Microsoft’s free Surface Pro keyboard is okay, but this one makes the tablet feel like a real laptop

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite — The Surface Pro Flex Keyboard, seen here with a Surface Pro 11, can be used wirelessly or when attached and features a haptic trackpad. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

The real Surface Pro 12 is finally here. After a business-focused Surface unveiling that left people wanting, Microsoft has announced its latest flagship 2-in-1 powered by a Snapdragon X2 chip.

Microsoft will include a free Surface Pro keyboard with any Surface Pro 12 purchased before June 30 but that accessory needs to be physically attached to the Surface Pro to work and lacks a haptic trackpad.

Whether you want the absolute best Surface Pro 12 experience or want to upgrade another Surface Pro, the discounted Surface Pro Flex Keyboard is the way to go.

Why buy the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard?

The Surface Pro Flex Keyboard is versatile, supporting both wireless and attached connectivity. With it, you can use a supported Surface Pro like a laptop or detach the keyboard and place the screen separately.

If you travel a lot and find yourself cramped on an airplane tray table or a small table on a train, being able to arrange the Surface Pro and its keyboard apart from each other is a must.

The Surface Pro Flex Keyboard is also handy for those who dock their Surface Pro to an external monitor or a TV screen. When I had a Surface Pro as my main PC, I had an attachable keyboard for work on the go and a separate keyboard for my multi-monitor setup. You wouldn't need to do that with a Surface Pro Flex Keyboard.

The haptic trackpad of the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard provides physical feedback when you navigate around Windows 11 and certain apps. It's also more consistent than other trackpad types. Haptic trackpads don't have dead zones and are more customizable than traditional trackpads.

There's no debate that the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard is the best Surface Pro Keyboard. The real question is if it's worth its hefty price tag. The Surface Pro 12 starts at $1,499 ($500 more than the starting price of the Surface Pro 11 at launch). That makes any additional cost sting.

If you want the best Surface Pro 12 experience, the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard is a must-have experience. Best Buy's $70 discount on the keyboard comes at a great time.

FAQ

Does the Surface Pro 12 come with a keyboard?

Microsoft will include a free standard keyboard with Surface Pro 12 purchases until June 30. However, it lacks a haptic trackpad and must be physically attached to the 2-in-1 to function.

Will the Surface Pro Flex Keyboard work with older Surface models?

Yes. In addition to the Surface Pro 12, it is fully backward compatible with the Surface Pro 11, Surface Pro 10 for Business, Surface Pro 9, and Surface Pro 8.

Does this Best Buy deal include the Surface Slim Pen?

No. This specific $329.99 discount is for the standalone Surface Pro Flex Keyboard. The stylus must be purchased separately if you want active pen support. There is a separate bundle that costs $395.86 that includes the Surface Slim Pen 2.

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Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.