Our Verdict
The Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard isn't designed for gaming. We don't currently test latency, but a Bluetooth connection is rarely recommended for gaming. Also, while it can set macros, the F4-F7 keys aren't the best-positioned keys to use when gaming. It also lacks backlighting, which might be a deal-breaker for some.
- Well-built design.
- Good overall typing quality.
- Very quiet to type on.
- Macros limited to F4-F7 keys.
- No incline setting.
The Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard is a good office keyboard. Its wireless design clears up a bit of clutter on your desk and its low-profile design is decently ergonomic to type on during your workday. Its rubber dome switches are very quiet to use in an open office environment and it offers a good overall typing experience.
- Well-built design.
- Good overall typing quality.
- Very quiet to type on.
- Macros limited to F4-F7 keys.
- No incline setting.
Mediocre for using with mobile devices or tablets. Although the Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard is Bluetooth-compatible and works with mobile devices, this full-size board isn't the most portable. It might be a bit hard to fit inside a backpack and you can't connect it to multiple devices simultaneously.
- Well-built design.
- Good overall typing quality.
- Very quiet to type on.
- Macros limited to F4-F7 keys.
- No incline setting.
The Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard is an okay keyboard for programming. Although its typing experience is good, you can only set a few macros on the F4-F7 keys, which might not be enough for some. On the upside, its wireless design gives a cleaner setup.
- Well-built design.
- Good overall typing quality.
- Very quiet to type on.
- Macros limited to F4-F7 keys.
- No incline setting.
- Well-built design.
- Good overall typing quality.
- Very quiet to type on.
- Macros limited to F4-F7 keys.
- No incline setting.
- Well-built design.
- Good overall typing quality.
- Very quiet to type on.
- Macros limited to F4-F7 keys.
- No incline setting.
Changelog
- Updated Aug 26, 2024: We retested the Chord Split performance as we noted our initial results were surprisingly good considering this keyboard's intended office use. After retesting, we achieved nearly identical results. We've added our new results to the review, but no scores have changed. We've also added new text to explain our results.
- Updated Nov 29, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3.1, which adds a new estimated PCB latency test to the Single-Key Latency section and a new Analog test to the Switches section of this review. You can see the full changelog here.
- Updated Oct 30, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3, which overhauls how key input is evaluated. We've added new tests for Single Key Latency, Multi Key Latency, Data Transmission, and Chord Split. We've also introduced a new Raw Performance usage and adjusted how the Gaming and Office usage scores are calculated. You can see the full changelog here.
- Updated Jun 15, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update introduces new Backlight Features and Backlight Clarity test boxes. We've also added a new Switches test box, added additional test comparisons to our Hardware Customizability test box that we introduced with our last Test Bench. For an in-depth look at our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
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Popular Keyboard Comparisons
The Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard is nothing special. It's a typical wireless full-size keyboard with rubber dome switches, and it doesn't have many extra features. You can set macros to a few select keys, but that's about it. It lacks backlighting so it might not be the best option for late-night workers. For more options, see our recommendations for the best keyboards, the best wireless keyboards, and the best keyboards for writers.
The Microsoft Surface Keyboard is much more premium than the Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard. It's better built, and the scissor switches offer a better typing experience than the mushy rubber dome switches on the Bluetooth keyboard. On the other hand, you can set a few macros on the F4-F7 keys of the Bluetooth Keyboard, which you can't do on the Surface Keyboard.
The Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard is better than the AmazonBasics K4R. The Microsoft feels more durable, its Bluetooth connection makes it more versatile, and it will work with mobile devices as well, which the AmazonBasics can't do. The AmazonBasics has a built-in touchpad while the Microsoft has a Numpad.
The Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard is very different than the Apple Magic Keyboard 2017. The Microsoft keyboard's full-size design includes a Numpad, and you can set macros on the F4-F7 keys using the customization software, a feature that the Apple keyboard lacks. The Microsoft keyboard is also compatible with Android devices, while the Apple keyboard isn't. On the other hand, the Apple is a compact 75% keyboard that's noticeably better built. The Apple has scissor switches while the Microsoft has rubber dome switches, but ultimately both offer a good quality typing experience.
The Logitech K780 is more versatile than the Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard. It can be used with its USB receiver and via Bluetooth and its design offers a little cradle for your mobile devices, which is very useful. However, if you don't like circular keys, you might want to go with the Microsoft keyboard with its more typical square chiclet keys.
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