Best external keyboards for Android tablets

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An Android tablet is a fantastic portable device that is ideal for both work and play while traveling. However, you

After considering all the keyboards for Android tablets that are out there, we can confidently say that the Logitech POP ICON Keys multi-device Bluetooth keyboard is the best out there. Between the price, compact size, convenience, and a great typing experience, you'll do well. Plus, if you have another use case in mind, there are plenty of other options to choose from.

At a glance

Best overall

Logitech POP ICON Keys keyboard and POP mouse in pink

(Image credit: Namerah Saud Fatmi / Android Central)

1. Logitech POP ICON Keys

The best in typing and portability

Reasons to buy

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Three-year battery life
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Great price
+
Nice typing experience
+
Multi-device connectivity
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Logitech Flow and and Logi Options+
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15 customizable keys
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Works with Android, Windows, Chrome OS, and more

Reasons to avoid

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Non-rechargeable battery

Logitech is one of the big names in computer peripherals, mice, and keyboards included. So it's no wonder that a Logitech keyboard ended up being our favorite. The Logitech POP ICON Keys keyboard combines a great typing experience with multiple connectivity options and portability for the best on-the-go experience. Your Android tablet wasn't designed to sit on a desk. It was designed as a mobile device and your keyboard should go along with it. But the keyboard experience doesn't have to stop at just your tablet.

The Logitech POP ICON Keys is lightweight, impressively slim, and available in a range of fun color combos. It can connect to three different devices at once and you can easily switch between devices using shortcuts. This includes different platforms in addition to Android, making this low-profile Bluetooth keyboard highly versatile. Switch between your computer at home, your tablet on the go, and your laptop at work. Having the same keyboard everywhere will just make you that much more productive. The keyboard has 15 customizable keys and an AI feature called Logi Options+ to help you with your writing. Plus, Logitech's Flow technology allows you to pair up a compatible mouse and you can type, copy, paste, and move files between devices, which is pretty powerful.

It's a little on the small side, sacrificing size for portability, so it may not be an ideal desktop typing experience. For example, there is no number pad on the right. But for a tablet, this is just the right size. The only thing that is missing is a rechargeable battery. The batteries are standard AAA batteries, so they're easy and cheap to replace and they last an estimated three years.

Best budget

MoKo Universal Tablet Case with QWERTY Keyboard

(Image credit: MoKo)

2. MoKo Universal Tablet Case with QWERTY Keyboard

Prop up your tab

Reasons to buy

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Fits 9" to 11" tablets
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Priced below $30
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Available in multiple colorways
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Type-C charging
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Magnetic folio case acts as a stand

Reasons to avoid

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No multi-device connection

The MoKo Universal Tablet Case with QWERTY Keyboard is an absolute steal for the price, averaging at around $28 at most retailers. This charming bargain might not have a full keyboard with a number pad, but it doubles as a carrying case and stand for your tablet. Since this is a universal keyboard case, any Android tablet sized between nine and 11 inches should fit in it.

Aside from its delightfully low price tag, the MoKo Universal Tablet Case with QWERTY Keyboard also comes with a magnetic base and a stylus holder. You can use the stand to raise the keyboard itself or prop up your tablet and another device like a phone if you want. The keys are designed to be silent while typing. It comes in a wide range of colors.

Thankfully, the MoKo Universal Tablet Case with QWERTY Keyboard has a USB-C port for charging. MoKo promises 90 days of usage from a single full charge.

Best multi-device

Logitech K400 Plus keyboard

(Image credit: Logitech)

3. Logitech K400 Plus

Your most versatile option

Reasons to buy

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Works with a huge range of devices, including TVs and Chromebooks
+
Touchpad included
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Battery-powered so lasts for years
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Slim and lightweight

Reasons to avoid

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No holder or stand
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Not rechargeable
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60% size lacks num pad

Logitech slays across the board when it comes to peripherals. The brand has something to offer for every kind of user. If you're the sort who likes to use one Bluetooth keyboard with everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, the Logitech K400 Plus is the most versatile keyboard you can buy.

Not only do you get Bluetooth connectivity with native support for Android and iOS, but you also get support for Chrome OS, Windows, macOS, iPadOS, and smart TVs. This jack-of-all Bluetooth keyboard is a stellar investment across the board. Since it's powered by two AAA batteries, you can expect them to last around two years before they need replacement.

