The Brydge G-Type is a dedicated keyboard for the Google Pixel Slate, not a universal Bluetooth keyboard. Its laptop-style keys, backlighting, large trackpad, and adjustable hinges make it a compelling Slate companion—especially for lap use—but its weight and slower hinge-based attachment trade away portability and quick removal. A 2018 review found it more comfortable and adjustable than Google’s Pixel Slate Keyboard, while also reporting occasional Bluetooth dropouts on the reviewer’s Slate.
What the Brydge G-Type is—and what it works with
Brydge introduced the G-Type as “Exclusively designed for Google Pixel Slate” through the Made for Google program in October 2018 (Brydge’s launch announcement). Its manual and specifications identify Pixel Slate compatibility, Bluetooth 4.2, a QWERTY layout, backlighting, an aluminum housing, and a built-in rechargeable battery with USB charging (G-Type user manual; Brydge G-Type specifications).
That specific fit is central to the product: the Slate sits in the G-Type’s two raised hinges, rather than attaching through Google’s Quick Snap Connector. Do not assume it is designed for other tablets just because it connects over Bluetooth. The product sheet describes laptop, tablet, and entertainment modes for use with the Pixel Slate (Best Buy product sheet).
How it feels to type and use
Keys, trackpad, and lighting
In a hands-on review published by PCWorld on December 4, 2018, Michael Simon described square keys with 1.5 mm of travel, a large trackpad, and adjustable backlighting. He found typing comfortable and concluded that the G-Type outperformed Google’s keyboard for typing and ergonomics (PCWorld review). Brydge’s 2018 launch announcement specified three backlight levels (Brydge’s launch announcement).
The Tool Desk
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- COMPATIBILITY and PROTECTION | Fits the iPad Pro 11-inch 1st and 2nd Generation (2018 & 2020) models. Included with the keyboard, our new snap-on magnetic cover for the perfect solution to protect the back of your 11.0-inch iPad Pro from scratches or dents.
- QUALITY DESIGN | Brydge Pro keyboards blur the line between tablet and laptop, transforming your iPad into a device you can use anywhere, anytime. Each keyboard is beautifully engineered from machined aluminum to match the design, quality and color of the iPad. Weighing 18.2 ounces, this iPad Pro keyboard gives you the stability you need to type comfortably.
- RELIABLE PAIRING | Industry-leading 4.1 Bluetooth pairing for fast connectivity every time. With a battery life lasting up to 12-months on each charge and a USB-C cable to connect and charge your keyboard simultaneously, the Brydge Pro will have you working with confidence.
- TRAVEL FRIENDLY | Great for those on-the-go, the Brydge keyboard 11 iPad Pro features iOS special function keys, versatile viewing angles, tactile typing, and adjustable backlit keys.
- ONE YEAR WARRANTY & SUPPORT | Brydge prides itself on the quality and durability of its products. All Brydge products come with a Limited One Year Warranty & free customer support based in Park City, Utah.
Hinges, weight, and lap use
The Slate slides into two hinges, which open beyond 180 degrees and let the display sit at a broad range of angles. Simon measured the keyboard at about 1.5 pounds. That aluminum base adds heft, but the review found the combination more balanced and stable on a lap than Google’s lighter keyboard. The trade-off is that inserting and removing the Slate takes more effort: Simon said alignment took about 30 seconds, and the hinges also help guide the display into position (PCWorld review).
