The Google Pixel Slate is a very large, very pretty, very expensive Chrome OS tablet, and however far Google has come in optimizing Chrome OS for touch-only input, if you own a Chrome OS device, you know all too well: this system begs for a keyboard. Chrome OS has some of the best shortcuts around, and besides, even with the Pixel Slate's beautiful screen, typing on a tablet is still worlds slower than typing on a real keyboard. So get a real keyboard and elevate your Pixel Slate experience to a higher level of enlightenment!
It can be hardly to actually look beyond the $200 price tag on Google's first-party keyboard but this is more than just another boring keyboard cover. The Google Pixel Slate Keyboard has backlit, quiet "Hush" keys, a large trackpad, multiple adjustable kickstand configurations, and doubles as folio case to protect your shiny super-tablet.
Brydge's G-Type gives your Pixel Slate the freedom to type with or without a tabletop around. Slide your Pixel Slate into the 180-degree folding hinge of this expertly crafted keyboard and use it just like a laptop — only better. You can slide the Slate in forward or backwards, meaning that entertainment mode won't push your keys down into that grimy airplane tray table.
The Logitech K380 is our favorite Chrome OS replacement keyboard because of its long battery life, near universal compatibility, and ability to switch back and forth between three devices at the press of a button. There's even a beautiful blue model for a few dollars more!
iClever's folding keyboard doesn't leave clunky gaps or awkwardly aligned keys like most folding keyboards, nor does it make you deal with shrunken keys. The colored backlighting is a nice touch, but being a regular-sized, solid keyboard that can fold up compactly, packs well, and works hard more than justifies its slightly higher price.
The Logitech K780 is the full-size version of the ever-popular K380, and sports the same rounded keycap style and 3-device switching. Unlike the K380, this keyboard comes with a Logitech Unifying Receiver should you need to use it with a non-Bluetooth device — or wish to use it alongside a Logitech mouse. It even has a wedge tablet stand build in!
Want a super premium keyboard that uses the same USB-C cables as your Pixel Slate, works wirelessly or wired, and looks drop-dead gorgeous? Meet the Azio Retro Classic, a backlit Bluetooth keyboard with clicky mechanical switches and a 6,000 mAh battery that can go for months before needing a recharge.
While the Google Pixel Slate keyboard is pretty, for that money, I'd just as soon get the Brydge G-Type and be able to use the Pixel Slate like a full-on laptop. For a more affordable — and compact — keyboard on the go, it's hard to say no to iClever's foldable keyboard, which can fit into the accessory pocket on most laptop/tablet sleeves.
