Great keyboard, but has some major flaws
Kyle
3/4/2022
Had low expectations since I got this as a "free" add-on when upgrading to the Tab S8. The keyboard feels really nice and has way more travel than expected. The keys are close enough to full size that I barely notice the difference when typing and can type at almost full speed. The exception is the number row, which is compressed to add room for a delete key, which is probably worth the trade-off. Originally there was a bug where the delete and function keys were mapped incorrectly, but Samsung quickly fixed this with an update.
Unfortunately, the function buttons on this device are almost completely useless. Instead of offering the secondary buttons to control brigness, volume, media, and navigation like the Tab S8+ keyboard, Samsung chose to include the function buttons as secondary keys for the number row. The only function that is ever used is F5, to refresh the browser, which can already be done with Ctrl+R. This means that you will have to a lot of unnecessary swiping on your device to change brightness or media. Hopefully Samsung gives the option to change the function of these keys in an update!!
My other concern is that this cover offers very little protection for the device. Samsung could have very easily added some basic corner protection to this device, without making it any bulkier. Instead, the corners are completely exposed to drops. The keyboard and connector pins are very close to the screen when the cover is closed, so it is possible that this could end up scratching the screen if it is moving around in a bag. (I haven't tested this.)
If you need a trackpad or multiple viewing angles, you should get the other keyboard case. If you don't, this is probably a better case to get since it is thinner, is easier to use on your lap, takes up less space on a desk, is better to draw on (because the pen holder doesn't stick out), and still feels well built. I feel like its price should be a bit cheaper given its compromises, but if you are just looking for a quality keyboard for your Tab S7/Tab S8, this definitely offers that.
Originally posted on Samsung.com
Yes, I recommend this product
Design
Features
Performance
Value
Keyboard incompatible with Tab S8
Aravind
3/2/2022
the quality of the cover itself is good. it's well magnetized, and holds everything together, but the function key row (along with the esc key) and the delete key are wonky. del takes a screenshot every time, and it is annoying. fn + backspace is supposed to take the screenshot, but that remains unmapped. function keys don't work at all. the keyboard system shortcuts are useless because of this incorrect mapping. i hope a future software update will address this. until then, it's not going to be a 5 star product.
Originally posted on Samsung.com
No, I do not recommend this product
Design
Features
Performance
Value
Function and delete keys not working on Tab S8
Kyle
2/28/2022
all keys work properly on my tab s7, but when connected to my tab s8, the delete key and function row hotkeys do not work properly. the delete key takes screenshots instead of deleting. i think the tab s8 is recognizing this keyboard as the tab s8 plus keyboard, which has a slightly different key layout. if this is fixed in a software update, i will change my review.
Originally posted on Samsung.com
Yes, I recommend this product
Design
Features
Performance
Value
