Connect Microsoft Surface Keyboard To Mac

You can connect other devices to your Microsoft Surface Hub to display content. This topic describes the Guest Mode, Replacement PC Mode, and Video Out functionality available through wired connections, and also lists accessories that you can connect to Surface Hub using Bluetooth.

Note

Surface Hub will use the video input that you select until a new connection is made, the existing connection is disrupted, or the Connect App is closed.

Which method should I choose?

When connecting external devices and displays to a Surface Hub, there are several available options. The method you use will depend upon your scenario and needs.

The commercial also disses Apple's MacBook Pro pricing compared to the Surface Pro, which has a detachable keyboard and comes at a lower price. The Surface Pro 7 starts at $890, while Apple. Connecting a Wireless Receiver Keyboard: Plug in the keyboard's receiver.

Apple Wireless Keyboard requires the passcode that appears on your Mac. Enter the 8-digit passcode on the keyboard, then press Return. Earlier models of Apple Wireless Mouse or Apple Magic Trackpad will connect automatically or show a dialog. If you see a dialog, click Pair or press Return. I can't speak for the Surface keyboard but I've used Logitech, Microsoft, and Dell keyboards with my Mac without issue. The only problem I've ever had was trying to hold 'option' during startup to choose which OS to boot. Sometimes it would recognize it, sometimes it wouldn't. Is my unboxing and first look at the Microsoft Surface Keyboard.

Guest Mode

Guest Mode uses a wired connection, so people can display content from their devices to the Surface Hub. If the source device is Windows-based, that device can also provide Touchback and Inkback. Surface Hub's internal PC takes video and audio from the connected device and presents them on the Surface Hub. If Surface Hub encounters a High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) signal, the source will be displayed as a black image. To display your content without violating HDCP requirements, use the keypad on the right side of the Surface Hub to directly choose the external source.

Note

When an HDCP source is connected, use the side keypad to change source inputs.

Ports

Use these ports on the Surface Hub for Guest Mode.

Port locations

These are the port connections used for Guest Mode on the 55' and 84' Surface Hubs.

Wired port connections on 55' Surface Hub

Wired port connections on 84' Surface Hub

Port enumeration

When a Surface hub is connected to a guest computer with the wired connect USB port, a number of USB devices are discovered and configured. These peripheral devices are created for Touchback and Inkback. The peripheral devices can be viewed in Device Manager. Device Manager will show duplicate names for some devices.

Human interface devices

• HID-compliant consumer control device

• HID-compliant pen

• HID-compliant pen (duplicate item)

• HID-compliant pen (duplicate item)

• HID-compliant touch screen

• USB Input Device

• USB Input Device (duplicate item)

Keyboards

• Standard PS/2 keyboard

Mice and other pointing devices

• HID-compliant mouse

Universal serial bus controllers

• Generic USB hub

• USB composite device

Guest Mode connectivity

Your choice of video cable will be determined by what is available from your source input. The Surface Hub has three choices of video input: DisplayPort, HDMI, and VGA. See the following chart for available resolutions.

Source audio is provided by DisplayPort and HDMI cables. If you must use VGA, Surface Hub has an audio input port that uses a 3.5 mm plug. Surface Hub also uses a USB cable that provides Touchback and Inkback from the Surface Hub to compatible Windows 10 devices. The USB cable can be used with any video input that is already connected with a cable.

Someone using Guest Mode to connect a PC would use one of these options:

DisplayPort -- DisplayPort cable and USB 2.0 cable

HDMI -- HDMI cable and USB 2.0 cable

VGA -- VGA cable, 3.5 mm audio cable, and USB 2.0 cable

If the computer you are using for Guest Mode is not compatible with Touchback and Inkback, then you won't need the USB cable.

Replacement PC Mode

In Replacement PC Mode, the embedded computer of the Surface Hub is turned off and an external PC is connected to the Surface Hub. Connections to replacement PC ports give access to key peripherals on the Surface Hub, including the screen, pen, and touch features. This does mean that your Surface Hub won't have the benefit of the Windows Team experience, but you will have the flexibility offered by providing and managing your own Windows computer.

