The Zagg Slim Book for iPad Mini 2/3 is the sleeker version of the Zagg Rugged Folio for iPad Mini . The Slim Book contains a slightly updated keyboard that offers better feedback, and it features the detachable keyboard and case sections that earned the Rugged Folio our Editors’ Choice award. However, the key bounce (or repeated key) issue I experienced prevents me from awarding the Slim Book for iPad mini 2/3 the same honors as its rugged cousin.

We’ve already reviewed the Zagg Slim Book for iPad Air 2. The $129.99 iPad Air 2 model is almost physically identical except for the obvious change in size, so we’ll focus on the differences between the two models for this review.

Design and Features
Measuring 8.46 by 5.70 by 0.63 inches (HWD), the Slim Book generally keeps the diminutive feel of the iPad Mini 2/3. Weighing in at 12.48 ounces (0.78 pounds), it does add a little heft, but that’s typical for adding keyboard functionality to a case.

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Both the iPad Mini and iPad Air 2 versions of the Slim Book’s hinge have a groove that’s designed to let you swipe up from the iPad screen’s bottom to reveal the iOS 8 shortcut menu. However, the iPad mini 2/3’s bezels are narrower than on the iPad Air 2, and the groove on the Slim Book for iPad mini 2/3 isn’t deep enough to let you swipe up from the screen’s bottom easily. In fact, you can forget about doing it with your index finger; you may just be able to do it with your thumb, but it’s an awkward reach.

Keyboard
The typing experience on the iPad mini 2/3 version of the Slim Book is obviously more cramped due to its smaller size. The keys are slightly smaller, but they’re as well spaced as they possibly can be on a keyboard designed around the compact 7.9-inch tablet. However, some compromises had to be made in the layout to keep the spacing and key sizes as comfortable as possible. For example, the apostrophe/speech marks, parentheses, tab, caps, and shift keys are smaller—but still usable, especially once you get used to them. Oddly, the Delete key on the iPad Mini version is bigger than on the iPad Air 2 version , which I prefer, as smaller keyboards potentially mean more mistakes to delete.

During my review of the iPad Air 2 version of the Slim Book, I hardly ever experienced any issues with key registration, but the same can’t be said about the iPad Mini version. I saw far more key bounce in my tests, resulting in multiple key registrations from a single keystroke, which can get frustrating. 

The Zagg Slim Book for iPad mini 2/3 is an excellent keyboard case for your iPad mini 2/3, but it has its issues, like the aforementioned occasional key bounce and the hinge’s groove that prevents you from bringing up iOS 8’s shortcut menu easily. Despite these issues, the Slim Book for iPad mini 2/3 is one of the best keyboard cases we’ve reviewed for the miniature iPad. The ClamCase Pro for iPad mini 2/3 didn’t suffer from key bouncing in my tests, but it’s more expensive, its keyboard isn’t quite as comfortable, and its build quality isn’t quite as solid.