Buy holiday deals at: Amazon | Walmart | Best Buy | Microsoft | Dell

We may earn commissions by using our links. Learn more.

Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central

Thanks to the new design, 11th generation Intel, Thunderbolt 4 and the new Slim Pen 2, Microsoft's Surface Pro 8 is one of the best convertible PCs this year. But some people cannot use Surface Pro to design a "floppy disk" keyboard. Depending on whether you need that pen or not, you need to pay an additional $140 to $280.

Fortunately, Brydge launched SP+, a popular accessory that the company has made for various tablets over the years. In fact, this (special) $100 extra cost makes the Surface Pro 8 a real laptop with a clip-on Bluetooth-powered keyboard. Although it adds weight, I can only say a few good things about it, making it a simple recommendation. why is that.

Bottom line: Brydge SP+ turns Surface Pro 8 into a tablet, a real laptop. Although it does add a lot of weight, Brydge provides features for those who want it.

Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central

Brydge SP+ for Surface Pro 8 can be purchased directly from Amazon, Best Buy (including in-store pickup) and Brydge. The price is usually US$140, but it can be as low as US$100 during promotion.

Surface Pro 8 is available in two colors: platinum and black.

Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central

In terms of design, Brydge has done a great job on SP+. The build quality is top-notch, it is a combination of polycarbonate (top plate) and aluminum (most of the chassis). It feels strong and has no squeaks or weaknesses.

Brydge matched the design, size and even color of SP+ with Surface Pro 8. The contours are all matching, I feel that Brydge designed this keyboard to reflect the Surface Pro 8.

Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central

Setting up and using Brydge is very simple. Thankfully, the SP+ has very little packaging: open the box and pull out the keyboard, then slide the Surface Pro 8 into the hinge. With Surface Pro 8 turned on and Bluetooth is active, press and hold the power button until it flashes (pairing mode) to turn on SP+. That's it. I have no problem, SP+ is paired immediately (you need to enter some characters to confirm.) SP+ uses Bluetooth 5.0, I am glad to see.

Where SP+ really shines is the quality of the keyboard and trackpad. This is an excellent keyboard that feels like a keyboard cover, but the keys may be harder. The bounce is perfect, and the backlight is also good (not as elegant as the keyboard cover, but it works well). Brydge provides a very positive typing experience, which is essential to the work of this accessory.

The touchpad is large, and it clicks satisfactorily when pressed. It does not use Microsoft's Precision Drivers, but it feels very similar in terms of smooth driving and accurate tracking.

One circle is the big difference between SP+ and Type Cover. Surface Pro 8 now not only looks like a Surface Laptop, but also charges like a laptop. If something has bothered you before, you no longer need a hinge to insert your leg or tilt to type. In contrast, the SP+ is completely flat and the Surface Pro 8 is not tilted-it is very sturdy, just like a traditional laptop.

Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central

Charging SP+ is easy because it uses Type-C. Just plug any type of charger into it and start using it. As Brydge said, the battery should also last a long time, "6 months (2 hours of use per day without backlight) or 40 hours per charge (when operating with consistent backlight)."

For those who are curious: connecting Surface Pro 8 to SP+ via a Type-C cable will cause Surface Pro 8 to charge the keyboard, not the other way around.

Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central

SP+ has several disadvantages, the first is increased weight.

Because the SP+ contains a large battery and is mainly made of aluminum, it weighs an astonishing 1.5 pounds (678 grams). This brings the total weight of the Surface Pro 8 to 3.45 pounds (1.56 kg). That's heavy. In comparison, the Surface Laptop 4 weighs only 2.79 pounds (1.27 kg). If the battery has any effect on the Surface Pro 8 itself, then the extra weight is okay, but it only applies to the keyboard, so this is a very important trade-off.

Another very small complaint is the touchpad. Either because of the lack of Precision drivers, or just Bluetooth (or both), the accuracy is not as accurate as a regular touchpad. For example, there is a millisecond delay before the cursor moves (probably due to Bluetooth Low Energy). In other words, I am impressed with the touchpad, especially Bluetooth, rather than disappointed.

Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central

You also give up the "studio mode" of the Surface Pro 8 and the flexibility of a suitable 2-in-1 computer, such as presentation mode (flip the keyboard) or quickly transition to a tablet. It's easy to pop up the Brydge keyboard, but it's still easier to use Microsoft's keyboard.

Finally, if you often use Surface Pen, this keyboard is not a good solution. On the previous Surface Pro, you can use the older round Surface Pen and stick it to the side of the device. However, due to changes in the Surface Pro 8 chassis, you can no longer do this. And since SP+ does not have storage space for Slim Pen (1 or 2), you cannot carry the pen directly.

Surface Pro 8 with Pro Keyboard: Studio mode. Source: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central

There is not much competition in this area, because most people use Microsoft keyboard covers, from the $140 Surface Pro keyboard to the $280 Surface Pro signature keyboard and Slim Pen 2.

Normally, third-party manufacturers like Tomsenn or Fintie will release Bluetooth-style keyboard covers, but those have not yet arrived. In addition, they are just more affordable keyboard covers and won't turn your device into a "real" laptop like Brydge SP+.

You can get more ideas in our guide to the best accessories for Surface Pro 8.

Source: Daniel Rubino/Windows Central

In general, I am very happy with Surface Pro 8's SP+. The build quality, packaging, instructions, etc. are all excellent. It's easy to set up, and it delivers on its promise. SP+ changes the look and feel of Surface Pro 8, making it truly feel like Surface Laptop "4.5". There is nothing cheap at all-Brydge nailed this product. Of course, the trackpad might be a little better, but it's still great. More importantly, the keyboard is great.

The only complaint is how much SP+ makes the Surface Pro 8 heavier (and slightly thicker). Although not everyone likes the keyboard cover, it does make the Surface Pro 8 one of the lightest and thinnest "notebooks" on the market. SP+ made it all gone, and it now makes it one of the heaviest ultrabooks available.

It is the price that supports Brydge. Although its retail price is $140, you will usually find it at $100, which is (at least) $40 cheaper than any Microsoft product. This price is reasonable for what Brydge offers, if you want its features, you can easily recommend this accessory.

Bottom line: Brydge SP+ turns Surface Pro 8 into a tablet, a real laptop. Although it does add a lot of weight, Brydge provides features for those who want it.

We may earn commissions by using our links. Learn more.

Daniel Rubino is the executive editor of Windows Central. Since the site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central) in 2007, he has been covering Microsoft here. His interests include Windows, Surface, laptops and modern computing. Follow him on Twitter: @daniel_rubino.