Brydge’s SP Max Plus is a dear tank of a Type Cover alternative

Brydge’s newest keyboard case for the Surface Pro 8 is a bit completely different than the corporate’s earlier variations. The $229 SP Max Plus consists of a rugged, backlit keyboard and a rugged, removable case for Microsoft’s current-gen Surface pill — all of which have an antimicrobial coating. Notably, it operates with a bodily connection, not a wi-fi one. Getting linked through Bluetooth isn’t (normally) that finicky, however you received’t have to fret about that in any respect right here.

The two items join through Brydge’s new proprietary, very strongly magnetized SecureConnect pogo pins, permitting the keyboard to run off the pill’s battery as soon as hooked up, as an alternative of needing to be recharged every so often.

The SecureConnect pogo pins that push energy from the pill and into the keyboard require one very large sacrifice: one of many Surface Pro 8’s two USB-C ports. The within the SP Max Plus case has a USB-C plug that you’ll want to fastidiously align to insert into the pill, so that you’ll need to be doubly sure that you simply aren’t placing it in fallacious (lest you be in a rush and snap off that easy-to-miss and really delicate USB-C plug right away, as I did). Note: This was my fault, and I’m no product designer, but it surely was instantly clear that a greater resolution would have been for Brydge to incorporate a low-profile USB-C insert that simply completely lives within the Surface Pro 8 and sends energy when it’s flush in opposition to the case.

Photo by Cameron Faulkner / The Verge

For giving up certainly one of your valuable USB-C ports, which may in any other case be used for information switch, charging, or connecting to a monitor, Brydge’s SP Max Plus offers you little or no in return. In truth, it’s simply the keyboard performance. I’d be completely satisfied if it at the least returned the port on the aspect of the keyboard for charging, however that’s not what you get right here. The keyboard has a spot close to the hinge the place you’ll be able to retailer the Surface Slim Pen 2, however you’ll be able to’t even cost it within the cradle, which is disappointing.

The SecureConnect mechanism looks as if an answer to an issue that doesn’t actually exist. I requested Brydge if its methodology for connection was higher than Microsoft’s. Brydge spokesperson Hannah Matthews instructed The Verge that “Our point of connection (SecureConnect) is not better than the Microsoft type cover (which uses fangs), but it is equivalent.” Okay then.

Photo by Cameron Faulkner / The Verge

The SP Max Plus may make sense for those who’re somebody who’s in search of probably the most safety attainable on your trusty Surface Pro 8. And for some individuals, dropping a USB-C port received’t be a deal-breaker. But for those who use Microsoft’s newest pill for artistic makes use of, or simply don’t need to hand over any ports, this most likely isn’t the best Brydge product for you.