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Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard for Android
So initially I was writing this on my Nexus 7 but lost everything I had written twice due to what seems like an issue with the Nexus 7's bluetooth. I'll go into more detail about that a bit later but for now here are my initial thoughts on the Logitech Bluetooth keyboard linked above. I picked one up on eBay for $29.99 (retail ~$69) and it arrived yesterday.
Layout & Form
Let me just say, this keyboard is stylish. From the moment you open the package (not that stylish) you can tell that much thought and effort was put in to the design of this product. It is very sleek (both the case and keyboard), and even matches the Nexus 7 down to the blue accent on the media/function keys.
Size-wise this keyboard is about as close to a full size keyboard as you can get while still being portable and comfortable to type on. It does not contain a NUM pad or Home/End/Page buttons, but it does have small arrow keys under the Enter/Shift buttons. Typing on this keyboard took absolutely no time to get used to. I was typing up documentation for work while playing Dota 2 on my desktop because I wanted to use this thing so much
It comes with an amazing case to protect your investment however, it also doubles as a stand for your tablet that allows your to adjust the viewing angle a bit. Great feature! Overall, the build quality of this keyboard/case feels top notch.
Function
Not only does the keyboard look and feel great, but it also works! It has a lot more functionality outside of just typing which I was quite surprised by. It connected quickly and easily the first time which was also a nice perk. It also did not seem to lag at all. When typing fast it didn't miss a keystroke. Features outside of typing worth noting:
Alt+Tab functionality to switch between recently used apps
Home key to bring you back to the home screen
Media keys
Calendar, Browser, Mail, Music function keys (the browser one doesn't seem to work for me)
Some typical hotkeys work (ie: Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V) however some I had no luck with in the app I was using (ie: Ctrl+B, Ctrl+I, Ctrl+U)
Ability to navigate around home screen or app UI elements using TAB
Keyboard Specific Cons
There aren't many things that I don't like about this keyboard. There were only two things that I could find that bugged me a little bit but are by no means even close to being deal breakers (more personal preference I would say).
The case does not cover the entire keyboard, only the keys so a little bit at the top sticks out a bit.
There is no female micro-USB port for plugging the keyboard into a power source. It runs on (2) batteries so when they die you'll just have to replace them.
Nexus 7 Experience Pitfalls
One of the major downsides for me were connectivity issues with the Nexus 7. However, I believe this a problem on the tablet side and not an issue with the keyboard itself. I had several instances where they keyboard would hang and the last letter would be repeated until I turn the keyboard on and off and reconnected it. This would not be a major issue if it weren't for another issue that coincides with this, and this is a big one. When turning the keyboard on/off and connecting/disconnecting it from the Nexus 7, the Nexus 7 will refresh whatever screen you are viewing. If you are on your home screen, it will redraw your home screen, if you are browsing the web, it will refresh all your tabs. When using the keyboard in evernote this wasn't a huge issue however, when I was initially writing up this review it would refresh the browser and I lost everything I had written.
This seems to be an issue with the tablet because I had similar issues when tethering it to my phone for using the internet. Regardless, I figured it was major enough to mention. Another issue which may be on the tablet end as well (with the default browser switching to chrome) is the lack of functionality of the browser media key. This is not a deal breaker for me though.
Overall Impression
Overall, I love this keyboard however, I cannot use it due to the major bluetooth connectivity issue that exists with the Nexus 7. Hopefully this is just a software issue that can be fixed, but until then I will have to keep this amazing accessory on a shelf. It's a shame because I really love this keyboard. I actually use it on my laptop now instead of the laptops keyboard
Quick update on the bluetooth issue:
I have old speakers that I use at my office that are not shielded. This may be what's causing my bluetooth disconnect issues with both my phone and keyboard but I'll have to test to see if this is actually the case. I was having minor bluetooth issues at home as well which leads me to believe it's the tablet.
