Options for connecting an external keyboard to a tablet

The mobile device market is experiencing rapid growth due to increasing consumer demand. In terms of functionality, modern tablets are now comparable to laptops and PCs. The issue of touch control and virtual keyboard input is easily solved by connecting a keyboard to the tablet. In this article, we will explore how to connect a keyboard to a tablet and the necessary steps to take for successful integration.

Types of keyboards

• USB keyboard;
• Bluetooth keyboard;
• Combined keyboard (USB/Bluetooth, with a built-in keypad in the case).

Contemporary versions of mobile devices come with a specific assortment of communication components and ports that are compatible with the operating system. To enhance the device’s capabilities, users have the option of connecting an external keyboard either via USB/MicroUSB port using a cable or through a Bluetooth connection. The ease or difficulty of implementing each method, as well as the positive and negative aspects of these solutions, will be explored in the following discussion.

To print large texts conveniently in the office or at home, USB peripherals can be used. Below are step-by-step instructions on how to connect the tablet to the keyboard.

1. Make sure that your tablet meets the necessary conditions for USB-host technology. This includes having USB and/or MicroUSB ports, as well as the ability to install the necessary driver for the tablet OS to communicate with the external keyboard.
2. Connect the keyboard to your tablet using the USB port, if available, or use a USB to Micro USB adapter, also known as an OTG cable. Some mobile devices already come with this adapter, but if not, you can purchase one from a specialized store. Here is an image of what the OTG adapter looks like.

Adapt for the earlier Samsung models

The MiroUSB adapter

Let us examine the solution to the issue of lacking the required driver by using the example of attaching an external keyboard to an Android tablet. The sequence of actions is as follows.

1. In the Google Play Store, locate and install the "ruKeyboard" application.
2. In the "settings" mode on the tablet, navigate to the "Language and settings" tab and select the installed program "ruKeyboard".
3. To customize the combination of keys on your hardware keyboard, go to the program and select the "Hardware keyboard" option. If the default combination of keys is not suitable for you, you can change it in the "Switch layout" section.
4. In the settings tab, go to "Layout selection" and check the box for "External keyboard".
5. Restart your tablet for the changes to take effect.

Note that physical connection of devices offers greater reliability, stability, and lower power consumption compared to wireless methods. With this type of connection, the tablet’s battery discharges much slower.

To achieve greater mobility and facilitate communication, it is possible to connect a bluetooth keyboard to a tablet. This peripheral device includes a built-in Bluetooth module that can be activated through a designated button. The design and placement of this button may vary across different models. In order to use a bluetooth keyboard on a tablet, it is important to know how to enable it. The synchronization process between the two devices is as follows:

• Turn on the keyboard and enable the Bluetooth function on the tablet.
• In the Bluetooth section of the tablet’s Android settings, locate and connect to the desired peripheral.

Cyborgs with a radio interface are still available for purchase. These devices come with a USB receiver in the package. To connect the receiver to the tablet, an OTG adapter is used. The next step involves searching for and syncing the connected keyboard in the "Wireless Connections" section of the tablet’s settings.

Communication of the tablet with other types of keyboards

Bluetooth/USB input device, as the name suggests, can be used with the tablet either as a wireless bluetooth keyboard or as a regular USB keyboard. Both of these connection options have been explained above.

A keyboard case is a protective case that has a built-in keyboard. This accessory serves the main purpose of safeguarding the portable device against dust and physical damage during transportation. The cases are made using various materials, such as silicone, durable plastic, dense fabric, water-resistant leatherette or leather. Additionally, the accessory is equipped with a Micro USB interface for connecting to the tablet. Therefore, the process of pairing this practical peripheral with the device follows a similar method as mentioned above for cable connection.

Realization of simultaneous keyboard and mouse connection

You have the option to connect both a keyboard and a mouse to your tablet simultaneously. There are two ways to achieve this.

1. You can connect wired peripherals to your mobile device using the USB/Micro USB port.
2. You can sync your tablet with a wireless mouse and keyboard through bluetooth.

If your device only has one connector, you may require a USB splitter for the first method.

Otherwise, the process for connecting and configuring the peripherals remains the same as described previously.

Popular keyboards for tablet

Black Bluetooth Keyboard Logitech K380 Multi-Device is available on Yandex Market

Logitech Multi-Device Keyboard K480 in Black Bluetooth can be found on Yandex.com

YandexMarket offers the Black Apple iPad Pro Smart Keyboard (MJYR2ZX/A)

Silver Bluetooth Keyboard Jet.A SlimLine K9 BT is available on Yandex Marketplace

Black Bluetooth Keyboard ASUS Transkeyboard is available on Yandex Market