The Microsoft Surface Go is a marvel of portable computing. I’ve always been captivated by its promise: a full-featured Windows experience in a device that’s barely larger than a paperback novel. It’s the perfect companion for coffee shops, lecture halls, and cross-country flights. But there’s a catch. Out of the box, it’s a tablet. A great tablet, but a tablet nonetheless. To truly unlock its potential as a laptop replacement, you need a keyboard. This brings us to the perennial dilemma for Surface Go owners: shelling out a significant sum for the official Microsoft Type Cover or venturing into the world of third-party alternatives. This was precisely the crossroads I found myself at. I needed a tool that could transform my tablet into a productivity powerhouse without breaking the bank, leading me directly to the Arteck Surface Go Type Cover Keyboard.
- Make Surface Go Like a Laptop: The keyboard is physically attached to Surface Go via magnetic like a laptop and the connection is though Bluetooth. After the Bluetooth is connected, mechanical keys...
- Bluetooth Keyboard: Mechanical keys and extra-large trackpad make surface go more useful with typing, navigation and control. Slim and compact, yet performs like a traditional, full-size keyboard.
- Functional Media Keys and touchpad: Enjoy the easily control of your Surface Go with the touchpad and the media hot keys.
What to Consider Before Buying a Tablet Keyboard
A tablet keyboard is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for transforming a content-consumption device into a powerful content-creation tool. For students, writers, and mobile professionals, it bridges the gap between portability and productivity. The main benefits are clear: faster and more accurate typing for emails, documents, and notes; a physical screen protector when closed; and a trackpad that frees you from constantly touching the screen, providing a more traditional and often more precise laptop experience. Without one, you’re left tapping on glass, which is slow, error-prone, and simply not sustainable for any serious amount of work.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact scenario I described: a Surface Go owner who needs to type extensively but finds the price of the official accessory prohibitive. This includes students taking notes in class, remote workers who need a lightweight travel setup, and casual users who want the flexibility of a laptop without the bulk. However, it might not be suitable for those who demand a flawless, top-tier trackpad for precision work like graphic design. It’s also critical to note that this is specifically designed for the Surface Go line (1 through 4); users of larger tablets like the Surface Pro or older Surface 3 models will find it doesn’t fit, a point of confusion some buyers have encountered.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Connectivity and Compatibility: The Arteck connects via Bluetooth, unlike the official cover’s physical pogo pins. This means it has its own battery and requires a separate pairing process. Always double-check that the keyboard is explicitly compatible with your specific device model—in this case, the Surface Go 1, 2, 3, and 4.
- Typing Experience and Key Feel: This is paramount. Look for details on key travel (the distance a key presses down), spacing, and overall feel. The Arteck boasts “mechanical keys,” promising a more tactile and satisfying experience than the mushy feel of many cheaper alternatives. Pay attention to layout quirks, as small keyboards often have to make compromises.
- Build Quality and Durability: A keyboard cover also serves as protection. Consider the materials used and the strength of the magnetic connection that holds it to the tablet. We looked for a firm, secure attachment that wouldn’t feel flimsy or detach accidentally during use or transit. Long-term durability is also a key factor, as this accessory will see daily use.
- Trackpad Performance and Battery Life: The trackpad is the second half of the laptop equation. Its size, responsiveness, and click mechanism are vital for smooth navigation. For a Bluetooth keyboard, battery life is non-negotiable. Look for models that can last for days or weeks of regular use on a single charge to avoid another device you constantly have to tether to a power outlet.
While the Arteck Surface Go Type Cover Keyboard is an excellent choice for its specific niche, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models for various tablets, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Excellent Compatibility: The Bluetooth keyboard compatible with iOS, Android and iPad OS system. It is perfect for Apple iPhone, iPad, iPad Mini, iPad Pro, iPad Air, Android Samsung LG tablet...
- IMPORTANT NOTE: This keyboard is compatible with 3 systems, please press FN+A/S/D to switch the required system before use (“FN+A” is for iOs , “FN+S” is for Windows, “FN+D” is for Android...
- 【Compatibility】For iPad (A16) 11th generation 11-inch 2025 (Model: A3354/A3355/A3356), For iPad 10th generation 10.9-inch 2022 (Model: A2696/A2757/A2777). Not for any other models. Please check...
