[Macworld]

Post your comments for Review: Logitech's Ultrathin mini keyboard cover makes the wrong tradeoffs here

[iuseamac]

I have purchased this keyboard and found the same issues. I could probably learn to deal with the weirdly small keys; however, the failure of the case to latch when closed and a relatively weak magnet attachment were the deal-breakers for me. It's just not secure enough to trust.

[Odolyte]

Why bother: the apple wireless keyboard is light and highly transportable and when you need it, you have a REAL keyboard for 69$ !

[MacConvert]

The beauty of opinions is that there are many, and mine is quite different. I love this little keyboard. I absolutely agree that there are compromises--there have to be to get a keyboard in the footprint of the mini.

But the fact that the keyboard is the same size as the mini, and adds little bulk or heft, is a massive plus. I can now go to grad school carrying only my mini with this keyboard attached.

It isn't a perfect typing experience, but I can type fast enough on it--especially after a bit of getting used to it--to take notes from lectures in class and in meetings at work. They keys respond naturally, and the most used ones are the right size. I slow down a bit for the smaller keys, but it is only a momentary slow-down in an otherwise fluid typing experience, which I am thrilled to have on something this size.

This keyboard + my mini is now useful enough to replace my MacBook Pro in many settings, which makes it well worth the premium price in my opinion.

(I do agree with the desire for more precise battery charge info--perhaps something like Apple uses on the side of a MacBook?)

[ront1]

I found the issue of the keyboard being too small even for the Ultrathin keyboard for the larger iPad. I returned it and started using an Apple Wireless Keyboard. I could not be happier.

[Dan Frakes]

Odolyte, on 25 February 2013 - 07:20 AM, said:

Why bother: the apple wireless keyboard is light and highly transportable and when you need it, you have a REAL keyboard for 69$ !

The same reason someone might use the full-size Logitech Ultrathin with the full-size iPad: It's lighter, smaller in your bag, and protects the iPad. With the Apple keyboard, you still need a case and stand for the iPad.

(I switch between the Logitech Ultrathin and a couple standalone keyboards [including the Apple Wireless]. I like both, but there's a definite appeal to the Ultrathin—especially for the iPad mini.)

[GregoriusM]

I bought my iPad mini for portability. The Logitech Ultrathin for my iPad mini is at the top of the list for a portable keyboard.

I tried the Apple BT Keyboard, and the Logitech Solar BT Keyboard, and while they both work very well, especially the Logitech with its 3 BT Connections that I could use for my iMad (I have a wired keyboard), my AppleTV, and my iPad mini, I still found it far too large for my usage pattern.

Although Lex has found it problematic for his needs, I can understand going from 120 words per minute to 30 is not something that he would be comfortable with.

I type in the range of 100 wpm on my Apple Keyboard but I doubt I could type anywhere near 30 wpm just using the on-screen keyboard. I have spent a LOT of time trying to use the on-screen keyboard on the mini, and it does have its uses, but I don't see it being anywhere near as fast as even 30 wpm for when I do desire a physical keyboard.

As much as I appreciate Lex's opinion, I wouldn't be surprised if he actually could type much faster if he used it more than he did.

So, I will be ordering the Logitech Ultrathin in the very near future, not as a replacement cover, but as a cover I use when I am going out the door to a place where I know it will be advantageous.

Everywhere else, the Smart Cover will do me just fine, which even gets taken off 90% of the time I am using my iPad mini for consumption.

There are other reviewers who have used the Apple BT Keyboard, the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard for the full-sized iPads, and have reviewed the Ultrathin for the iPad mini, and say if you let yourself have enough time to use it, it can be a great addition.

And as Dan Frakes and MacConvert have mentioned, they have found uses for this keyboard cover.

Keep up the good work, Lex! Even opinion pieces like this help us to stop and think if what we are contemplating buying is good for the task at hand!

Cheers.

[dreyfus]

I was playing with the idea to get this one. I guess I will wait for a review of Belkin's iPad Mini keyboard attempt for a comparison now. They don't offer a white model (which I would prefer), but if it happens to be any better, then so be it.

