There’s a moment every Microsoft Surface Pro owner experiences. You’ve just unboxed this sleek, powerful tablet—a marvel of engineering that promises the versatility of a laptop and the portability of a slate. You admire its sharp display and snappy performance. Then, you try to type a long email or draft a document using the on-screen keyboard. The illusion shatters. Tapping away at the glass screen is slow, awkward, and covers half of your precious digital real estate. The truth becomes clear: to transform this impressive tablet into a genuine productivity machine, you need a physical keyboard. The official Microsoft Type Cover is a fantastic piece of kit, but its premium price tag can be a tough pill to swallow. This is the exact dilemma I faced, leading me on a quest for an alternative that could deliver a premium typing experience without the premium cost. That search led me directly to the XIWMIX Type Cover Keyboard with Touchpad for Surface Pro, a third-party contender promising all the key features—and then some.
- Compatibility: Specifically designed for Microsoft Surface Pro 11(2024), Microsoft Surface Pro 10(2024), Microsoft Surface Pro 9(2022), Microsoft Surface Pro 8（2021）and Microsoft Surface Pro X...
- Bluetooth 5.1 Technology: The 7 colors backlit keyboard for surface pro 11/10/9/8/x supports steady and high-speed bluetooth 5.1 connection.Operating distance up to 33 ft, press Fn+C key for 2-3...
- Battery Life & Charging Time：Fully charged in 2–3 hours, the keyboard lasts approximately 4–6 hours with the backlight on (depending on brightness) and about 200 hours with the backlight off
What to Consider Before Buying a Tablet Keyboard
A tablet keyboard is more than just an accessory; it’s a key solution for unlocking a device’s full potential, transforming it from a content consumption gadget into a powerful content creation tool. It bridges the gap between portability and productivity, offering the tactile feedback and speed of traditional typing that touchscreens simply cannot replicate. The primary benefit is efficiency. Whether you’re a student taking notes in a lecture, a professional drafting reports on the go, or a writer crafting your next story in a coffee shop, a physical keyboard dramatically increases your typing speed and accuracy, making your workflow smoother and less frustrating.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who relies on their tablet for more than just media and web browsing. This includes students, mobile professionals, writers, and anyone who frequently types long-form content away from a traditional desk setup. It’s for the user who wants to leave their bulky laptop at home but refuses to compromise on productivity. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who primarily use their tablet for drawing, reading, or watching videos, and only occasionally type a short message. For them, the on-screen keyboard is sufficient, and the extra bulk and cost of a physical keyboard case are unnecessary. They might consider a simple folio case for protection instead.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Compatibility & Connectivity: This is non-negotiable. Always double-check that the keyboard is explicitly designed for your specific tablet model and generation. Beyond the physical fit, consider the connection method. Official keyboards often use proprietary smart connectors that draw power directly from the tablet and require no pairing. Most third-party options, like the XIWMIX, use Bluetooth, which offers the flexibility to use the keyboard detached but requires separate charging and an initial pairing process.
- Typing Experience & Layout: The core function is typing, so key feel is paramount. Look for information on key travel (the distance the keys press down), spacing, and feedback. Scissor-switch keys, common in quality keyboards, offer a satisfying and stable feel. Ensure the layout is a standard QWERTY configuration and includes a full function row (F1-F12), which is crucial for shortcuts and productivity.
- Trackpad & Backlighting: A good trackpad is as important as the keys themselves. It should be responsive, support multi-touch gestures (like two-finger scrolling and pinch-to-zoom), and have a smooth surface. Backlighting is a game-changing feature for anyone who works in dim lighting, on airplanes, or late at night. Look for adjustable brightness levels and, if you enjoy customization, multiple color options.
- Battery Life & Build Quality: For Bluetooth keyboards, battery life is a major consideration. Check the manufacturer’s claims for usage time with and without backlighting, as the latter can drain the battery significantly faster. The materials used in construction—like aluminum, durable plastic, or microfiber finishes—will determine the keyboard’s longevity, feel, and ability to protect your tablet from scratches and bumps.
