The Microsoft Surface Go is a marvel of portability. I’ve taken mine everywhere—from cramped airplane tray tables to bustling coffee shops. It’s my go-to device for light work, media consumption, and staying connected on the move. But for all its strengths, I’ve always felt its true potential as a productivity powerhouse was locked behind a single accessory: a physical keyboard. Tapping away on the on-screen keyboard for anything more than a quick reply is a frustrating exercise in inefficiency. Microsoft’s own Type Cover is an elegant solution, but its premium price tag can be a tough pill to swallow. This created a void, a need for a keyboard that could deliver a laptop-like experience without breaking the bank. That’s the exact challenge the Inateck Surface Go Keyboard with Trackpad aims to solve, promising a feature-rich, affordable alternative that doesn’t just mimic the original, but in some ways, surpasses it.
- Compatibility: Fully compatible with Microsoft Surface Go series, including Surface Go 4 (2023), Surface Go 3 (2021), Surface Go 2 (2020), and Surface Go 1 (2018)
- Seamless Connectivity: Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3 for faster and more stable connections
- Seven-color Backlight: Choose the color of the backlight as your will to meet the various needs in different light conditions
What to Consider Before Buying a Keyboard for Your Surface Go
A tablet keyboard is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for transforming a passive consumption device into an active creation tool. It bridges the gap between the portability of a tablet and the functionality of a laptop. For Surface Go users, this means turning a sleek slate into a machine capable of drafting documents, managing complex spreadsheets, and firing off lengthy emails with ease and comfort. The primary benefit is a massive boost in productivity and ergonomic comfort, eliminating the neck strain from hunching over a screen to type.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily struggle of being productive on the go. This includes students taking notes in lectures, mobile professionals drafting reports between meetings, and writers who need a reliable typing tool wherever inspiration strikes. It’s for anyone who loves their Surface Go but finds the on-screen keyboard to be a bottleneck. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who primarily use their tablet for media, gaming, or drawing, where a physical keyboard is less critical. It’s also not a replacement for a full-sized, ergonomic desktop keyboard for those who spend eight hours a day typing at a single desk.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Portability: The entire point of the Surface Go is its compact size. A keyboard accessory must honor that. Look at the weight and thickness. The Inateck Surface Go Keyboard with Trackpad, for instance, weighs only 245g, which is crucial for maintaining the device’s ultra-portable nature. A bulky, heavy keyboard defeats the purpose entirely.
- Connectivity & Performance: Keyboards for the Surface connect in two ways: via the physical pogo pins or via Bluetooth. The official Type Cover uses the pins, which means it draws power from the tablet and only works when attached. Bluetooth keyboards like the Inateck offer the incredible flexibility of being used while detached, but require their own battery and pairing process. Performance also includes key travel, switch type (typically membrane on these models), and the accuracy of the integrated trackpad.
- Materials & Durability: The official Type Cover is famous for its soft, Alcantara fabric finish. Third-party options often use plastic or synthetic leather. While plastic can feel less premium, it can also be more resistant to stains and easier to clean. Pay attention to the strength of the magnetic connection that holds the keyboard to the tablet, as a weak connection can be a constant annoyance.
- Features & Ease of Use: Extra features can make a huge difference in the daily experience. Backlighting is essential for working in dim environments. Dedicated shortcut keys can save time. Most importantly, for Bluetooth models, battery life is paramount. You need to know how long it will last under real-world conditions (with and without backlighting) and how it recharges (USB-C is the modern standard).
Choosing the right keyboard is a critical decision that dictates how you’ll interact with your tablet for years to come. It’s about finding the perfect balance of portability, functionality, and price.
While the Inateck Surface Go Keyboard with Trackpad 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...
