October 31, 2023

Your Microsoft Surface is endlessly versatile; use it as a laptop or mobile device with equal functionality. Thanks to two different keyboard options, you can choose the typing interface that works best for you and your personal preferences. Learn the difference between using a Surface keyboard or typing directly onto the touchscreen, so you can make an informed choice.

The difference between touch typing and regular typing

Many people type using what is commonly known as the “hunt and peck” method. Here, you quickly scan your keyboard for the right key to press, then periodically check your screen to ensure that you haven’t made any errors. Variations of this method are generally called regular typing.

If you want to type very quickly, however, touch typing is a skill worth mastering. Here, you are typing without looking at the keyboard: You place your fingers directly over the keys in a base position, and reach out to keys by memory. This takes skill and practice, but the result is an improvement in typing speeds—all while more-easily referencing other materials and/or verifying your type on screen in real time. Helpful for this approach, F and J keys typically come with raised bumps to help you find and keep your fingers in position without so much as a glance.

Surface keyboard vs. touch keyboard

Surface has a keyboard format and the accessories you need for comfortable, speedy typing while minimizing eyestrain. Regular typing or touch typing, if you prefer the sensation of physical keys, the comforting sounds of a keyboard, simply click a Surface keyboard into your Surface device for a more traditional typing experience; there’s a full mechanical keyset and backlit keys to ensure visibility, and it stays securely attached so you’re ready to go, no matter what.

Compact and highly responsive, the Surface on-screen touch keyboard provides a different experience and sensation. People who prefer regular typing shouldn’t have much trouble adjusting to the less-tactile approach. Those who touch type may take a little time to adjust to not being able to feel the F and J home keys.

Surface Pro Signature Keyboard

This premium detachable keyboard is compatible with the Surface Pro 8, Surface Pro X, and Surface Pro 9 and delivers a slim, ultraportable typing experience that transforms your device into a laptop. There’s even a place to store and charge your Slim Pen 2, though this digital pen isn’t included.¹ The keys are backlit and there are dedicated buttons for Windows functions and shortcuts integrated with the large trackpad.

Express yourself with five different colors to match or contrast your Surface. The New Sapphire and Forest² Signature Keyboards are made with partially biobased Alcantara® material containing at least 12% renewable content³ that is derived from sugarcane waste, so you can express your care for the planet, too, when you upgrade your Microsoft Surface experience with the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard.

Surface Pro Signature Keyboard with Fingerprint Reader

This slick black keyboard offers a responsive, tactile experience that’s as easy to connect as it is to take along with you. This version of the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard has a space to hold and charge a Slim Pen 2, keeping it ready for when you need it. What sets it apart is an integrated fingerprint reader, so you can log into your Windows account without having to enter a password.

The Surface Pro Signature Keyboard with Fingerprint Reader is compatible with the Surface Pro 9, Surface Pro 8, and Surface Pro X.

Surface Pro Keyboard

This keyboard is compatible with the Surface Pro 8 and Surface Pro X. Its slim and portable and allows for fast, fluid typing anywhere you need to be at nearly any angle. If you’re looking for a basic keyboard with a large trackpad that works with your Surface, look to the Surface Pro Keyboard.

The Surface touch keyboard

Your new Surface device comes equipped with a Windows 11 operating system and a highly sensitive touchscreen. While there are external keyboards that you can use if you’re a more tactile person, there’s also a built-in touch keyboard on your Surface device.

If you prefer a more streamlined computing experience without peripherals, here’s how to use the touch keyboard to enter text:

1. Tap on the screen where you’d like to start typing text and the keyboard will automatically open.
2. Select the Touch keyboard icon on the taskbar. If it’s not already there, you can add it to the notification area by opening Settings and choosing Personalization and then Taskbar.

Like other Microsoft products, your Surface device is endlessly customizable, and that applies to your touch keyboard as well. You can choose between four different keyboard layouts as well as when (or if) that keyboard will automatically appear.

Whether you opt for a built-in touch keyboard or a physical keyboard, you can use your Surface device your way. Compare Surface devices and see which one responds closest to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions