It’s not fancy, but Amzer’s Silicone Skin Jelly Case for iPad mini ($20) is a low-priced and straightforward option for protecting your tablet. Heavily based on the larger version of the case, the floppy rubber protector offers a good amount of protection for the low price, but there are some elements that left us wanting more. Nine color options are available.
The flexible rubber body makes installation and removal of the iPad mini very easy; just slide it in, pull at the corners to get them around the body, and you’re all set. In addition to covering the back and edges, Silicone Skin Jelly Case offers almost complete bezel protection, leaving just a sliver of white or black exposed around the screen.
This includes covering the Home Button with rubber, protection the company wasn’t offering before. A horizontal, teardrop-shaped opening exposes the FaceTime camera and ambient light sensor.
The back offers two types of protection. All four edges are covered in textured rubber, while a smooth X covers most of the back with twice the thickness. The exception is around the Apple logo, which is left exposed through a 1.5” hole.
This isn’t the first time we’ve faulted Amzer for this poor choice, and we stand by that criticism. It doesn’t look particularly nice, and leaves too much of the iPad’s aluminum exposed. On the other hand, the case does cover the Sleep/Wake and volume buttons properly, protecting them without diminishing their tactility. The opening along the bottom for the Lightning port and speakers is well-tailored—large enough to accept adapters and other oversized plugs.
The full-sized version of Silicone Skin Jelly Case received our general recommendation.
