I know having a bluetooth keyboard for a phone with a physical keyboard seems silly, but for long emails (and really for any typing) I find the physical keyboard to be lacking. It may be that I have small hands, but it is uncomfortable and I can never really get my rhythm with it. Anyway, I have been eyeing this keyboard for a while and finally decided to purchase it. I got the iPad version since it was Prime eligible on Amazon. I purchased it also because I am in the market for a 7" tab and wanted a keyboard of comparable size.
It's a small keyboard, about 8.5" wide. They keys are springy and have a nice feel to them. The pairing was a bit trickier than other phones I have used. I had to do the initial pairing, then select the device in the paired list and hit a key on the keyboard to activate it. It doesn't seem to pull up the on screen keyboard when in use, which was a nice surprise. I had already downloaded nullKeyboard in anticipation of that happening.
EDIT: I am not very observant. It does pull up the on screen keyboard. I don't know how I missed it!!
One downside (although minor) is that it doesn't use a standard USB end. It is something smaller than microUSB. Not a big deal, though it would have been nice not to have another cable to keep up with. I haven't used it enough to give any sort of estimate on battery life, but these sorts of things are usually pretty long lasting.
Link:
http://www.amazon.com/CaseCrown-Por...P8EE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322545047&sr=8-1
That's a good posting, thank you.
I just ordered a bluetooth keyboard before thanksgiving:
http://www.amazon.com/Verbatim-9753...LT2E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322557358&sr=8-1
I'll post a review about it when I get it.
I agree with your sentiment about having a physical keyboard.
I want to plug my phone into a TV, then sit back on a couch and play with it, leaving the phone by the TV.
This means Bluetooth keyboard, video game controller, and trackpad.
Have you seen any good trackpapds that are bluetooth? being able to use the touchscreen as a touchscreen by proxy of a trackpad seems like the right answer instead of a mouse.
Blue6IX said:
Have you seen any good trackpapds that are bluetooth? being able to use the touchscreen as a touchscreen by proxy of a trackpad seems like the right answer instead of a mouse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the one I have also considered:
http://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-Promini-Trackball-Bluetooth-Keyboard/dp/B004S214IS/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1322575241&sr=8-6
Many people have recommended the keyboard that has the large square trackpad beside it, like this http://www.amazon.com/Bluetooth-Keyboard-Symbian-Players-TouchPad/dp/B0042VAXKK/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1322575241&sr=8-14 but the trackpad seems too wide to be able to comfortably type of the keyboard. Seems like you'd have to hold it strange on the right side. I like the first keyboard because the trackball doesn't offset the keyboard by too much.
I've seen that mini-keyboard recommended for the Nook Color.
Thing about it for this phone, though, is it just doesn't seem much different fromthe slide-out keyboard. The trackpad is a nice bonus, but if i'm gonna use a whole new physical keyboard, something like what you got or I ordered seems more worthwhile.
Why strain on tiny little thumb-keys when you can get keys sized for fingers and type normally.
Maybe for another device it would be good - just that mini-keyboard seems like too little gain for too big a hassle. Others may feel different, just my personal thoughts without having one.
I say this, though, and when my keyboard comes in i'll be minus a trackpad, so unable to scroll on the phone and still have to keep it right in front of me - therefore only a partial victory.
I'm really glad to hear that the keyboard you have is working out well for you, I was worried that it would be a pain in the tail to make it work right.
I just got mine in.
Works fantastic, fold up and fits in my cargo pocket of my pants.
Works on two AAA batteries, and I have packs of them just laying around thankfully, though I can't imagine it goes through them fast since it has an off switch.
Pairing was simple and easy, subsequent reconnects are seamless.
I like it, happy customer. Now have a keyboard that goes with my phone that outputs to a larger monitor.
Blue6IX said:
I just got mine in.
Works fantastic, fold up and fits in my cargo pocket of my pants.
Works on two AAA batteries, and I have packs of them just laying around thankfully, though I can't imagine it goes through them fast since it has an off switch.
Pairing was simple and easy, subsequent reconnects are seamless.
I like it, happy customer. Now have a keyboard that goes with my phone that outputs to a larger monitor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know why I didn't consider a fold up keyboard! So much more handy and easy to tote about. Thanks for the recommendation. I may just have to pick one up (I have a thing for keyboards ...)
geek_riot said:
I don't know why I didn't consider a fold up keyboard! So much more handy and easy to tote about. Thanks for the recommendation. I may just have to pick one up (I have a thing for keyboards ...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, if you got a thing for keyboards, let me explain this one a bit more now that i've had it for a day.
It rocks. It's nice to type on, the keys are flat like a laptop. It integrates with android well, haven't had any problems in using it.
It has a little stand that pops out of the back of it, which I can use to support the phone right behind it - very handy.
