Tablets are portable devices with quite a bit of power. Many have strong internal processors that can even rival more traditional computers. As such, while many love the device’s lightweight and portability, they can also be used similarly to laptops. All you need is a keyboard.
Finding a good tablet with a strong keyboard is not as easy as it first seems. Just because a device works well, doesn’t mean its accessories will match. Luckily, every single model in this article excels on both levels. If you’re someone who wants to type, you can’t do better than the following machines.
Contents
Quick Summary
- The Surface Go is a larger model perfect for users who want the feel of a laptop in a tablet package. The stand and extra accessories allow you to fully adjust this as you see fit.
- The iPad Pro is perhaps the most well-rounded tablet on the market. This device, compatible with the Magic Keyboard, has an incredibly bright screen, excellent functionality, and some of the best audio around.
- The Galaxy Tab S6 is a solid keyboard tablet with true 2-in-1 functionality. It’s lightweight, works well with the keyboard, and lasts a staggering 15 hours on one charge.
Who Should Get This?
A keyboard tablet increases the device’s functionality, opening up a range of different tasks and abilities. If you’re someone who likes the feel of a traditional computer but who wants the portability of a tablet, a keyboard is a good way to go.
Users who spend a lot of time typing on their tablets, or those who use the devices to write, will also appreciate the models listed in this guide. Professionals and students will especially love a good keyboard because it enables them to easily take their work anywhere they need to go.
Best Tablet with Keyboard: What to Consider in 2022
Size
Size is one of the most important aspects to consider when getting a tablet with a keyboard. As mentioned, this is the biggest difference between a tablet and laptop. However, some tablets are as big as laptops. When making your purchase, ask yourself if you want a larger tablet that can switch into computer mode, or if you’re looking for a more traditionally-sized device you can easily take out of the house.
Battery Life
Sometimes, using accessories can cause your battery to drain a bit quicker than you’re accustomed to. To fix that, look for powerful devices that are able to handle a lot of use without running down quickly. Long-lasting batteries are also important. Even if a keyboard cuts an hour of life off your tablet’s battery, a ten or more hour device will give you more than enough use on one charge.
Other Accessories
In terms of versatility, a keyboard is a good place to start. However, if you’re getting a tablet with extra functionality, chances are it also comes with add-ons like a stylus or monitor functionality. Always pay attention to such items. Even if you don’t plan on getting more ways to flesh out your tablet’s functionality, you never know when something might catch your eye.
Best Tablet with Keyboard: Our Picks in 2022
1. Surface Go
Windows lovers looking for a tablet keyboard will greatly enjoy the Surface Go. This Microsoft device is incredible in terms of pure functionality. Not only does the stand work with the optional keyboard to create a true laptop-like experience, but this model also has a fantastic studio and tablet mode. All three of those give you an incredible amount of versatility and enable you to work or relax in the way you want.
One of the biggest reasons this model works so well in tablet mode is the slim, lightweight shell. Weighing in at just 1.5 pounds, this device is easy to take out of the house. On top of that, the Surface Go comes fully equipped with 10 point multi-touch, a 9-hour battery, ambient light sensor, and the all-new S mode. The USB-C port adds to the connectivity and this charges up quickly so you’re never plugged in too long.
What We Like:
- Bright 10-inch display
- Extremely light, 1.5 pounds
- S mode for better security and performance
- Laptop, tablet, and studio mode
- All-day battery
- Ambient light sensor
- 10 point multi-touch
- USB-C port
- Fast charging
What We Don’t Like:
- Accessories sold separately
- Too basic for some users
2.iPad Pro
No matter what you use your tablet for, it’s hard to beat the iPad Pro. This tablet is known for its functionality, bright screen, and ample features. The 11-inch display is excellent when using it with the additional Magic Keyboard, and the Liquid Retina technology ensures that every color pops off the device. If you’re someone who works and relaxes on their device, nothing looks better than this.
The iPad is a well-rounded machine. The microphones are excellent, and the numerous speakers make music/media come through loud and clear. If you’re looking for extra security, the Face ID is a nice touch, while the top-of-the-line A12Z Bionic Chip ensures all of your apps and programs run without a hitch. This also has a USB-C port and comes with a 10-hour battery that ensures you can use it for as long as you want.
What We Like:
- 11-inch screen
- Liquid Retina display
- Great microphones
- Excellent audio
- 7MP TrueDepth front camera
- A12Z Bionic chip with Neural Engine
- Face ID
What We Don’t Like:
- Expensive
- Could be more durable
3.Galaxy Tab S6
If you’re someone truly after a keyboard compatible laptop, look no further than the Galaxy Tab S6. This model has true 2-in-1 functionality to give you a ton of versatility that similar models cannot match. On top of that, it’s also lightweight in a way that’s easy to both use and maneuver in a range of different settings. All of that is then backed with a strong internal processor and a quick, responsive touchscreen.
Another bonus of this model is the incredible 15-hour battery. While performance does dip with heavy use, that will still give you more than enough time to work or relax as long as you want to. The included S-Pen is a nice touch, as it gives you another way to take advantage of the tablet’s functions, and the different colors all look nice as well.
What We Like:
- 2-in-1 functionality
- Lightweight but strong
- Strong internal processor
- S pen included
- Super AMOLED display
- 15-hour battery
- Fast charging
- Sleek, attractive color options
What We Don’t Like:
- Not easy to use with one hand
Useful Tips and Information
As mentioned above, a keyboard can quickly drain your tablet’s battery. Even so, there are a few ways to get around that. The tips outlined in this article are a good way to increase your tablet’s battery life.
Many keyboards are advanced and come with a lot of functionality that most users miss. If you’re an Apple user, this video breaks down the Magic Keyboard. The tips outlined here are for the Surface Pro.
Final Words
A keyboard may not seem like much, but it goes a long way. If you’re someone who wants a tablet that can quickly switch to a laptop, there’s no better way to make that happen. The simple accessory gives you a lot of versatility and greatly increases your options. If you’re looking for a good model with multiple modes, it’s hard to do better than the tablets analyzed above.
Do you use a keyboard with your tablet? What brand do you prefer and why?
