If you’re using a Surface Go without a keyboard, you’re missing out big time. While Surface Go is a decent tablet, Windows 10’s tablet mode, well, kind of sucks. So the Surface Go’s true value is as an ultra-portable laptop that runs full Windows 10. To get the most from your Go, you need a quality keyboard. Thankfully, you’d don’t have to pay $130 for Microsoft’s official Surface Go Signature Type Cover because there are plenty of quality third-party options.
Staff pick
Fintie’s version of the Surface Go Type Cover has backlit keys that light up in seven different colors and at two brightness levels. It has a built-in 750 mAh battery to help support the backlight and Bluetooth, and the keys are slightly more spaced out than Microsoft’s keyboard, according to the manufacturer, which is essential because Go keyboards are rather tiny. It connects via Bluetooth and is designed to attach to your Go in two ways to provide different typing angles.
This keyboard and case combination form CHESONA sports a more serious, business-like appearance than the other combo featured. Its black, no-frills leather-look would fit right in at a meeting. The wireless keyboard connects via Bluetooth, and a kickstand lets you comfortably position it to your liking. The case is precisely cut to allow access to all Surface Go keys and features. It offers protection and functionality, with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty.
Arteck’s Surface Go case is simple, but it provides all the basic functionality you need at a great price. It connects to the magnetic keyboard ports on your Go for a secure fit and charges up quickly via the included USB power cable, for up to 50 hours of use after just a single hour of charging. It doesn’t have backlit keys, but those may be luxury for some users. Finally, its two-year warranty gives you peace of mind that it won’t break down after six months.
This Surface Go keyboard from Inateck is the most pricey option featured here, but it has Bluetooth 5.1, which should provide a more stable connection to your Go, according to the manufacturer. Its keys are backlit, with seven customizable color options, and it has unique shortcut keys in the top row of buttons to trigger functions like screenshots, volume, and display lock. With a 750mAh built-in battery, the keyboard should keep charge in standby for up to 180 days.
Fintie’s backlit Surface Go keyboard is our top pick, but if you want all the same functionality, minus the LED-lit keys, this version won’t disappoint. It still has the same spaced out keyboard, two-button trackpad, and 750mAh built-in battery for up to 200 hours of usage per charge. It’s also just as slim and light. It also attaches to your Go at two different angles to make for a more comfortable typing experience, just like its backlit bro.
MoKo’s Surface Go Type Cover features keys that are spaced out as much as possible to provide a better typing experience. It physically connects to your Go via its magnetic ports for a more secure fit, and it links up via Bluetooth. Its built-in 280mAh battery delivers up to 45 hours of use on a single charge, according to the manufacturer, and it’s designed to both durable and light. In fact, at less than 8 ounces, this is easily the lightest case featured here.
As one of only two keyboards that are also cases in this roundup, COO’s Surface Go combo is both protective and functional, The case is made of leather that’s available in a few different color options. The keyboard is backlit with seven different colors, and it offers customizable “light effects.” It connects with Bluetooth and has a slot to hold your Surface Pen.
You really do need a good keyboard if you want to maximize the value of your Surface Go. But you don’t have to pay Microsoft’s prices.
Our best overall pick is Fintie’s backlit Surface Go keyboard because it offers the best combination of features and value, and it’s is literally less than half the price of Microsoft’s official Surface Go Signature Type Cover. Really, the only thing missing from Fintie’s option when compared to Microsoft’s is the Alcantara fabric.
The best keyboard and case combination featured here is from COO, and it provides a good balance of features and protection, as well as a bit of style, thanks to its available color options, which include black, blue and brown. And at just $43, your wallet will be left relatively unscathed as well.
If money is your single concern here, the most affordable Surface Go keyboard in our roundup is Arteck’s Surface Go keyboard. At just $35, it’s cheaper than any of the other keyboards we featured and recommend, and it offers much of the same functionality.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
Staff pick
Best keyboard AND case