First Impressions: Unboxing the Inateck Surface Go Keyboard with Trackpad
Pulling the Inateck Surface Go Keyboard with Trackpad from its simple, no-frills packaging, the first thing we noticed was its weight—or lack thereof. At a mere 8.6 ounces (245g), it feels impossibly light, perfectly complementing the featherweight design of the Surface Go itself. The keyboard is finished in a matte gray plastic that, while not as luxurious as Microsoft’s Alcantara fabric, feels sturdy and resistant to fingerprints. The ultra-slim profile is impressive, adding minimal bulk when attached to the tablet.
Snapping it onto the bottom of our Surface Go 2 was satisfying. The magnets engage with a firm, confident click, aligning the keyboard perfectly. While one user reported a “useless” magnetic latch, our experience was quite the opposite; it felt secure enough for daily transport inside a sleeve. The real magic, however, happens when you turn it on. The Bluetooth pairing process was instantaneous. We simply held down the Fn and C keys, selected the keyboard in Windows settings, and were typing within seconds. It’s this seamless setup, a feature praised by several users, that makes for a fantastic initial impression and sets the stage for what this keyboard truly offers: untethered freedom. You can explore its full specifications and compatibility right now.
Advantages
- Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity allows for use while detached from the tablet
- Significantly more affordable than the official Microsoft Type Cover
- Bright, adjustable 7-color backlighting for low-light conditions
- Lightweight and slim, preserving the Surface Go’s portability
- Independent shortcut keys for common functions
Limitations
- Numerous user reports of long-term reliability issues and failures
- Trackpad can feel small and the physical click is a bit stiff
A Deep Dive into Performance: How the Inateck Keyboard Holds Up in Daily Use
A keyboard’s worth is ultimately measured by how it performs under the pressure of daily use. We spent weeks with the Inateck Surface Go Keyboard with Trackpad, using it as our primary input device for everything from writing long-form articles to managing emails and browsing the web. We wanted to see if its attractive price and feature set were backed by solid, real-world performance or if the compromises were too great to overcome. The results were, for the most part, surprisingly positive, though not without some important caveats.
The Typing Experience: Comfort, Clicks, and Compromises
Let’s start with the most critical aspect: the keys. For such a thin device, the typing experience is remarkably good. The membrane keys have a decent amount of travel and provide a soft but satisfying tactile feedback. The chiclet-style layout is well-spaced, and despite the compact form factor, we were able to reach our normal typing speed with minimal adjustment. In fact, we found ourselves agreeing with one user who stated, “I actually like to type on this keyboard better than the official one.” While the official Type Cover can feel a bit “flappy,” the Inateck’s slightly more rigid plastic base provides a more stable typing platform, especially when used on a lap.
The inclusion of independent shortcut keys for functions like screen brightness, volume, screenshot, and locking the screen is a fantastic quality-of-life improvement. Not having to hold down the ‘Fn’ key for these common actions is a small detail that saves time and frustration throughout the day. However, we did run into some of the “strange idiosyncrasies” mentioned in user feedback. During our testing of complex key combinations, we were able to replicate an issue where certain three-key combos involving the right Shift key didn’t register correctly. For the average user typing documents, this is a non-issue. But for power users who rely on shortcuts for text selection or coding, it’s a limitation to be aware of. Despite this, the core typing experience remains a significant strength, making this a feature that really sets it apart at this price point.
Connectivity and Freedom: The Bluetooth Advantage
The single greatest advantage the Inateck Surface Go Keyboard with Trackpad has over its first-party rival is its Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. This feature fundamentally changes how you can use your Surface Go. No longer are you tethered to a single, laptop-style configuration. We frequently found ourselves propping the Surface Go on a stand at eye level—a much more ergonomic position—while keeping the keyboard comfortably on the desk or in our lap. This flexibility is a game-changer for anyone who works for extended periods on their device.
The connection itself was rock-solid throughout our testing. Once paired, the keyboard reconnected almost instantly every time we woke the tablet or turned the keyboard on. We experienced no noticeable lag or dropped characters, even when typing quickly. The stability of Bluetooth 5.3 is evident here, providing a reliable and responsive link between the keyboard and the tablet. This freedom transforms the Surface Go from a simple 2-in-1 into a more versatile, modular computing setup, allowing you to create a workspace that fits your needs in any environment, from a hotel room to a shared office space.
