Our Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Keyboard is a mediocre keyboard for gaming. Although it feels very light and responsive, it lacks programmable keys and you can't set any macros for MMO games, since there's no software support. Additionally, it doesn't have backlighting for those who like to play in a dark room.
- Excellent build quality.
- Great typing experience.
- No backlighting.
- No software for customization.
The Microsoft Surface Keyboard is mediocre for mobile use. It can be paired with any mobile devices that has a Bluetooth connection; however, some keys don't work on mobile operating systems and its large size makes it hard to carry it around.
- Excellent build quality.
- Great typing experience.
- No backlighting.
- No software for customization.
The Microsoft Surface Keyboard is a very good office keyboard. Its low profile is comfortable even without a wrist rest, and it provides a great typing experience while keeping noise to a minimum. It works fully on Windows, but some keys don't work if you're on macOS or Linux.
- Excellent build quality.
- Great typing experience.
- No backlighting.
- No software for customization.
The Microsoft Surface Keyboard is mediocre for programming. Its scissor switches feel light to type on and they aren't tiring, but the keyboard doesn't have any programmable keys and can't be customized. It has an excellent build quality that should last for years; however, some keys don't work on Linux and macOS.
- Excellent build quality.
- Great typing experience.
- No backlighting.
- No software for customization.
- Excellent build quality.
- Great typing experience.
- No backlighting.
- No software for customization.
Changelog
- Updated Jun 21, 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.
- Updated May 31, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.1. This update adds several new tests addressing Hardware Customization, Macro Keys And Programming, and Wireless Mobile Compatibility. We've also added new objective evaluations to the Typing Noise test, and we've simplified several tests and removed several others that were no longer relevant. For an in-depth look at all our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
- Updated Apr 16, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Feb 14, 2020: Review published.
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Popular Keyboard Comparisons
The Microsoft Surface Keyboard is a low-profile wireless keyboard that's very similar to the full-size variant of the Apple Magic Keyboard 2017. It's mostly intended for office use, as it's easy to type on and it doesn't make a lot of noise. Compared to other keyboards on the market, this keyboard feels a bit bare-bones, as it lacks programmable keys, backlighting, and software support. For other options, check out our recommendations for the best ergonomic keyboards, the best keyboards for writers, and the best wireless keyboards.
The Logitech MX Keys is significantly better than the Microsoft Surface Keyboard. The Logitech has better wireless versatility, as it can be paired using an USB receiver or through Bluetooth, and it can be paired to three devices simultaneously. The Logitech also has programmable keys and can be customized using Logitech's Options software, however, the Microsoft's build quality is much better.
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 Surface Keyboard and the Apple Magic Keyboard 2017 are very similar in build and features. The main differences are that the Apple keyboard has a built-in rechargeable battery, while the Microsoft uses disposable batteries. The Microsoft keyboard also offers somewhat better typing quality and has slightly longer pre-travel and total travel distances, which may help you make fewer unintentional keystrokes. The Microsoft is a full-size keyboard that includes a numpad, while the Apple is a compact 75% model. That said, the Apple keyboard also has a full-sized variant available.
The Microsoft Surface Keyboard and the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard are very different keyboards. The Sculpt has an ergonomic design with a very specific purpose, while the Surface is more of a stylish minimalistic keyboard. Build quality and typing experience are much better on the Surface, but the Sculpt Ergonomic is more comfortable and has software support, which the Surface lacks.
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