First Impressions: Unboxing the Arteck Surface Go Type Cover Keyboard
Upon its arrival, the Arteck keyboard was packaged simply and efficiently, containing the keyboard itself, a USB charging cable, and a user manual. My first thought upon picking it up was its surprising sturdiness. I was half-expecting something that felt cheap or flimsy given its budget-friendly price point, but that wasn’t the case at all. While it lacks the premium Alcantara fabric of its Microsoft counterpart, the rigid construction and matte black finish feel professional and durable. It’s remarkably lightweight, adding minimal bulk to the Surface Go’s slim profile.
The real magic, however, happened when I brought it near the bottom edge of my Surface Go 3. The magnetic connector latched on with a deeply satisfying and powerful *snap*. One user noted it “snaps onto the tablet very easy and stays put,” and I can confirm the connection is exceptionally strong; it took a deliberate pull to detach it. This immediately inspired confidence that it wouldn’t come loose in my bag. The secondary magnetic strip just above the keys, which allows the keyboard to be propped up at a comfortable typing angle against the screen’s bezel, also worked flawlessly. From the first five minutes, the Arteck Surface Go Type Cover Keyboard felt less like a cheap alternative and more like a serious contender.
Key Benefits
- Incredible value compared to the first-party alternative
- Surprisingly tactile and comfortable typing experience
- Strong, secure magnetic attachment system
- Exceptional multi-week battery life
Limitations
- Trackpad is functional but can be stiff and imprecise
- Occasional Bluetooth reconnection needed upon waking the device
Deep Dive: Putting the Arteck Keyboard Through Its Paces
A good first impression is one thing, but a keyboard lives or dies by its daily performance. Over several weeks, I used the Arteck for everything: writing long articles (like this one), managing spreadsheets, firing off quick emails, and navigating countless web pages. It became an indispensable part of my mobile workflow, and its performance was, for the most part, shockingly good.
A Surprisingly Premium Typing Experience
This is where the Arteck truly shines and, frankly, defies its price tag. The company calls them “mechanical keys,” and while they aren’t the clicky, high-travel keys you’d find on a gaming keyboard, they offer a remarkably crisp, tactile, and responsive feel. There’s a satisfying amount of travel with each keystroke, providing clear feedback that confirms your input. This is a world away from the flat, lifeless feel of many portable keyboards. One user described the keys as having a “perfect crunch type sound,” and I completely agree—it’s a pleasant, muted sound that makes typing feel productive and efficient.
The QWERTY layout is, by necessity, compact to match the Surface Go’s footprint. Despite this, Arteck has done an excellent job with key spacing. After a brief adjustment period, my typing speed was right back to its desktop average. I didn’t experience the cramping or frequent errors that can plague smaller keyboards. There are a few layout quirks to note, as one reviewer pointed out: the Delete key is shifted to the left to make room for the power button. This took a day or two to get used to, but it quickly became second nature. I also deeply appreciated the inclusion of an Fn-lock function, a small but thoughtful feature that lets you choose whether the top row defaults to function keys (F1-F12) or media controls (volume, brightness, etc.). Overall, the typing experience isn’t just “good for the price”—it’s genuinely good, period. For any student or professional looking to do serious writing, this keyboard is a feature that really sets it apart.
Build Quality and Design: More Than Just a Cheaper Alternative?
As I mentioned in my first impressions, the build quality is solid. The keyboard has a rigid internal structure that prevents any noticeable flex or creaking during aggressive typing sessions. This is a critical feature, as a flimsy base can ruin an otherwise good typing experience. When closed, it covers the Surface Go’s screen perfectly, offering a solid layer of protection against scratches and bumps in a backpack. We found this to be a huge plus, essentially making it a protective cover and keyboard in one.
