Wesley Hilliard
Apple didn't make a Magic Keyboard for iPad mini 6, and Lululook's Magnetic Keyboard perhaps acts as a testament to why.
When we first saw Lululook's iPad mini 6 Magnetic Keyboard Case, we were excited to see a company attempt what Apple wouldn't. This tiny keyboard turns the iPad mini into a cute portable laptop, but cuteness doesn't translate into productivity.
While Lululook's keyboard may not have mass appeal, it certainly isn't a bad option for those wanting a compact, dedicated iPad mini keyboard. The size, however, is a pain point we couldn't get past.
Lululook iPad mini 6 Magnetic Keyboard Case design
It is clear that a lot of work went into making this keyboard case more than just a simple Bluetooth keyboard with magnets. It is shaped to perfectly house the iPad mini without the need for annoying attachments or extra cases, and the RGB backlit keyboard is aesthetically pleasing.
The upper shell is mostly an empty plastic basin for the iPad mini to rest in. The plastic outer shell feels sturdy, while the inner surface is coated in a rubbery material.
Magnets hold the iPad mini in place, but only with enough force for everyday use. If the case is dropped with the iPad mini inside, expect it to fly out. However, that isn't a negative since we're not using this case for protection, and no lips or rubber boundaries make insertion and removal simple.
The top case sits on a swivel that can rotate 360 degrees. This is great for general media viewing, or playing games with the screen turned around. The hinge is strong enough to keep the device's angle consistent even when tapping and swiping.
The bottom half houses the keyboard and trackpad. The miniature keyboard uses keys that are about 25% smaller than standard keyboard keys.
The keys fit edge-to-edge, but their smaller size and minimal distance between keys make typing a very different experience. Placing our hands on the home row isn't exactly possible, as our fingers have to squeeze together to sit correctly, so typing can be more hunt-and-peck than we'd like.
There are RGB backlights that can be adjusted to a few presets with minimal control over what is shown or how colors are arranged. It has three levels of brightness.
The trackpad is plastic, but it doesn't feel cheap like other plastic trackpads. The mouse cursor moves easily on the iPad without much issue, but Bluetooth dropouts can make the cursor disappear mid-drag.
Using the Lululook iPad mini 6 Magnetic Keyboard Case
We love the novelty of having a tiny keyboard purpose-built for the iPad mini 6. However, that feeling quickly disappears when typing becomes challenging and better keyboards are available nearby.
While we'd rate this typing experience better than using the touchscreen keyboard, it's only just. Our fingers are used to typing on full-sized keys, and even after weeks of use, we still struggle to hit the correct key every time.
Short social media posts, conversations in iMessage or Discord, and other quick typing events were fine with this keyboard. We also liked that the case doubled as a display mount, perfect for keeping the iPad positioned for gaming with a controller.
A magnet in the bottom will activate the iPad mini's sleep mode when the case is shut. Opening the case with an iPad inserted is a two-hand job since the bottom half is very light. Pressure from the thumb can also dislodge the iPad mini when pulling the case open in some instances.
The keyboard connects over Bluetooth and charges via USB-C. A hard-wired mode isn't available, so while users can charge the keyboard via the iPad, it will only connect over Bluetooth.
Should you buy the Lululook iPad mini 6 Magnetic Keyboard Case
If you're desperate for a dedicated iPad mini keyboard case and remain upset that Apple hasn't made one, then Lululook's keyboard case isn't a bad option. While the typing experience isn't ideal, it is still usable for limited cases.
If you're expecting something similar to a Brydge keyboard, Apple Magic Keyboard, or other premium iPad keyboard case, this keyboard isn't for you. This is a keyboard where long-form typing isn't expected nor the goal.
Lululook designed the keyboard to fit the iPad mini silhouette at all costs, even the typing experience. Without making the entire case larger or using some kind of folding keyboard, there was no way to improve the keyboard's typing experience.
If these issues aren't deal-breakers and you're ok with buying a keyboard case that isn't really meant to be used as a full-time keyboard, then go for it. This is still a great magnetic case with a swivel stand, adjustable angles, and a decent trackpad.
Anyone who is picky about keyboards or wants to write more than a handful of words at a time should look elsewhere. The keyboard market has been having something of a renaissance recently, and tiny portable keyboards are abundant. Check out our review of the Nuphy Air60 for an outstanding iPad mini keyboard option.
Lululook iPad mini 6 Magnetic Keyboard Case pros
- Lightweight, compact case
- Useful swivel with multiple angles
- Decent trackpad
Lululook iPad mini 6 Magnetic Keyboard Case cons
- Small keyboard keys make typing a challenge
- No wired-mode when attached directly to the iPad via USB-C
- iPad easily falls out with minimum pressure at odd angles
- RGB options are limited
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
We scored this keyboard case on the low end because it is not good at doing its primary job — being a keyboard. It isn't broken or faulty, just too small to be useful for most people. People with smaller hands or kids might enjoy the size and find more value.
