Surface owner? Need a new keyboard? These are your best options
Best Keyboards for Microsoft Surface Windows Central 2019
The keyboards designed specifically for Surface products provide fine typing experiences, but there are plenty of reasons you might want to get something a bit different. Many people like to use their laptop with a dock to make it feel more like a desktop. Others want to use their Surface from a distance, and still more people just want something with a bit more style or function. We’ve rounded up the best options right here to help you decide.
Editor’s choice
Microsoft’s Ergonomic Keyboard for 2019 is an excellent follow-up to the legendary Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. With larger keys, better key actuation, a fixed spacebar, and now dedicated keys for the Windows 10 emoji picker, Office, and Windows snipping tool, it’s also the most useful. The price isn’t that bad either at about half of what you’ll pay for a Surface Ergonomic keyboard.
Staff multipurpose pick
The main draw of Logitech’s K380 is likely the price, but don’t look past its comfort, compact size, and versatility. It can connect with up to three devices for quick switching, the rounded keys are spaced well and have plenty of travel, and it even has keys branded with Windows and Mac wording, making it easy to work across platforms.
The Surface Ergonomic keyboard is a full-size standalone device that connects with Bluetooth and is designed to promote wrist and forearm health when typing for long periods of time. It has a palmrest covered in Alcantara fabric, the deck is sloped and the keyboard split for less strain on your joints, and it matches your Surface products in design and quality.
If you plan on using your Surface from a distance, having a touchpad included is a huge boon. Logitech’s K400 delivers a comfortable keyboard and touchpad with physical buttons on the same deck, eliminating the need for an external mouse. Range hits up to 33 feet with the included wireless dongle.
A mechanical keyboard is often preferred for its tactile feedback and low actuation point, especially if you’re interested in a bit of gaming on your Surface. The BlackWidow Lite lacks some premium features of larger keyboards, like RGB lighting and media keys, but its orange switches feel amazing and aren’t at all loud. The host cable is removable for easier travel.
If you’re working with a Surface Pro and want some extra biometric security, this genuine Microsoft Type Cover adds a fingerprint reader next to the Precision touchpad. It’s otherwise the same as the standard Type Cover, and it will work with the Surface Pro 3, Pro 4, Pro (2017), Pro 6, and Pro 7.
The standard Surface Keyboard is ideal for anyone who doesn’t need added ergonomics and who wants to have hardware that matches their Surface device. The Surface Keyboard has a full number pad, comfortable keys, and Bluetooth range up to about 50 feet. It’s battery powered, but you should get about a year of life before needing a charge.
If we’re making some suggestions
You’re going to get a quality keyboard no matter which option you go with from the roundup above, but if you’re still wondering where to start, we can make some suggestions.
If you type for long periods of time and find your wrists or forearms sore at the end of the day, the updated Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard should be well worth the price. Keys are split in the middle and slope away, promoting natural angles for your joints to keep them from taking repetitive damage. Keys have far more travel than you’ll get with the Surface Ergonomic or Sculpt Ergonomic keyboard, and typing is quiet and easy. Instead of Alcantara or leather, the palmrest has a soft, nylon-type material that’s durable and comfortable.
The refreshed 2019 model now includes a few extra dedicated keys, including a Windows 10 emoji picker, Windows Office shortcut, and snipping tool. There are also the old standbys, like calculator, task view, and Windows Search to improve productivity. This is a wired keyboard so it’s best used on a desk, and it does not have backlit keys to help with working in the dark. Still, if you want a keyboard that promotes productivity and is the most comfortable to use, this is it.
If you’re looking to spend somewhere in the sub-$50 range, we recommend checking out Logitech’s K380 wireless keyboard. It’s thin and compact, but it delivers a satisfying typing experience thanks to rounded keys and plenty of travel. You can quick-switch between up to three devices, ideal for anyone working in a busy office, and it even has Windows and Mac wording for multi-platform use. It is truly versatile, and you really can’t go wrong at the price.
Looking for more Type Cover options for Surface Pro? We’ve also rounded up the best low-cost alternatives that can save you money and still deliver the experience Microsoft set out to create.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
