A tablet with a keyboard gives you the best of both worlds. It fulfills your fix of a tablet along with the capabilities of a laptop. By investing in a suitable tablet keyboard combo, you get the functionality of both devices in one machine.
It also saves you money as you don’t have to invest in two separate devices to fulfill your requirements for two different devices.
Why Choose The Best Tablet With A Keyboard?
Below are reasons you should consider getting a tablet with a keyboard.
1. Portability
Sure, you can go for a 2 in 1 laptop as an alternative, but tablets will always be smaller and more portable. Thanks to tech advancements, some of the best tablets with keyboards can easily keep up with top laptops today.
As these devices come with a keyboard, you can handle all of your everyday productivity tasks on the go without worrying about carrying extra weight.
2. Multitasking
Multitasking is another prominent application and benefit of tablets with keyboards. Many tablets provide different modes for the best possible slip-view screen. As you can easily divide the screen into multiple portions, you can handle different apps with the help of the stylus or just your fingers.
Hence, a tablet with a keyboard is a much better multi-tasker than a simple 2 in 1 laptop.
3. Comfort
A keyboard increases your comfort levels. You can work for hours without your fingers going numb. However, this isn’t always possible with a laptop keyboard.
With a detachable keyboard, you can set your wrists comfortably at the most comfortable elevation. This way, you can let your wrist sit comfortably on the keypad for longer periods.
4. Usefulness
Tablets with keyboards are also more useful. With the right selection of apps and technology, you can do much more with them than with a regular laptop. For instance, you can easily share screens with another device, image insertion becomes a lot more effortless, and with apps like Echo Show, you can instantly put on a show.
Likewise, performing other productivity tasks like writing an email becomes less stress-free. You can also emphasize specific subjects and remove any unnecessary background images more easily.
5. Control
While we have found this true on most keyboards with Android or Windows 10 OS than iPads, even Apple’s keyboards come with extras to better control your tablet. These controls vary depending on your keyboard model.
Still, there are special home and back keys on most versions to help you navigate the tablet with one push of a button. Sure, the touch interface is already a convenience. But if you’re typing something and you need to do something quickly, having access to bonus keys for often-used commands can save you a lot of time.
8 Best Tablets with Keyboard
The market is teeming with tablet pc lineups from top tech companies. These companies continue to roll out new versions every now and then, confusing even the most experienced tech enthusiasts.
So, to help you find a suitable tablet with a keyboard, we bring you our top 10 choices. These include some android tablet-laptop combo options, the best Windows tablets, and the best iPad for typing.
1. Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Series
When it comes to android tablets, our top pick is always the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 series. Samsung’s high-end tablet line mirrors the Galaxy S series of Samsung Smartphones.
The Samsung S series has three main versions in the tablet category – S8, S8 Plus, and S8 Ultra. All three come with a compact keyboard along with an optional keyboard cover to protect the device.
However, the S8 ultra comes with a backlit keyboard, backlit cover, and a trackpad to give you that extra oomph you expect from premium tablets. The main reason why S8 and S8+ both don’t have a touchpad is their comparatively smaller keypad size.
In terms of hardware specifications, S8 and S8+ are upgrading to Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+, respectively utilizing a more powerful SoC. On the other hand, S8 Ultra is a new and unique premium tablet with no precedent.
These tablets offer a fantastic viewing experience thanks to a 120 Hz refresh rate support. Besides, they are available in different screen size options, such as 11 inches TFT, 12.4, and 14.6 inches AMOLED. So, you can select a suitable Samsung Galaxy Tab as per your requirements.
2. Apple iPad Air 4th Gen (2020 Version)
It’s 2022, and Apple’s iPad Air 4Th gen is still an excellent laptop beater tab for anyone who doesn’t want to splurge on a pro-grade tablet PC. It shares many features with the iPad Pro range and still costs a lot less.
On top of that, the Apple iPad Air 4 features the latest A14 bionic chipset that provides more than enough juice to handle even the most demanding tasks.
Its stunning 10.9 inches liquid retina display comes with p3 wide color and true tone. It’s bright, colorful, and just as sharp as tablet displays get. The screen also has full lamination and an anti-reflective coating. Therefore it’s even more resistant to fingerprints and glare than the iPad.
We are placing it second on our best tablet with keyboard list because of the battery. Samsung’s Galaxy S series tablets have a better battery.
However, the iPad air 4 trumps the two basic Galaxy S versions in terms of speed and performance.
It’s a perfect option for most users with excellent all-around specifications and a wide range of colors to choose from. Last but not least, the Apple iPad Air 4 supports Apple Pencil and the best tablet keyboard right now, Magic Keyboard.
So, it’s just as good as a general productivity laptop or your everyday iPad Pro.
3. Microsoft Surface Pro 8
You don’t often come across a compact, highly functional tab every day, and it aligns with your needs as well. The Microsoft Surface Pro 8 is one such unique tablet. It’s the fastest and (dare I say!) most capable tablet with the windows operating system. If you want a tablet with the power of a laptop, look no further.