Will Share My Experience
I have yet to receive my N7 and an ordered Logitech keyboard. I'll share my experiences, too, when I get them. That way we might be able to see if the bluetooth problem you're having is specific to your device or more generic.
Thanks for the input. I have left my tablet on with the keyboard paired with it off to the side of my desk and it seems to be doing fine so I'm thinking my old crap speakers were causing the interference.
However, I have been able to repeat the problem connecting and disconnecting of bluetooth devices consistantly. It seems that when you connect or disconnect a paired device, whatever screen you are on gets refreshed or redrawn. Seems like it may be an easy fix on the software end, unfortunately I am no developer. Also not sure if it would be on the kernel level or the OS level.
EDIT: I also started a thread more specific to the bluetooth issue here.
No Chrome Support?
Got the keyboard today for my Nexus 7 and everything works except the key to launch the browser. Anybody having similar issues - figured out how to correct?
mattmanb said:
Got the keyboard today for my Nexus 7 and everything works except the key to launch the browser. Anybody having similar issues - figured out how to correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's probably looking for the ICS stock browser to open I guess... Could try changing the name of the Chrome APK in system apps to match the old stock browser and see whether that works...
My wife has the ipad version of this keyboard I should try it out on my nexus 7.
EDIT: Also wanted to correct your review that it takes 4 AAA batteries, not 2.
I just got my keyboard today and I'm loving it so far. Haven't had any connectivity issues or any other type of issue.
I was worried about the stand/keyboard dwarfing the 7 inch tablet, but it works pretty nicely. Since I could never find any pictures of landscape and/or portrait of the Nexus in use with this accessory, here are some shots:
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
This reminded me to try my wifes iPad version of this out, and works pretty good. Weirdly at first, it wasn't.. Shift key was behaving really weird, sticking... then couldn't type again until I hit it a few times.
Now.. After reconnecting once, it's working good. Control, alt both work.. the cmd key paired with other keys do app shortcuts, like cmd-a is calculator, cmd-c is contacts etc.. Interesting.
Media keys work.. so cmd-p launches Google Music, then fn-7 8 9 0 - + control things. Cool. Fn-Delete puts the N7 to sleep..
Told the wife her keyboard might go missing. Heh. But in reality, I won't use it... Rare I'd need a keyboard like this that I'm not near a computer anyway, and I'm not carrying the keyboard around with me 24/7, so.. Maybe useful for some things though.
My only question about this keyboard is the weight. I've picked up the package in a few stores and it seems *heavy*. I've a small Apple (hush now, I'm using it to run my HTPC!) bluetooth keyboard at home which feels like a feather compared to the box. Is it just oddly heavy packaging, or is this keyboard, well, a bit porky?
RikF said:
My only question about this keyboard is the weight. I've picked up the package in a few stores and it seems *heavy*. I've a small Apple (hush now, I'm using it to run my HTPC!) bluetooth keyboard at home which feels like a feather compared to the box. Is it just oddly heavy packaging, or is this keyboard, well, a bit porky?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is a bit. But a surprising amount of that weight is the case. According to my kitchen scale... the N7 = 335g. Keyboard with batteries = 400g. Keyboard in case = 620g! 220g for the case / stand. My N7 will soon have it's own case / stand, so I think I'll ditch the keyboard one.
rwb2073 said:
It is a bit. But a surprising amount of that weight is the case. According to my kitchen scale... the N7 = 335g. Keyboard with batteries = 400g. Keyboard in case = 620g! 220g for the case / stand. My N7 will soon have it's own case / stand, so I think I'll ditch the keyboard one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on the same boat, my Portenzo case arrives this week.
Update: After returning the first keyboard I got and receiving a replacement everything works fine. The screen still refreshes when I turn on the keyboard which is odd, but now it stays connected with no sticking key issues.
I LOVE THIS KEYBOARD. Sorry to be absent, work has been nuts. I'll flesh out the original post sometime soon with updates.
bernjc3 said:
I'm on the same boat, my Portenzo case arrives this week.
