Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard
Bottom line: The Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard ($32.49 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): Tenkeyless footprint puts your mouse closer, cutting wrist travel; main trade-off: smart Switching does not work on devices running Windows 10 S.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Tenkeyless footprint puts your mouse closer, cutting wrist travel
- ✓ Dedicated Screen snipping key captures, copies, and shares in one press
- ✓ Pairs with up to 3 Bluetooth devices and switches between them
- ✓ Expressive input key opens emojis and symbols directly
Cons
- ✗ Smart Switching does not work on devices running Windows 10 S
- ✗ Expressive input key requires Windows 10 with the latest updates
- ✗ Bluetooth only, so no USB receiver option for BIOS or dongle setups
- ✗ No number pad, a problem for spreadsheet and data-entry work
Manufacturer description
The Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard trims the footprint of a standard board down to a low-profile slab in matte black, and the point of that smaller shape is elbow room: with the number pad gone, your mouse sits closer, so your wrist stops travelling across the desk all day. Microsoft tuned key spacing and key travel for fast, fluid typing rather than the mushy shallowness that low-profile keyboards often ship with. Connection is standalone Bluetooth, no dongle to lose, and it pairs with up to three Bluetooth-enabled PCs or Macs so you can switch between a work laptop, a home desktop…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the gaming peripherals category. Compare with similarly-priced alternatives in the gaming peripherals 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 gaming peripherals 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 the Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard work with a Mac?
Yes. It is a standalone wireless Bluetooth keyboard compatible with Bluetooth-enabled PCs and Macs. The Screen snipping and expressive input keys, however, require Windows 10 with the latest updates, so those two shortcuts are Windows features.
How many devices can I pair it with at once?
Up to three. You can connect three Bluetooth devices and switch seamlessly between them, though Smart Switching is not available on devices running Windows 10 S.
Does it need a USB dongle or receiver?
No. It is a standalone Bluetooth keyboard, so it connects directly to any Bluetooth-enabled PC or Mac with no receiver occupying a USB port.
Is there a number pad on this keyboard?
No. It uses a compact design that drops the number pad to save desktop space and allow a closer, more comfortable mouse position. If you do heavy numeric entry, a full-size board suits you better.
Is it any good for typing, or is it too flat?
Microsoft optimized the key spacing and key travel for fast, fluid typing despite the low-profile design. The typing feel lands well for most; check the product listing for current warranty terms.
Key Features
- Compact design saves desktop space and allows for close, comfortable mouse position.
- Optimized key spacing and key travel for fast, fluid typing.
- Sleek, low-profile design complements any workspace.
- Expressive input key[2] for quick access to emojis, symbols, and more.
- Connect up to 3 devices and switch seamlessly between them[1].
Full Specifications
| Brand | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Color | Matte Black |
| Style | Contemporary |
| Theme | Modern, Compact, Travel |
| Language | English |
| Generation | 1 |
| Model Name | Microsoft Designer Bluetooth Compact Keyboard |
| Style Name | Contemporary |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Switch Type | Tactile |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
| Model Number | 21Y-00001 |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Compatibility | Switch, Mac |
| Built-In Media | Keyboard wireless |
| Number of Keys | 78 |
| Button Quantity | 78 |
| Connection Type | Wireless |
| Keyboard Layout | QWERTY |
| Mfr Part Number | 21Y-00001 |
| Full listing title | Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard - Matte Black. Standalone Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard. Compatible with Bluetooth Enabled PCs/Mac |
Ready to buy?
Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard - Matte Black. Standalone Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard. Compatible with Bluetooth Enabled PCs/Mac 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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