It folds in half and slips in a case that fits in my cargo pocket - happy. Smaller then my Nook Color when folded, pictured below.
I attached a handful of pictures to give an idea of the size and how it looks.
On each side it has 4 little rubber feet, so when it's folded open it balances on 8 points that don't slide - perfect!
Runs on two AAA batteries, - the only thing is you have to press a recessed button for initial pairing, so you need a tool or something. ( I used a pair of tweezers).
Pictures below:
Do you think that stand would hold a 7" tablet?
Thanks!
Kim
I am quite sure that my Nook Color with the Trident case would break the stand.
It may not, but it sure wouldn't hold it right - it's pretty flimsy.
Fine for the phone, but anything beyond that is asking too much.
Hey all,
I'm mulling over picking up a TF700 instead of a new laptop for working at home. Most of my work is with word documents or emails so software-wise it suits my needs and obviously is more flexible for relaxing with than a laptop.
My main concern is the quality and durability of the keyboard. I won't be spending all my time working on it, but might do a couple of hours on a weekend so the keyboard needs to be at least as good as a run-of-the-mill laptop keyboard.
The reviews iv read have been mixed on the keyboard, some saying its more suited to shorter bursts of activity but not really for extended stretches. Im not sure where Il be able to find an outlet to test the keyboard when its released so I'm trying to get current users' opinions.
Could someone share their experience so far and whether its likely to meet my needs?
Many thanks
BishopBlaize said:
Hey all,
I'm mulling over picking up a TF700 instead of a new laptop for working at home. Most of my work is with word documents or emails so software-wise it suits my needs and obviously is more flexible for relaxing with than a laptop.
My main concern is the quality and durability of the keyboard. I won't be spending all my time working on it, but might do a couple of hours on a weekend so the keyboard needs to be at least as good as a run-of-the-mill laptop keyboard.
The reviews iv read have been mixed on the keyboard, some saying its more suited to shorter bursts of activity but not really for extended stretches. Im not sure where Il be able to find an outlet to test the keyboard when its released so I'm trying to get current users' opinions.
Could someone share their experience so far and whether its likely to meet my needs?
Many thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like the keyboard very much, but for hours and hours on end?....... Nah. Not for larger files, reports, etc. Occasional e-mail, yes... forum posts, yes. Something resembling real work? No.
From what I've experienced with the tf300 keyboard (same product just different materials and hinge interface width) it's not perfect, but it still allows for fast and comfortable typing. It beats touchscreen typing by a long shot. It also comes in handy if your sitting in a recliner because it keeps the tablet upright without having to hold it.
As far as quality goes, the touchpad seems kind of cheap, and the material scratches easily, but the hinge is solid metal and the latch is pretty strong and shouldn't give you trouble.
I wouldn't say its as good as a laptop keyboard though simply because it's much smaller.
rightonred said:
From what I've experienced with the tf300 keyboard (same product just different materials and hinge interface width) it's not perfect, but it still allows for fast and comfortable typing. It beats touchscreen typing by a long shot. It also comes in handy if your sitting in a recliner because it keeps the tablet upright without having to hold it.
As far as quality goes, the touchpad seems kind of cheap, and the material scratches easily, but the hinge is solid metal and the latch is pretty strong and shouldn't give you trouble.
I wouldn't say its as good as a laptop keyboard though simply because it's much smaller.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well it depends...did you want a laptop (which is on average 15") or a netbook (10")? The Infinity is basically the size of a small netbook when plugged into the dock, so obviously the keys aren't going to be as large. That's the main difference I took away when I played with the TF201 dock. The keys seemed perfectly okay to type on, but the size might strain your fingers if you're working consistently for a few hours. I'd stick with a real keyboard (and you can plug in a bluetooth keyboard for a nicer, bigger keyboard if that's something you're into)
So recently, I got sick of my Samsung Epic 4G despite it running the latest Android and being, generally, a great phone. I decided to go to the S4 when I saw bluetooth keyboards were available for it. I like the idea of slider keyboards as my Epic has a five row one that works flawlessly. I'm now asking for any keyboards that people have found that aren't god awful.
So I bought this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009MJ0V5E/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
And it is honestly the worst product I have ever bought. Not only is it IDENTICAL to every slider case that exists on amazon (A lot of different brands, too), it has MANY problems.
-The buttons are hard to press down
-The space bar is the width of two letter keys across. TINY
-Delete key is intuitively placed BETWEEN KEYS.
-Delete key is also the size of one letter key.
-No spacing between keys
-Caps and FN keys are not toggle-able.
-Only a 4 row keyboard, so numbers are "FN" buttons
-This requires holding down the FN key to use a series of numbers
Overall, it was the biggest disappointment in my life. It's bad enough where I'm selling the S4 and going back to my Epic. If anyone finds a good BT keyboard and wants to stop me from making this decision, by all means. And there's a white version floating about that's exactly the same that prices anywhere from $30-90.