Update: After returning the first keyboard I got and receiving a replacement everything works fine. The screen still refreshes when I turn on the keyboard which is odd, but now it stays connected with no sticking key issues.
I LOVE THIS KEYBOARD. Sorry to be absent, work has been nuts. I'll flesh out the original post sometime soon with updates.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, it works great with the N7.
I get no refreshing when I disconnect / reconnect here though. While paired, input is fast, then when I power the keyboard off, there is a delay of about 15 seconds until the tablet realizes the connection has been lost and the software keyboard pops up. When I turn the hardware keyboard back on it connects almost instantly and the software keyboard goes away. No refresh or loss of work (in Catch Notes, for example). I wonder if this is related to the currently selected software keyboard? I'm using Ultra Keyboard, which has settings specifically to work with a hardware keyboard, when present. The tool bar and some of the features are still available while the Logitech keyboard is connected. Text zoom in / out is very helpful in particular, for example.
I've also found that when I connect to another device (laptop for example) the Logitech gets finicky about later being used with the N7. I think it likes to play with just one host device. The fix for me is a battery pull and all the connectivity issues go away (until I use it with the laptop again that is).
Yeah as far as weight goes you'll definitely notice it in your pack, but at least you knows its solid construction.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Hi,
I've had my Logitech Bluetooth keyboard for a week now. It works well in Evernote, flawless actually. But my problem is that when I do a search in Chrome or use Google Now (or whatever it is at the bottom) I will start typing and it'll hang up on a letter going "tttttttttttttt" until I turn the keyboard off.
I *feel* it has something to do with instant search, I'm not sure. Anyone else experiencing this problem and have a fix? Is it an app I have installed that is making it do this mess?
The logitech keyboard looks cool. Looks a bit bigger than the amazon bluetooth keyboard though. I may look into the amazon one at somepoint. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005EOWBKE/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00
I've been using this keyboard to take notes within evernote in lecture based classes and I Iove it! I have a few questions though, in keyboard settings I see auto correct spelling as well as auto capitalization for the keyboard but I cant seem to get the keyboard to do this.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2
So I was a Messagpad 2100 user, and I have been looking for a device to really replace it since I stopped using it in 2007 (yeah, I know it was canceled 10 years before that -- it was a pretty amazing device though). I think the N7 might finally be the device. Anyway one of the key's to using the Newton was it's case/keyboard setup:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/atow/4314242537/
It was super handy to be able to pop the Newton out for a meeting etc
So, questions:
1. If I were to plug a keyboard into the N7 (possibly using an adapter to go from USB to micro USB), will it work?
2. Does anyone know of a keyboard with a micro USB out? I looked in the most obvious places and couldn't find one.
Yes, I know about BT keyboards (I've been using one and it works), but I want to avoid the charging/battery issue if at all possible.
..
Get the logitech bluetooth keyboard for android 3.0+. Given your question you may not realize how much better (and how much lower power consumption) bluetooth is now. You'll get dedicated android keys and won't have to worry about wonky keyboard mapping issues; not to mention the hassle of using a wired setup (can require using an app to set it up each time). Also, you can connect more than one device with bluetooth, so you can have a keyboard and mouse (with the USB you'll be limited to one).
BTW- the wired keyboard will drain the battery on your nexus (not sure how it compares to battery drain from bluetooth though).
slack04 said:
Get the logitech bluetooth keyboard for android 3.0+. Given your question you may not realize how much better (and how much lower power consumption) bluetooth is now. You'll get dedicated android keys and won't have to worry about wonky keyboard mapping issues; not to mention the hassle of using a wired setup (can require using an app to set it up each time). Also, you can connect more than one device with bluetooth, so you can have a keyboard and mouse (with the USB you'll be limited to one).
