Review on Black Microsoft Surface Pro Type Cover bundled with Platinum Surface Pen by Hassan Tomlinson

When I bought my 2017 Surface Pro, I bought a titanium-colored MS Signature Type Cover. Its Alcantara texture definitely added to the premium overall feel of the already premium Surface Pro. Its color matches the titanium colored Surface case. It's impressive that there's a good enough keyboard for everyday driver use in this form factor, which is why all Type Covers are great products in that sense. The trackpad is good for something of this size, and the keys feel impressively soft yet firm. Is it expensive. However, when it recently died I replaced it with the standard black Type Cover and I don't think the Signature is a major upgrade. The death of the signature cover was strange. At first it sometimes didn't work when I attached it to a surface. Then it worked less and less. After a while, this only works if I let the Surface turn off completely, then turn it off by plugging it into a charger, and then turn it on. I believe this slow death was the result of an electrical issue, probably inside the hinge where it flexes a lot. I was concerned my Surface had an internal electrical issue or a low battery. In the meantime I've ordered a new one, hoping that *only* the type cover was to blame. I noticed that the Standard Type Cover comes in black and is significantly cheaper, so I gave it a try. Just hooked it up to Surface and it works great. Whether or not I'm having issues with Surface internals, the old Type Cover is definitely dead. I've had a lot of trouble finding information online about how different the Signature and Standard Type Covers are. I want something smooth and rubbery, which some people say is the standard type cover. I don't want to bury the LED, so here's the thing: I'm REALLY impressed by how similar the standard black Type Cover is qualitatively, and while the signature version's Alcantara is luxurious, it has its downsides and, too, I don't think so that there is a difference that is justified in price. Specific Observations: - ALCANTARA HAS STAINED FROM FREQUENT USE. I don't think it lasted more than 6 months without discoloration. It didn't bother me too much - Alcantara does the same thing - but I'm not sure I'd pay extra for the privilege again. Probably a problem with darker colors. However, it's worth noting that this isn't even the computer I use most - my Surface keyboard takes up some of my work computer's mileage. At the moment I have no idea how much better the standard black cover would be, but it's hard to imagine it doing worse with a less absorbent material and a much darker colour. For what it's worth, the other side of the Signature lid hasn't picked up any stains from normal use. There is a soft, thin protrusion on the edge of the cover that *creases* and puckers, especially at the corners. Again, not surprising for a soft fabric, and I expect the standard Type Cover will eventually do so, although to be honest its cover feels more durable. - STANDARD TYPE COVERAGE VERY CLOSE IN QUALITY. When my black type cover arrived I was very pleasantly surprised to find that it was of very high quality as well. It doesn't have the softness of the Alcantara on the Signature cover, but it does have a very nice textured matte finish and is remarkably similar. It's definitely more rubbery, but really just a little bit. It's still smooth, with a slightly soft texture, almost like very fine microfiber. STANDARD AND SIGNATURE CASES ARE MECHANICALLY IDENTICAL. The keys are exactly the same, with a soft and relatively premium feel for such a thin device. BLACK COVER LOOKS COOL ON TITANIUM SURFACES. Fact. Not sure what I think of the fact that a $130 keyboard died after less than 3 years of daily but not heavy use. I attribute it to the compromises required to make an electrical device with such a thin and light hinge - it's not what you want, but it's what you get, even with a well-made keyboard that does is as thick as a couple of credit cards. If the signature version had been the color I liked, I would have been happy for a modest price premium. However, the knowledge that the keyboard has a limited lifespan led me to the cheaper one, and I'm almost as impressed with it as the more expensive Signature.