Book Cover Keyboard vs Keyboard Slim: When it comes to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, the accessories can make all the difference.
Today, we’ll be diving into a comparison between the Samsung Book Cover Keyboard and the Keyboard Slim. Let’s get started!
Pros and Cons
| Book Cover Keyboard | Keyboard Slim |
|---|---|
| Detachable element allows for versatile use | Typically cheaper |
| Comes with a kickstand | Sleek and slim design |
| Built-in trackpad | Suitable for those who don’t want a touchpad. |
| Improved rigidity and sturdiness | More stable on the lap |
| Specifically designed for Tab S9 | Used without needing to detach |
| Improved key feel over previous models | Good for occasional use |
| Expensive (generally $60 more) | No detachable feature |
| Might collect fingerprints on keys | Only one angle for viewing |
| No backlighting for keys | No built-in trackpad |
If you’ve recently got your hands on the Tab S9, you might be contemplating which keyboard cover to go for. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to help you make an informed choice.
Before that first lets check out the specifications of Samsung Galaxy Tab S9:
Display and Design
- OLED Screen: The Tab S9 boasts an OLED screen, offering vibrant colors and sharp visuals.
- Resolution: The tablet has a resolution of 2560 by 1600, ensuring crisp and clear images.
- Brightness: The peak brightness of the Tab S9 reaches up to 750 nits, making it suitable for various lighting conditions.
- Design Changes: The design has been slightly tweaked from the Tab S8, with a different camera bump and a new charging spot for the S Pen.
Performance and Storage
- Processor: The Tab S9 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, ensuring smooth performance and efficient battery usage.
- Storage: The device offers faster storage with its UFS 4.0, ensuring quicker data access and app loading times.
- Battery: The Tab S9 has a larger battery compared to the Tab S8, translating to longer usage times.
S Pen and Latency
- Improved Latency: The S Pen latency has been improved from the Tab S8, offering a smoother and more responsive writing or drawing experience.
- Charging: The S Pen can now be charged in two ways, offering more flexibility.
Price Point
- Cost: The starting retail price for the Tab S9 is $799. While this is a bump from the Tab S8’s price, the numerous upgrades might justify the increase for many users.
Cameras
- Rear Camera: The Tab S9 features a single circular camera at the back.
- Front Camera: The tablet has one front-facing camera, suitable for video calls and selfies.
Other Notable Features
- Speakers: The device boasts two speakers on each side, ensuring a rich audio experience.
- SD Card Slot: For those needing extra storage, the Tab S9 offers an SD card slot.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Unlike the Tab S8’s power button fingerprint sensor, the Tab S9 has an in-screen fingerprint reader, which has proven to be reliable.
- Water Resistance: A new feature for the Tab S9, offering protection against minor splashes or accidental exposure to water.
Comparison with Siblings
- Tab S9 vs Tab S9 Ultra: The main difference lies in the screen size and brightness. The Tab S9 Ultra offers a larger display and a peak brightness of 930 nits. However, the Tab S9 might offer a slightly better picture quality due to its smaller screen size.
- Keyboard Compatibility: The Tab S9’s design changes mean that keyboard covers from previous models, like the Tab S7 and Tab S8, might not fit perfectly.
Book Cover Keyboard vs Keyboard Slim
Book Cover Keyboard for Tab S9
The Samsung Book Cover Keyboard, often bundled as a freebie with the Tab S9, boasts a design reminiscent of its predecessor for the Tab S8 Ultra. Made with what appears to be pure leather, it feels smooth and premium to the touch. The material is durable, as evidenced by the longevity of the Tab S8 Ultra keyboard cover.
This two-part keyboard cover can be detached, with the back featuring a kickstand that can be adjusted to various angles. However, it’s worth noting that the hinge might not be stiff enough for drawing purposes.
- Price Point: Priced at $79, though there might be deals or promotions that could offer it at a reduced rate.
- Detachable Feature: One of its standout features is its detachability. You can easily attach or detach the keyboard from the tablet, offering flexibility in its use.
