Do You Need a Microsoft Surface Keyboard with Surface Pro 7?

The decision to equip your Microsoft Surface Pro 7 with a keyboard ultimately hinges on your intended usage. This versatile device can operate without a keyboard, given its touchscreen and support for the Surface Pen. However, the experience varies significantly. Here’s a detailed exploration of the options available and the recommendations based on various scenarios.

Basic Functions Without a Keyboard

It’s entirely possible to use your Surface Pro 7 without a keyboard, especially for casual browsing and drawing. The device's built-in functions and touchscreen capabilities allow for a basic and effective experience. The digital pen (Surface Pen) further enhances the creative and note-taking processes.

Enhanced Experience with a Keyboard

However, for more demanding tasks such as writing, programming, or business applications, a keyboard is highly recommended. The main design purpose of Surface Pro 7 is to serve as a hybrid device that can function as both a laptop and a tablet. Using a keyboard significantly improves the efficiency and productivity of these activities.

Compatibility and Versatility

One advantage of the Surface Pro 7 is its versatile keyboard options. For instance, you can connect an external keyboard to your Surface Pro 7 if you already own one that fits the same dimensions. This feature allows for greater flexibility and adaptability to different environments and usage scenarios.

Surface Pro 7’s Design Considerations

The design of the Surface Pro 7 is heavily oriented towards mouse and keyboard use. Although it has a touchscreen, its primary intended use is for tasks that traditionally require a keyboard and a mouse, such as data entry, business applications, and programming. While it is possible to use it without a keyboard, the efficiency and comfort may be significantly reduced.

External Keyboard Support and Alternatives

Fortunately, if you don't want to invest in a dedicated Surface keyboard, there are alternatives. You can use a standard wireless or wired keyboard via Bluetooth or USB ports. Microsoft does offer its own typed cover, but given the potential quality issues, many users may opt for third-party alternatives that offer robust performance and reliability.

Conclusion

In summary, while you can use your Surface Pro 7 without a keyboard for basic tasks, the experience and efficiency may not be up to par for more complex and demanding tasks. If you plan to utilize the device for extensive typing, writing, or other heavyweight applications, purchasing a dedicated keyboard, such as the Surface Type Cover or a compatible third-party model, is highly recommended.