A newly released keyboard accessory for Samsung's Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra is sparking significant discussion, with its pricing drawing comparisons that make even Apple's offerings appear more accessible. This premium accessory, dubbed the Pro Keyboard, is designed to transform the tablet into a laptop-like device, but its substantial cost is a major sticking point for potential buyers.
The Pro Keyboard, which adds 636g (1.4 lbs) to the tablet's weight, brings the combined device to 1.33kg (2.9 lbs), exceeding the weight of numerous 14-inch laptops. It features an aluminum surface, a trackpad, and dedicated keys for Samsung's DeX desktop mode and an AI shortcut. Power and data are transmitted via metal pins, eliminating the need for separate charging or cables for the keyboard itself. While available on Samsung's Korean store, there's no confirmed U.S. release date or international pricing.
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Transforming the Tablet Experience
The Pro Keyboard represents a notable upgrade from previous keyboard accessories, such as the Book Cover Keyboard, which notably lacked a trackpad. The new design allows the tablet and keyboard to fold shut for transport and offers a hinged mechanism for adjusting the display angle, aiming to mimic a traditional laptop form factor. The inclusion of a DeX button facilitates a desktop-like interface with resizable windows, comparable to operating systems like Windows.
A Question of Value
Despite the enhanced features, the substantial weight of the keyboard accessory is seen as counterproductive to the tablet's portability. The combined weight exceeding that of many laptops raises questions about the practical advantages of the setup for users prioritizing mobility. Furthermore, the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra itself, while praised for its display and battery life, has been noted for performance that "doesn't quite measure up" to competitors like the iPad Pro in multi-core benchmarks.
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Background and Precedents
Samsung has a history of offering keyboard accessories for its tablet lines, with previous models like the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra and Tab S10 Ultra featuring different keyboard options, including the Book Cover Keyboard Slim. These earlier versions offered varying degrees of typing experience and weight. The development of the Pro Keyboard appears to be a response to user demand for a more premium and functional keyboard that can better leverage the capabilities of the large-screen Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, a device already criticized for its sheer size, sometimes making it impractical to handle without a stand. The larger 14.6-inch display on the S11 Ultra aims to enhance productivity, but users are advised to ensure their desired applications support a tablet-first environment or offer desktop-like functionality.
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