New Microsoft Surface accessories ‘Brydge’ the gap between tablet and laptop
Brydge brings Precision trackpads to its unique range of Surface keyboards and accessories.
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What you need to know
Brydge has a range of new accessories coming out that make Microsoft’s Surface devices more versatile. The company unveiled theW-Touch standalone Precision trackpad, theW-Type keyboard, theBrydge 12.3 Pro+ keyboard, and the10.5 Go+ keyboard(via The Verge). The W-Touch trackpad ($100), W-Touch keyboard ($60), and Brydge 12.3 Pro+ ($150), and the 10.5 Go+ ($130) go on sale August 17, though they won’t ship until a bit after that. All of the accessories will ship the week of August 31 except that 10.5 Go+ which will ship the week of September 7.
The W-Touch trackpad is a unique accessory because it is the “first ever standalone Wireless Windows Precision Trackpad,” according to Brydge. The W-Touch trackpad seems similar to theMagic Trackpad 2that’s popular for macOS devices, though the W-Touch is built for Windows 10.
The W-Touch connects with Bluetooth 4.2. It supports the gestures you’d expect in a Precision trackpad, including pinch to zoom, multitouch swiping to switch desktops, and swiping to show the multitask view on Windows 10. The W-Touch is made in partnership with Microsoft.
The W-Type is a full-size keyboard with a number pad. It Also has a full row of function keys. It connects with Bluetooth 5.1 and features an Aluminum body. It has 2mm of travel on its keys, which should feel comfortable.
The Brydge 12.3 Pro+ and 10.5 Go+ will be more familiar to people who have used Brydge products before. Brydge is known for itsiPad keyboardsthat perform a similar function, allowing you to slot a tablet into a keyboard to make a laptop-like device while having the option to remove the tablet to use on its own.
The Brydge 12.3 Pro+ works with theSurface Pro4, 5, 6, and 7 while the 10.5 Go+ works with the Surface Go andSurface Go 2. The 12.3 Pro+ has a 70 percent larger touchpad than the original Brydge 12.3. Both of the keyboards have the “world’s first Bluetooth precision touchpad for Windows,” according to Brydge.
The Brydge 12.3 Pro+ does not work with theSurface Pro X, which makes sense considering the Surface Pro X has different physical dimensions than any Surface Pro. WhenEngadgetfirst covered these keyboards from Brydge, it reported that a Surface Pro X version would be available in the second half of 2020.
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The Surface Pro 7 already made our list ofBest Windows laptopsas the best convertible device. With the new Brydge keyboard, you now have more options to convert the Surface Pro 7.
The Brydge 12.3 Pro+ and 10.5 Go+ keyboards charge with USB-C, have backlit keys, and support multitouch gestures. These keyboards connect with Bluetooth rather than the pogo pins that Microsoft’s Surface Type Covers use.
This standalone Precision trackpad supports multitouch gestures and connects with Bluetooth 4.2. It’s the first standalone Precision trackpad built for Windows.
This Bluetooth keyboard has a full number pad, a full row of function keys, and connects with Bluetooth 5.1. Its keys have 2mm of travel for a comfortable typing experience.
This keyboard lets you convert your Surface Pro 4, 5, 6, or 7 into a laptop. It connects with Bluetooth 5.0 and features a Precision trackpad.
You can turn your Surface Go or Surface Go 2 into a laptop with this Bluetooth keyboard. It features a Precision touchpad and backlit keys.
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