- Kickstand: The kickstand at the back magnetically attaches to the tablet, allowing you to prop it up on various surfaces, be it your desk, lap, or kitchen counter.
- Touchpad: No need for an external mouse as this keyboard cover comes with an integrated touchpad.
- Build and Feel: Compared to previous models, this keyboard cover boasts improved rigidity, making it feel sturdier. However, it’s slightly heavier and thicker. The keys are comfortable, but they might attract fingerprints over time.
- Key Travel: The keys offer decent travel, ensuring a comfortable typing experience, especially considering its portability.
- Backlighting: A slight downside is the lack of backlighting for the keys.
The keyboard cover is not Bluetooth-enabled, meaning it connects magnetically to the tablet. The magnets are strong, ensuring a secure connection. A unique feature is the translucent part designed for the Samsung S Pen, which can be removed if desired. This design choice offers flexibility for users who may or may not use the pen frequently.
The keyboard itself is full-sized, with well-spaced keys and a large touchpad. Typing feels similar to a good laptop keyboard, with a decent amount of key travel and quiet feedback. The touchpad is responsive, and the keyboard even features a backlight, a feature exclusive to the Tab S9 variant.
Keyboard Slim for Tab S9
The slim design offers more screen visibility compared to the keyboard. When folded, the keyboard is disabled, which is great for casual use like lounging on the couch. The overall look is flat and book-like, contrasting with the rounded appearance of last year’s model.
Attaching the keyboard to the tablet is a breeze. The connecting pins in the middle, coupled with a strong magnet, ensure a secure fit. The S Pen also finds its home in a similar back cover as the full-on book cover keyboard. A notable feature is the ability to insert the pen in either direction, offering flexibility to the user.
- Price Point: More affordable at $140, but again, lookout for potential deals.
- Fixed Design: Unlike the Book Cover Keyboard, this one doesn’t offer the detachability feature.
- Angles and Attachment: It provides only one angle when attached. The tablet magnetically attaches to it, and there’s also an added S Pen protection feature.
- Touchpad: It doesn’t come with a touchpad, so you might need to invest in an external Bluetooth mouse.
- Key Feel: While the keys might feel a tad cheap, they are still better than many budget keyboards available in the market.
One of the standout features of this keyboard is its key travel and responsiveness. Despite its compact size, typing feels comfortable and responsive. The tactile feedback is superior to its predecessor, making for a pleasant typing experience.
For those familiar with the full-on book cover keyboard for the Ultra, this slim version is noticeably smaller. The Ultra’s keyboard, with its touchpad, takes up a larger footprint. However, for those who prefer external mice, like the Logitech MX Master 3s, the absence of a touchpad on the slim version might not be a dealbreaker.
General Observations and Recommendations
- Versatility: The detachable feature of the Book Cover Keyboard is a game-changer for those who don’t always want their keyboard attached. It offers the flexibility of using the tablet in various modes.
- Comparison with Other Brands: While the keys might not feel as premium as some competitors like Apple’s Magic Keyboard or the Surface Pro keyboard, the detachable feature in Samsung’s design is a significant advantage.
- Value for Money: The Book Cover Keyboard might seem a bit on the pricier side, but its features could justify the cost for many. On the other hand, the Keyboard Slim offers a more budget-friendly option without compromising too much on quality.
- Alternative Options: If neither of these appeals to you, consider getting a separate Bluetooth keyboard and a budget-friendly case. This combo can offer both functionality and savings.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Book Cover Keyboard and the Keyboard Slim for the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9? Here’s a simple breakdown. If you like the idea of sometimes using your tablet without a keyboard, and you fancy having a trackpad (like on a laptop), the Book Cover Keyboard might be your best friend. But if you’re looking for something straightforward, lighter, and a bit friendlier on the pocket, the Keyboard Slim is a cool choice. Think about what features matter most to you and go with that. Either way, both are great options to make your Tab S9 even better!
