After launching a new line of iPad accessories earlier this year that turn Apple’s tablets into pseudo-laptops, Brydge is updating its line of Microsoft Surface accessories with a few new keyboards that do the same for Microsoft’s tablets.
The new Brydge 10.5 Go+ is designed to work with Microsoft’s entry-level Surface Go and Surface Go 2 tablets, while the new Brydge 12.3 Pro+ supports Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4, 5, 6, and 7 tablets. They’re up for pre-order for $140 and $150, respectively. The keyboards should ship in September.
Of course Microsoft offers its own Type Cover keyboard cases for Surface tablets, but those are softer keyboards that work best on tables, desks, or other flat surfaces. The Brydge keyboards are made of sturdier stuff and they have their own tablet clips, so you don’t need to rely on the Surface device’s built-in kickstand for stability.
Brydge says its new Surface keyboards have Precision touchpads with support for multi-touch gestures and adjustable backlit keys. They connect to Microsoft’s tablets via Bluetooth 5.0.
The Surface Go model offers up to 3 months of battery life on a charge, while the Surface Pro version should run for up to 6 months at a time.
Brydge 10.5 Go+
Brydge 12.3 Pro+
Bridge is also now taking pre-orders for its W-Touch Bluetooth 4.2 Precision touchpad for Windows devices. It sells for $100 and should ship by the end of August. And the company’s W-Type Bluetooth 5.1 wireless keyboard is also up for pre-order for $60.
Ah, they came back:
“Thanks for reaching out us here at Brydge. This new keyboard will come in an U.S. International layout (QWERTY).”
Shame, not sure I’d want to spend that much for something that doesn’t have UK layout.
I like the look of this, would be a nice option to have alongside the official type cover. Each would have their advantages. One thing that can be hard to get used to with the Surface + type cover is that there is no resistance if you accidently knock it towards you, which I’ve done a few times.
I’d pre-order for my Surface Go if I could be sure they offer a UK keyboard layout, although I can’t see any info on their site and the photos show a US layout. Have asked via “contact me” but heard nothing back yet.
Well, I do have a bluetooth Logitech K380 keyboard and bluetooth mouse to use with my Surface Go if I want to go the bluetooth route. It’s not as elegant a solution as this Brydge device though.
I have a Surface Go LTE but I’d rather use the official Type Cover. Although, I could see people who still don’t like the whole kickstand + flopping keyboard thing to get this assuming they’d still get a Surface tablet.
It seems that MS doesn’t provide the specs for the keyboard contacts? That would unfortunate. This Brydge keyboard would be much better if it could take advantage them.
Far as I’m concerned these are not as good as the Type Cover because they require a Bluetooth connection, where as the Type Cover connects via the proprietary contacts on the edge of the Surface device and requires no software setup. Also, the little clips on the Brydge keyboards can be fiddly.
However, I do like the more sturdy construction, and I just wish Microsoft would produce a more sturdy version of Type Cover.
Agreed, 100%.
But I wouldn’t hold my breath for Apple/MS to make proper sturdy keyboards like this. So if you need one, the above is literally your only option.