Making the right choice involves balancing these features against your budget and specific needs. The goal is to find a keyboard that not only fits your device but also enhances your unique workflow.
While the XIWMIX Type Cover Keyboard with Touchpad for Surface Pro is an excellent choice for many, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models across different ecosystems, 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: A Sturdy and Feature-Packed Contender
Unboxing the XIWMIX Type Cover Keyboard with Touchpad for Surface Pro, the first thing we noticed was its substantial feel. Unlike the almost weightless, Alcantara-clad official Microsoft keyboard, the XIWMIX has a reassuring heft. The enclosure combines plastic with an aluminum frame, giving it a rigidity that suggests durability. As one user aptly noted, it’s noticeably thicker and heavier than the Microsoft version—a trade-off, it seems, for its robust build and internal battery. The magnetic strip that connects to the bottom of the Surface Pro is impressively strong, snapping into place with a satisfying and secure clack. There’s no wobble or flex; it feels like an integral part of the tablet. The “midnight black” color is a close match to the Surface Pro’s finish, creating a cohesive and professional look. The inclusion of a dedicated pencil holder is a thoughtful touch, though it’s important to note right away that it does not support charging for the Slim Pen 2. Powering it on revealed the vibrant 7-color backlight, a feature that immediately makes it feel like a premium product. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its capabilities.
What We Like
- Vibrant 7-color LED backlighting with 3 brightness levels
- Strong and stable magnetic attachment to the Surface Pro
- Excellent battery life (up to 200 hours) with backlighting off
- Responsive touchpad that supports multi-touch gestures
- Significantly more affordable than the official Microsoft Type Cover
Limitations
- Requires separate Bluetooth pairing and USB-C charging
- Integrated pen slot does not charge the Surface Slim Pen 2
- Noticeably thicker and heavier than the first-party keyboard
A Deep Dive into the XIWMIX Type Cover’s Performance
A keyboard lives or dies by its daily performance. Features on a spec sheet mean little if the typing is frustrating or the connection is unreliable. We spent several weeks using the XIWMIX Type Cover Keyboard with Touchpad for Surface Pro as our primary input device for everything from writing long-form reviews to managing spreadsheets and casual web browsing. We evaluated its design, typing and trackpad experience, and the realities of its Bluetooth connectivity to determine if its budget-friendly price point involves too many compromises.
Design and Ergonomics: A Tale of Two Philosophies
The design of the XIWMIX keyboard is a clear departure from Microsoft’s ultra-slim philosophy. Where the official cover prioritizes thinness and lightness above all, the XIWMIX opts for a more robust, feature-inclusive build. At 0.31 inches thick and weighing 13.92 ounces, it adds noticeable bulk to the Surface Pro’s sleek profile. For us, this wasn’t necessarily a negative. When typing on a lap, the added weight and rigidity provided a much more stable platform than many other flimsy keyboard covers we’ve tested. The keyboard attaches via a powerful magnetic strip that aligns perfectly with the Surface Pro’s port, allowing for two distinct typing angles—one flat against the desk and another slightly raised for a more ergonomic posture. We found the raised position to be the most comfortable for extended typing sessions.
The materials, a combination of plastic and aluminum, feel durable and resistant to fingerprints. The integrated pencil holder is a welcome addition, securely holding the Surface Pen and preventing it from getting lost in a bag. However, the critical caveat is that it’s just a holder; it lacks the charging coils needed for the Slim Pen 2. This means Slim Pen users will still need a separate way to charge their stylus. This is a key cost-saving measure but one that potential buyers must be aware of. Ultimately, the design presents a value proposition: you trade the featherlight profile of the official keyboard for a sturdier build, an integrated (non-charging) pen slot, and a much lower price. For those who prioritize a stable typing base over ultimate portability, this design choice is a compelling one.