Battery Life and Backlighting: Powering Your Productivity
A wireless device is only as good as its battery, and this is an area where the Inateck keyboard delivers, albeit with some nuance. The spec sheet quotes approximately 5 hours of continuous use with the backlight on. In our testing, this felt like a conservative, worst-case estimate. With the backlight set to a medium brightness and turning off after a few seconds of inactivity, we easily got through several full days of moderate use before needing a charge. This aligns with one user’s enthusiastic report that the battery “lasts me for a week honestly!” The reality for most people will fall somewhere in between. If you’re a heavy user who keeps the backlight on constantly, you’ll be charging it every couple of days. For more typical use, a weekly top-up via the convenient USB-C port is a reasonable expectation. The 180-day standby time is also a huge plus, meaning you can toss it in a bag for weeks and not worry about it being dead when you need it.
The 7-color backlighting is another standout feature usually reserved for more expensive keyboards. Cycling through the colors (and a multi-color breathing mode) is simple, and the brightness is adjustable to three levels. It’s more than just a novelty; it’s genuinely useful for typing in dimly lit lecture halls or on late-night flights. The light distribution is even across the keycaps, making every character clearly legible. You can check the latest price and see the backlight in action.
The Trackpad and Build Quality: Navigating the Trade-offs
To hit its attractive price point, Inateck had to make some compromises, and they are most apparent in the trackpad and overall build materials. The integrated trackpad is functional, supporting all the standard Windows gestures for scrolling, zooming, and switching apps. However, it is undeniably small. Users coming from a full-sized laptop will need a period of adjustment. We also confirmed a user’s report that the physical click mechanism can feel a bit “sticky” or stiff at times. It’s a noticeable step down from the smooth, satisfying click of the Microsoft Type Cover, but it gets the job done for everyday navigation.
The keyboard’s body is made entirely of plastic. This keeps it light but also raises questions about long-term durability, which is the most significant concern echoed in user reviews. We encountered a troubling number of reports from users whose keyboards simply stopped working or failed to hold a charge after 6-12 months of use. While our review unit performed flawlessly during our extensive testing period, this pattern of long-term failure is impossible to ignore. It suggests a potential weakness in the internal components or battery that may not manifest for several months. This is the crucial trade-off: you get incredible features and flexibility for a low price, but you may be sacrificing the longevity you’d expect from a first-party accessory.
What Real-World Users Are Saying
Synthesizing feedback from a wide range of buyers reveals a consistent duality: users are initially thrilled with the product’s value and functionality but are divided on its long-term reliability. On the positive side, the sentiment is overwhelmingly strong. One happy customer noted it’s a “great buy at 50% less than store price and is so easy to setup.” Another praised its core function, saying it “magnetically snaps onto surface great. Backlighting is bright… Size and keystroke seems to be on par with Microsoft keyboard.” The flexibility of the Bluetooth connection is a recurring theme, with one user explaining they use a stand for their tablet and “use the keyboard lower,” highlighting an ergonomic benefit the official keyboard can’t offer.
However, the negative feedback focuses almost exclusively on a single, critical issue: durability. We saw numerous reports like, “It stopped working less than 10 months of low usage,” and “I bought this not even 1 yr ago. i maybe used it less than 20 times and now it won’t even turn on.” These aren’t isolated incidents but a recurring pattern that suggests a potential lifespan issue. This feedback is highly relevant as it frames the product not as a permanent replacement, but as a high-value, feature-rich accessory that may have a limited operational life.
How Does the Inateck Compare to Other Tablet Keyboards?
While the Inateck Surface Go Keyboard with Trackpad is designed for a specific ecosystem, it’s helpful to see how its features and value proposition stack up against popular keyboards for other tablets, namely the iPad. This comparison highlights different design philosophies and target markets.
