What is the benefit of having a keyboard for my iPad?

The best iPad keyboards can help you to type faster than using an on-screen keyboard, can be more efficient, allows you to utilise space better, and offers you the flexibility to convert your iPad into the ultimate workspace, resembling a laptop-style setup, if you also pair your new keyboard with one of the best mouse 's for iPad.

The best iPad mini keyboards

(Image credit: Future/Apple/Arteck/Snugg)

Most modern iPads are equipped with laptop-like capabilities, and with the best iPad Mini keyboards, you'll be able to transform your iPad Mini into an incredibly portable and compact workstation. Some of the best keyboards are entirely separate from your iPad, whilst others can double as a handy cover to protect your tablet.

Many of us have iPad keyboards here at Creative Bloq to allow us to work and research on the go, and with a vast collection of reviews and articles, we have done the work to provide you with the best iPad Mini keyboards to fit your needs.

From mechanical to membrane keyboards, Bluetooth to USB-C, we've gathered them all to help you make an informed choice. You might not have an iPad yet, or maybe it's time for an upgrade; if so, check out our guide to the differences between iPad generations. If you know you want an iPad mini specifically, we're continuously updating our guide to the best iPad Mini prices, as well as the best Apple Pencil deals if you're an artist.

Why you can trust Creative Bloq Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

A product shot of the Apple MAgic Keyboard on a white background

01. Apple Magic Keyboard

The best Apple keyboard overall

+ Official Apple option
+ Flawless performance
- Premium price

Apple's own Magic Keyboard is pricey but well worth it. It will instantly pair with any iPad running iPad OS, as well as Macs and iPhones. The Magic Keyboard has an incredible battery life and should go for a month or so on a single charge.

02. Logitech MX Keys Mini

The best iPad mini 6 keyboard

+ Solid build
+ Dedicated emoji key
- Pretty pricey

Logitech's MX Keys Mini is a feature-packed minimalist keyboard that comes in at about the same price as the Apple Magic Keyboard, while boasting some impressive features, such as smart illumination that turns on the keyboard's backlighting when your fingers approach and turns it off again when you've finished typing.

03. Omoton Ultra-Slim Bluetooth Keyboard

The best budget iPad mini keyboard option

+ Great looks
+ Performs well
- Needs AA batteries

This ultra-slim keyboard comes in at a fraction of the Magic Keyboard's price. You get what you pay for; it's made of plastic, but you do get a set of multimedia function keys, and a decent battery life that should see it run for months off a pair of AAs.

04. Arteck iPad Mini 6 Keyboard case

The best iPad mini keyboard that doubles as a case

+ Hinged stand
+ Great price point
- Battery life lacking

This cheap and cheerful model doubles as a case and features a rotating swivel hinge. You can angle your iPad for comfortable viewing, and the keyboard feels good to type on. The battery life is only up to 50 hours on one charge, but it'll take a full charge in about an hour.

05. IKOS Foldable Wireless Keyboard

The best foldable iPad mini keyboard

+ Supremely portable
+ Useful stand
- Hinge placement

This folding keyboard is full-size when unfolded it makes a perfectly decent size typing surface. It's made of aluminium, with scissor switches in its keys for a responsive typing feel. An added bonus is that the case doubles up as a stand for your iPad mini (or any other compatible device).

06. Snugg iPad Mini 5 Keyboard Case

The best iPad Mini case that feels like a laptop

+ Rotating keyboard
+ Rotating case
- Hinge degrades

This sleek keyboard doubles as a protective case for your iPad Mini 5. It features colour-changing, backlight keys, and a 360-degree rotatable hinge and fits the iPad Mini perfectly with charging cable cutouts. If you have a later model, Snugg also have a keyboard case option for the iPad Mini 6.

A product shot of the blue Logitech Keys-to-Go wireless keyboard on a white background

07. Logitech Keys-to-Go Ultra-Portable

The best slimline keyboard for iPad mini

+ Slim yet tough
+ Spill and dust-resistant
- Flimsy

Logitech's keyboard is an excellent portable choice. It's slim and lightweight, and wrapped in a durable, liquid-repellent covering. It's compatible with all iOS devices, has a set of shortcut keys, and its rechargeable battery can go for up to three months if you're typing for two hours a day.

08. ONHI Wireless Keyboard Case for iPad Mini 5

The best iPad mini 5 keyboard case

+ Tough case
+ Optional backlighting
- Expensive

If you have an older iPad mini 5 and want a combined keyboard and case, this one from ONHI does a fine job. It provides a hard aluminium casing, and an attached wireless keyboard complete with a proper hinge so that you can angle your device.

09. Boriyuan iPad Mini 6 Keyboard Case

The best iPad mini case with keyboard

+ Removable keyboard
+ Backlit keys
- Design feels cramped

This case doubles up as a stand with an Apple Pencil holder, as well as a mini backlit keyboard that has three brightness levels and seven lighting colours. The Bluetooth keyboard attaches magnetically, has a full set of function keys and it's also compatible with Windows and Android devices.

Can I use any keyboard with my iPad?

Yes and no. If you're using an external bluetooth keyboard then as long as your iPad Mini is equipped with Bluetooth then it should be absolutely fine, but if you're using a keyboard case then you'll need to make sure that you purchase the right one for your exact iPad Mini model/size.

To get even more complicated, there are some keyboards out there that use a dongle rather than Bluetooth to connect to your device, and most of the time these will be USB only. In this case, you would need to purchase an extra adapter (from USB-type C or Apple lightning to USB for example) so you can slot the dongle into one of the ports on your iPad Mini.

TOPICS

Jim McCauley is a writer, performer and cat-wrangler who started writing professionally way back in 1995 on PC Format magazine, and has been covering technology-related subjects ever since, whether it's hardware, software or videogames. A chance call in 2005 led to Jim taking charge of Computer Arts' website and developing an interest in the world of graphic design, and eventually led to a move over to the freshly-launched Creative Bloq in 2012. Jim now works as a freelance writer for sites including Creative Bloq, T3 and PetsRadar, specialising in design, technology, wellness and cats, while doing the occasional pantomime and street performance in Bath and designing posters for a local drama group on the side.

With contributions from

Amelia HowardFreelance Writer
Beth NichollsEcommerce Writer