[Khaledmrd]

this is for people on the move, great for casual typing as the ipad mini for casual work,

want a full keyboard, logitech got the New Easy Switch Mac/ipad/iphone eliminated bluetooth also the Logitech for the mac/ipad/iphone k760 same 3X bluetooth pairing but with Solar panel both at their web site

[Khaledmrd]

Quote

I was playing with the idea to get this one. I guess I will wait for a review of Belkin's iPad Mini keyboard attempt for a comparison now. They don't offer a white model (which I would prefer), but if it happens to be any better, then so be it.

this Logitech one got editor's choice at other sites, it is tricky to evaluate the size as it has to be the same size of the small ipad frame

evaluation would vary from editor to other based on his usage and hands size

[pawhite524]

A couple of thoughts and opinions:

-This may be why Steve Jobs thought the 7" form factor was too small- he had typing in mind. Odd, I don't recall any reviewer ever faulting the typing experience on a Nexus 7 or Kindle 7".
-If it looks like a "real keyboard then it should be expected to perform like a real keyboard," hence Lex's review and 2.5 stars.
-It would be the Clown Car of keyboards if it could deliver all the benefits of a full-size keyboard in that tiny size. Oh yeah, Clown Cars rely on illusion. Dang!
-My small, pocketable Leatherman tool has its virtues but does not replace the one on my belt which does not replace my Craftsman tool set in the garage.
-Lastly, please, let's all remember not to shoot the messenger [leave that to Google ;^) ].

[icerabbit]

The review seems a bit harsh, as any portable keyboard is a compromise; and I think I've used worse setups than this.

Have you tried a surface pro keyboard?

You might find this one a delight instead.

[jasonlivy]

I bought one (am using it to type this) and, although it's taken me a bit to get used to, I've found it exactly what I was looking for. I understood going in that there would be some compromises based on the iPad Mini's size. I knew that the keyboard would be cramped and my typing experience a bit frustrated. However, what sold me was the fact that it was so diminutive and was made to look like it should have been a part of the Mini all along.

What made me fall in love with it was the fact that I really didn't loose much of my typing speed! I type at about 95 wpm and I'm right around 80 wpm with the Logitech. Because of this it's been far less frustrating than I originally thought. Some of the keys are small (especially the delete key), but I have no problem hitting when needed. The keys are responsive and feel much like my MacBook Pro with a bit more cushion. I also like that the screen is near the keyboard so it doesn't take much of a reach for me to quickly 'touch and type'. I personally love the angle it rests on and find that much of what I use it for is to simply hold the Mini when I'm not necessarily using it to type. The fit and finish are top notch to the point that I feel $80 price is a bargain.

I do have a couple of issues with it. One, although I love the proximity of the screen, I find myself at times accidentally hitting it with my fingers, thus repositioning the cursor somewhere else on the page. I am getting better at not doing this, but it's taken some effort. I also don't like that the keyboard doesn't latch down when folded in half. I was hoping the magnets would keep the keyboard from opening and closing, similar to the Smart Cover, but that's not the case. There is nothing holding it down and it's constantly turning the iPad on when in my messenger bag. Not a deal-breaker, but not ideal either. A tighter pocket would help. I also wish there was more protection for the iPad. The screen is protected when closed, but the back is fully exposed. Before I bought the Logitech keyboard, I was using the Otterbox iPad Mini Case. Going from that to no protection has made me a bit nervous.

I'm a huge fan of this keyboard and would recommend it highly with some caveats. Be prepared for smaller keys and more cramped space, but also know that it's a huge improvement over the on-screen keyboard. It has made my iPad Mini much more versatile and useful in my opinion.

[Mike21]

I agree the review is harsh and I do wonder if the reviewer had been a three-fingered typist like so many of us, he'd have formed a very different opinion and awarded it a 3½-4 mouse rating?
I wonder what the ratio is, approximately, between the two skills of your readers' typing? I would guess touch-typists to be in the minority.
However, already forewarned, I, too, shall await the review of a wider range of mini-keyboards imminent in the next issue.
Actually I can afford to wait as I am not yet even an owner of an iPad Mini! – I have decided to wait until the next version is introduced with the inevitable (?) Retina screen.