The Microsoft Surface Pro Flex Keyboard is a lightweight, slim, and stylish-looking keyboard that we can use regularly as a daily driver. This keyboard is at the top level because of its great brand value and structure. But even then, the consumer’s attraction to this device is relatively low. Despite being so special, why is this reluctance? Perhaps you are very interested in buying this product but also looking for the answer to the same question. So let’s discuss in detail what is the main reason for the lack of interest and how Microsoft can decode the issue.
Specifications and Features:
This keyboard is compatible with 4 types of Microsoft Surfaces which are
- Surface Pro for Business (11Footnoteth Edition),
- Surface Pro 10 for Business,
- Surface Pro 9 for Business,
- Surface Pro 8 for Business.
In the beginning, we have said that it is an amazing lightweight keyboard. The keyboard weighs only 340 grams and has a length of 11.38 inches. It is very comfortable and easily transportable in terms of weight and size. According to Microsoft, its 513mAh battery can deliver continuous backup for 41 hours. The keyboard connects with the Microsoft Surface magnetically. Then we can use the Surface as a laptop-style or we can fold it to use as a tablet. But the interesting thing is that they have used low-energy consumption Bluetooth in this keyboard.
Due to this Bluetooth connectivity has a low battery drain rate and another advantage is that even when detached from the surface, we can type from a distance of about 10 meters without extra latency. This flex keyboard comes with a slim pen that has a dedicated area on top of the keyboard. Earlier there was a tendency to lose the pen due to lack of space, which is no longer the problem. The pen charges within this cutout. The pen has 4096 pressure sensitivity with haptic feedback. As a result, the experience of using the pen will be excellent. Because of this high response, we can accomplish perfect works like illustrations and other editing stuff.
Because of Bluetooth, you can create a cableless, clean productive workspace. As a result, graphic designers, and photo editors can enjoy a great productive environment that will enhance both the speed and quality of their work. We get a full English layout with F1-F12 function keys and a dedicated copilot key. But there is no additional numpad. Those who are used to using numpad may find it a bit unusual at first. It is good to mention at this stage that there is another version of this keyboard called Bold-key. Basically, the letters printed on the keyboard are made bolder for better viewing. Users can take whatever they want according to their preferences. This keyboard has accelerometer support. The touchpad is highly responsive and gives fine haptic feedback that enhances the operating experience.
There is an opportunity to customize the necessary gestures of the touchpad from the settings and you can also customize the intensity of the haptic feedback. The keyboard has a backlit feature due to which we can see the keys without hesitation even in low light and there is no difficulty in typing. Travelers can easily carry this keyboard in their backpacks. We got to know in detail about the overall attributes of the device and it is also worth noting that this keyboard has quite a lot of potential. But why people are less interested in buying it?
We have found out the following reasons for low interest after thorough consideration:
Less availability:
We have found that this keyboard is still not available at all locations. In many countries or regions, this keyboard is still not very familiar, and not available in the market. Due to this, consumers can’t gain enough idea about the product, and demands are not created. As a result, vendors do not keep stock. Even if someone goes to buy this keyboard and luckily gets one, then he has to buy it at a much higher price. In these circumstances, consumers are discouraged by this high price and look for alternate products.
Shortage of enough customer support:
As we said in the previous point, the lack of popularity and availability is exactly the reason for the lack of customer care. Due to the low number of consumers, companies are reluctant to set up their care centers at those points. As a result, by chance, if there is any user, he can’t get the required support. Due to this, the consumer is again discouraged and is not interested in buying later.
Lack of enough publicity campaigns:
People are less familiar with the Microsoft Flex Keyboard. Due to this, there is not much hype among them. If Microsoft targets consumers by advertising the product and highlighting the keyboard’s usability and features, then interest will grow among them. And they will begin to connect with the benefits of the device’s convenience and usability.
So much expensive:
The thing that is most responsible for creating reluctance is this high price. The most common complaint we have received from the users. Microsoft’s brand value is undoubtedly there. But because of that if they set abnormal prices then it becomes impossible for most consumers to buy this product. Although many buyers may be interested in buying, they are disappointed due to this high price. In that situation, they compromise on features, to purchase an alternate budget-friendly keyboard.
On the other hand, we can notice after a few months, the price almost reduced by half. But by then the consumer starts forgetting the product or buys another alternative product as per the requirement. So Microsoft should set a reasonable price in the beginning so that it is affordable and profitable for all levels of customers. Otherwise, what is the benefit of making such a good product?
What are the beneficial aspects of this flex keyboard?
We have described the reasons for consumer apathy towards this flex keyboard. However, certainly, we should put forward several aspects so consumers can understand the benefits of this keyboard. Notable aspects are –
- Easy to attach/non-attach to Microsoft Surface due to magnetic attachment.
- Its Bluetooth connectivity is quite strong. Due to this, we can control both keyboard and pen from a good distance. Thanks to this, the user can create a flexible and clean cableless setup as per their convenience. Besides, you can create a highly productive workstation by connecting an external monitor to the Surface.
- Its touchpad is very responsive and fast. Compared to the previous versions this keyboard’s enlarged area of the touchpad allows the user to operate comfortably.
- Pretty good battery life,
- Very nice build quality,
- Great utilization of improved haptic feedback,
- Outstanding lightweight and portable.
Conclusion:
The characteristics of this keyboard are commendable. But its price is much higher. Naturally, a buyer will compare the features with the price because of the interest. There is a version of this keyboard without the pen which is also pretty expensive. As a result, buyers will drive to another wireless keyboard because of this high expense. Therefore, Microsoft should consider these important points and determine the fair price of the products they release in the market and bring them within the reach of all consumers.
Our opinion is to consider your preferences and then decide to buy the Microsoft Surface Pro Flex Keyboard. But wait for the price to drop. It is better not to buy immediately after the launch. We hope our discussion and points have responded to your questions and help you make the right decision. Of course, you can also share your opinion with us through comments. If you want to get a review of any other product, you can definitely let us know. Feel free to check our other blogs and reviews.