The dual-angle magnetic system is another standout design choice. You can lay the keyboard completely flat on a table or snap the top edge to the screen’s lower bezel for a more ergonomic, angled typing position. This mimics the functionality of the official Microsoft version perfectly and makes a huge difference in comfort over long periods. User feedback corroborates this, with one person noting they “love that it’s magnetically adjustable.” The powerful main magnetic connector ensures the keyboard remains firmly attached in either position. While it may not have the luxurious feel of Alcantara, the practicality and durability of its hard-plastic construction are undeniable. Some users have reported theirs lasting for years of daily use, which speaks volumes about its longevity. When you consider the robust build and thoughtful design, it’s clear the Arteck Surface Go Type Cover Keyboard was engineered to be a workhorse.
Connectivity and Battery Life: The Wireless Advantage (and its Quirks)
Moving from a physical connector to Bluetooth always involves trade-offs, but Arteck has managed them well. Pairing is straightforward: turn on the keyboard, press Fn + C to enter pairing mode, and select it from your Surface Go’s Bluetooth menu. While one user found the instructions confusing, the process itself is standard for any Bluetooth device and took us less than a minute. Once paired, the connection is stable and responsive, with no noticeable lag between keystrokes and on-screen action.
There is one minor quirk, as noted by a long-term user: occasionally, the keyboard won’t automatically reconnect when you wake the Surface from sleep. In our testing, this happened maybe once every few days. The fix is simple and takes about five seconds: you just press Fn + C again to re-establish the connection. It’s a minor inconvenience but worth noting. What isn’t inconvenient is the battery life. It is, in a word, phenomenal. The spec sheet claims 50 hours of uninterrupted use, and my experience suggests that’s a conservative estimate. I used the keyboard daily for over two weeks before the low-battery indicator finally lit up. This aligns perfectly with user reports, with one person exclaiming, “I’ve had it for a week and still haven’t needed to charge it,” and another noting it lasts about two weeks without charging even after four months of use. The ability to grab your Surface and go for weeks without ever thinking about charging the keyboard is a massive quality-of-life improvement that makes checking its latest price and availability a very smart move.
The Achilles’ Heel: The Trackpad Experience
If the Arteck keyboard has one significant weakness, it’s the trackpad. While it’s generously sized for such a small device, its performance is a mixed bag. For basic navigation—moving the cursor, scrolling with two fingers, and single-tapping to click—it works just fine. It’s certainly better than not having a trackpad at all. However, when it comes to more nuanced actions, its limitations become apparent.
The primary issue, echoed in numerous user reviews, is the physical click mechanism. It’s stiff. Very stiff. One user noted, “I do wish the touchpad was better and not so stiff.” Another gave a more detailed critique, explaining that while tapping works fine, “you can’t ‘click’ it down on certain areas of the track pad,” making actions like clicking and dragging feel awkward and unreliable. We confirmed this in our testing; the corners and top edge of the trackpad are particularly resistant to clicking. Some users also reported issues with functions like double-clicking. For many, this is an acceptable trade-off. As one reviewer pragmatically stated, “I prefer having a mouse anyway, so it doesn’t bother me that the touch pad is stiff.” This is the best way to view it: the trackpad is a functional backup for when you don’t have a mouse, but for extended sessions, you’ll be much happier pairing the keyboard with a separate wireless mouse.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the user sentiment for the Arteck Surface Go Type Cover Keyboard is overwhelmingly positive, centered on its exceptional value. Many, like the user who called it a “score,” were simply thrilled to find a product that delivered a near-identical experience to the official Microsoft version for a third of the price. The quality of the typing experience, the strength of the magnetic connection, and the marathon-like battery life are consistently praised as standout features.
However, the feedback isn’t without its criticisms, which provide a balanced and realistic picture. The most common complaint by far is the stiff and sometimes unreliable trackpad. One particularly frustrated user rated it poorly, stating, “the track pad is truly awful… you can lightly ‘tap’ it just fine, but you can’t ‘click’ it down.” This is a crucial piece of feedback for anyone who relies heavily on a trackpad for their workflow. Another important point raised by several confused buyers is compatibility. They mistakenly purchased it for a Surface 3 or Surface Pro, only to find it didn’t fit physically. This highlights the importance of confirming your device is a “Surface Go” before purchasing.
How Does the Arteck Compare? A Look at the Alternatives
While the Arteck keyboard is a fantastic choice for the Surface Go, the broader tablet keyboard market is vast. It’s helpful to see how it compares to other options designed for different ecosystems and use cases.
