Which keyboard for Galaxy Tab A11+ - also fits the A9+, with a US layout

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Which keyboard for Galaxy Tab A11+? Case with a detachable Bluetooth keyboard

For the Galaxy Tab A11+, the best choice is a case with a detachable Bluetooth keyboard, with a key layout matched to your country. It is the simplest way to type on a tablet like on a small laptop, while also protecting the screen when you travel.

Good news: the case descriptions list the A11+ (SM-X230, X236) and the A9+ (SM-X210, X216, X218) together. This means the same case fits both tablets, which is handy if you also have an older model at home.

On its US accessories page, Samsung lists a Book Cover case for the A11+ without a keyboard and says nothing about a keyboard.

How to check whether the case fits your tablet

Before you click "buy", go to your tablet's settings and check the SM-X model number. The Wi-Fi version is SM-X230, and the 5G version is SM-X236. Compare this number with the list in the case description.

Watch out for the smaller Tab A11 with an 8.7-inch screen. It is a different tablet (SM-X130), and a case for the A11+ does not fit it. The names are very similar, so it is easy to make a mistake.

The A11+ itself has an 11-inch screen and dimensions of 257.1 x 168.7 x 6.9 mm. If the seller gives different tablet dimensions, it is a sign that the case is meant for something else.

Some descriptions have a long list of models. In that case, do not look for the marketing name, just find your SM-X number in it.

Fun fact: according to the descriptions of cases that fit both tablets, the A11+ and A9+ have the same body width and height. That is why one case works with both models.

Key layout: why it is worth reading the description

The key layout is the most often overlooked detail, and it is hard to get used to later. Germany uses QWERTZ, France AZERTY, Italy the Italian QWERTY, Spain a layout with the letter Ñ, and the USA and the Netherlands QWERTY.

The photo in the listing is sometimes the only reliable source. The title may mention one layout while the photo shows another, so look at the keys, especially the placement of letters and special characters.

The boxes below show cases with the layout right for your market. We chose them based on whether the manufacturer lists the A11+ in the description and on the key layout, without assessing build quality.

Recommended keyboards for Galaxy Tab A11+

Touchpad, backlight, mouse and charging

Some cases come with a touchpad, a backlight or a wireless mouse in the set. A touchpad is useful during longer work sessions, because you don't have to keep reaching for the screen. A mouse in the set makes sense if you often use your tablet at a desk.

Samsung DeX works on this tablet on its own, so with a keyboard and mouse you can use a view similar to a computer desktop.

You will appreciate the backlight in the evening or on a plane. Some cases offer it in 7 colors, but it is more of an extra than a necessity.

Keep in mind that all the recommended cases are Bluetooth keyboards. They need to be paired with the tablet and charged from time to time, e.g. via USB-C, as with the detachable Fintie keyboard.

If a case has a stylus holder, note that the A11+ does not support the S Pen. The holder will therefore only be useful for a regular stylus.

Fun fact: according to Samsung, the A11+ does not work with the S Pen, so a stylus from the holder in the case will not work like the original Samsung stylus.

Frequently asked questions about a keyboard for the Galaxy Tab A11+

Does the Galaxy Tab A11+ come with a keyboard?

No, you need to buy a keyboard separately. The most convenient option is a case with a detachable Bluetooth keyboard, which also protects the tablet. For the A11+, Samsung lists a Book Cover case without a keyboard in its accessories offer on the US market.

Does a keyboard for the Galaxy Tab A9+ fit the A11+?

Usually yes, if the case description mentions both tablets. Descriptions often list the A11+ (SM-X230, X236) and the A9+ (SM-X210, X216, X218) together. Even so, check your SM-X number against the list of models.

How do I check my tablet model before buying a case?

Go to the tablet settings and find the SM-X model number. The A11+ is SM-X230 (Wi-Fi) or SM-X236 (5G). The smaller Tab A11 with an 8.7-inch screen is SM-X130, and a case for the A11+ does not fit it.

Does a keyboard case for the Galaxy Tab A11+ need to be charged?

Yes, these are Bluetooth keyboards, so they need to be paired and charged. For example, the detachable Fintie keyboard charges via USB-C. The touchpad and backlight are extra features that come as part of the set.

Does the Galaxy Tab A11+ support the S Pen?

No, according to Samsung's specifications, the A11+ does not support the S Pen. A stylus holder in the case will therefore only be useful for a regular stylus, e.g. a capacitive one.

Keyboards for other Galaxy tablets

• Which keyboard for Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra - also fits the S12 Ultra
• Which keyboard for Galaxy Tab S10 FE - also fits the S10 Lite

See also

• Which charger for Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ - will your phone charger do?
• Which keyboard for Galaxy Tab S10 FE - also fits the S10 Lite
• Which keyboard for Redmi Pad 2 - the right key layout
• Which keyboard for Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra - also fits the S12 Ultra

Sources

• Samsung: Galaxy Tab A11+ specifications - manufacturer page (samsung.com)
• Samsung: Find accessories for the Galaxy Tab A11+ - manufacturer page (samsung.com)
• GSMArena: Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ specifications - industry article (gsmarena.com)
• Tech Advisor: Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ review - industry article (techadvisor.com)
• Android Authority: Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ review - industry article (androidauthority.com)