Brydge G-Type vs. Google Pixel Slate Keyboard
| What matters | Brydge G-Type | Google Pixel Slate Keyboard |
|---|---|---|
| Typing | Square keys with 1.5 mm travel, backlighting, and typing comfort praised in PCWorld’s 2018 review. | PCWorld’s reviewer found the G-Type more comfortable and better for typing; comparable key-travel and backlight figures were not stated in that review. |
| Lap stability and portability | About 1.5 pounds, measured by PCWorld’s reviewer in 2018; more balanced on a lap, but heavier. | Lighter and more portable; an exact weight was not stated in PCWorld’s review. |
| Attachment | Slate fits into two hinges; alignment took the reviewer about 30 seconds and removal was less convenient. | Quick Snap Connector makes attachment faster, according to PCWorld’s review. |
| Display adjustment | Hinges open beyond 180 degrees and support a wide range of viewing angles. | Less adjustable than the G-Type, according to PCWorld’s review; a maximum angle was not stated. |
| Connection | Bluetooth; a dedicated button can disable the keyboard connection without removing the Slate. | Physical Quick Snap Connector, rather than Bluetooth, according to PCWorld’s review. |
| Launch price comparison | PCWorld reported it cost $40 less than Google’s keyboard at launch in 2018. This is not a current price. | PCWorld reported it cost $40 more than the G-Type at launch in 2018. This is not a current price. |
The choice comes down to how you use the Slate. The G-Type’s typing experience, adjustable hinges, and lap stability favor it as a laptop substitute. Google’s keyboard is the more convenient option if low weight and fast attachment matter more. Simon’s 2018 verdict was emphatic—“If you get a Pixel Slate, buy this too”—but that recommendation reflected the product and pricing available at launch, not today’s stock or condition (PCWorld review).
How to pair the G-Type
The manual’s pairing procedure is straightforward:
- Turn on the G-Type keyboard.
- Press and hold its Bluetooth control to put it into pairing mode.
- On the Pixel Slate, open Bluetooth settings, select the G-Type from the available devices, and follow any on-screen pairing prompt. The manual describes the keyboard-side controls and pairing process (G-Type user manual).
Once paired, the dedicated Bluetooth button can turn off the keyboard connection for tablet use without physically removing the Slate. The manual also describes the keyboard’s sleep behavior after inactivity and the basic insert-and-remove procedure (G-Type user manual).
If the connection drops
Simon reported sporadic disconnects on his Pixel Slate that required restarting the device. He observed similar Slate-side behavior with Google’s keyboard, so that account does not establish a universal G-Type defect; it does mean Bluetooth reliability should not be assumed perfect on every Slate. If a paired keyboard stops responding, restart the Slate and reconnect. The available review does not establish a more specific cause or a guaranteed fix (PCWorld review).
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Battery life and charging
Brydge advertised “up to 6-months” of battery life in its October 2018 launch announcement, alongside Bluetooth 4.2 and the three backlight levels. That is a dated manufacturer maximum, not an independently measured runtime or a promise for a used keyboard. Actual runtime varies with use and backlight settings, and battery age and software can also affect an older unit. The manual and specifications confirm a built-in rechargeable battery and USB charging, but the cited sources do not provide an independent battery-life measurement (Brydge’s launch announcement; G-Type user manual; Brydge G-Type specifications).
Rank #4
- Get the Most out of Your iPad Pro: Upgrade for your aging 2018 or 2020 iPad Pro with a premium keyboard experience that boosts productivity and extends its everyday usability.
- Compatability: ONLY fits the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd Generation and 4th Generation (2018 & 2020) models.
- Protection: Included with the keyboard, our new snap-on magnetic cover for the best solution to protect the back of your 12.9-inch iPad Pro from scratches or dents. Does NOT include iPad Pro.
- Quality Design: Brydge Pro keyboards blur the line between tablet and laptop, transforming your iPad into a device you can use anywhere, anytime. Each keyboard is beautifully engineered from machined aluminum to match the design, quality and color of the iPad. Weighing 24.2 ounces, this iPad Pro keyboard gives you the stability you need to type comfortably.
- Reliable Pairing and Battery Life: Bluetooth 4.2 pairing for fast connectivity every time. With a battery lasting up to 12-months on each charge and a USB-C cable to connect and charge your keyboard simultaneously, the Brydge Pro will have you working with confidence.
Should you buy one now?
The G-Type makes the most sense for a Pixel Slate owner who values a laptop-like typing surface, backlighting, a large trackpad, broad screen adjustment, and steadier lap use more than low weight or quick detachment. Its Bluetooth connection also lets you disable keyboard input without taking the Slate out of the hinges.
The launch-era reviews and product information date to 2018, so they do not establish present-day availability, price, warranty coverage, or condition. Before buying, verify that the listing is specifically for the G-Type for Google Pixel Slate, and check stock, regional keyboard layout, seller warranty, return policy, and the battery’s condition—particularly for used or refurbished units.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
