Brydge’s latest keyboard situation for the Surface area Professional 8 is a small distinctive than the company’s previous versions. The $229 SP Max Furthermore is composed of a rugged, backlit keyboard and a rugged, detachable scenario for Microsoft’s existing-gen Area pill — all of which have an antimicrobial coating. Notably, it operates with a physical relationship, not a wi-fi just one. Obtaining connected via Bluetooth isn’t (ordinarily) that finicky, but you will not have to fear about that at all below.
The two pieces join by means of Brydge’s new proprietary, extremely strongly magnetized SecureConnect pogo pins, enabling the keyboard to operate off the tablet’s battery when hooked up, instead of needing to be recharged on event.
The SecureConnect pogo pins that drive electric power from the tablet and into the keyboard call for one particular quite big sacrifice: one particular of the Floor Professional 8’s two USB-C ports. The within of the SP Max As well as situation has a USB-C plug that you need to thoroughly align to insert into the pill, so you are going to want to be doubly specific that you are not putting it in mistaken (lest you be in a rush and snap off that easy-to-miss out on and quite fragile USB-C plug in an fast, as I did). Be aware: This was my fault, and I’m no product designer, but it was promptly very clear that a improved alternative would have been for Brydge to contain a low-profile USB-C insert that just completely lives in the Floor Pro 8 and sends electric power when it’s flush versus the scenario.
For supplying up a person of your treasured USB-C ports, which could in any other case be made use of for details transfer, charging, or connecting to a check, Brydge’s SP Max In addition provides you pretty little in return. In point, it is just the keyboard features. I’d be content if it at the very least returned the port on the side of the keyboard for charging, but that is not what you get here. The keyboard has a place close to the hinge wherever you can retail outlet the Surface area Slender Pen 2, but you cannot even charge it in the cradle, which is disappointing.
The SecureConnect system looks like a solution to a difficulty that doesn’t genuinely exist. I questioned Brydge if its strategy for link was superior than Microsoft’s. Brydge spokesperson Hannah Matthews explained to The Verge that “Our position of link (SecureConnect) is not greater than the Microsoft sort protect (which employs fangs), but it is equivalent.” All right then.
The SP Max Furthermore could make feeling if you’re anyone who’s wanting for the most safety achievable for your trusty Area Pro 8. And for some men and women, getting rid of a USB-C port will not be a offer-breaker. But if you use Microsoft’s hottest tablet for creative utilizes, or just never want to give up any ports, this probably isn’t the correct Brydge merchandise for you.
