Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

Save products you love, products you own and much more!

Save products icon

Other Membership Benefits:

Savings icon Exclusive Deals for Members Best time to buy icon Best Time to Buy Products Recall tracker icon Recall & Safety Alerts TV screen optimizer icon TV Screen Optimizer and more

    Test report: Good choices in tablet keyboards

    Consumer Reports News: December 16, 2011 04:23 PM

    Find Ratings

    The list of activities to enjoy on a tablet computer doesn't include typing a lot on the cramped virtual keyboard. So a separate keyboard makes a great gift for the tablet owner in your life who might type more on the device if the task were easier.

    We tested seven keyboards for tablets, ranging in price from $70 to $100, and found all to be worth considering for at least some users. That said, we recommend that iPad owners seeking a separate keyboard should likely opt for the Apple Wireless Keyboard MC184LL/B, which is lightweight and among the least expensive at $70.

    All but one model (the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Keyboard Dock) can be used wirelessly with any Bluetooth device. And all offer the convenience of a physical keyboard with keys not typically found on a tablet, such as cursor keys, Tab, and dedicated number or symbol functions.

    Among the other test models, the Belkin Keyboard Folio, RocketFish Keyboard Capsule, and Zagg ZAGGfolio include not only a keyboard but a case that's customized for the iPad 2. The Logitech Tablet Keyboard is meant to be used with Android devices, and the Menotek Mini Flexible Keyboard is compatible with tablets with either Android or Apple operating systems.

    To test, we looked at available features, ease of use, size and ergonomics, and portability. The keyboards were tested with either the Apple iPad 2, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, or Acer Iconia Tab A100 tablet.

    Looking to accessorize that keyboard with a tablet? Check our Ratings of tablets, available to subscribers.

    Paul Reynolds

    Find Ratings

    Tablets Ratings

    View and compare all Tablets ratings.

    Computers Ratings

    View and compare all Computers ratings.

    E-mail Newsletters

    FREE e-mail Newsletters! Choose from cars, safety, health, and more!
    Already signed-up?
    Manage your newsletters here too.

    Electronics News

    Cars

    Cars Build & Buy Car Buying Service
    Save thousands off MSRP with upfront dealer pricing information and a transparent car buying experience.

    See your savings

    Mobile

    Mobile Get Ratings on the go and compare
    while you shop

    Learn more