Go back to your epic. If you really need a slider keyboard THAT bad then this isn't the phone for you. Doubt you'll like any bluetooth keyboard.
Sent from Flip's Galaxy S4
elflip88 said:
Go back to your epic. If you really need a slider keyboard THAT bad then this isn't the phone for you. Doubt you'll like any bluetooth keyboard.
Sent from Flip's Galaxy S4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Been waiting on a post like this for a while. I'm in the same spot. Love my Epic, wish I had 3 extra processors.
I've been looking at this case recently:
http://www.hypercel.com/best-sellers/bluetooth-keyboards/bluetooth-keyboard-case-galaxy-s4-white
and am waiting on some feedback as I'd hate to go all in only to be let down.
elflip88 said:
Go back to your epic. If you really need a slider keyboard THAT bad then this isn't the phone for you. Doubt you'll like any bluetooth keyboard.
Sent from Flip's Galaxy S4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's the problem that there's really only one bluetooth keyboard. If one is to look on Amazon, they all have an identical design, aside from the ones that really are full-sized keyboards.
The problem is that the iPhone crowd started a trend of "buttons are so barbaric". Every phone company jumped on board because adding a keyboard meant higher manufacturing cost. Back when the HTC Touch Pro was on the market, it was thee biggest phone. Now keyboard phones are released with last-years mid-range specs. To get latest specs, you have to axe the keyboard. I simply don't know why Samsung doesn't release their own BT add-on. It's possible, and with a real company behind it, it might actually be a good add-on. There wouldn't be so many clones on Amazon (and there are near a hundred different "companies" that released the same bluetooth keyboard on Amazon) if there weren't a significant amount of buyers.
dannyzen said:
Been waiting on a post like this for a while. I'm in the same spot. Love my Epic, wish I had 3 extra processors.
I've been looking at this case recently:
http://www.hypercel.com/best-sellers/bluetooth-keyboards/bluetooth-keyboard-case-galaxy-s4-white
and am waiting on some feedback as I'd hate to go all in only to be let down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's the exact same keyboard only in white. The fact that it's $80 adds layers of insult to injury. Sorry man, wouldn't make the purchase.
I mean, this add-on makes the phone significantly thicker than my Epic, but I'm a guy. They put pockets on our jeans.
TPMJB said:
It's the problem that there's really only one bluetooth keyboard. If one is to look on Amazon, they all have an identical design, aside from the ones that really are full-sized keyboards.
The problem is that the iPhone crowd started a trend of "buttons are so barbaric". Every phone company jumped on board because adding a keyboard meant higher manufacturing cost. Back when the HTC Touch Pro was on the market, it was thee biggest phone. Now keyboard phones are released with last-years mid-range specs. To get latest specs, you have to axe the keyboard. I simply don't know why Samsung doesn't release their own BT add-on. It's possible, and with a real company behind it, it might actually be a good add-on. There wouldn't be so many clones on Amazon (and there are near a hundred different "companies" that released the same bluetooth keyboard on Amazon) if there weren't a significant amount of buyers.
It's the exact same keyboard only in white. The fact that it's $80 adds layers of insult to injury. Sorry man, wouldn't make the purchase.
I mean, this add-on makes the phone significantly thicker than my Epic, but I'm a guy. They put pockets on our jeans.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://www.amazon.com/TOP®-Wireless-Removable-Bluetooth-Keyboard/dp/B00D03KVYE/ref=pd_sim_cps_4
http://www.amazon.com/Arbalest-Remo...&sr=1-16&keywords=wireless+keyboard+galaxy+s4
These look like the other option you have, but I don't see anything else. The delete key seems to be in a better position.
i prefer physical kb also. not sure the battery drain from having bt on all the time would be worth it.
Phatdawg said:
http://www.amazon.com/TOP®-Wireless-Removable-Bluetooth-Keyboard/dp/B00D03KVYE/ref=pd_sim_cps_4
http://www.amazon.com/Arbalest-Remo...&sr=1-16&keywords=wireless+keyboard+galaxy+s4
These look like the other option you have, but I don't see anything else. The delete key seems to be in a better position.
i prefer physical kb also. not sure the battery drain from having bt on all the time would be worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
*sigh*
I'm wondering if I could frankenstein something out of my spare Samsung Epic and my S4. Would likely require more know-how with the software than I currently have.
epic 4g is still a great phone, the most ergonomic i've ever used and the keyboard really comes in handy not only for typing but as a "holder" to view the screen & navigate
these days i use it as a remote/mouse when i hook my PC up to the tv and it works flawlessly
This has received terrible reviews, but I do like its form factor:
http://www.amazon.com/TOP®-Bluetoot...-3&keywords=bluetooth\+keyboard+for+galaxy+s5
Anybody use anything else?
