There’s a moment of dread every long-term Microsoft Surface Pro user experiences. It’s the day your trusty, clicky, Alcantara-clad Type Cover starts to fail. Maybe a key stops responding, the trackpad becomes erratic, or worse, the connection to the tablet becomes a frustrating game of attach-and-detach. I’ve been there. After years of faithful service, my own Surface Pro 6 keyboard finally gave out, a victim of countless hours of typing and one unfortunate coffee incident. When I looked for an official replacement, I was hit with a serious case of sticker shock. Spending a significant portion of the tablet’s original cost on a new keyboard felt unjustifiable. This is a common story, a frustrating crossroads where a perfectly good tablet is crippled by a faulty accessory. It’s this exact problem that sends users like us searching for a viable, affordable alternative, leading us directly to products like the Zoof Surface Pro Type Cover.
- Compatibility - Compatible with Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ (2021) / Surface Pro 7 (2019) / Surface Pro 6 (2018) / Surface Pro 5th Gen (2017) / Surface Pro 4 / Surface Pro 3 , 12.3 inch tablet.
- Easy setup - Connect via Bluetooth. Pair the keyboard once, and it will reconnect to the Surface automatically once you open it.
- Magnetically Detachable - Removable attach or detach, easily switch between surface pro tablet and laptop. The slim design of the keyboard makes it easy to carry with you wherever you go.
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 genuine productivity powerhouse. It bridges the gap between the portability of a tablet and the functionality of a laptop, allowing for comfortable, efficient typing for everything from lengthy emails and reports to creative writing and coding. The main benefit is unlocking your tablet’s full potential, making it a versatile tool for students, professionals, and creators on the go. Without a quality keyboard, you’re left tapping on a glass screen—a process that’s slow, inaccurate, and simply not sustainable for any serious work.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact dilemma described above: a Surface Pro owner with a dead or dying original Type Cover who needs a cost-effective replacement without sacrificing core functionality. This also includes students on a budget, professionals who need a backup keyboard for travel, or anyone who finds the official accessory’s price tag prohibitive. Conversely, this might not be the best fit for users who demand the absolute thinnest profile possible or require the seamless, battery-free power and data connection of the official Microsoft design. For those users, seeking out a refurbished original model might be an option, but for most, a third-party solution like the one we’re reviewing today offers a far better balance of price and performance.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Connectivity & Power: This is the most significant difference. Official Type Covers use a proprietary magnetic pogo-pin connector for both data and power. Third-party options like the Zoof keyboard use Bluetooth and have an internal battery. This means you gain the flexibility to use the keyboard detached from the screen but must remember to charge it separately via its USB-C port.
- Typing Experience & Layout: Look for keyboards with scissor-switch keys, which provide a stable and tactile typing feel similar to most modern laptops. Key travel, spacing, and the inclusion of a full function row are critical for productivity. Backlighting is another key feature, essential for working in dimly lit environments.
- Trackpad Performance: A good trackpad is non-negotiable. It should be responsive, accurate, and support multi-touch gestures like two-finger scrolling and three-finger swipes for navigating the operating system efficiently. A poorly implemented trackpad can ruin the entire user experience.
- Build & Durability: The material, thickness, and magnetic strength are all important factors. While third-party models may be slightly thicker to accommodate a battery, they should still feel sturdy and attach securely to the Surface Pro. The quality of the enclosure material will determine its resistance to daily wear and tear.
Understanding these trade-offs is key to making an informed decision and finding a replacement keyboard that not only saves you money but also enhances your workflow.
While the Zoof Surface Pro Type Cover is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, 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...
Unboxing and First Impressions of the Zoof Surface Pro Type Cover
Our Zoof Surface Pro Type Cover arrived in a simple, professional package. Inside, we found the keyboard itself, a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, and a small user manual. The first thing we noticed was the feel of the device. The “Coal” color is a handsome, dark grey that closely mimics the aesthetic of the official Microsoft accessories. The material has a smooth, slightly textured finish that feels premium and resistant to fingerprints. Attaching it to our Surface Pro 6 was a satisfying experience; the magnets are powerful, snapping the keyboard into place with a definitive click, perfectly aligned with the tablet’s bottom edge.
The initial setup was straightforward. Since this is a Bluetooth keyboard, it requires pairing. We simply turned it on, pressed the Bluetooth pairing key combination, and it appeared instantly in our Surface’s Bluetooth devices list. After the initial pairing, it reconnected automatically every time we turned it on. One user mentioned their unit arrived completely dead, so our first step was to plug it in with the included Type-C cable. We were pleased to see this modern port, a welcome upgrade from older micro-USB standards. While it was charging, we took note of its profile. As another user observed, it’s slightly thicker than the original, a necessary concession for its internal battery, but it doesn’t add prohibitive bulk and the Surface still closes perfectly with it attached. For those looking for a replacement that feels remarkably close to the original for a fraction of the cost, the initial impressions are overwhelmingly positive.
