What is the best external keyboard for the iPad mini? Does the iPad mini even support an external keyboard? What about an external mouse?

Apple does not sell a "Smart Keyboard" case for the iPad mini like it does for larger iPad models, presumably because the company feels that such a keyboard for the iPad mini would be too small.

However, the iPad mini models do support just about any Bluetooth-enabled external keyboard. Although the iPad mini operating system (iOS) does support some external input devices as an accessibility feature to help those with disabilities, it does not support a mass market external mouse.

Best External iPad mini Keyboards

Because the iPad mini models are small, a keyboard the same width as the devices themselves may be too small for those with average or large hands to use accurately or comfortably and you might prefer a larger Bluetooth keyboard that is roughly the size of the keyboard on a notebook computer.

For those who want a keyboard case to effectively "convert" the iPad mini into a mini-notebook, Everyi.com also evaluates some good options below.

Logitech Multi-Device Keyboard

Photo Credit: Logitech (Multi-Device Keyboard K480)

Based on hands-on use, we have been pleased with iPad keyboards from Logitech, and the Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480 is a good general option that will work with all iPad mini models.

This keyboard has a slot to prop up any iPad mini in either portrait or landscape orientation and even can support as many as three devices with a dial to alternate between them.

Best iPad mini Keyboard Cases

Because the original iPad mini, iPad mini 2, and iPad mini 3 models are essentially one size and the iPad mini 4 and iPad mini 5 are another size, make sure to identify your iPad correctly to buy a keyboard case that fits properly.

Logitech iPad mini Keyboard Cases

Photo Credit: Logitech (Ultrathin Keyboard Folio - Left; Focus Case - Right)

For the original iPad mini, iPad mini 2, and iPad mini 3, Logitech offers the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Folio as well as the similarly designed Logitech Focus Case for the iPad mini 4 and iPad mini 5, although these are all getting harder to find these days. These soft cases wrap around the iPad mini and provide some protection as well as a soft keyboard feel not dissimilar to Apple's own Smart Keyboard.

Brydge iPad mini Keyboard Cases

Photo Credit: Brydge (BrydgeMini - Left; Brydge 7.9" - Right)

Like the Logitech options, there are two different Brydge keyboard cases for the iPad mini -- the BrydgeMini for the original iPad mini, iPad mini 2, and iPad mini 3 and the Brydge 7.9" for the iPad mini 4 and iPad mini 5 (no longer available). These rigid metal attachments hook onto the iPad mini and provide a backlit keyboard and a typing feel that is quite similar to using a high quality notebook computer.

Choosing the Best iPad mini Keyboard for You

Ultimately, for most iPad mini users with average or larger hands, we think a general keyboard like the Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480 would be a good choice, but for those who want to use their iPad mini as a little notebook computer while on the go, one of the high quality, size-specific options from Logitech or Brydge can be ideal.