Microsoft RD2-00080 Surface Pro 3 Black Type Cover

The Microsoft RD2-00080 Surface Pro 3 Type Cover is a keyboard accessory that attaches magnetically to the Surface Pro 3's dedicated connector, physically transforming the tablet's input profile into a laptop-style configuration. The backlit QWERTY layout uses a low-profile key mechanism suited to the cover's thin form factor — key travel is intentionally shallow to keep the assembled device profile compact. The backlighting operates independently of Windows settings and is intended for use in dim environments where the key labels would otherwise be difficult to read. The magnetic connector handles both data communication and power delivery to the cover, with the auto sleep/wake behavior encoded at the firmware level: closing the cover cuts display power, and opening it restores it, with no user configuration required.

This accessory is purpose-built for one device: the Surface Pro 3. Its value is in extending the tablet's usability for keyboard-intensive work without requiring a separate external keyboard. The fold-back feature addresses the mode-switching need — moving from typing to drawing or touch interaction is a physical gesture rather than a settings toggle. The cover also functions as everyday display protection during transport, covering the glass with a soft fabric surface. For Surface Pro 3 owners who use the device primarily for content consumption or occasional input, the Type Cover is the most direct path to productive keyboard entry. Users with high-volume typing workloads should factor in the shallow key travel limitation as a genuine ergonomic trade-off inherent to the cover format, not a defect of this specific model.