Software requirements

You can run Surface Hub in Replacement PC Mode with 64-bit versions of Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, and Windows 10 Enterprise. You can download the Surface Hub Replacement PC driver package from the Microsoft Download Center. We recommend that you install these drivers on any computer you plan to use as a replacement PC.

Hardware requirements

Surface Hub is compatible with a range of hardware. Choose the processor and memory confirmation for your replacement PC so that it supports the programs you'll be using. Your replacement PC hardware needs to support 64-bit versions of Windows 10.

Graphics adapter

In Replacement PC Mode, Surface Hub supports any graphics adapter that can produce a DisplayPort signal. You'll improve your experience with a graphics adapter that can match Surface Hub's resolution and refresh rate. For example, the best and recommended replacement PC experience on the Surface Hub is with a 120Hz video signal.

55' Surface Hubs - For best experience, use a graphics card capable of 1080p resolution at 120Hz.

84' Surface Hubs - For best experience, use a graphics card capable of outputting four DisplayPort 1.2 streams to produce 2160p at 120Hz (3840 x 2160 at 120Hz vertical refresh). We've verified that this works with the NVIDIA Quadro K2200, NVIDIA Quadro K4200, NVIDIA Quadro M6000, AMD FirePro W5100, AMD FirePro W7100, and AMD FirePro W9100. These are not the only graphics cards - others are available from other vendors.

Check directly with graphics card vendors for the latest drivers.

Ports

Replacement PC ports on 55' Surface Hub

Replacement PC ports on 84' Surface Hub

Replacement PC setup instructions

To use Replacement PC Mode

Human interface devices

• HID-compliant consumer control device

• HID-compliant pen

• HID-compliant pen (duplicate item)

• HID-compliant pen (duplicate item)

• HID-compliant touch screen

• USB Input Device

• USB Input Device (duplicate item)

Keyboards

• Standard PS/2 keyboard

Mice and other pointing devices

• HID-compliant mouse

Universal serial bus controllers

• Generic USB hub

• USB composite device

Guest Mode connectivity

Your choice of video cable will be determined by what is available from your source input. The Surface Hub has three choices of video input: DisplayPort, HDMI, and VGA. See the following chart for available resolutions.

Source audio is provided by DisplayPort and HDMI cables. If you must use VGA, Surface Hub has an audio input port that uses a 3.5 mm plug. Surface Hub also uses a USB cable that provides Touchback and Inkback from the Surface Hub to compatible Windows 10 devices. The USB cable can be used with any video input that is already connected with a cable.

Someone using Guest Mode to connect a PC would use one of these options:

DisplayPort -- DisplayPort cable and USB 2.0 cable

HDMI -- HDMI cable and USB 2.0 cable

VGA -- VGA cable, 3.5 mm audio cable, and USB 2.0 cable

If the computer you are using for Guest Mode is not compatible with Touchback and Inkback, then you won't need the USB cable.

Replacement PC Mode

In Replacement PC Mode, the embedded computer of the Surface Hub is turned off and an external PC is connected to the Surface Hub. Connections to replacement PC ports give access to key peripherals on the Surface Hub, including the screen, pen, and touch features. This does mean that your Surface Hub won't have the benefit of the Windows Team experience, but you will have the flexibility offered by providing and managing your own Windows computer.

Software requirements

You can run Surface Hub in Replacement PC Mode with 64-bit versions of Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, and Windows 10 Enterprise. You can download the Surface Hub Replacement PC driver package from the Microsoft Download Center. We recommend that you install these drivers on any computer you plan to use as a replacement PC.

Hardware requirements

Surface Hub is compatible with a range of hardware. Choose the processor and memory confirmation for your replacement PC so that it supports the programs you'll be using. Your replacement PC hardware needs to support 64-bit versions of Windows 10.