Where to buy the Lululook iPad mini 6 Magnetic Keyboard Case
This keyboard case can be purchased from the Lululook website for $99 regularly, but it is currently on sale for $65.99 ($34 off).
AppleInsider Staff
Andrew Orr
Amber Neely
William Gallagher
12 Comments
It's really a shame to see innovaton get unfairly slammed like this with one of the lower ratings that I've ever seen on AI. And since neither Apple nor Brydge nor Logitech offer a true iPad Mini 6 keyboard solution, I welcome having a choice that reflects quality and smart design of this Lululook keyboard case created exclusively for the Mini 6.
If overall typing experience is your main priority in choosing a Mini 6 keyboard, that solution has existed from day of release: it's called the Apple Magic Keyboard, which is both relatively small and lightweight. But consider that Mini 6 buyers are willing to pay a 50% premium to get a smaller form factor iPad over the price of a similarly spec'd and excellent regular iPad, and it should be apparent that small form factor is a top priority for the iPad Mini buyer. And if you want a keyboard tailored to the Mini form factor, then smaller, more cramped keys and a compromised typing experience have ALWAYS been the necessary price to pay for having a full keyboard in a much smaller amount of space. This isn't a fault of the Lululook, it's a requirement--unless you've figure out a way to defy the laws of physics.
Mini buyers also aren't using their iPads as their typing daily drivers. What's desired is a keyboard solution that keeps the form factor "mini" and compact, while allowing a "good enough" typing experience when on-the-go. The Lululook keyboard satisfies these requirements better than anything else on the market. In fact, it's only real competitor is Logitech Keys to Go, which isn't specific to the Mini, it has to be carried separately, and the experience of typing on its membrane "keys" can hardly be called "better."
Thanks for making us aware of this product! It sounds like the author is not in the niche club of iPad Mini owners desperate for something, anything that resembles this. As the price is currently only $56 with STUDY15 promo code on Lululook's site, I just ordered myself a Gray one to go with my iPad Mini 6 in Starlight. (the keyboard comes in gray or black.)
This looks to be the same keyboard under a different brand name that YouTuber "VeryLastDollar" called "The BEST PREMIUM iPad Mini 6 Keyboard Case" and "The Must Have Keyboard Case For Any iPad Mini 6" which he reviewed at $80. Yes the video is goofy but he's one of the only people I've found that reviews and compares the various mediocre iPad Mini 6 keyboards that are available on the market. He raves about this keyboard and trackpad compared to the other options available.
I got the Brydge Mini 7.9" keyboard for my previous-gen iPad Mini and I LOVE that size device for a tiny travel laptop. Having a physical keyboard makes the on-screen keyboard disappear, making the screen real estate feel twice as large in some instances. But one of the big drawbacks of the Brydge was the clamps that pinch the bezels to stay mounted to the iPad. When folding the iPad + keyboard combo shut, pressing on the top rear of the iPad (as one normally closes a laptop) caused the iPad to flex in the Brydge's clamps, so the clamps put undue force on the front of the iPad as it folds down. You can see the screen change colors frighteningly from the pressure points of the hinge clamps. The best solution I found was to flip it over so the iPad itself rests on the table and the keyboard is up in the air, and then press on the back of the keyboard to fold it down against the iPad. Not ideal and hard to get in the habit of remembering to do it this way.
In comparison the magnetic attachment of this Lululook keyboard looks like it will be far more gentle to my new iPad Mini. And a trackpad, so exciting! Unlike the author, I'm not a writer, and so I expect to use the trackpad for web browsing a lot more often than the keyboard. And it will hopefully be a nice travel combo that I can also use to hold the iPad screen in various positions for watching videos etc.
Before the iPad Mini 6 was even available for sale, I wrote Brydge immediately after the Mini 6 was announced, begging them to produce a keyboard with trackpad like this for the new iPad Mini. Over a year later, the old Brydge Mini 7.9" keyboard is discontinued and it's still crickets from them if they'll ever release a new Mini keyboard option, let alone with a trackpad. This Lululook keyboard's nice magnetic cradle solves the old Brydge's hinge pinch problem, and the USB-C charging port is an improvement on the Brydge's micro-USB port as well. I'm not expecting it to be as good as the iPad Magic Keyboard, but I've given up hope anything that good will ever exist for the iPad Mini 6. For about 1/5th the price of a Magic Keyboard, I'm hoping this little keyboard case will be a decent travel companion for my iPad Mini in situations when a full size laptop is too big and too valuable to carry.
Would love to see a chord-keyboard with trackpad for the mini in portrait format.
Especially if they could work in so when folded flat backwards you could chord type on the back of the device while standing up instead of thumb type on screen.