iPad vs Galaxy Tab – A Real Typing Experience Comparison
“A keyboard case sounds great... until you try typing for 3 hours straight.”
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| < iPAD vs Galaxy Tab > |
You’ve probably thought about ditching your laptop for a tablet. “I’ll just get an iPad and snap on a Magic Keyboard.” “Wait, Galaxy Tab with DeX mode sounds even more like a PC...”
At first glance, both tablets seem ideal for light work. But the moment you start typing that 5-page report or juggling apps, you'll realize — the keyboard experience makes or breaks everything.
The Freelance Designer’s Tablet Struggle
Minsu is a freelance designer who prefers working at cafés instead of an office. He needs a device that’s light to carry, good for writing proposals, emails, and light multitasking — but not something as heavy as a full laptop.
He first tried the iPad Air + Magic Keyboard, and later switched to a Galaxy Tab S9 + Book Cover Keyboard. So... why the switch?
iPad vs Galaxy Tab – The Typing Showdown
1. Typing Feel & Ergonomics
| Feature | iPad (Magic Keyboard) | Galaxy Tab (Book Cover Keyboard) |
|---|---|---|
| Key Feel | Premium, laptop-like, responsive | Softer, less tactile feedback |
| Spacing | Spacious and easy to use | Tighter key spacing; typo-prone |
| Trackpad | Wide and responsive | Smaller, slightly sluggish |
2. Shortcuts & Multitasking
| Feature | iPad (iPadOS) | Galaxy Tab (DeX Mode) |
|---|---|---|
| Shortcut Support | Excellent with apps like Word, Notion | Decent; app support varies |
| App Switching | Gestures or CMD+Tab | Alt+Tab, multi-window like Windows |
| Multitasking | Split screen, slide-over | Up to 3 windows + floating apps |
3. Typing Workflow and Productivity
- iPad: Works well with Google Docs, Notion, MS Office; very stable
- Galaxy Tab: Excel and Word optimized; DeX runs desktop web versions
- Both: Great cloud sync; file backup not a problem
Minsu’s Final Choice?
He chose: Galaxy Tab S9 + Book Cover Keyboard
While the iPad had better typing quality, the DeX flexibility + app layout + lower cost gave Galaxy the win. If you want premium typing feel, go iPad. But if you want desktop-style flexibility, Galaxy Tab is hard to beat.
Who Should Choose What?
| User Type | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Best keyboard feel | iPad + Magic Keyboard |
| Best multitasking ,windowing | Galaxy Tab + DeX Mode |
| Balanced price-performance | Galaxy Tab + regular keyboard |
| Already in Apple ecosystem | iPad |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I use shortcuts like Ctrl+C / Ctrl+Z on iPad?
Yes, most keyboard shortcuts work on iPadOS, especially in apps like Google Docs or MS Word.
Q2. Does DeX mode support all apps?
Mostly yes. Some mobile apps have UI bugs, but most productivity tools work fine.
Q3. Does extended typing hurt your wrist?
Both keyboards are thin. Consider using a riser stand if typing for long hours.
Q4. Can I use a Bluetooth keyboard instead?
Absolutely. Options like Logitech K380 or MX Keys Mini offer better ergonomics.
Q5. How do file saving and backup work?
Both systems support iCloud, Google Drive, OneDrive, and auto-backup features by default.
Your Turn!
Which keyboard+tablet combo would you choose?
Drop your answer in the comments below — and check out our next post: “iPad vs Galaxy Tab – Stylus Showdown: Best for Note-Taking?”