For iPad Mini enthusiasts everywhere, the eventual coming of a "perfect" keyboard companion was likely an assumption within the decision to buy. Unfortunately, many are still waiting for that perfect keyboard to come, many months after the release of the small tablet.
The full size iPad itself is a unique concept in that it takes a screen almost big enough for a laptop and tears off the keyboard. It was designed for users to type on the screen. However, since most of us do not type accurately on a screen, aftermarket options abound.
Many traded in their iPad for the Mini because the tradeoff in screen size was made up for by the slim and light body of the Mini. However, the size of the Mini does not allow for ten-finger typing like the iPad did. And what users were able to do on the larger tablet with only mediocre results, the Mini does far worse. Touchscreen-typing on the Mini's screen is a nightmare come true.
Naturally, many have assumed that third-party keyboards would come in and save the day like they did with the larger iPad. Step in they did, but save the day they did not.
In a nutshell, the keyboards that are available make an unacceptable compromise to fit the Mini's size. The Logitech Ultrathin Mini keyboard takes away the left row of buttons on the keyboard, combining the Caps Lock with the "A" key, and putting that in line with the Shift key. Getting used to this setup is much easier than it sounds, but the problem is when switching back to a traditional keyboard the fingers do not adjust back properly. Apple's keyboards in particular have small raised bars on the "F" and "J" keys to indicate where your hands should begin when typing. But many typers, if not most, feel the position by their pinkies. The confusion that ensues when touch typing is frankly astounding.
Other keyboards take away a few keys from the right side of the keyboard, requiring that you press the "function" key in order to access essential punctuation such as the apostrophe. This is true for the Belkin Wireless Mini keyboard. Again, it wreaks havoc on your typing.
In that regard, the Zagg Mini 9 seems the perfect solution. Two problems: it is heavy, and it is also wrapped in a decidedly non-OEM-type faux leather. And one more: the iPad Mini barely fits into the shell, and you almost have to bend the tablet in order to get it in and out.
The third-party tablet accessories business is difficult, especially given the fast-changing nature of tablets. It is difficult to imagine a company sinking the resources into building an accessory only to have it become obsolete with the next iteration of the product. The secrecy that shrouds the tech business compounds the difficulty of future-proofing these products. And once they are ordered from manufacturers and factories, it is easy to be stuck with a product that doesn't sell.
Still, it is not hard to imagine a good keyboard without compromises. The Zagg Mini 9 is a good start. What it needs is a better construction and lightweight materials. Something of a combination of the Logitech Ultrathin Mini, which has a decidedly OEM feel to it, and the Zagg Mini 9 with its full size keyboard, would be great.
Or perhaps the next Mini will come with a keyboard and touchpad. Here's hoping that Apple is listening.
