is a decent product that can help you get more out of your iPad Mini in terms of productivity. However, the physical limitations of iPad Mini have also put a constraint on the maximum usability of any small keyboard like this one.