BTW- the wired keyboard will drain the battery on your nexus (not sure how it compares to battery drain from bluetooth though).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used a couple different wired keyboards with no need for a OTG adapter. Didn't check for battery usage, but I did notice that both wires were very thin and susceptible to break. For that reason only, my next keyboard will be a bluetooth.
Wireless vs. wired keyboard and battery life
slack04 said:
Get the logitech bluetooth keyboard for android 3.0+. Given your question you may not realize how much better (and how much lower power consumption) bluetooth is now. You'll get dedicated android keys and won't have to worry about wonky keyboard mapping issues; not to mention the hassle of using a wired setup (can require using an app to set it up each time). Also, you can connect more than one device with bluetooth, so you can have a keyboard and mouse (with the USB you'll be limited to one).
BTW- the wired keyboard will drain the battery on your nexus (not sure how it compares to battery drain from bluetooth though).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I prefer my wired, USB, mobile keyboard over my Bluetooth wireless keyboard because of the wired keyboard's size and layout. However, I want to maximize the battery life on my Nexus 7.
The posts in this forum seem to be inconclusive. So, does anyone have a solid answer as to whether a wired, or a wireless Bluetooth, keyboard is best for the Nexus 7's battery life?
Thanks!
Chaps, thinking out the box but can you get a USB keyboard WITH a battery built in to help power the device..
ccinco said:
I prefer my wired, USB, mobile keyboard over my Bluetooth wireless keyboard because of the wired keyboard's size and layout. However, I want to maximize the battery life on my Nexus 7.
The posts in this forum seem to be inconclusive. So, does anyone have a solid answer as to whether a wired, or a wireless Bluetooth, keyboard is best for the Nexus 7's battery life?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would expect the Bluetooth keyboard would use no more power than the USB keyboard, as the keyboard would draw power from the USB to drive it's electronics, whereas the Bluetooth keyboard would have a battery. I would prefer not use a USB keyboard as I wouldn't like to damage the USB port if I bumped the OTG adapter - there have been reports of port damage from simple knocks and drops.
I just bought the Motorola keyboard with trackpad for $29 (woot), and expect it to turn up any day now. I previously used the older Motorola bluetooth keyboard with the N7, but sold it with my old Acer A500 before I realized I'd prefer a keyboard with my N7...
http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Wireless-Keyboard-Trackpad-Packaging/dp/B006291K7A
I am back to trying to find a solution for this. I'm not opposed to a BT keyboard, if I could find that's small enough without being too small. Most these days seem designed to work with an iPad, and tend to be 13" long or so -- too big. I'm hunting for something not much larger (so 9" or less than the N7 but also not utter crap. I suspect that when the 7" ipad finally is released, we'll see a bunch of design smarts applied to this.
I've been using a Stowaway BT keyboard I bought years ago for my Windows Mobile 5 phone. I still think it's the best portable keyboard.
http://www.amazon.com/Stowaway-Ultra-Slim-Bluetooth-Blackberry-Handhelds/dp/B0002OKCXE
It's an aluminum clamshell design that locks opens into a 4-row keyboard with full-size keys. They feel like my laptop's keys, and have just enough resistance to let you know they've been pressed. Two function keys give you access to the full 101-key character set. There are other functions like "save" and "new", but they don't appear to work because under Android. There's also a built-in stand that seems flimsy at first, but has no problem holding the N7 in either orientation. However, this keyboard does NOT like your lap. It must be used on a stable, flat surface. Even though it does lock open, there's enough "spring" due to the thinness of the keyboard that typing is difficult.
The Stowaway is pricey - around $70, although you can find them discounted to $50 if you shop around. Maybe some of the cheaper clamshell designs may work as well. YMMV. My co-worker bought 3 different keyboards that were just unusable. #1 had "clicky" keys - impossible to touch type on. #2 had those rubbery "chiclet" keys - again, impossible to accurately touch type on. #3 was OK to type on - if you had little pixie fingers. The key spacing was only 3/4 of the norm.
