Microsoft Surface Keyboard Review
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The Microsoft Surface Keyboard was praised for the typing experience. They also liked that its build quality was high. However, they were not impressed with its lack of backlighting and that it was also not programmable. Its ergonomics were also not as pleasing.
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What Is Not on the Box
What the brand doesn’t always tell you…
our Verdict
Product reviewers praised the Microsoft Surface Keyboard for its suitability in the office. Reviewers from Rtings were impressed with the typing experience they enjoyed during their tests and were also pleased that its typing noise was very low. They also lauded its build quality as being very high and felt that its low profile made it very comfortable to type on during their experiments. Reviewers from Tech Radar also liked how premium it felt and had an easy time pairing it with a Windows PC. They also loved how responsive the keyboard was, despite having a latency of 25.9ms.
However, its lack of backlighting was a bit disappointing. In contrast, options such as the Royal Kludge RK61 with its blue backlighting or the Logitech G815 with its RGB backlighting make for a better gaming experience in dimly lit settings. We’ve covered both in our ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 review, and our Logitech G815 LIGHTSYNC RGB review. They also didn’t like that none of its keys were programmable and that it had mediocre ergonomics.
Reasons to Buy
- Good typing experience
- Great build quality
- Good battery life
- Full-size keyboard
- Low typing noise
Reasons to Avoid
- Not programmable
- No backlighting
- Mediocre ergonomics
Specifications
- Battery Life12 months
- FoldableNo
- Form FactorFull size
- Keyboard TechnologyScissor
- Numeric KeypadYes
- Palm Restna
- Plug & PlayYes
- Spill ResistantYes
- TouchpadYes
- WirelessYes
- Wireless ConnectivityBluetooth
- Wireless Range10 meters
Overview
The Microsoft Surface Keyboard is an entry-level keyboard that was first announced in late 2016. It is powered by two AAA batteries that can last up to 12 months before they need to be replaced, and its elegant and simplistic design rivals a lot of highly rated keyboards. The Microsoft Surface is wireless, so it uses Bluetooth to pair with the devices. It is not the best wireless keyboard since it can only pair with one device at a time, but if you’re looking for a variant that can handle up to four connections, you might be interested in our NuPhy Air75 review. The Surface Keyboard also has excellent build quality since it consists of an aluminum top, and measuring about 16.5 by 4.4 inches, it will likely take up a good amount of desk space.
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Product Comparison
 |  |  |  | |
| True Score | 82 | 89 | 71 | |
| Market Context | – | The Microsoft Surface Keyboard does not come with a wrist rest, but the Surface Ergonomic Keyboard does. As a result, the Surface Ergonomic takes up more space, measuring 17.7 by 8.2 inches, compared to the Surface Keyboard, which measures 16.5 by 4.4 inches. Also, the Surface Ergonomic Keyboard has a slightly lower latency of 22.9ms compared to the Surface Keyboard, which has a latency of 25.9ms. Here’s our Microsoft Surface Ergonomic Keyboard review. | Weighing 0.88 pounds, the Microsoft Surface Keyboard is much lighter than the Logitech MX Keys, which weighs 1.77 pounds. However, the MX Keys is backlit while the Surface Keyboard is not, and its battery is rechargeable while the Surface Keyboard uses AAA disposable batteries. The MX Keys can also Bluetooth pair with up to three devices, while the Surface Keyboard pairs with one. | The Microsoft Surface Keyboard is a full-size variant, while the Apple Magic Keyboard is compact. However, the Apple Magic Keyboard has a detachable cable, while the Surface Keyboard does not. |
| Form Factor | Full-size (100%) | Ergonomic, Full-size | – | Compact (75%) |
| Keyboard Technology | Scissor | Scissor | – | Scissor |
| Battery Life | Dsposable AAA batteries, 12 months | 2 x AAA | – | – |
| Wireless | Yes | Yes | – | – |
| Numeric Keypad | Yes | Yes | – | No |
| Dig Deeper | – | Read Review → | Read Review → | Read Review → |
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Availability
In StockFree Shipping
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Score Card
E
Expert Score
*.75
We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores
C
Customer Score
*.25
We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores
True Score
Any product with a True Score above 80 is a Absolutely Fresh
Expert Score Breakdown
Publications with higher Trust Scores are given more weight
ATrust Score
79The Microsoft Surface Keyboard is a good office keyboard. Its low profile is comfortable even… read more- D
Trust Score
60The Microsoft Surface Keyboard is an excellent – though pricey – accessory for people who… read more - F
Trust Score
NR“No bottom line found for this product” read more - F
Trust Score
75Despite its lack of a backlight and being devoid of customization options, the Microsoft Surface… read more
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