The Surface Pro 8 features a 13 inches PixelSense flow display. It’s thin and compact yet highly responsive, thanks to a 120 Hz refresh rate. This is more than enough to do your personal or professional projects on the go.
Not to mention, the iconic built-in kickstand and detachable back-lit keyboard complete the overall package.
As for performance, it’s pertinent to mention that this is the first surface pro built on the Intel Evo platform. Powered by an 11th Gen processor, 32 GB Ram for superior performance, and 256 GB storage, the Surface Pro 8 is a true workhorse. So, you get graphics, performance, and battery life in a lightweight PC.
However, its keyboard covers are a bit more expensive than others. You have to purchase them separately, which can escalate the overall cost. All in all, it’s the best tablet with windows to date.
If you have the budget and want to get the best work tablet with a keyboard, Microsoft Surface Pro 8 should be your first pick.
4. Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 is number four for several reasons. First, it’s a premium android tablet with excellent performance thanks to a snappy Snapdragon 855 chipset. Second, its AMOLED display is just plain gorgeous. As an added bonus, it features AKG-tuned speakers. So, it’s an overall fantastic package for the price.
Like the other premium Samsung tablet mentioned earlier, the S6 has a built-in book cover. It’s just like the Surface Pro’s detachable keypad and provides a kickstand with a cover that you can attach to the rear.
As for the battery life, Samsung estimates a good 14 hours of regular usage, and in our tests, it definitely takes you through the entire day.
Samsung’s software still feels sloppy and holds Galaxy Tab S6 back slightly. But, it’s a minor quibble that you can overlook for the performance and features it brings to the table.
Furthermore, you have to purchase the keyboard separately. Look for retailers who sell Tab S6 in a bundle with the keyboard, and you may be able to save some bucks.
The tablet itself is expensive, and if you add in the extra keyboard cost, the complete setup is far from an affordable option.
5. Microsoft Surface Go 2
The Microsoft Surface Go 2 is a solid yet affordable Windows 10 tablet. It’s a vast improvement over the predecessor in almost every feature. The upgrades like an all-day battery life, colorful (and bigger) screen, excellent webcam, and thinner bezels help make it stand out from the rest of the competition. And it comes at a very affordable cost.
While the former came with a 10 inches layout, the Surface Go 2 has a 10.5 inches display. This isn’t much of a difference, but the screen appears much bigger than usual because of the smaller bezels.
But that’s not the most significant upgrade. Its major wow factor comes from 11 hours and 39 minutes of battery time. This is almost 5 hours higher than the first Surface Go.
Laptop cams have been disappointing for a while, but Microsoft has really upped their game with a 5 mp 1080p camera here. Its bezel is excellent for online video calls. Not to mention, the second head camera sensor features Windows Hello biometric login.
Last but not least, the Surface Go is available in three different configurations. You can go for any version depending on your budget.
If you are a multi-tasker, we suggest choosing the 8th Gen Intel Core m3 version. It’s a bit expensive but unquestionably faster than other variants.
6. Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5
Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 is hands down the best Chrome OS tablet ever. The 13 inches tablet is aimed at a hybrid lifestyle ideal for work, study, and entertainment. It beats the rival HP Chromebook two in one in nearly every matric: performance, battery life, and keypad comfortability on the go.
It packs an impressive Snapdragon SC7180 processor, 4 GM RAM, and 256GB onboard storage. The keypad snaps with the tablet when you want to use it as an ultra-portable workstation. A touchpad and convenient keyboard complete the overall work requirements.
In addition, like other Lenovo gadgets, the Chromebook Duet has an impressive battery that lasts for 15 hours on a one-time charge.
As for the display, it has a 13.3 inches OLED screen that supports the full-HD resolution. The bezels are slim, and the tablet’s front appears very pleasing to the eyes.
When it comes to online streaming, the 13:9 aspect ratio is perfect. The colors are crisp, and the brightness is off the charts.
Unlike some other best tablets on our list, you don’t have to get a keyboard separately. So, that’s a big plus. But, if we’re a bit honest, being able to get work done on this Chromebook is just a bonus. Most people will use it for media consumption and regular web browsing only.
7. HP Chromebook x2 11 Inches
The HP Chromebook is one of its kind detachable hybrid devices. It comes with a complete lunar grey soft cover keyboard, a built-in trackpad, and a kickstand to position your machine any way you want.
It fulfills your needs whether you want to work from home or entertain yourself during your off time.
It boasts a Snapdragon 7c processor, 8 GB RAM, 64 GB internal storage, and 100GB cloud storage by Google One. Along with such powerful specifications, it comes with a fingerprint lock to keep your device secure and private.
Besides, you get the usual WiFi & LTE connectivity along with two USB-C ports and a stylus to help with your tasks.
You don’t have to buy a separate keypad as the package includes a keyboard. With comfortable key travel and an assortment of the usual keys, the physical keyboard turns it into a productivity machine.