That is *exactly* what I'm looking for -- the thinkoutside keyboards were awesome. That someone isn't making something like this now boggles the mind, but I guess there isn't really a market for these when the device most likely used with it these days (ipad) is much larger. I'll bet we see more of these when the smaller ipad is on the market.
Can anyone here can comment in new feed of Facebook with extended keyboard. I had used logitech keyboard, can comment in wall, chat, but can't comment in new feed
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2
Just wanted to let folks know about my experiences with a new bluetooth keyboard by esource. I had been looking for one for occasional use with my nook hd+ running CM 10.1. I saw this keyboard yesterday at Big Lots for only $25 and decided to take a chance on it. It's available for even less on eBay, but I figured if it didn't work then the returns would be much less hassle at a brick&mortar store. As it turns out, my fears of having to return it were unfounded. The keyboard pairs just fine with my nook, and so far it's working great! It appears to be designed for use with Apple products, but it works just fine with Android. Most of the function keys don't apply, but F3 does call up search, and the "rounded square" key to the left of F1 calls up the list of running apps. This keyboard along with a bluetooth mouse opens up lots of options for me with my tablet. With my $12 360 case (also eBay) to prop up the tablet in landscape or portrait mode, it makes for an acceptable laptop substitute
p.s. As the device that I got came with *no* documentation whatsoever, I would point out that to pair the device you have to press a small button on the back of the keyboard labeled "connect".
CM 10.1?
10.1.3
Sent from my BN NookHD+ using xda app-developers app
I wanted to control my computer from the couch, and just having a wireless mouse wasn't doing it for me. I have a Bluetooth keyboard, and it's okay, but it disconnects when it wants to and is generally unreliable. So I'm doing a computer upgrade, and I got well under budget, so I decided I'd toss a wireless keyboard into the mix. I didn't intend to get one with a track pad, but for the price, I figured why not. Amazon link — no referral codes
It's pretty good with my computer, but I took out my USB On-the-Go cable... and hey, it works with my phone as well. Track pad works like a mouse. The keyboard works great. That Bluetooth keyboard would get keys mixed up. I don't know if Bluetooth can only transmit so much at a time, but I type around 60WPM on average, I think, and that's not astronomically high (I believe secretaries/receptionists are expected to do 100WPM, and many do a lot more) but it's respectable. And when I type on the Bluetooth keyboard, my letters often arrive on the screen out of order. Once I realized there was nothing I could do but type slower, I just quit using it. This doesn't have that problem. I opened Google Docs, opened a new document, and just started brainstorming at it, and all the text came through right, up to my top speed.
The keyboard has a Home button which shows the desktop in Windows (may open home screen in the browser), and it works like a Home button in Android. I have a Play/Pause button, and Android asked me which media player I should use. F3 is Search on computers, and it opened Search on Android (not full-on Google Now, just the search). On the Bluetooth keyboard, CTRL+ALT+DELETE rebooted the phone with neither prompt nor warning. Didn't try it on the keyboard. Also haven't tried gestures (pinch, rotate, etc.). I'm not sure Android has multitouch trackpad support, as opposed to regular trackpad where it's just like a mouse.
Anyway, it's a good keyboard, it has a trackpad, and it's $25 shipped. Well, the shipping is free if you have Prime, which we do. You'll need a USB On-the-Go cable (here's Amazon's #1 best-selling USB OTG cable). And, if you need a push to get over $35, why not get a 2A charger, a screen protector, or a case? Preferably, a case with a stand, because if you're going to be doing a lot of typing, you'll probably want to prop your phone up. (I use a FlyGrip for that, but a FlyGrip is $40, though if you search Amazon for "FlyGrip," they have a ton of knockoffs.)
If you were ever unsure of the idea of a smartphone as a notebook replacement, using a physical keyboard to type an email or a document, edit a spreadsheet, or type out a document (oh, wouldn't it be neat if I said I typed all this on that keyboard, but alas, I haven't got it with me — though, I am considering buying a second one to carry with me on the road) might push you over the fence.
