Microsoft Type Cover for Surface Pro - Blue

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Just over a month ago I purchased my first Surface pro 3 and fell in love with it. It really is a powerful device and fits my needs perfectly. Then when I heard the Surface Pro 4 was unveiled I was ecstatic to learn that the new type cover would work with the Surface Pro 3. First and foremost, let me state that I had zero issues with the older Surface Pro 3 type cover (Black type cover in pictures). Sure the touchpad was too small to be effective, however I used the touchscreen 99% of the time so that was a non-factor. And the keys were cramped, making me feel like I was typing on a laptop from 2007 and the cover itself was slightly bendy when typing, however I thought this was a minor tradeoff for having such a slim form factor. The surface pro 4 type cover solves these minor issues while keeping its original footprint. Gone is the small, useless trackpad. Gone is the cramped keyboard layout. And gone is the structural weakness of the type cover itself. Microsoft introduced a glass trackpad that is 40% larger than its predecessor, which actually allows for multi-gesture inputs to be useful. Also included is a more island-style chicklet keyboard layout with more conventional travel. The type cover itself is more structurally sound in that when you type away there is no more bending and overall the cover feels more sturdy and durable. This is definitely a new and improved type cover. I would go as far to say this type cover is just as good as any MacBook keyboard and trackpad (coming from a long-time Mac user). Yes it is that good! The type cover works seamlessly with the Surface Pro 3 as advertised, however I had to update my Surface Pro 3 in order for the driver to operate, so keep that in mind. I would recommend this to any Surface Pro 3/4 owner...even if you already have a type cover. This is not a minor evolution, (like the surface pro 4 itself) it is a complete and necessary revamp of a great product. This type cover allows the device to become what Microsoft set out for it to become. It allows the Surface Pro to become a bonafide laptop. I highly recommend it.

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Im typing my initial impressions on the Surface Pro 4 Type Cover and am impressed with the subtle changes that have been made to this very necessary accessory. In the first place, I want to confirm that this fits the Surface Pro 3 exactly as it should, with no discernible difference in fit from the Surface Pro 3 Type Cover that I had previously used. Some of the salient improvements include the different spacing between keys, the improved stiffness of the backing, and the larger trackpad below the spacebar. At first, it hardly seems that the changes made to the keys could make a difference. After all, the SP3 Type Cover and the SP4 Type Cover are exactly the same width and height (thus there is no additional space utilized in spacing out the keys). Yet, I notice a change in the way the SP4 feels, which personally affects how accurately I type and how comfortable it is to do so, compared to the SP3 keyboard. One obvious difference is the gapping that is now present between the keys--the keys do not feel bunched together on a single plane as they once did but instead are raised above a lower "floor" in the keyboard (note that this does not add to the thickness of the cover itself). I was particularly looking to see if the SP4 Type Cover "bounces" as much as the SP3. It does not, in my opinion. This appears to be an issue that Microsoft took note of and addressed in their latest iteration. The cover still has some flex, but it remains very solid under my large hands as I pound on the keys. Overall, my impression is that this typing on the Type Cover not as satisfying as typing on the very best laptop keyboards, but given some time, it may be hard to notice the difference. One last obvious improvement is in both the size and the surface of the trackpad. It is both wider and taller than the trackpad on the SP3 cover. It has a smooth, glass-like surface (though Im fairly certain it is not made of glass) and is very responsive. Sliding your fingers over it feels natural and there is a lot more surface area now to do multitouch functions with ease. Despite its increase in size, it does not interfere with or register false clicks as I type. (In regard to its intuitive nature, the cursor/arrow moves about halfway down the screen when moving your finger slowly from the top to the bottom of the trackpad. Moving your finger faster moves the cursor all the way to the bottom when covering the same distance across the trackpad.) As a bonus feature, this keyboard sports an additional key. On the right side near the bottom, just left of the arrow keys is a key with three lines inside a little box. Pressing it brings up the menu that corresponds to the right click of the mouse. You can do this by tapping the trackpad with two fingers simultaneously as well, but this key provides another helpful means of opening that menu. The keyboard still lights up as before, and though both Type Covers have a "Function Lock" key, I never noticed it on the SP3 since it was off to the right. Now it has been moved over to the left next to the "Control" key (as it is on my old laptop), and I found this subtle change to be helpful. All in all, this is a great (and necessary) addition to the Surface Pro 4, and there is much evidence to suggest that this is a useful upgrade for those who already have the Surface Pro 3 Type Cover, especially if they do a lot of typing.

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I bought this for my Surface Pro 3. I had the type cover 3 before this so it will be replacing it. The type cover 4 is overall better in every way than the type cover 3. Theyre both roughly the same size with the type 4 weighing slightly more. The main difference is the spacing of the keys. The bezel on the type cover 4 is thinner than the type cover 3, allowing the keys to be more spaced apart. This allows the keys to be more separated and accentuated, making it easier to feel and locate the keys and easier to type without accidently pressing another key. The other key difference is the touchpad being bigger to allow more range or movement. The key travel seems to be about the same, but with the more space and accentuation of the keys it may feel slightly more on the type 4. Overall Id say its a good upgrade over the type cover 3 if you type a lot for work or school. Not so much if its for personal or home use, keeping in mind that the type 4 is $130 and the older type 3 is more affordable at roughly half the price (how much I got mine for). The back of the type 4 also says "Microsoft" while the type 3 says "Surface." Pros: - Easier to type and feel the keys. - Keys are more spaced apart. - Has extra buttons. - Bigger trackpad. Cons: - Wish it came with standard fingerprint sensor.