Graphics adapter

In Replacement PC Mode, Surface Hub supports any graphics adapter that can produce a DisplayPort signal. You'll improve your experience with a graphics adapter that can match Surface Hub's resolution and refresh rate. For example, the best and recommended replacement PC experience on the Surface Hub is with a 120Hz video signal.

55' Surface Hubs - For best experience, use a graphics card capable of 1080p resolution at 120Hz.

84' Surface Hubs - For best experience, use a graphics card capable of outputting four DisplayPort 1.2 streams to produce 2160p at 120Hz (3840 x 2160 at 120Hz vertical refresh). We've verified that this works with the NVIDIA Quadro K2200, NVIDIA Quadro K4200, NVIDIA Quadro M6000, AMD FirePro W5100, AMD FirePro W7100, and AMD FirePro W9100. These are not the only graphics cards - others are available from other vendors.

Check directly with graphics card vendors for the latest drivers.

Ports

Replacement PC ports on 55' Surface Hub

Replacement PC ports on 84' Surface Hub

Replacement PC setup instructions

To use Replacement PC Mode

1. Download and install the Surface Hub Replacement PC driver package on the replacement PC.

   Note

   We recommend that you set sleep or hibernation on the replacement PC so the Surface Hub will turn off the display when it isn't being used.

2. Turn off the Surface Hub using the power switch next to the power cable.

3. Connect the cables from the Surface Hub's replacement PC ports to the replacement PC. These ports are usually covered by a removable plastic cover.

   55' Surface Hub -- connect one DisplayPort cable, and two USB cables.

   84' Surface Hub -- connect two DisplayPort cables, and two USB cables.

4. Toggle the Mode switch to Replacement PC. The Mode switch is next to the Replacement PC ports.

5. Turn on the Surface Hub using the power switch next to the power cable.

6. Press the power button on the right side of the Surface Hub.

You can switch the Surface Hub to use the internal PC.

To switch back to internal PC

1. Turn off the Surface Hub using the power switch next to the power cable.

2. Toggle the Mode switch to Internal PC. The Mode switch is next to the Replacement PC ports.

3. Turn on the Surface Hub using the power switch next to the power cable.

Video Out

The Surface Hub includes a Video Out port for mirroring visual content from the Surface Hub to another display.

Ports

Video Out port on the 55' Surface Hub

Video Out port on the 84' Surface Hub

Cables

Both the 55' and 84' Surface Hub devices have been tested to work with Certified DisplayPort and HDMI cables. While vendors do sell longer cables that may work with the Surface Hub, only those cables that have been certified by testing labs are certain to work with the Hub. For example, DisplayPort cables are certified only up to 3 meters, however many vendors sell cables that are 3 times that length. If a long cable is necessary, we strongly suggest using HDMI. HDMI has many cost-effective solutions for long-haul cables, including the use of repeaters. Nearly every DisplayPort source will automatically switch to HDMI signaling if a HDMI sink is detected.

Bluetooth accessories

You can connect the following accessories to Surface Hub using Bluetooth:

• Mice
• Keyboards
• Headsets
• Speakers

Note

After you connect a Bluetooth headset or speaker, you might need to change the default microphone and speaker settings.

I came across this image on Twitter about five or six months ago and my heart basically skipped a beat.

I've scoured my databanks and can't find where this setup originated. I do know the gentleman was a reporter who spent most of his time behind the keyboard putting together his next column. (If you know where this image came from, let me know!)

The main actor in this show is the Microsoft Surface Ergonomic keyboard, of course. I've had some friends who swore by the Surface Ergonomic keyboard before I came across this photo, but it was this photo that pushed me over the edge. Whether it was the perceived ergonomic benefits, the smooth Alcantara wrist pad built right in, or the notion that a keyboard can be comfortable to use, the Surface Ergonomic keyboard became the backbone of my 'Office Gear Wishlist.'

A few anecdotes from friends did give me pause, however:

• This keyboard is a Microsoft product, and as such doesn't have direct compatibility with macOS.
• This keyboard is powered by AAA batteries rather than having a built-in rechargeable battery.
• This keyboard has had connectivity issues with (what appears to be) specific Macs.

