Microsoft's Surface Pro 8 can convert into a laptop with the Brydge SP+ keyboard

Brydge SP+ Keyboard
Brydge SP+ Keyboard (Image credit: Brydge)

What you need to know

  • Brydge announced the Brydge SP+ wireless keyboard with a built-in touchpad.
  • The device converts the Surface Pro 8 into a traditional laptop.
  • Brydge also announced its Stone Pro TP4 docking station today.
  • Pricing for the Brydge SP+ is not available at this time.

Microsoft unveiled its Surface Pro 8 earlier today. The company calls it the "most significant leap forward since Pro 3." It has thinner bezels than its predecessor and is more than twice as fast as the Surface Pro 7. We expect the Surface Pro 8 to make our list of the best tablets, but there's one thing that it's not, a traditional laptop. In comes Brydge with its new SP+, a wireless keyboard with a touchpad that's built for the Surface Pro 8. Brydge hasn't shared pricing for the SP+ at this time.

Brydge's new keyboard allows people to keep the versatility of the Surface Pro 8 while also having the option to use the device like a clamshell laptop. The Surface Pro 8 slots into clasps on each side of the Brydge SP+ keyboard. The keyboard also has a touchpad that supports multi-touch gestures. The Surface Pro 8 can easily be removed from the Brydge SP+ to act as a 2-in-1.

Brydge has been in this market for quite some time. Last year our executive editor Daniel Rubino reviewed the Brydge SPX+. People should expect a similar experience with the Brydge SP+ for the Surface Pro 8. Brydge also makes similar keyboards for iPads.

Alongside its new keyboard, Brydge announced the Brydge Stone Pro TP4 docking station. It features 12 ports, supports Thunderbolt 4, and can deliver 90 watts of power. It also has transfer speeds of up to 40 GB/s.

This keyboard converts the Surface Pro 8 into a traditional laptop. It has a built-in multi-touch trackpad to help the Surface Pro 8 provide a full laptop experience.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

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_.