What We Like
- Excellent value compared to the official Microsoft Type Cover
- Tactile, comfortable scissor-switch keys with adjustable backlighting
- Modern USB-C charging port and impressive battery standby time
- Strong magnetic attachment and a premium feel
- Bluetooth connectivity allows for detached use
What We Didn’t Like
- Slightly thicker and heavier than the original due to the internal battery
- Reports of quality control issues (DOA units or early failure)
A Deep Dive into the Zoof Surface Pro Type Cover’s Performance
A replacement keyboard lives or dies by its daily performance. It has to feel right, work reliably, and integrate seamlessly into your workflow. We spent several weeks using the Zoof Surface Pro Type Cover as our primary input device on a Surface Pro 6, tackling everything from writing long-form articles to managing spreadsheets and navigating Windows. Our in-depth analysis focuses on the three pillars of any great keyboard experience: the typing and trackpad quality, the design and physical integration, and the realities of its Bluetooth connectivity and battery life.
The All-Important Typing and Trackpad Experience
Let’s start with the most critical aspect: the keys. The Zoof Surface Pro Type Cover utilizes a scissor-switch mechanism, which we found provides a typing experience that is remarkably close to, and in some ways preferable to, the original. The keys have a satisfying amount of travel and a stable, firm feel with a quiet but tactile bottom-out. This is not a mushy, cheap-feeling keyboard. Our fingers flew across the QWERTY layout, and we were hitting our usual typing speeds within minutes. This sentiment was echoed by a user who noted, “The keys have a great feel and touch when typing.” The layout is nearly identical to the Microsoft version, including the full row of function keys for controlling brightness, volume, and media playback, so the learning curve is practically non-existent for long-time Surface users.
A standout feature at this price point is the single-color backlighting. It’s subtle, providing just enough glow to easily see the keys in a dark room or on a red-eye flight without being distracting. As one happy customer put it, it’s “just enough to type in the dark.” The ability to cycle through a few brightness levels adds a layer of welcome customization. The trackpad was another pleasant surprise. It’s a generous size, with a smooth surface that allows for easy finger gliding. Tracking was precise, and more importantly, it fully supports Windows Precision Touchpad drivers. This means all the multi-touch gestures we rely on—two-finger scrolling, pinch-to-zoom, and three/four-finger swipes for task switching—worked flawlessly out of the box. A user confirmed this, stating, “Touch pad is super responsive and has all the functions.” For a device meant to replicate a laptop experience, the high-quality trackpad is a feature that really sets it apart.
Design, Build Quality, and Portability
Zoof did an excellent job of matching the Surface Pro aesthetic. The keyboard feels solid and well-constructed, with minimal flex when typing on a lap. The magnetic connection along the bottom bezel is exceptionally strong, snapping into place with authority and holding firm. You can also fold a portion of the keyboard up against the screen magnetically to create the familiar angled typing position, which adds stability and improves ergonomics, just like the original. We found this magnetic system to be just as reliable as Microsoft’s own.
The primary physical difference, as we and other users have noted, is the thickness. The original Type Cover is a marvel of engineering, drawing power directly through its connector. The Zoof Surface Pro Type Cover needs to house a battery, Bluetooth module, and charging components, which inevitably adds a few millimeters of thickness. One reviewer aptly stated it’s “almost twice as thick as original (due to battery I’m sure) but does not affect use.” We wholeheartedly agree. While the difference is measurable, it’s not consequential in practice. The Surface Pro still closes cleanly, the keyboard protects the screen, and the added heft is negligible in a backpack. The sleek, smooth design feels durable and capable of withstanding the rigors of daily travel, making it a reliable companion for a portable setup.
Bluetooth Connectivity and Battery Life in the Real World
The switch from a physical data connector to Bluetooth is the most significant functional change, and it comes with both pros and cons. The primary advantage is flexibility. We loved being able to detach the keyboard and still control the Surface from a distance, which is perfect for presentations or when the tablet is propped up on a stand. Another user pointed out a subtle benefit: this design “has the bonus of slightly less power draw on Surface.” By using its own power source, the keyboard doesn’t drain your tablet’s precious battery life.