I'll touch on each of these in a bit.

Design

I say this partially in jest: A keyboard should be inviting and comfortable to use. From my chair, every keyboard coming out of Cupertino is designed with two purposes in mind:

• Pleasing aesthetics.
• Minute tolerances.

What do those two purposes sum up to? The result is a keyboard that looks great in setup photographs but gums up the moment it leaves the studio.

The Surface Ergonomic keyboard pins neither of these goals to the top of the list. This keyboard is built for comfort, ergonomics, and speed. A dash of aesthetics are thrown in, but comfort and ergonomics rise to the forefront.

The Surface Ergonomic keyboard is the successor to the original Microsoft Sculpt keyboard. Where the Sculpt cut out the section between the 'T, G, B' and 'Y, H, N' sections of the keyboard, the Surface Ergonomic fills it in with aluminum-colored plastic material used throughout the rest of the keyboard. The Sculpt generation included a standalone number pad, whereas the Surface Ergonomic includes a built-in number pad. Some folks preferred the cut out and standalone number pad in the Sculpt generation, but I think the larger, bulkier Surface Ergonomic is better suited for most people's needs.

Where the Sculpt generation got things right was in the wrist riser (if that's what you want to call it). The Surface Ergonomic includes a wrist base made of its now ubiquitous Alcantara material. This material is soft to the touch, but dense enough to provide proper support when typing. It also has a particular fashion to it that only Microsoft can pull off these days.

Connect Microsoft Surface Keyboard To Macbook

The Sculpt keyboard, on the other hand, had optional accessories for raising the bottom of the keyboard, thereby positioning your hands down and away from your body as you typed. For ergonomists out there, this is the ultimate form of typing — hands and wrists curved to the middle of the keyboard and positioned down and away from your chest. It may appear a tad wonky when explained in words, but I've been reassured this is quite the comfortable typing method.

Connect Microsoft Surface Keyboard To Mac Keyboard

This may be the one area where Microsoft cast aside comfort and ergonomics in favor of pleasing aesthetics and minute tolerances. I have no experience with the first generation Sculpt, so I speak from a third-person perspective: I'm happy with the aesthetic trade-offs between the two ergonomic keyboard generations and I greatly appreciate a built-in number pad.

Feel

My major complaints (and I have been doing a lot of complaining recently) with any of Apple's recent keyboards is the resounding lack of feel. I chalk this up directly to the minute tolerances of that butterfly switch — there is no forgiveness in any part of any key, resulting in a keystroke no matter the amount of pressure applied. Apple labels this is a selling feature. I label it a failure.

Microsoft doesn't comment on what type of switches are used, but it certainly isn't butterfly and it certainly isn't mechanical. (Microsoft claims the Surface Ergonomics switches can last 10 million actuations, which is only a third of the life of a mechanical switch.)

Regardless, each key has considerable key travel when compared to any Apple keyboard and has an inviting feel. Each keystroke has great depth and resistance, as though the key kind-of-sort-of wants to be pressed, provides a little resistance, then quickly returns to its home position after being fired. Apple's keyboards have such limited travel that heavy typists will almost certainly feel their fingers bottom out when they really get going. Microsoft's improved depth, great key travel, and perfected resistance give it a tremendous feel and has considerably reduced the strain on my fingertips after long periods of writing.

Despite the larger key travel, the Surface Ergonomic is orders of magnitude quieter than the MacBook Pro keyboards. The keystroke sound comes in at a lower octave than any Magic Keyboard actuation and better blends into the background of the noises reverberating throughout my house.

Of course, this is somewhat of a split keyboard, so it's not meant for all types of typists. My wife gave it a shot and immediately became infuriated with the placement of the keys. For touch typists or for those who have to look down on occasion when inserting punctuation from the numeral row, a little transition period is in order before becoming comfortable with the layout.