1. Amazon Renewed Apple Smart Keyboard for iPad Pro 12.9in
- Renewed products look and work like new. These pre-owned products have been inspected and tested by Amazon-qualified suppliers, which typically perform a full diagnostic test, replacement of any...
- It's a full-size keyboard that's fully portable, and connects to iPad Pro with the Smart Connector, an innovative new interface that allows for a two-way exchange of power and data. Just attach the...
- When you're done it folds together to create a slim, lightweight cover.
This represents the first-party option for the Apple ecosystem. Like Microsoft’s Type Cover, the Apple Smart Keyboard is designed for seamless integration with its intended device, in this case, older 12.9-inch iPad Pros. It uses a physical Smart Connector for power and data, eliminating the need for Bluetooth pairing or charging. While the renewed option brings the price down, it’s typically still more expensive than the Arteck. Someone might prefer this if they are an iPad Pro user who values the absolute simplicity of the Apple ecosystem and wants an official accessory without paying the brand-new price.
2. iClever BK05 Foldable Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard
- Tri-fold Backlit Foldable Keyboard - The folding keyboard has 3 color backlights(Red, Green, and Blue) and 2 brightness levels. The backlit keys allow easy typing in dim-light environments to reduce...
- Connect up to 4 Devices - Features wired and 3 Bluetooth 5.1 connect channels, with just a simple keystroke(Fn+Q/W/E/R), can connect and switch seamlessly between up to 4 devices, such as your laptop,...
- Premium Durability & Stability - The aircraft-grade aluminum alloy construction ensures superior strength and durability. This high-quality material resists wear and tear. The attached balance stands...
The iClever BK05 is built for ultimate portability and versatility. Instead of being a form-fitting cover for one specific device, it’s a tri-folding universal keyboard that works with any Bluetooth-enabled tablet, phone, or laptop. Its main advantages are its incredibly compact folded size, which can fit in a pocket, and its backlighting for typing in low-light conditions. A frequent traveler or a user who switches between an iPad, an Android phone, and a laptop would prefer this for its device-agnostic design and supreme portability, even though it doesn’t offer any screen protection or an integrated trackpad.
3. ESR iPad Air 11 Inch Case with Keyboard
- Work from Anywhere: upgrade your iPad to getting-stuff-done mode by transforming it into a portable productivity machine and be ready to work whenever, wherever
- Quick-Set Magnetic Stand: ultra-strong magnets seamlessly combine case and tablet to let you easily open the floating cantilever stand to the perfect angle for typing or browsing
- Multiple View Modes: back case detaches for instant hands-on access with full-body protection and can be set up in raised screen view, for better posture during use, and portrait mode, for the perfect...
The ESR keyboard case is another option for the iPad ecosystem, but it offers a different set of features. It functions more like a full-body protective case with a detachable keyboard. Its key feature is the “Easy-Set Magnetic Stand,” which offers multiple viewing angles in both portrait and landscape orientations, a level of flexibility the Arteck’s design doesn’t provide. A user who prioritizes robust device protection and versatile viewing angles for media consumption as much as typing would likely prefer this ESR model for their iPad Air or Pro.
Final Verdict: Is the Arteck Surface Go Type Cover Keyboard Worth It?
After weeks of extensive hands-on testing, our conclusion is a resounding yes. The Arteck Surface Go Type Cover Keyboard is not just a good product for the price; it’s a fantastic product that fundamentally improves the Surface Go experience. It successfully transforms the tablet into a highly capable and portable mini-laptop, delivering on the device’s core promise. Its strengths—a superb typing feel, rock-solid build quality, a tenacious magnetic grip, and incredible battery life—far outweigh its one notable weakness, the stiff trackpad.
We would wholeheartedly recommend this keyboard to any Surface Go owner, especially students, writers, and professionals who need to do a lot of typing on the go and are working within a budget. If you primarily use an external mouse, the trackpad’s shortcomings become almost entirely irrelevant. For a fraction of the cost of the official accessory, you get 90% of the functionality and, in some ways, an even more satisfying typing experience. If you’re ready to unlock the full productivity potential of your Surface Go, you can see its full feature set and confirm compatibility right here.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API