I just put this keyboard in my cart the other day. My mind is made up now.
The K400 is a great and durable keyboard. Had mine about a year keep one in the road bag and one at home. Highly recommended. I disable most of the multi features when using on Windows
Anyone have experience with this? Does it fit well? How feel to push the buttons?
check out youtube videos for the s6 edge + keyboard cover. I'm sure it is similar in build, if not better.
Kasya said:
Anyone have experience with this? Does it fit well? How feel to push the buttons?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Personally, no, I think they're hideous and make the phone look like it's from 2003. But to each his own...I'm sure if you like physical keyboards then you'll like it.
jtw_111 said:
Personally, no, I think they're hideous and make the phone look like it's from 2003. But to each his own...I'm sure if you like physical keyboards then you'll like it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I loved my SE P800, P900 and P990. So the design is one of my favorite...secondly I like physical keyboards.
I hope I will receive the cover on the next week.
hi, is there a support forum for this accesory?I bought this case only to realise that chinese language keyboard is not supported =/ just wonder when they plan to support if any?
I've had it on my edge for a few days and I like it. Had a discount code and a gift card so figured why not. Takes some getting used to but i can type pretty fast on it and autocorrect helps. I don't like that you have to press the alt button for a period but the dollar sign has its own key. The case itself isn't very protective and my spigen style ring doesn't stick to the back of it. Overall I like typing on it better than the actual software keyboard.
mcp2009 said:
I've had it on my edge for a few days and I like it. Had a discount code and a gift card so figured why not. Takes some getting used to but i can type pretty fast on it and autocorrect helps. I don't like that you have to press the alt button for a period but the dollar sign has its own key. The case itself isn't very protective and my spigen style ring doesn't stick to the back of it. Overall I like typing on it better than the actual software keyboard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you have to do anything special to make it work? Mine does nothing.
Is stocker launcher required to be running? (mine is, still doesn't work)
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
Nope just put on the back of the case and the keyboard. What type of screen protector are you using?
just bought this keyboard cover for my s7 edge as well, but i cant get the physical keyboard to work, the screen is not resizing when the keyboard is snaped on
Kasya said:
Anyone have experience with this? Does it fit well? How feel to push the buttons?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the case and Im going to get rid of it lol. It just doesnt feel right while typing on it and if you have any theme set up on your phone it will default back o the stock theme that came with the phone as well as set our keyboard back to the samsung stock one. The slim case without the keyboard does feel awesome though since its extremely minimal.
Could you provide some photos about that?I want to search one for my device.
NickinVA said:
Did you have to do anything special to make it work? Mine does nothing.
Is stocker launcher required to be running? (mine is, still doesn't work)
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had same issue, didn't seem to work when I installed the cover but restarting phone with cover on fixed this issue. No additional software required.
Does anyone have any issue with the space bar on their keyboard case? It doesn't seem to register my space bar presses pretty frequently and is slowly driving me insane... Other keys are fine though, only the space bar has issues!
P/S I sent back mine to samsung once and they gave me a new set but when i went home to test the same issue remained
I have the asian version of S7 edge (SM-G9350) the key mappings are all just wrong. So disappointed. what a waste of money.
For those who are looking for S7 Edge keyboard photo, I attached the comparison with Priv.
Hope this helps.
Ps: Keyboard on priv is much more comfortable. on s7e its very hard one
http://imgur.com/a/WwBxv
has anyone seen this keyboard cover in silver color?
silver exists for the s6 edge but I can not find it for the s7 edge
leeelvin said:
I had same issue, didn't seem to work when I installed the cover but restarting phone with cover on fixed this issue. No additional software required.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It did pop up a message saying "samsung accessory update" when I first connected it, and downloaded some micro-update to get it to work.