The Alcantara wrist base is also worth mentioning. When I really get going, my wrists tend to get a bit sweaty and the outside bone on my wrist often gets tired of the friction with the desk. In both cases, the smooth, foam wrist base of the Surface Ergonomic eliminates any stress points and keeps my fingers and wrists aligned in a comfortable format.

I won't lie, either: the Alcantara wrist base looks plain cool. It has such an inviting look to it.

Compatibility

Pitching a Microsoft keyboard to a predominantly Apple crowd may come with a few raised eyebrows, particularly due to compatibility concerns. Function keys don't align with Apple's built-in functions while command keys are labelled and function differently between OSes.

Out of the box, the Surface Ergonomic's 'Windows' key in the bottom left command row is mapped to the 'Command' key on Apple keyboards. 'Alt' is 'Alt' and 'Ctrl' is 'Option.' If you can somehow get around this and retrain your muscle memory, you won't have to do any remapping.

I jump between Windows and Mac every day, so I have quickly grown tired of trying to retrain muscle memory. As a result, I quickly downloaded Karabiner to remap keys on the Surface Ergonomic to approximate each key's location on a regular Apple keyboard. 'Alt' is now 'Command' and the Windows key is now 'Alt/Option'. This brings the experience fairly close to Apple's own keyboards.

The function row can also be remapped, depending on which functions you normally use. On macOS, the default 'ScrlLk' and 'Pause' function keys change screen brightness, while the audio controls on the left side of the Surface Ergonomic's function row function as advertised. These are the only function keys I use regularly, so I haven't bothered remapping.

Connectivity

A friend of mine who purchased the Surface Ergonomic in the days around its launch complained heavily about the Surface Ergonomic's connectivity to macOS. His frustration resulted in his returning the Surface Ergonomic keyboard, despite the fact that he loved the keyboard's feel. He wasn't alone either — there are numerous reports online that highlight the Surface Ergonomic's connectivity issues in its early days.

So far, I haven't experienced anything that should raise eyebrows. I have noticed general Bluetooth drops as a whole, but this isn't directly attributable to the keyboard. These Bluetooth drops also take place with a Magic Keyboard, so I won't be pointing fingers at anything.

On the plus side, the Surface Ergonomic does have one connectivity trick up its sleeve, which I think Apple should adopt immediately: When you fire up your sleeping computer with the keyboard, any keystrokes you input are saved and then inserted after the lagged Bluetooth connectivity period. This means you can instantly type your password and not have to wait for macOS and the keyboard to connect before inputting your password. This is a lovely touch and one which seemed so natural, I didn't realize it was working until someone pointed it out to me.

Battery Life

Microsoft ships the Surface Ergonomic with two standard AAA batteries, which it advertises have a life of 12 months of use. I've had my Surface Ergonomic for a month, so I'm afraid I can't comment on its long-term lifespan. It's nice not having to tie up a USB port to charge the keyboard every month or two, but having to go out and purchase a pack of AAAs just for my keyboard is a bit of a bummer.

Most desktop keyboards don't seem to be backlit these days and neither is the Surface Ergonomic. I use mine in front of an LG 27-inch UltraFine display, so the brightness of the display lights up the keys at all times of the day. This will surely allow those AAA batteries to last a little longer as well.

Conclusion

Remapping keys aside, I have finally found the keyboard to end all keyboards. The Surface Ergonomic keyboard spent an hour on my desk before I re-boxxed the Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad to be sold.

I've hammered out this review in less than 45 minutes and not once have I felt sore fingertips from bottoming out at the bottom of a keystroke or sore wrists from them rubbing on the desk on awkward pressure points. I also don't have any sweat on my wrists, as I assume they've been whisked dry by the Alcantara base.

With the help of Karabiner, I've found a keyboard that feels great, works like an Apple keyboard, and looks as good on my desk as any prior keyboard. Although it's expensive, the Microsoft Surface Ergonomic keyboard is a worthy option for those who are tired of Apple's endless war on its once-treasured keyboard performance.