Jake
jakfish said:
This has received terrible reviews, but I do like its form factor:
http://www.amazon.com/TOP®-Bluetoot...-3&keywords=bluetooth\+keyboard+for+galaxy+s5
Anybody use anything else?
Jake
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know - the reviews aren't worth their time for the product. the description of the product itself is clearly ESL which doesn't build confidence about the budget they had in making this thing. However two of the 3 critical reviews are either irrelevant (doesn't fit his note 3... ) or unreliable. The one that specifies criticisms has such poor grammar as to be undecipherable in some places, but does point out the bulk and possibly poor hardware design of the case. I don't expect this thing to be thin, but it's ridiculous that the description and specs don't mention the actual SIZE of the product. It's weight is more than 10 oz though which is getting up there.... worrying for sure.
However the same reviewer also comments that the text you type is "perpendicular"... presumably he isn't aware of how to choose apps that can work in landscape or know enough about his phone to know how to enable rotation. So all in all we have one clear negative which is the bulk of the product.
I don't want a bulky keyboard/case either, but it may be a requisite since at least this keyboard has real buttons.
I wish people would talk about the keyboard feel/action (is it actually possible to type on (Despite the misaligned qwerty layout) or is it too hard to press fast... stuff like that).
I also wish the real dimensions were published.
So I do agree with you - I want something like that but with at least enough information to be worth spending $50 or more to get (After taxes/shipping/exchange rate etc as I'm in Canada). No way I'm throwing away that much money unless I know it's worth it.
For big bucks there is that new laser keyboard they keep promoting before movies in theatres LoL.... but (a) I expect it's super expensive and hard to find, and (b) can you imagine typing on anything LESS responsive than just a desktop surface without being able to feel key edges or motion??
Anyhow.... ideas would be welcome here.
---------- Post added at 12:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:48 PM ----------
ya know, honestly I'd rather have an unfold able bluetooth keyboard that reaches near full size and has decent action that I can put in my other pocket than deal with a crappy keyboard case only to have such a small keyboard as to be only marginally better than typing on the phone itself.
so a foldable full size qwerty keyboard that gets really small and thin for pocket carrying sounds ideal.
Is there such a thing (that doesn't cost $500)?
http://www.cellphoneshop.net/s5btokey.html
I ended up rolling the dice on this--it was 20usd/free shipping. Worth a look-see. And I think it's the same one so extravagantly priced on Amazon. It's on a slow boat from China, so fingers crossed. While waiting, I also went ahead and purchased/installed "External Keyboard Help Pro," an amazing app that allows full key/character customization of a bt keyboard. I set up the layout on a Ipad bt keyboard, but since the coding is unicode rather than hardcode, I'm hoping the layout/keystrokes will transfer successfully to the arriving mini keyboard.
I had forgotten the laser keyboard, but I'm with you: how good could can the form factor be?
If this thing ever gets here, I'll certainly post back my impressions. I do see that same keyboard kicking around on ebay for under 20usd, sans case, but I don't know if such ubiquity is good or bad.
Thanks for your thoughtful post,
Jake
I've had a bluetooth keyboard for probably 18 months now... Got it on special for 5.99 GBP, made by Xenta.. It is not attached to the phone but I keep it in my work rucksack, along with a bluetooth mouse. The only downside about it for me is that the buttons are rubberised. IF the buttons were more like a blackberry this keyboard would be ace - but you do need to sit the phone somewhere so you can type using the keyboard. A plus is that I can use this keyboard with any device that accepts bluetooth keyboards, hence it has been paired with my HTC One X+, Samsung Note 3 and S5.
6 Pounds - can't go wrong.
Here's a better one that says it has a mouse feature built in. http://www.ebuyer.com/247588-xenta-...keyboard-with-mouse-touchpad-2-4ghz-rf240-50k
Rubberized keys seem to be a complaint about other brands of keyboards as well--it must be the cheapest way to make them sell for 6 Pounds
My en route keyboard is also rubberized. Should be an adventure in qwerty.
The mousepad from your link's model draws complaints--I had a vague little optical mousepad on my Sidekick 4G that would freak out in sunlight. It's hard to make these things both cheap and good.
I'm most interested in whether the contraption will a) fit in a front pocket of jeans b) be useful as a phone when it sits in the case
Jake
This is why OEMs should look into hardware keyboards again. This is what made the original G1 great.
Sent from my toaster
The keyboard/case arrived and for 20 bucks, I have no complaints. It paired right away and afterwards, when bt is enabled on the S5 and the keyboard is turned on, it connects fast and without problem.
