Microsoft makes a more affordable keyboard for the Surface Pro 8
If you don’t want to store a Slim Pen 2 or want to save a few dollars, the Surface Pro Keyboard is worth a look.
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What you need to know
When Microsoft unveiled theSurface Pro 8, it also showed off the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard. This keyboard has an Alcantara finish and a slot for charging the new Surface Slim Pen 2. It also has a $180 price tag, which is more than some people want to pay for a keyboard for a Surface Pro. Microsoft didn’t make much fanfare about the fact that people can also order the more affordable Surface Pro Keyboard that works with theSurface Pro 8.
The Surface Pro Keyboard used to be called the Surface Pro X Keyboard. Since the Surface Pro 8 andSurface Pro Xshare several design elements, some of their accessories are now interchangeable. The Surface Pro Keyboard only costs $140 on a normal day. At the time of publication, it’s on sale for $36 off, bringing its price down to $104.
The Surface Pro Keyboard lacks the Alcantara finish of its more expensive sibling. It doesn’t have a slot for charging the Surface Slim Pen 2 either. That may be a dealbreaker for people who want to store a pen on the go, but it doesn’t matter for people who don’t plan to use a stylus with their 2-in-1.
If neither of Microsoft’s keyboards meets your needs, you can also check out theBrydge SP+ keyboard. It attaches to the Surface Pro 8 and converts the 2-in-1 into a more traditional laptop. We have a full review of the Brydge SP+ on the way.
The Surface Pro 8 has a higher starting price than its predecessor, and some of its accessories are more expensive than those previously available, but we recently broke down that the price creep of the Surface Pro lineupisn’t as steep as it seems.
If you want a more affordable keyboard for your Surface Pro 8, you can pick this one up for $40 less than the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard. If you act quickly, you can get it for as low as $104.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