The downside is that the keyboard needs its own power. However, Zoof has mitigated this with two smart choices. First, the inclusion of a USB-C port is a modern convenience that means we could charge the keyboard with the same cables we use for our phones and other devices. Second, the battery life is phenomenal. Zoof claims over three months of standby time, and in our weeks of daily, heavy use, we never once had to recharge it after the initial top-up. The keyboard has an intelligent auto-sleep function that conserves power when not in use. There’s a brief, one-second delay for it to wake up and reconnect if it’s been idle for a while, which is typical for Bluetooth devices, but we found it to be a minor adjustment. The freedom and modern charging offered by this thoughtfully designed power system make it a worthy trade-off.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment from users is overwhelmingly positive, especially concerning the value proposition. Many, like us, purchased the Zoof Surface Pro Type Cover after their original Microsoft keyboard failed. One user summed it up perfectly, saying it’s “just like the OG MS brand if not better” and that they “love that it’s the fraction of the cost as the name brand.” Another was thrilled after their cat destroyed their original, noting, “The quality of this is just as good as the original factory keyboard… It was super easy to set up and connect.”
However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect. The most common complaint points towards quality control, which can be a lottery with third-party electronics. One user reported their keyboard was “completely dead out the box,” while another had a more concerning experience where their first unit “stopped working after a couple weeks” and the replacement they received was “damaged and scribbled on.” While our test unit performed flawlessly, these reports are important to consider. They suggest that while the design and functionality are excellent when you get a good unit, there is a small but non-zero risk of receiving a faulty product. The included 12-month warranty provides a safety net, but it’s a factor to be aware of when purchasing.
How Does the Zoof Surface Pro Type Cover Compare to Alternatives?
While the Zoof keyboard is specifically designed for the Surface Pro ecosystem, it’s helpful to see how it stacks up against other popular tablet keyboard solutions in the market, particularly those in the dominant Apple ecosystem. This comparison highlights the different philosophies and target users for each product.
1. Amazon Renewed Apple Magic Keyboard iPad Pro/Air Case
The Apple Magic Keyboard is the pinnacle of tablet keyboards, offering a phenomenal typing experience, a high-quality trackpad, and a unique cantilevered design that “floats” the iPad. It connects via the Smart Connector, drawing power directly from the iPad. However, it comes at a very high premium, often costing several times more than the Zoof keyboard. For iPad Pro or Air users already invested in the Apple ecosystem who demand the absolute best and are willing to pay for it, the Magic Keyboard is unparalleled. The Zoof keyboard offers a similar functional goal—laptop-like productivity—but achieves it for the Surface Pro user through a lens of extreme value and affordability.
2. Amazon Renewed Apple Smart Keyboard for iPad Pro 12.9in
The Apple Smart Keyboard is a more direct competitor in terms of function, acting as a simple cover with an integrated keyboard. It lacks a trackpad and backlighting, features found on the Zoof model. Its primary advantage is its incredible thinness and the simplicity of the Smart Connector. This option is for the iPad user who prioritizes a slim profile and basic typing over the advanced features and tactile feel of a more robust keyboard. The Zoof Surface Pro Type Cover is a far more feature-rich product, providing a trackpad and backlighting that make it a much more comprehensive laptop replacement for a lower price.
3. Harvopu iPad 11th/10th Gen Case with Keyboard Trackpad Backlit
The Harvopu keyboard case is perhaps the closest spiritual equivalent to the Zoof, but for the standard iPad. It’s a third-party solution that aims to provide premium features—a detachable backlit keyboard, a multi-touch trackpad, and a protective case—at a budget-friendly price point. Much like the Zoof, it uses Bluetooth and has its own battery. This product is for the iPad user who wants the functionality of a Magic Keyboard without the steep cost. It proves that the market for high-value, third-party tablet keyboards is robust, and the Zoof Surface Pro Type Cover successfully fills this essential niche for the Surface Pro community.
The Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Zoof Surface Pro Type Cover?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Zoof Surface Pro Type Cover is a resounding success. It delivers on its promise to be a high-quality, affordable replacement for the official Microsoft keyboard. The typing experience is excellent, the trackpad is responsive and accurate, and the inclusion of features like backlighting and USB-C charging makes it feel modern and convenient. It masterfully solves the painful problem of a failed original keyboard without forcing you to spend a small fortune.
Its only notable drawbacks are the slight increase in thickness—a necessary trade-off for its internal battery—and the potential for quality control issues reported by a minority of users. For the vast majority of Surface Pro owners, however, this keyboard is a no-brainer. If you’re looking to breathe new life into your aging tablet and restore its laptop-like productivity without breaking the bank, this is the keyboard to get. We wholeheartedly recommend it as a smart, practical, and highly functional upgrade. To see the different color options and check the latest price and availability, click here.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API