As for the keyboard itself, it ain't no HP Jornada 720 or any other handheld computer. The keys are rubberized and own a certain mushiness and obviously, it's a smaller layout than any h/pc.
If this analogy rings a bell with anybody, I would compare usability to the Psion Revo keyboard. The tactile sense b/w the two is literally hard and soft, but their sizes are similar and the typing vs mistakes is roughly equal for both the Psion and this.
The phone casement is velcro-ed and to enable a quasi laptop mode, you loosen the phone's bottom half to set it at a slight angle.
The External Keyboard Helper Pro saves the day: I programmed a second Shift key, key-mapped many punctuation alternatives (mostly smart quotes, etc), key-stroked apps (e.g. alt-w = word processor). Everything was done without root.
You can tell by its thickness that the case/keyboard/phone will not fit into a jeans' front pocket, which is where I like to carry my S5. I would imagine it would fit into the front pocket of dress pants, but noticeably so.
Wish me luck posting these pictures,
Jake
So there the expensive official keyboard, the cheaper logitech keyboard..
Can anyone who has tried these post a small review? I've seen reviews of the official samsung one but not the logitech.. the logitech one would suit my black model tab to match my S5
Or.. is it just a stupid rip off (as it seems buy the prices) and get a much cheaper bluetooth keyboard
TBH I'm not sure if i'll even use it, but.. i like to have everything for my devices
Idk where to find the link in the YouTube app but go search for Samsung Galaxy tab S keyboard and I recommend the logitech one since it's cheaper and better and it also has a case with it with decent protection. I too like to have all stuff for my device. I'm not even sure what to get yet as they're still expensive, maybe the prices will go down eventually.
Sent from my SM-T805
Not sure if you are aware but if you register your Tab with Samsung at their website, they will email you a coupon code for 50% off any 3 accessories. This will allow you to get the official keyboard at just about the same price as the Logitech one (about $10 difference). I can't comment on the Logitech but I do have the Samsung one and I do like it. Also like how well it matches and still maintain relatively low profile.
Cheers didnt know you could do that ill sign up
anyone try a 3rd party ebay keyboard, like Ebay Item # 251714259830 ( Would post a link but under 10 posts so I can't )
I love the official keyboard for all the usual obvious awesome reasons. But I really miss a trackpad while in laptop mode.
I found the Amazon Fire Keyboard right in the same BestBuy where I got the official keyboard. It's smaller than the Samsung in every dimension, height, width, thinner, lighter, WITH a trackpad, and yet the keys are actually larger. Has almost identical features and keys. Like all 12 F-keys, and a back button that works as Esc key at least in a couple terminal/ssh apps which I need. Ctrl, Alt, etc. And to top it all off, I paid $150 for the Samsung and the Fire was only $79 open box but clean. Only $89 unopened.
It's a wonderfully slick little keyboard. Perfectly flat, thin, light, simple, clean.
However all in all, I haven't yet made up my mind which is the better overall kit. There are some pros & cons about each.
Since I want a pointing device, I'm comparing not just two keyboards but two complete kits.
Using the Samsung keyboard means I have to carry a mouse or trackpad or some kind of pointing device other than touching the screen, and I DON'T have to use any kind of case. (I don't like cases.)
Using the Fire keyboard means I don't have to carry any extra pointing device, but I DO have to put the book cover on the tablet to provide a kickstand since the Fire keyboard doesn't. It also means I'm carrying two loose items instead of two items snapped together into one item.
I found a pretty slick little (expensive, and not as small as I'd really like) bluetooth mouse that goes well. HP Bluetooth Mouse Z8000. It looks like there are no buttons, or like the entire mouse is one big mouse button, but in fact if you press on the top-left or top-right, it has distinct left and right mouse buttons. It has a capacitive touch sensitive top surface that provides a virtual scroll-wheel. Just swipe your finger on the spot where a scroll wheel would normally be, and it works. It takes 2 AAA batteries, no usb recharging port.
So I have two possible configurations I'm comparing:
1) Official keyboard + mouse.
PROS: Mouse is actually pretty optional. If I leave it behind in the car, I can still touch the screen directly. So when max convenience matters, just grabbing the tablet & keyboard snapped together is better than grabbing the tablet and Fire keyboard as two loose items. This mouse works a lot better than the trackpad in the Fire keyboard. Mouse has normal left & right buttons and scroll. No need for book cover or other case. Keyboard provides all that is necessary, neat and clean. Looks better, peices all match well. Samsung keyboard has slightly better keys and compatibility: Samsung has PgUp/PgDn/Home/End, Fire does not. Samsung layout is closer to standard pc, particularly the {[ }] |\ ;: ~` keys, the very existence of PgUp/PgDn Home/End keys, and the fact that they are doubled up with the arrow keys in the obvious way, where the Fire keyboard puts display brightness on Up/Dn, and nothing on Left/Right. The primary functions of all of the F-keys are standard universal Android or hardware functions, not Samsung special. Only Samsung special key is S-finder, and that's a secondary Fn function and is off to the side not on a central F-key. Keyboard provides kickstand. It's much more convenient to grab the naked tablet when you want to. The book cover snaps in place very strongly and is hard to pry off, and to snap back on. While it's effortless to combine or separate the tablet and keyboard cover.
