A keyboard can make the original Surface RT or Surface 2 much more practical for email, documents, study, and light office work. Microsoft designed these keyboards to attach directly to the tablet, combining a physical keyboard with a protective cover that could be folded behind the device or removed when not needed.
Although Surface keyboards may look similar across generations, choosing the right model still matters. The connector, key layout, trackpad behaviour, and shortcut functions can vary between the original Surface RT and Surface 2. Before buying a replacement, identify the tablet generation and check that the listing specifically names your device.
How the Surface RT keyboard connects
Surface RT keyboards use Microsoft’s magnetic cover connector rather than Bluetooth or a conventional USB connection. The magnets guide the keyboard into place, while the connector transfers input between the cover and tablet. This arrangement keeps the keyboard thin and avoids pairing or charging steps associated with wireless accessories.
The keyboard also serves as a screen cover when the tablet is closed. It can be detached quickly for tablet-only use, then reattached when typing is required. Because the connection is designed for particular Surface hardware, a keyboard that fits physically should not automatically be assumed to provide identical behaviour on every Surface model.
Type Cover or Touch Cover?
The two best-known keyboard styles for the original Surface family are the Type Cover and Touch Cover. Their main difference is the typing surface.
- Type Cover: Uses separate physical keys with more noticeable key movement. It is generally the better choice for longer writing sessions or anyone who prefers tactile feedback.
- Touch Cover: Uses a very thin, mostly flat surface with pressure-sensitive typing areas. Its slim profile makes it especially convenient when reducing bulk is more important than a traditional laptop-like feel.
Both designs are intended to protect the display while travelling and provide shortcut keys for Windows functions. The Touch Cover’s minimal thickness is its main advantage, while the Type Cover offers a more familiar typing experience. Personal preference, typing speed, and the amount of writing you expect to do should guide the decision.
Original Surface RT and Surface 2 compatibility
The original Surface RT and Surface 2 belong to related product families, but they are not interchangeable in every practical respect. Microsoft produced keyboard covers for both generations, and the safest replacement is one explicitly identified for the tablet you own.
When comparing an original Surface RT keyboard with a Surface 2 keyboard, examine the product description for the supported model, connector compatibility, and the included key layout. Function keys and shortcut labels may be tailored to the Windows version installed on the tablet. Features such as key backlighting should also be checked individually rather than assumed from photographs or a general “Surface” description.
Used and refurbished keyboards can be useful options, especially for older tablets, but condition is important. Look closely for worn or missing keycaps, a damaged folding section, frayed fabric, weak magnets, or corrosion and dirt around the connector.
What to consider when choosing a keyboard
Start with how you use the tablet rather than choosing solely by appearance. A student or writer who regularly produces longer documents will likely value the Type Cover’s physical key feel. For occasional messages, browsing, and short edits, the lighter Touch Cover may be sufficient.
- Confirm that the keyboard is made for the original Surface RT or Surface 2.
- Choose physical keys if tactile feedback and extended typing comfort are priorities.
- Choose the thinner cover if portability and a low-profile design matter most.
- Check the condition of the connector, folding hinge, fabric, and trackpad.
- Verify the key layout and whether the listing mentions backlighting or other specific features.
- Read return terms carefully when purchasing a used or refurbished accessory.
Third-party alternatives may be available, but they can differ in construction, shortcut support, and fit. A keyboard that connects successfully may still have an unfamiliar layout or less consistent trackpad performance. For the most predictable result, an original Microsoft cover labelled for the correct Surface generation is usually the simplest choice.
Care and troubleshooting tips
Keep the keyboard dry and clean. Wipe its surface with a soft, slightly damp cloth, and avoid allowing moisture to collect around the connector or folding section. Do not force the cover into position; align it with the tablet and let the magnets guide the attachment.
If typing stops working, detach and reconnect the cover, checking that the connector is free of dust and seated evenly. If only some keys or the trackpad behave incorrectly, inspect the cover for physical damage and test it again after restarting the tablet. Persistent problems may indicate wear in the keyboard or connector rather than a setting that can be corrected in software.
The right Windows Surface RT keyboard depends on a balance of compatibility, typing comfort, size, and condition. Matching the cover to the correct Surface generation and selecting between the tactile Type Cover and ultra-thin Touch Cover will give you the best chance of turning the tablet into a comfortable portable workstation.