The Typing and Trackpad Experience: Getting Down to Business
This is where the XIWMIX Type Cover Keyboard with Touchpad for Surface Pro truly shines. The typing experience is surprisingly excellent. The 81 scissor-switch keys are well-spaced and offer a satisfying amount of travel and tactile feedback. They produce a quiet, pleasant click that is firm enough for confident typing but not loud enough to be disruptive in a quiet office or library. We were able to reach our full typing speed almost immediately, with very few errors. The layout is standard QWERTY, complete with a full row of function keys that double as media controls (volume, brightness, play/pause), a feature sometimes omitted on third-party keyboards.
The trackpad is equally impressive. It’s a decent size, and its smooth surface allows for easy finger gliding. More importantly, it appears to use Windows Precision drivers, meaning it flawlessly supports all the standard multi-touch gestures. Two-finger scrolling is smooth, pinch-to-zoom is responsive, and three-finger swipes to switch between apps work just as they should on a high-end laptop. We experienced no cursor jumping or lag during our testing. This level of trackpad performance is rare in budget-friendly alternatives and is a major reason why the XIWMIX feels like such a premium product in use. For anyone looking to do serious productivity work on their Surface Pro, the combination of this keyboard and trackpad provides a genuinely laptop-class experience, making it a feature that really sets it apart from the competition.
Connectivity and Power Management: The Bluetooth Trade-Off
The most significant functional difference between the XIWMIX and the official Microsoft keyboard is its reliance on Bluetooth 5.1 instead of a physical smart connector. This comes with a distinct set of pros and cons. The primary advantage is versatility; you can detach the keyboard from the tablet and continue typing from a distance (up to 33 feet), which is useful for presentations or if you have the Surface Pro connected to an external monitor. The downside is that it requires a separate power source and manual pairing. As one user noted, the setup can be a bit confusing out of the box due to a lack of clear instructions. We can confirm that the small power switch is located on the side edge and can be easy to miss. To pair, you turn it on, then press and hold the “Fn + C” keys to enter pairing mode, after which it appears as “Wireless Keyboard” in your Surface’s Bluetooth settings. Once paired, it reconnects automatically, though there’s a brief one-to-two-second delay for it to wake from sleep when you start typing.
Battery life is a major strength. XIWMIX claims up to 200 hours of continuous use with the backlight off, and based on our testing, this seems accurate. We used it for a full week of regular work without the backlight and didn’t even make a dent in the battery. However, turning on the backlight changes the equation dramatically, reducing battery life to just 4-6 hours depending on the brightness level. This means if you’re a heavy backlight user, you’ll need to charge it via the included USB-C cable every day or two. Thankfully, a full charge only takes 2-3 hours. This power management system is a trade-off, but the exceptional battery life with the lights off makes it a very manageable one for most users. You can explore its battery performance specs in more detail online.
What Other Users Are Saying
Synthesizing feedback from various users, a clear picture of the XIWMIX Type Cover Keyboard with Touchpad for Surface Pro emerges. Many users, like us, are pleasantly surprised by the overall quality and functionality, especially given its price point. One user provided invaluable pairing instructions (“push and hold ‘Fn + C'”), highlighting a common initial hurdle: the lack of clear setup guidance in the packaging. This is a recurring theme, with another reviewer mentioning they had to look up the part online to find the subtle power switch. Once set up, however, the consensus is that it “works as advertised.”
The most common point of comparison is its physical size. A detailed review noted that the keyboard is significantly thicker and heavier than Microsoft’s official version, a critical piece of information for those prioritizing portability. While some see this as a downside, we found it contributes to a more stable typing platform. On the negative side, while our unit arrived in perfect condition, at least one user reported receiving a product with a damaged charging port, indicating that quality control could be a potential concern. Overall, the sentiment is positive, focusing on the bright backlighting and sturdy feel, but tempered by the initial setup quirks and the trade-offs in size and charging convenience.
How Does the XIWMIX Type Cover Compare to the Alternatives?
The XIWMIX Type Cover Keyboard with Touchpad for Surface Pro exists in a competitive market. To understand its place, it’s crucial to see how it stacks up against other options, even those designed for different ecosystems, as they often target similar user needs for productivity on the go.
1. Harvopu iPad 11th/10th Gen Case with Keyboard and Trackpad
- 【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...
- 【Quick Navigation Trackpad】Harvopu for iPad keyboard (A16) 11th/ 10th generation built-in high sensitive trackpad, allows you enjoy the convenience of performing multi-finger gesture control (like...
- 【Magnetically Detachable Keyboard】For (A16) 11th/ 10th gen keyboard is magnetic and it can be strongly attached to the case or detach completely. When you do not need the keyboard can be stored...
This Harvopu keyboard case is designed exclusively for the Apple ecosystem, specifically the iPad 10th and 11th generations. Like the XIWMIX, it offers a folio-style case with an integrated keyboard, trackpad, pencil holder, and 7-color backlighting. The key difference, aside from compatibility, is that its keyboard is often detachable, offering more flexibility in how you position the screen and keyboard. For an iPad user, this is a direct competitor, providing a laptop-like experience on a budget. However, for a Surface Pro owner, it’s irrelevant. This alternative serves as a perfect example of why confirming device compatibility is the absolute first step before purchasing any tablet keyboard.
2. Inateck Surface Pro 7 Keyboard with Touchpad Backlight
- Wide Compatibility: Inateck surface keyboard specifically designed for Surface Pro 7+/7/6/5/4, ensuring perfect compatibility and seamless connection to enhance your work efficiency
- Colorful Backlight: Featuring a unique 7-color backlight, this keyboard allows easy input in low-light environments, combining style with practicality.Note:This keyboards needs to be charged...
- Magnetic Attachment: The strong magnetic strip ensures a secure connection. You can choose to use this Surface Pro Keyboard in either attached or detached state
The Inateck keyboard is a much more direct competitor to the XIWMIX, as it’s also designed for the Microsoft Surface Pro line. The critical distinction is that this model is for older devices: the Surface Pro 7, 7+, 6, 5, and 4. It shares many features with the XIWMIX, including Bluetooth connectivity (a slightly newer 5.3 version), a precision touchpad, and 7-color backlighting. If you own one of these older Surface Pro models, the Inateck is the product you should be considering, not the XIWMIX. This highlights the importance of the product’s specific compatibility, as the XIWMIX is tailored for the newer 13-inch Pro 8, 9, 10, 11, and X models.
3. Amazon Renewed Apple Smart Keyboard for iPad Pro 12.9-inch
- 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 alternative represents a different purchasing philosophy. It’s an official, first-party Apple product, but for an older iPad Pro and sold in renewed condition. A user might choose this to get the seamless integration and perfect design of an official accessory at a reduced price. However, the trade-offs are significant when compared to the XIWMIX. This Apple Smart Keyboard lacks both a trackpad and any form of backlighting, two of the XIWMIX’s most compelling features. This option is for the brand-loyalist in the Apple ecosystem who prioritizes the first-party feel over modern features like trackpad navigation and low-light usability.
Final Verdict: An Exceptional Value with Understandable Compromises
After extensive hands-on testing, we can confidently say that the XIWMIX Type Cover Keyboard with Touchpad for Surface Pro is an outstanding value and a worthy alternative to Microsoft’s official offering. It successfully delivers on the core fundamentals: the typing experience is crisp and comfortable, the trackpad is responsive and accurate, and the magnetic connection is rock-solid. The addition of a vibrant, multi-level backlight is a fantastic premium feature that elevates the entire user experience, especially in low-light environments.
Of course, it’s not without its compromises. The need for separate Bluetooth pairing and charging is a step down from the seamlessness of a smart connector, and the lack of charging in the pen slot is a notable omission for Slim Pen 2 users. It’s also undeniably thicker and heavier. However, these trade-offs feel entirely reasonable when weighed against its significantly lower price tag. We recommend the XIWMIX Type Cover Keyboard with Touchpad for Surface Pro for students, budget-conscious professionals, and any Surface Pro user who wants a full-featured, laptop-like experience without paying the premium price. If you value a great typing feel and a bright backlight over ultimate portability, this keyboard is one of the best investments you can make for your device. To transform your Surface Pro into the productivity powerhouse it was meant to be, check the latest price and availability and unlock its true potential.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API