Logitech really nailed the iPad keyboard case design with its Ultrathin Keyboard Cover and Ultrathin Keyboard mini($34.87 at Amazon)(Opens in a new window)—so much so that the superlative keyboard cases have nearly as many imitators as the iPad itself. The Belkin FastFit Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard Case for the iPad mini ($79.99 direct), aside from leaving no doubts about its purpose or function, looks and feels a heck of a lot like the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard mini. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as the anodized aluminum design is thin and light, nicely complimenting the iPad mini. Unfortunately, while the keys have a nice springy feel to them, the awkward layout makes typing on the already tiny keys a chore. At the same price, but with a more comfortable keyboard, the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard mini is the keyboard case you want.

Design, Setup, and Keyboard
At first glance, the Belkin FastFit( at Amazon)(Opens in a new window) and Logitech Ultrathin look pretty indistinguishable, but there are a few notable differences. For one, the FastFit is actually slightly wider than the iPad mini itself, while the Ultrathin aligns perfectly with the mini. That extra width accommodates the second difference; instead of a plastic, magnetic hinge like the Ultrathin, the FastFit has a solid aluminum strip for a hinge. It feels less chintzy than the Ultrathin’s, but it makes the whole package appear asymmetrical, as opposed to looking like two equal halves. Inside you get the same single ridge that props the iPad up for typing.  

Like all cover-style keyboards, the FastFit provides some protection for the front, but leaves the back of the mini completely exposed. The FastFit activates the iPad’s Auto Sleep/Wake function when opening or closing the cover. Unfortunately, like the Logitech Ultrathin, the FastFit doesn’t stay securely closed on its own. The cover could flap back open if carelessly thrown in, say, a backpack, which might affect the tablet’s battery life by waking the iPad as it travels. Keep this in mind when you place it in a bag.

There’s a microUSB port along the right edge for charging with the included cable, and an On/Off switch above keyboard. The FastFit automatically enters pairing mode when turned on, and setup is as simple as any other Bluetooth accessory. A dedicated Pair key lets you put the FastFit back into pairing mode.

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That dedicated Pair key is one of a few frustratingly awkward key layout choices with the FastFit. The key resides right where the Delete key typically does, and trust me, you’ll be searching for the Delete key a lot with the FastFit. The keys themselves aren’t any smaller than Logitech’s, and actually have a good springy feel to them, but they’re offset by the spacebar. Belkin dedicated far too much precious space to the arrow keys, pushing the spacebar to the left of where my thumbs naturally search for it. The ? key is also to the right of the spacebar, instead of in line with the lower row of letter keys. Are dedicated arrow keys and < or > keys more important than the spacebar or ? key? Belkin seems to think so. I eventually got used to this awkward layout, but my fingers never felt quite at home.

Conclusions
The Belkin FastFit isn’t a bad keyboard case; in fact it’s pretty good compared with clunkier options like the ZAGGkeys Mini 7. It’s a well-made, beautifully designed case, but the puzzling key layout choices left me scratching my head. To be frank, however, you really won’t find a truly comfortable or accurate typing experience on any iPad mini keyboard case—its footprint is just too small to accommodate a proper keyboard. You’ll be making sacrifices with any choice, but if you’re set on a keyboard case for your iPad mini, get the Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard mini.