Microsoft Surface 3 Type Cover SC English US/Canada Hdwr, Black (A7Z-00001)
Bottom line: The Microsoft Surface 3 Type Cover SC English US/Canada Hdwr ($89.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): Backlit mechanical keys let you type accurately in dark rooms or on night flights; main trade-off: built for the Surface 3 specifically, not a universal Bluetooth keyboard.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Backlit mechanical keys let you type accurately in dark rooms or on night flights
- ✓ Magnetic attachment keeps the cover steady on your lap, not just on a desk
- ✓ Dedicated Windows shortcut, function, and media key row above the touchpad
- ✓ Folds shut to protect the Surface 3 display, so it replaces a separate case
Cons
- ✗ Built for the Surface 3 specifically, not a universal Bluetooth keyboard
- ✗ US/Canada English layout only, so no option for other regional key legends
- ✗ Black is the only color in this A7Z-00001 listing despite the colorful key lighting
- ✗ Adds noticeable thickness and weight to a tablet chosen for being thin
Manufacturer description
The Microsoft Surface 3 Type Cover (A7Z-00001) turns your Surface 3 into a genuine laptop in one magnetic snap. The backlit mechanical keyboard gives you real key travel instead of a flat touch surface, so you can type at full speed in a dim room or on an overnight flight. A dedicated row of Windows shortcut, function, and media keys sits above the touchpad, letting you jump between apps, adjust volume, and control playback without reaching for the screen. Magnetic stability is the detail that matters most here. The Type Cover clamps firmly to the Surface 3 and stays steady on your knees, on…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Microsoft Surface 3 Type Cover SC English US/Canada Hdwr using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the accessories category. Compare with similarly-priced alternatives in the accessories category before committing. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for accessories of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this Type Cover work with a Surface Pro instead of a Surface 3?
Microsoft designed this A7Z-00001 cover for the Surface 3. Surface Pro models use a different connector size and layout, so confirm compatibility against your exact Surface model on the product listing before ordering.
Is the keyboard backlit?
Yes. It uses a colorful, backlit mechanical keyboard, so the key legends stay readable in low light without needing an external lamp.
Does it need Bluetooth pairing or a battery?
No. It attaches magnetically to the Surface 3 and connects through the physical cover port, so there is nothing to pair and no separate charging step.
Will it stay put if I type with it on my lap?
That is exactly what the magnetic stability is for. Microsoft added it to keep the cover steady so you can work as comfortably on your lap as at a desk.
Is it worth buying based on owner feedback?
It is well-regarded by owners, which is strong for a first-party tablet keyboard. Read recent reviews for notes on current seller condition, since this is an older Surface generation.
Key Features
- Colorful, backlit mechanical keyboard
- Windows shortcut, function, and media keys, and touchpad
- Doubles as a protective cover
Full Specifications
| Brand | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Style | Contemporary |
| Theme | tablet accessory |
| Material | Synthetic vinyl or similar material |
| Generation | 1 |
| Model Name | Surface 3 |
| Style Name | Contemporary |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Switch Type | Mechanical |
| Model Number | A7Z-00001 |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Series Number | 1 |
| Built-In Media | Surface 3 Type Cover |
| Number of Keys | 19 |
| Button Quantity | 9 |
| Keyboard Layout | QWERTY |
| Mfr Part Number | A7Z-00001 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Number of Packs | 1 |
Ready to buy?
Microsoft Surface 3 Type Cover SC English US/Canada Hdwr, Black (A7Z-00001) is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
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