1. typecase Edge Keyboard Case for iPad 11th/10th Gen Trackpad Backlit
- Compatibility: This keyboard case is designed exclusively for iPad A16 (2025) and iPad 10th Generation (10.9-inch, 2022) (Models: A2696, A2757, A2777). Not compatible with other iPad models. Please...
- High-efficiency Anywhere - Easy set up the laptop-like keyboard with 10 colors backlight and a multi-touch trackpad whether you are in the Cafe, school, or office; change to high-efficiency mode...
- 11-Color Backlight Keyboard with Shortcuts - Fluidly and accurately typing on the lighted keyboard for iPad 10th generation even in a dark room, ergonomic keys, 10 colors of backlight, and three...
The typecase Edge is a direct philosophical counterpart to the Inateck, but for the iPad world. It’s a third-party solution that aims to deliver a premium, “Magic Keyboard-style” experience at a much lower cost. Like the Inateck, it boasts an extensive feature set, including a multi-touch trackpad and an impressive 11-color backlight. Its key differentiator is the “floating” magnetic stand design, which turns the iPad into something more closely resembling an iMac. A user who prioritizes aesthetics and wants a more rigid, laptop-like structure for their iPad might prefer the typecase, whereas the Inateck focuses on the unique flexibility of a detachable Bluetooth connection for the Surface Go.
2. Amazon Renewed Apple Magic Keyboard 12.9-inch iPad Pro
- The Magic Keyboard is the perfect companion for iPad Pro, now available in two colors.
- It features a comfortable, responsive typing experience, a trackpad that opens up new ways to work, a USB-C port for charging, backlit keys, and front and back protection.
- With a floating cantilever design, iPad Pro attaches magnetically and allows you to smoothly adjust to the perfect viewing angle.
The Apple Magic Keyboard represents the pinnacle of first-party integration, build quality, and price. Even in a renewed state, it commands a premium. It offers an unparalleled typing experience, a world-class trackpad with a satisfying click anywhere, and seamless software integration. Its cantilevered hinge design is iconic and exceptionally stable. Someone who demands the absolute best performance, build quality, and is already heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem would choose the Magic Keyboard. It stands in stark contrast to the Inateck, which prioritizes affordability and the flexibility of Bluetooth over the ultimate premium feel and construction.
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 brings a unique modularity to the table. Its main selling point is the magnetic stand that allows for multiple viewing angles, including portrait mode, and a fully removable protective case for the iPad itself. This offers a level of versatility that even the Inateck doesn’t have. A user who frequently uses their iPad for reading, drawing, or presenting in portrait orientation would find the ESR model incredibly useful. It’s for the user who values adaptability and protection above all, whereas the Inateck user is specifically seeking to enhance the Surface Go’s laptop-like productivity with the added bonus of a detached typing experience.
Final Verdict: Is the Inateck Surface Go Keyboard a Smart Purchase?
After weeks of rigorous testing, our verdict on the Inateck Surface Go Keyboard with Trackpad is one of qualified enthusiasm. This keyboard succeeds brilliantly in its primary mission: to provide a versatile, feature-packed, and highly affordable alternative to Microsoft’s official offering. The typing experience is solid, the backlighting is a fantastic addition, and the freedom afforded by its Bluetooth connectivity is a genuine game-changer, fundamentally improving the ergonomics and flexibility of the Surface Go. For a fraction of the price of the Type Cover, you get nearly all of the functionality and then some.
However, this recommendation comes with a significant asterisk. The chorus of user reports concerning long-term reliability cannot be ignored. While our unit was flawless, the risk of it failing within a year appears to be real. Therefore, we recommend the Inateck Surface Go Keyboard with Trackpad to budget-conscious students, casual users, and mobile professionals who prioritize flexibility and features over guaranteed longevity. If you need a keyboard that will absolutely, positively last for years of heavy, daily abuse, investing in the first-party option might be wiser. But if you want to unlock your Surface Go’s true potential without emptying your wallet and are willing to accept the durability trade-off, this is an incredibly compelling package. You can see the latest user reviews and decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API