Best keyboard case

Logitech Universal Folio keyboard

(Image credit: Logitech)

4. Logitech Universal Folio

One size fits all

Reasons to buy

+
Universal keyboard case with stand
+
Replaceable CR2032 batteries last for two years
+
Stylus holder included

Reasons to avoid

-
Doesn't fit tablets larger than 10"
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Expensive

This is another Bluetooth keyboard from Logitech that supports Android, iOS, and Windows tablets. The Logitech Universal Folio is a universal keyboard case with Bluetooth 3.0 connectivity.

As long as your tablet is between 9 inches to 10 inches wide, it can easily fit the Logitech Universal Folio. Unfortunately, this makes it incompatible with larger tabs like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra. The case protects your tablet when folded and it has a stand to prop your tab up, laptop style. It even includes a stylus holder so you can store your tab's S Pen or whatever stylus you're using in it.

For charging, the Logitech Universal Folio uses two CR2032 cells. These are easily replaceable but you won't have to worry about that for at least a year or two.

Best mechanical

Keychron K2

(Image credit: Keychron)

5. Keychron K2 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (Version 2)

Clickety-clack

Reasons to buy

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Hot swappable keys and Gateron switches
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Top-tier typing experience
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Backlit keys
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Versatile device compatibility
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USB-C charging

Reasons to avoid

-
Super heavy and big size
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No tablet holder
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Pricey compared to other tablet keyboards

The Keychron K2 is a cult classic when it comes to Bluetooth-enabled mechanical keyboards. Not only is it one of the top contenders when looking at the best mechanical keyboards for Android, but it is also a highly suitable choice for Chromebooks.

Keychron's K2 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (Version 2) works with three devices at once, has swappable keys with various Gateron switch options, and supports Android, iOS, and Windows. You get USB-C charging, which is another plus point.

To top it all off, the Keychron K2 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (Version 2) has RGB backlighting with more than 15 light modes to choose from. It's not the most portable or affordable Bluetooth keyboard for your tablet, but it sure is one of the most solid and fun ones out there.

Best foldable

Samsers Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard

(Image credit: Amazon)

6. Samsers Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard

Fold and go

Reasons to buy

+
Foldable and ultra-portable
+
USB-C charging
+
Built-in touch pad
+
Comes in various colors
+
Bluetooth 3.0 and 5.0 options available

Reasons to avoid

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Bluetooth 5.0 option costs twice as much
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No tablet stand

If you're looking for the ultimate in portability, the Samsers Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard might be best for you. The name is a bit cringe, but the keyboard itself is solid. It has a metal casing with sturdy ABS plastic hinges that may emote a cheap feeling, but the keyboard itself is great. It's a tri-fold keyboard that gets nice and small when closed.

Thanks to the keyboard's Scissor Switch keys, it is designed to be quiet when typing and the quality of the keys is fabulous for the price. You can purchase various variants of the Samsers Foldable Bluetooth Keyboard, depending on your needs. This includes bright color options as well as Bluetooth 3.0 and newer Bluetooth 5.0 iterations of the foldable keyboard.

The Samsers Bluetooth Keyboard supports Android, iOS, and Windows devices. Our favorite feature after it's foldability is its USB-C charging port. That's right, you don't need to worry about getting triple A batteries for this keyboard, you can top it up with your own Android tablet's Type-C charger.

How to choose

What to look for in an external keyboard for Android

Why you can trust Android Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

There is no shortage of great Android tablets out there. Maybe you just picked up a Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra which we called the best Android tablet money can buy. But finding a great typing experience to go along with it that's compact and portable can be a challenge. That's why we went with the Logitech POP ICON Keys. It has a great typing experience, and is ultra-portable, and isn't limited to just your tablet.

At the core of your tablet experience is portability, which is why we mostly picked portable keyboards. If your situation differs, we have options for you too. A desktop experience can also be great on your Android tablet. But for a combination of all of those together, you can't go wrong with Logitech.

Namerah Saud Fatmi
Senior Editor — Accessories

Namerah enjoys geeking out over accessories, gadgets, and all sorts of smart tech. She spends her time guzzling coffee, writing, casual gaming, and cuddling with her furry best friends. Find her on Twitter @NamerahS.