Google - Keyboard for Pixel Slate - Midnight Blue

This must have accessory connects to your Google Pixel Slate tablet and turns it into a compact Chromebook. It uses magnets to snap onto the tablet. It also functions as a protective case for the Slate and the magnets keep it in place. Be aware that it needs a surface that is somewhat stable to stay upright. So, if you like to sit it on your lap, you will need to place it on something stable when typing. My legs do not provide adequate stability so when I use it in bed I set it in front of me on the mattress. They keyboard is functional and easy to use. The keys are nicely backlit and feature an ambient light sensor to trigger the illumination. To adjust the keyboard illumination use the Alt button and brightness up and down buttons on the keyboard. The first time I connected it performed a firmware update. ---VERDICT--- The Google Keyboard is expensive but absolutely worth it because it transforms the very capable Pixel Slate Tablet into an even more capable tablet/notebook hybrid.

The Pixel Keyboard SHOULD be included with the Pixel Slate. It is nearly a must have accessory. The keyboard attaches to the Pixel Slate via a magnetic connector. Placing the Pixel Slate overtop of the connector snaps it into place easily. The rear part of the case connects magnetically to the back of the Slate. The magnetic connection is the full length of the tablet so the angle of the Slate can be adjusted to any angle which is extremely nice. The keyboard itself is fairly nice to type on, the keys are large enough with decent travel to make it feel natural. The keys are backlight making it easy to type in a dark room. The keyboard itself sits flat on the surface making it not fairly ergonomic but doesn’t hurt typing. The keyboard is far best used on a hard surface, typing on your lap is possible but not ideal and can be a bit uncomfortable and awkward. The keyboard gets its power from the Slate so no butteries or power supply needed. When closed, the keyboard covers both the front and back of the Slate securing all sides. However, when picking it up, the keyboard side allows for the Slate to slide around making it really awkward to carry and needs to be done with caution. It seems there should have been a way to attach to top from moving so much. The touchpad works well, though could be more precise. It gets the job done. It has a dive board style left and right click like most laptops. It is large enough, but I would have appreciated a much larger touch surface so when selecting large areas there is more finger room. Overall it tracks well enough and it fine when you need to use a mouse pointer. External mouse would be far better overall though if using on a desk. The keyboard is composed of metal body with a rubbery cloth like underside to help eliminate slippage and adds grip when carrying around. The midnight blue color is fantastic and matched the color of the Slate itself. Overall this is, in my opinion, a necessary accessory despite it’s shortcomings. I would not use the slate without this very often, if ever.

The keyboard connector itself is a couple of metallic dots in the middle of the keyboard, so you know where to line up the center of the Slate; the magnet pulls the tablet right into place - and the screen updates from “tablet” mode, to “computer” mode - as noted by an icon that disappears, way to the right by the time, which allows you easier access to your open windows when in tablet mode. The keyboard has a fabric connector area that is very flexible. So much so, that it can cause the table to flop face down on the keyboard if you have it on your lap and adjust your seat. The back-light feature of the keyboard is fantastic! I struggled typing at night with my X2, so this was a great change. If only the keyboard was more rigid like that of the X2; the bouncing around of the keyboard while on my lap drives me crazy. When the keyboard is closed to the tablet, there is some movement because it’s not snug and there's no magnet to keep it together; there’s play. Just think of rolling a toothpick between your thumb and index finger - the keyboards slides against the screen like that (noted in a photo). A magnetic stand is also part of the keyboard and it takes some getting used to. After a few days, I was able to slide the magnet in a way that I didn’t have to detach it completely from the back of the tablet. A good thing about this tablet and keyboard combination, is that it allows the keyboard to be folded underneath similar to a 2-in-1 style computer. When the tablet is oriented this way, I find myself using the dictation feature much more than the actual virtual keyboard on screen. Given the 'on the lap' flexibility, I can't give this 5 stars, but it's a good keyboard to pair up with the Slate, given you want to stay OEM.

The Pixel Keyboard is very nice, making the tablet a chromebook. I really like that it attaches to the tablet with a VERY strong magnet and there is no ‘lining up’ the tablet to the keyboard…. The two pieces attach themselves!I do like how the back adjusts so that you have infinite levels However, this keyboard/cover really doesn’t have a spine. The front and back covers skew when you pick it up and will scratch the glass sooner rather than later. I feel that the keyboard is pretty heavy for what it is as well. The fabric between the keyboard and the connector spot for the tablet seems thin and I fear that it would wear out or tear pretty soon. The keyboard itself types well and is easy to use. Attaching pictures of this. The final odd thing about the keyboard is that using the touch pad to scroll is backwards from using the screen to scroll. On the screen, move fingers up, it moves the screen up. On the touchpad, move fingers down, it moves the screen up. Of course,, maybe there is some google setting I am missing. I would recommend this to a person who is a big Google OS fan, but probably not to a casual user because it's slightly clunky

I have not been using this keyboard very long, but it is very nice to type on. It doesn't take long to get used to using it, because it's got great travel and feedback when typing. The size of the keys are just right for me, and with extended use this will be great. My only gripe is how flimsy it feels at times when closed. Other than that, the magnets on it are very strong. It will not fall apart when no in use.

Going without the optional Pixel Keyboard for the Pixel Slate would be like having a PB&J without the J. Not only do you get the comfortable, lightweight and portable keyboard, it also acts as a protective case for your precious Slate. The keyboard pairs automatically with the Slate as soon as you magnetically attach it. The magnetic stand for the back allows you to slide the Slate at different angles without locking you down to just a few options tilt angles. It also automatically puts your Slate to sleep and locks the device for quick and convenient transport in a bag. The detach ability is one of my favorite features as it doesn't tie you down if you prefer to use the Slate as a tablet compared to the prior Pixelbook model with the keyboard attached which also makes the Slate much more lightweight. The round buttons seem to help with prevent any accidental button pushing, are very smooth and comfortable to the touch and also very responsive. The mousepad is also very smooth and responsive. Although it's very thin, it appears to be just the right amount of protection you'll need against any drops and still seems durable with the material they used. The only drawback I have found is that it is not backlit which I prefer but I imagine that would only drain the Slate battery faster. I would strongly suggest opting for this if you're already a Slate owner because I feel you will get the most out of your Chromebook.

This keyboard is great perfect size even the mouse pad is big enough for four of movement on a tablet you can press it and control your tablet. The favorite part of this keyboard are the keys which are round like your fingertips and elevate it to mimic a real keyboard. Everything is perfectly labeled and position. The magnet is helpful to connect to your tablet. Fully protects tablet.

I cant imagine using my Pixel Slate without this... The tablet is almost too big to hold without having a keyboard like this attached. I LOVE the touch-pad feature and how responsive it is. Just like I'm use to using on my laptop. No adjustments at all. Only issue I have is what to do with the keyboard or how to fold it up when using the tablet as a "slate" with the stylus to jot notes down on. There's no easy way to do it without completely taking this off of the tablet, but then what do i do with it?