CONS: Lumpy extra loose object carrying the mouse. Ugh! Samsung keyboard + mouse is a more expensive total kit than Fire keyboard + book cover, though not by a lot. 3 total battery powered objects to recharge or replace: Tablet, keyboard, mouse.
2) Fire keyboard + book cover.
PROS: Smaller, thinner, lighter. Cheaper. Built-in pointing device. Only 2 total battery powered objects to carry and keep charged instead of 3: Tablet and keyboard. Both objects rechargeable by micro usb, no batteries to buy, or leak. Kit, tablet + keyboard, is flat, no mouse lump. Kit is a little cheaper. Keyboard is more useful with other devices than the tablet. It isn't shaped specifically to fit exactly one specific tablet. You can use it for home theater pc, PS3, phone/phablet, anything. Book cover provides two tilt angles vs the Samsung keyboard only provides one.
CONS: Keys are less standard. F3 is a shopping cart, Amazon remember. Android "home" is a dedicated button where F1 should be. `~ {[ }] += :; are all in odd places. PgUp/PgDn/Home/End don't exist at all. Trackpad doesn't work as smoothly, accurately, or effortlessly as the mouse. There IS one mouse button, in the form of the whole track pad clicks. That provides only a left-click function, and click-dragging (dragging while holding down the button) is very awkward and mostly doesn't work well, as you are trying to slide across a surface that you are pressing down quite hard on. No right-click. No scroll-wheel. Requires some other way to prop the tablet up, IE: book cover. Keyboard says "Amazon" on the back, and I hate Amazon (WalMart of the Internet).
A few things that are notably pretty good, or bad, but the same for both kits, at least for me:
* Both have all 12 F-keys. (good)
* Both have all 12 F-keys as secondary Fn+F# keys, not primary functions. (inconvenient)
* Both have android back button that functions as Esc key in at least a few terminal/ssh apps. (good)
* Both have Ctrl & Alt (good)
* Both have 4 arrows, and in a reasonable spot. (good)
* Both have capslock with light (who cares?)
* Both have Android Back, Home, and Menu buttons. (good, menu is particularly handy now that it's removed from the device itself and the overflow button doesn't always appear on screen)
* Both have Delete (good)
* Both lack Insert (bad)
* Both lack Scroll-Lock/Num-Lock, Print-Scr/SysRq, Break (bad)
* Both charge by micro usb and claim to last for months. (good)
This pic shows Left: Samsung keyboard + HP mouse. Right: Fire keyboard + Samsung book cover. In-use and packed for travel.
Post content cannot be empty. Please try again. (ok, now it's not empty, that was useful...)
KEYofR said:
I love the official keyboard for all the usual obvious awesome reasons. But I really miss a trackpad while in laptop mode.
I found the Amazon Fire Keyboard right in the same BestBuy where I got the official keyboard. It's smaller than the Samsung in every dimension, height, width, thinner, lighter, WITH a trackpad, and yet the keys are actually larger. Has almost identical features and keys. Like all 12 F-keys, and a back button that works as Esc key at least in a couple terminal/ssh apps which I need. Ctrl, Alt, etc. And to top it all off, I paid $150 for the Samsung and the Fire was only $79 open box but clean. Only $89 unopened.
It's a wonderfully slick little keyboard. Perfectly flat, thin, light, simple, clean.
However all in all, I haven't yet made up my mind which is the better overall kit. There are some pros & cons about each.
Since I want a pointing device, I'm comparing not just two keyboards but two complete kits.
Using the Samsung keyboard means I have to carry a mouse or trackpad or some kind of pointing device other than touching the screen, and I DON'T have to use any kind of case. (I don't like cases.)
Using the Fire keyboard means I don't have to carry any extra pointing device, but I DO have to put the book cover on the tablet to provide a kickstand since the Fire keyboard doesn't. It also means I'm carrying two loose items instead of two items snapped together into one item.
I found a pretty slick little (expensive, and not as small as I'd really like) bluetooth mouse that goes well. HP Bluetooth Mouse Z8000. It looks like there are no buttons, or like the entire mouse is one big mouse button, but in fact if you press on the top-left or top-right, it has distinct left and right mouse buttons. It has a capacitive touch sensitive top surface that provides a virtual scroll-wheel. Just swipe your finger on the spot where a scroll wheel would normally be, and it works. It takes 2 AAA batteries, no usb recharging port.
