My iPad mini is one of my favorite gadgets.

But there’s one thing it lacks for getting real work done: a keyboard.

I don’t meannormal Bluetooth keyboardsor wired peripherals, as those work perfectly as they would with any machine.

iPhone 16e with iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro in hand against grey wall.

But for those of us with smaller hands, the size isn’t a huge issue.

The folio itself uses nice, strong magnets to keep the case closed when not in use.

However, there is a reason I continued looking after trying this case.

Person wearing the Apple Watch Series 10

For how bulky it made my iPad feel, I expected better performance.

It foregoes the folio-style keyboard case for a sturdy, self-supporting laptop style.

My main problem with this case is that, in my opinion, it’s too ambitious.

Checking grammar and spelling in the iPhone’s Notes app using the Grammarly keyboard.

I think the biggest consequence of these features, however, is the toll they take on battery life.

I also liked that the hinge was sturdy enough to hold the iPad up without extra folio support.

USB-C charging support is always appreciated, so I was excited to try it out when it arrived.

An iPad Mini and a keyboard case.

Lucas Gouveia / How-To Geek | GreenLaw

When I first put it on my iPad mini, I was extremely happy with it.

The problems started when I actually tried to use it.

No matter what I tried, I could not get the keyboard to pair with any of my devices.

iPad mini 6 folio style case with iPad and Apple Pencil inside, shown both open and closed.

CRIBUN Store

For my taste, this keyboard was exactly what I was looking for.

HOU also solved the folio problem pretty creatively.

I am shocked that a keyboard case this thin can even exist.

iPad mini keyboard case with RBG lighting and trackpad, with iPad mini inside case.

Typecase

Another huge win for this case is the keyboard itself.

iPad mini keyboard case by GreenLaw, with keyboard show detached from iPad.

GreenLaw

HOU Keyboard Case Product Image, showing iPad mini Keyboard case with stand in use.

HOU Keyboards

Back of iPad mini with HOU keyboard case, showing back of case folded to create a stand.

Hannah Brostrom / How-To Geek