However, you may have to get used to the small Enter and Delete keys. The touchpad is also very responsive and comfortable to use.
Overall, the HP Chromebook 11 inches is a tablet first and a productivity machine second. Its display and keyboard may be too small for long productivity tasks like document creation.
However, an excellent battery life, build quality, port selection, and kickstand facilitate its use as a tablet.
8. Microsoft Surface Book 3
The Surface Book 3 is another premium piece of kit. It’s a beautifully designed laptop that works just as well as a tablet. The fantastic display and comfortable keypad scratch that itch of having a premium-looking and premium feeling portable device.
However, its higher price may stop some people from considering it their go-to tablet.
Everything about it exudes quality. From build to chassis design and port selection, it has everything you expect from Microsoft’s flagship products. But the biggest highlight for us is the keyboard.
The spacing is on point, and the keypad actuation and travel create an extremely comfortable typing experience. Its trackpad is a tad bit smaller, though.
As for battery life, Microsoft claims the tab will get you 17.5 hours of continuous use when connected to the keyboard. However, in our movie test, we were able to get about 8 hours of a 1080p resolution video when played on a loop.
Likewise, don’t expect the same battery life when using it as a gaming laptop.
As it’s a premium machine, you have to spend quite a bit of money. The 13.5 inches model with 8 GB of RAM and 256GB SSD costs approximately $1599. In comparison, the newest 13 inches MacBook Pro with 10th gen processor is roughly $1,799 and comes with double the RAM and double the SSD.
The only difference is the lack of a removable display.
Best Tablet Computer with Keyboard – Buying Tips
Tablet Keyboard Categories
Tablet keyboards fall into two categories. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
1. Keyboard Covers
Keyboard covers are most convenient. They attach magnetically to the tablet and hinge open like a traditional notebook. A good example of this type is Microsoft’s Surface Pro 2.
However, the main problem with this combo is that it’s top-heavy. When it’s on your lap, it can fall backward while you’re touching the screen.
Other types resemble a folio style. They have a keyboard built into the inner surface. An example is Apple’s Smart Keyboard.
While this style is relatively stable, there are no options to adjust. This can be a problem when you’re working in a tight space.
Then some use a clip-over design when not in use. This makes these designs a bit fiddly to use. Still, others allow you to adjust the screen angle as you please.
Such tablets are most convenient as you can set them up to suit your space requirements.
Even if you are buying the best cheap tablet with a keyboard, beware of units that slide away when you touch the screen’s top.
2. Stand-Alone Keyboards
The biggest advantage of getting a stand-alone keyboard is that you can use them with your next tablet as well. Quality keyboards like the Logitech Multi-Device Keyboard can even work with Android, iOS, OSX, and even Windows.
The downside is that you have to carry an extra keyboard around. You will probably still need a keyboard cover, but a separate keyboard is convenient when using only a tablet.
General Considerations
Whichever keyboard style you opt for, consider the following important aspects.
Firstly, you’re buying a keyboard because you don’t like typing on the tablet screen. Right? So, you should try the keypad before purchasing.
You can try a friend’s keyboard or visit a nearby computer accessories shop to get the hang of the keyboard feel.
Secondly, consider the size and spacing of the keys. Most of these keyboards have a short stroke that may not be convenient if you have big hands. The closer it is to the keyboard of your desktop or notepad, the more comfortable you will be.
Thirdly, how do you have to power the keyboard? There’s an internal battery and a micro USB charging connector in most cases.
Apple’s Smart Keyboard is an exception as it draws power directly from the iPad.
Finally, what are some other bells and whistles? Remember! Extra features like keyboard backlighting will draw power from the tablet as well.
Therefore, these features will significantly reduce the amount of work you can do on a single charge.
Connectivity
How does the keyboard connect with your tablet (in the functional sense)? Bluetooth is the most common pairing technology.
While the pairing issues of the earlier days of Bluetooth have been resolved to some extent, you need a little extra finesse to conveniently swap connections between multiple devices.
A best portable Bluetooth keyboard like the Logitech Multi-Device Keyboard solves this problem easily. You can pair them with not two but multiple devices at the same time.
Therefore switching between three or four devices becomes very easy with the touch of a single button. Apple’s Smart Keyboard, on the other hand, connects electrically as well. Therefore, they don’t need pairing at all.
Final Thoughts
This brings us to the end of the 8 best tablets with keyboards. As evident, there are so many good options for keyboard tablet combo available on the market. But ultimately, the final call is yours. Select a suitable tablet that aligns with your requirements.
For example, iPads are a good fit for extensive computing and graphical use. Samsung’s Tab S8 Ultra is also up there in terms of performance, but it lacks Apple’s magic keyboard. For a more laptop-like experience, go for a suitable Chromebook instead.
On the other hand, if you are tight on a budget, iPad Air or Surface Go 3 model should be on top of your list. That’s all about the best-rated tablets with keyboards. Thank you for reading, and do let us know your choice!