So I have two possible configurations I'm comparing:
1) Official keyboard + mouse.
PROS: Mouse is actually pretty optional. If I leave it behind in the car, I can still touch the screen directly. So when max convenience matters, just grabbing the tablet & keyboard snapped together is better than grabbing the tablet and Fire keyboard as two loose items. This mouse works a lot better than the trackpad in the Fire keyboard. Mouse has normal left & right buttons and scroll. No need for book cover or other case. Keyboard provides all that is necessary, neat and clean. Looks better, peices all match well. Samsung keyboard has slightly better keys and compatibility: Samsung has PgUp/PgDn/Home/End, Fire does not. Samsung layout is closer to standard pc, particularly the {[ }] |\ ;: ~` keys, the very existence of PgUp/PgDn Home/End keys, and the fact that they are doubled up with the arrow keys in the obvious way, where the Fire keyboard puts display brightness on Up/Dn, and nothing on Left/Right. The primary functions of all of the F-keys are standard universal Android or hardware functions, not Samsung special. Only Samsung special key is S-finder, and that's a secondary Fn function and is off to the side not on a central F-key. Keyboard provides kickstand. It's much more convenient to grab the naked tablet when you want to. The book cover snaps in place very strongly and is hard to pry off, and to snap back on. While it's effortless to combine or separate the tablet and keyboard cover.
CONS: Lumpy extra loose object carrying the mouse. Ugh! Samsung keyboard + mouse is a more expensive total kit than Fire keyboard + book cover, though not by a lot. 3 total battery powered objects to recharge or replace: Tablet, keyboard, mouse.
2) Fire keyboard + book cover.
PROS: Smaller, thinner, lighter. Cheaper. Built-in pointing device. Only 2 total battery powered objects to carry and keep charged instead of 3: Tablet and keyboard. Both objects rechargeable by micro usb, no batteries to buy, or leak. Kit, tablet + keyboard, is flat, no mouse lump. Kit is a little cheaper. Keyboard is more useful with other devices than the tablet. It isn't shaped specifically to fit exactly one specific tablet. You can use it for home theater pc, PS3, phone/phablet, anything. Book cover provides two tilt angles vs the Samsung keyboard only provides one.
CONS: Keys are less standard. F3 is a shopping cart, Amazon remember. Android "home" is a dedicated button where F1 should be. `~ {[ }] += :; are all in odd places. PgUp/PgDn/Home/End don't exist at all. Trackpad doesn't work as smoothly, accurately, or effortlessly as the mouse. There IS one mouse button, in the form of the whole track pad clicks. That provides only a left-click function, and click-dragging (dragging while holding down the button) is very awkward and mostly doesn't work well, as you are trying to slide across a surface that you are pressing down quite hard on. No right-click. No scroll-wheel. Requires some other way to prop the tablet up, IE: book cover. Keyboard says "Amazon" on the back, and I hate Amazon (WalMart of the Internet).
A few things that are notably pretty good, or bad, but the same for both kits, at least for me:
* Both have all 12 F-keys. (good)
* Both have all 12 F-keys as secondary Fn+F# keys, not primary functions. (inconvenient)
* Both have android back button that functions as Esc key in at least a few terminal/ssh apps. (good)
* Both have Ctrl & Alt (good)
* Both have 4 arrows, and in a reasonable spot. (good)
* Both have capslock with light (who cares?)
* Both have Android Back, Home, and Menu buttons. (good, menu is particularly handy now that it's removed from the device itself and the overflow button doesn't always appear on screen)
* Both have Delete (good)
* Both lack Insert (bad)
* Both lack Scroll-Lock/Num-Lock, Print-Scr/SysRq, Break (bad)
* Both charge by micro usb and claim to last for months. (good)
This pic shows Left: Samsung keyboard + HP mouse. Right: Fire keyboard + Samsung book cover. In-use and packed for travel.
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Personally, I'd stick with the Samsung keyboard. As you highlighted, its a single piece to grab and works well together. The mouse you picked up actually looks cools and doesn't actually look that big. You can probably find a case to house all three together so that you have a single item to grab. Another sleek mouse is the Logitech Bluetooth mouse. It's small, and lightweight. Only issue is expensive, about $60. Also, if you just picked up the Samsung keyboard, return it. You paid way too much. If you register you Tab with Samsung, they will send you a 50% off accessory coupon. You can then get it for about $80 shipped.
I think I am leaning that way. Using the Samsung keyboard and the separate mouse most of the time. I'll use the Fire keyboard for something else like my phone or the TV. Or give it to someone who has a Kindle Fire HD.
I think the Fire keyboard is turning out to be like when I see a shirt that just looks amazing on the hanger, but no matter what I do, looks like crap on me. No denying it's an amazing shirt. No denying it still does me no good.