---------- Post added at 01:06 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:04 PM ----------
Xephyr3 said:
Does anyone have any issue with the space bar on their keyboard case? It doesn't seem to register my space bar presses pretty frequently and is slowly driving me insane... Other keys are fine though, only the space bar has issues!
P/S I sent back mine to samsung once and they gave me a new set but when i went home to test the same issue remained
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure you don't have any screen-protectors stuck to your phone before attaching the keyboard.
I had a stick-on double-side screen protector glued to my phone and after I attached the keyboard cover, keys worked erratically or not very well. It turned out that the extra thickness from the sticker (fractions of a millimeter, really) made the case not snap-on perfectly. As soon as I unglued its back, everything started working much better. I still have the front piece protecting the screen glued on (it doesn't interfere with the keyboard).
Multiple problems with the cover
Here's a list of problems the cover is causing that I've found so far:
1. The always-on display doesn't work when the keyboard is attached. Meaning you can't see the clock when the phone is in sleep mode.
2. If you start with the keyboard attached, then press the power button to put the phone to sleep mode, you'll see no always-on display. If you then detach the keyboard, the always-on display will show up, but it won't update! Meaning you'll see the same time displayed for hours afterwards (until you press the power button). Can be VERY confusing if you don't realize it.
3. When in Termux with the keyboard attached, you can see in htop that the 2 com.sec.android.inputmethod processes take about 95% and 30% of a CPU core. Also /system/bin/surfaceflinger is taking about 20%. As soon as you detach the keyboard, CPU usage goes down to reasonable near-zero levels. You can feel the phone getting a little warmer than usual, too.
4. The on-screen overlay behind the keyboard (one that receives keystrokes from it) is white! Why would they waste battery for displaying bright white which can't be seen? AMOLED is supposed to take less power when black so it's quite obvious it should be black. Displaying labels for buttons is pretty meaningless behind a hardware keyboard anyway. The bright white also casts a glow onto the rest of the screen which can be seen at night.
5. There's apparently no way to replace the stock hardware-keyboard app. It would be nice if its sources were available somewhere so you could remap / hack the buttons a bit. The euro key is pretty useless and it would serve way better as ctrl or tab, for instance. Personally I'd have it switch modes so that you could use WSAD for arrows and other letters for the rest of the important missing keys.
6. The split-screen view just doesn't work (in Marshmallow), it tells you you need to detach the keyboard first.
If not for these issues, my keyboard would probably stay attached most of the time. Because of those issues, I have to keep flipping it on and off.
Overall the keyboard's hardware is pretty nice, it feels smooth but provides the much-needed tactile feedback quite well. The fact you don't need to charge anything is awesome. The downsides are lack of backlight and the need to take up your screen space (unlike the better keyboard that the Captivate Glide had (I'll miss you, Cappy... maybe some day someone will port the latest Android to you...)).
Don't know why you don't look at a Blackberry if you're still super convinced you need a physical keyboard.
I've always found the ones you can add to your phone are clunky and not worth your time.
Jxck said:
Don't know why you don't look at a Blackberry if you're still super convinced you need a physical keyboard.
I've always found the ones you can add to your phone are clunky and not worth your time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because the Priv can't be rooted and you can't install any other ROM on it. Also, it's full of bloatware that you completely deactivate.
I had a Priv for almost a year, now I'm gonna sell it. I love sliding keyboards, but the whole device is just too big, too unergonomic (all those edges, it's really uncomfortable to make a phone call). Even the keyboard didn't fully convince me, I had way better keyboards in previous (Android and Windows Mobile) smartphones.
So after a brief period of using the S6 with they official keyboard cover, today I got an S7 edge and the keyboard cover. The keys are a bit bigger than with the S6 keyboard, its surface feels a bit better too.
But now that I've installed Lineage on it (one of the main reasons to get the S7 were custom ROMs), the system doesn't detect the keyboard by itself.
So I need to find the drivers for it to install them manually on Lineage...