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This is my fourth type cover purchased since I bought my Surface Pro 3 in 2014. The previous three lasted 6 months to a year, this one only three months. Its the same situation - one or more of the keys stop working completely, or become extremely difficult to press, and/or the keyboard stops waking up without first unplugging/replugging it. I have tried to get warranty service for the three previous keyboards. Each seller said take it up with Microsoft as its outside the Amazon return window. I have yet to get any replacements from Microsoft. I have to send the keyboards in plus pay for shipping both ways and pay a high $ replacement fee - just to get a refurbished keyboard back. I really love these type covers -- when they work, they are awesome. I dont really want a bluetooth keyboard as I really like the magnetic connection and power from the surface. Im not sure I want to pay for a fifth dud type cover. I could replace the surface with a brand new tablet from someone else, for what Ive spent on four (now maybe five) type covers.

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When I bought my Surface Pro 4, I didnt think that I would need a keyboard. It seemed like a frivolous purchase because I intended to use the tablet to draw. I have fibromyalgia, so getting a good grip on a pencil for an extended period of time is really difficult. However, I had no idea how powerful the tablet would be, and how often I would use it like a laptop! I ordered the keyboard right away, and now I cant imagine ever going without it. The trackpad is nice so that you dont get fingerprints all over your screen, and theres a specific button on the keyboard to select the brightness level of the backlit keys. Its great when youre using it in a dark room, so you can dim the keys so that theyre not really bright in your face, but you can also see what youre doing. The only thing that I dont really like about it is that if your keys get enough finger grease on them (thats gross, I know), and you leave the keyboard flipped up on the screen for a while, when you open it and view it from the side, you can see the outlines of the keys on the screen. Almost like a burn-in image on a plasma TV, but at least this is easily removed with a microfiber cloth. That is probably mostly my fault for not cleaning my hands before using the keyboard. All-in-all, no matter how much you like having a touch screen, nothing can beat a physical keyboard when youre trying to get things done efficiently.

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I got a surface pro 3, and decided to superman it with pro 4 accessories. This keyboard was a clear step up from the pro 3 keyboard, with a larger trackpad and more space between the keys, so that your hand is no longer crammed for space. The keys depress extremely well, and definitely have the feel of a real keyboard. The smooth glass trackpad has excellent sensitivity, and scrolling, clicking, and trackpad gestures are all a breeze. The cover itself also works great to turn on/ off your surface. Remember that, once the cover is open and the surface is setup like a keyboard, you can slide the cover forward a bit towards the screen and itll magnetically stick on and elevate the keyboard (this way, you arent typing completely flat). Also, to ADJUST SCREEN BRIGHTNESS: Hit Fn + Del or Backspace. The sun buttons over the F1 and F2 keys are to adjust the keyboard backlighting. Hope this review helps! 5/5 and a must have for any surface pro owner.

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Im glad I went with red, its actually a bit deeper then how bright red it is in the photos, and over time the felt has become more plush so it feels softer. The keys feel good to type on for such a slim profile, not the same response as a full keyboard but more then comfortable enough to work on for long periods of time. I havent had much issues with the touch keyboard but I have used better track pads elsewhere.

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Tech and Toys delivered the Type Cover 4 earlier than expected. I was very pleased with the ship time. Its brand new so it arrived in the packaging you see in the photos. I had to exchange my Type Cover 3 since it was out of warranty and several keys on the right side of the keyboard were not functioning. Yes, I went online and used various methods to troubleshoot the issue (even used rubbing alcohol on the connectors), however nothing worked. I bought the Type Cover 4 since it is compatible with the Surface Pro 3. As soon as I connected the keyboard it took seconds to update and then I had to power down so the updates could take effect. The keys are quieter, have more space between them so you dont hit other keys when typing and the key pad has a lower profile where it connects to the surface to allow you to touch/open the apps/browsers in the bottom tool bar. The touch is more precise and is has a much smoother flow. Yet, when you click the touch pad it sounds the same as a the old Type Cover 3. I can type with the Surface and Type Cover on my lap without any issue. I did not purchase the fingerprint reader since it was more expensive and unnecessary for my needs at this time. Overall Im very happy with the Type Cover 4.

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This makes a Surface 3/4 laptop replaceable! I bought into the hype last year when the surface 3 pro came out. I initially liked it but after spending some months with it I did not feel the surface pro 3 touch pad was usable for heavy typing so it was not capable of replacing my laptop. It was up to the point I bought an old hp laptop for work use. After seeing the video reviews of the touchpad for the surface pro 4 and wishing I waiting I stumbled on an article that mentioned it was surface pro 3 compatible. I tried it out at the best buy and it was indeed a night and day difference. I ordered it from amazon the next day. Im currently typing this review with the touch pad and I love it! Now I can say my surface can replace my laptop with ease. This is a must have upgrade for surface pro 3 users! The new pen not so much I returned it after realizing its no real difference from the pro 3 pen.

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I read somewhere, have yet to find it again, a note about windows 10 and using this keyboard with the pro 3. I made the purchase wondering if windows 8.1 would be a problem in some way as one of the few not wanting windows 10. I confirm this keyboard works with the pro 3 with windows 8.1 installed. With so many upgrading to 10, the assumption would be reasonable for many reviewers and this point moot. It is for those with windows 8.1 that I submit this feedback. I have yet to discover any keys or combination of keys not working as expected. This IS an upgrade from the pro 3 keyboard, so I hope this one lasts longer than the previous two failed pro 3 keyboards--over 3 years.

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