These Surface Go 2 keyboards cost less than Microsoft's Type Cover

If you're using a Surface Go or Surface Go 2 without a keyboard, you're missing out big time. While Surface Go is a decent tablet on its own, Windows 10's tablet mode, well ... it kind of sucks. So the Surface Go and Go 2's true value is as an ultra-portable laptop that runs full Windows 10. To get the most from your Go, you need a quality keyboard. Thankfully, you'd don't have to pay $130 for Microsoft's official Surface Go Signature Type Cover because there are plenty of quality third-party options. These are the best affordable Surface Go and Surface Go 2 keyboards we could find. (As far as we know, all Surface Go keyboards should work just fine with Surface Go 2.)

Best overall

Fintie Backlit Ultra-Slim Surface Go Type Cover

Staff pick

Fintie's version of the Surface Go Type Cover has backlit keys that light up in seven different colors and at two brightness levels. It has a built-in 750mAh battery to help support the backlight and Bluetooth. According to the manufacturer, the keys are slightly more spaced out than Microsoft's keyboard, which is essential because Go keyboards are rather tiny. It connects via Bluetooth and is designed to attach to your Go in two ways to provide different typing angles.

$61 at Amazon

Budget friendly

Arteck Microsoft Surface Go Type Cover

Arteck's Surface Go case is simple, but it provides all the basic functionality you need at a great price. It connects to the magnetic keyboard ports on your Go for a secure fit and charges up quickly via the included USB power cable for up to 50 hours of use after just a single hour of charging. It doesn't have backlit keys, but those may be a luxury for some users. Finally, its two-year warranty gives you peace of mind that it won't break down after six months.

$34 at Amazon

Newer Bluetooth

Inateck Surface Go Type Cover Wireless

This Surface Go keyboard has Bluetooth 5.1, which should provide a more stable connection to your Go. Its keys are backlit, with seven customizable color options, and it has unique shortcut keys in the top row of buttons to trigger functions like screenshots, volume, and display lock. With a 750mAh built-in battery, the keyboard should keep charge in standby for up to 180 days.

$34 at Amazon

Ditch the LEDs, save some $$$

Fintie Microsoft Surface Go Type Cover

Fintie's backlit Surface Go keyboard is our top pick, but if you want all the same functionality, minus the LED-lit keys, this version won't disappoint. It still has the same spaced-out keyboard, two-button trackpad, and 750mAh built-in battery for up to 200 hours of usage per charge. It's also just as slim and light. It also attaches to your Go at two different angles to make for a more comfortable typing experience, just like its backlit bro.

$50 at Amazon

Featherlight

MoKo Microsoft Surface Go Type Cover

MoKo's Surface Go Type Cover features keys that are spaced out as much as possible to provide a better typing experience. It physically connects to your Go via its magnetic ports for a more secure fit, and it links up via Bluetooth. According to the manufacturer, its built-in 750mAh battery delivers up to 60 hours of use on a single charge, and it's designed to be both durable and light. In fact, at just 9 ounces, this is one of the lightest cases featured here.

$52 at Amazon

Two in one for your 2-in-1

COO Surface Go Leather Case and Keyboard

As one of only two keyboards that are also cases in this roundup, COO's Surface Go combo is both protective and functional, The case is made of leather that's available in a few different color options. The keyboard is backlit with seven different colors, and it offers customizable "light effects." It connects with Bluetooth and has a slot to hold your Surface Pen.

From $48 at Amazon

If we had to pick just one …

You really do need a good keyboard if you want to maximize the value of your Surface Go or Surface Go 2. But you don't have to pay Microsoft's prices, which, frankly, are a little crazy.

Our best overall pick is Fintie's backlit Surface Go keyboard because it offers the best combination of features and value, and it's literally less than half the price of Microsoft's official Surface Go Signature Type Cover. The only thing missing from Fintie's option when compared to Microsoft's is the Alcantara fabric, which most people won't miss too much.

The best keyboard and case combination featured here is from COO, and it provides a good balance of features and protection, as well as a bit of style, thanks to its available color options, which include black, blue, and brown. And at just $48, your wallet will be left relatively unscathed as well.

If money is your single concern here, the most affordable Surface Go or Go 2 keyboard in our roundup is Arteck's Surface Go keyboard. At just $34, it's cheaper than any of the other keyboards we featured and recommend. It offers much of the same functionality for a fraction of the price of Microsoft's official option. The Inateck Surface Go keyboard is also a good option, as it offers Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity for a great price.

If none of these options sounds good to you, don't forget to check out our roundup of the best keyboards for Microsoft Surface for more options.