KEYofR said:
I think I am leaning that way. Using the Samsung keyboard and the separate mouse most of the time. I'll use the Fire keyboard for something else like my phone or the TV. Or give it to someone who has a Kindle Fire HD.
I think the Fire keyboard is turning out to be like when I see a shirt that just looks amazing on the hanger, but no matter what I do, looks like crap on me. No denying it's an amazing shirt. No denying it still does me no good.
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Hey, is the samsung keyboard case friendly?
Offica said:
So there the expensive official keyboard, the cheaper logitech keyboard..
Can anyone who has tried these post a small review? I've seen reviews of the official samsung one but not the logitech.. the logitech one would suit my black model tab to match my S5
Or.. is it just a stupid rip off (as it seems buy the prices) and get a much cheaper bluetooth keyboard
TBH I'm not sure if i'll even use it, but.. i like to have everything for my devices
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I picked up the Logitech Type S keyboard case before I knew I was going to get a 50% coupon from Sammy and I love it. They keyboard is almost identical in key size, feel and key travel to the Logitech keyboard I use for my desktop minus the F-Key row. What I like over the style of keyboard that the Sammy keyboard is that it locks the tablet in rather than simply balancing the tablet in a trough. This makes it very secure for using it on your lap (I have a long train commute with no tray tables). It obviously folds to use as just a tablet, but it is obviously not as easy to pull the tablet out of the case which doesn't bother me but might some. The pairing is always very fast. Further, the design, feel and materials of the case are very premium. This is one of the nicest tablet keyboards I have ever used and truly makes my 10.5" tablet an ultrabook (the 128 GB sd helps there too ).
I'm extremely happy with the Logitech Type S keyboard.
Is there any case that is friendly for 10.5 and samsung keyboard that offers drop protection? I dont want to carry 2 things around. Thanks
Just so everyone knows, I ordered the Samsung keyboard in bronze on 17 Jan and it was on backorder. It's now 17 Feb and I still haven' t seen a keyboard. Samsung customer service isn't very helpful. They could care less! Yes, I'm using my 50% off coupon.
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Guardsix said:
Just so everyone knows, I ordered the Samsung keyboard in bronze on 17 Jan and it was on backorder. It's now 17 Feb and I still haven' t seen a keyboard. Samsung customer service isn't very helpful. They could care less! Yes, I'm using my 50% off coupon.
Sent from my SM-T800 using XDA Free mobile app
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Yeah, I am not sure it is actually on backorder. Personally I think Samsung is playing games with the 50% off coupon. I had the same issue with the Samsung S mouse. Waited 3 weeks and got no response from Samsung. Emailed them twice for updates and no response. Third time I emailed them to cancel order as I would not authorize Credit card charge, then I get an email response. Terrible customer service. I know when I ordered mine, there were a few just sitting available at Best Buy. Same with your keyboard, I've seen them available for weeks in the stores. I truly believe Samsung just doesn't want to honor the coupon IMHO.
Ive had nothing but bad experiences when ordering from samsung mobile. I have a dev note 4...what a train wreck that was. On another note my girlfriend is recieving her bronze keyboard for the tab s 10.5 on the 20th. It will be delivered to the house from best buy.
I use the Logitech Type S with my 10.5. Been very usefull and works perfectly. The only complaint I got, is the lack of backlight on the keys.
I would prefer backlighting. I've read very good reviews about the Type S keyboard. Maybe they will make a version with backlighting shortly?
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I'd like a keyboard with track pad and backlighting. Track pad is the most important feature... does anyone know of any good option?
There are some cheapo ones with trackpad, but I don't know of any serious one, unfortunately. Also touchpad doesn't work well with android, yet. I have Apple keyboard&trackpad.
Then, there is the Lenovo keyboard, with trackpoint, which might be an alternative.
cbb77 said:
Yeah, I am not sure it is actually on backorder. Personally I think Samsung is playing games with the 50% off coupon. I had the same issue with the Samsung S mouse. Waited 3 weeks and got no response from Samsung. Emailed them twice for updates and no response. Third time I emailed them to cancel order as I would not authorize Credit card charge, then I get an email response. Terrible customer service. I know when I ordered mine, there were a few just sitting available at Best Buy. Same with your keyboard, I've seen them available for weeks in the stores. I truly believe Samsung just doesn't want to honor the coupon IMHO.
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Agreed, I am about to begin the process of disputing through PayPal. Their official site still shows "ships within 1-3 days" but they pulled the same back order BS on me - after collecting my money of course.
I gave them one final chance to ship by Monday, then I am disputing the charge, getting my money back, and returning my Tab S 10.5 to Best Buy and never buying from Samsung again. They've been stringing me along lying the entire time, all because they don't want to honor their "gift" to me. Piss poor customer service.