---
product_id: 236257073
title: "Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard - Matte Black. Standalone Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard. Compatible with Bluetooth Enabled PCs/Mac"
brand: "microsoft"
price: "R1252"
currency: ZAR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
category: "Microsoft"
url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/236257073-microsoft-designer-compact-keyboard-matte-black-standalone-wireless-bluetooth-keyboard
store_origin: ZA
region: South Africa
---

# Connect & switch between 3 devices seamlessly 4 battery-powered for wireless freedom 78 tactile keys for fluid typing Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard - Matte Black. Standalone Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard. Compatible with Bluetooth Enabled PCs/Mac

**Brand:** microsoft
**Price:** R1252
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> ⌨️ Elevate your workspace with sleek, smart typing freedom!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard - Matte Black. Standalone Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard. Compatible with Bluetooth Enabled PCs/Mac by microsoft
- **How much does it cost?** R1252 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/236257073-microsoft-designer-compact-keyboard-matte-black-standalone-wireless-bluetooth-keyboard)

## Best For

- microsoft enthusiasts

## Why This Product

- Trusted microsoft brand quality
- Free international shipping included
- Worldwide delivery with tracking
- 15-day hassle-free returns

## Key Features

- • **Space-Savvy Design:** Compact footprint maximizes your desk real estate for a sleek, clutter-free workspace.
- • **Matte Black Elegance:** Fingerprint-resistant finish keeps your keyboard looking pristine and professional.
- • **Soft-Touch Precision:** Optimized key travel and spacing deliver a smooth, error-free typing experience all day long.
- • **Effortless Multi-Device Control:** Switch between up to 3 Bluetooth devices instantly—perfect for multitasking pros.
- • **Expressive Input at Your Fingertips:** Dedicated emoji and screen snip keys keep your communication creative and efficient.

## Overview

The Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard in matte black offers a modern, low-profile design with 78 tactile keys optimized for fast, fluid typing. It supports wireless Bluetooth connectivity with up to 3 devices, includes dedicated emoji and screen snip keys, and features a fingerprint-resistant matte finish. Perfect for professionals seeking a stylish, space-saving keyboard that enhances productivity across multiple devices.

## Description

Optimized for exceptional comfort and a compact, space-friendly work area, Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard features a smooth, elegant finish and low profile. It delivers optimized key travel and a built-in expressive input (emoji) key,[4] plus a Screen snipping key to quickly capture, copy, paste, and share.[*] Sold separately. [1] Smart Switching not available on devices running Windows 10 S. [2] Requires Windows 10 with the latest updates.

Review: Great Build Quality and Feel, with some Concerns about Longevity - 5 Build quality 5 Typing feel 3 Longevity 4.5 (rounded to 5) Overall Overview Microsoft's Designer Keyboard arrives dressed to impress, and for the most part it delivers. Slim, solid, and refreshingly stable underhand, it makes a compelling case for those who spend long hours at the desk and want hardware that looks as good as it performs. A few nagging surface-finish questions, however, mean it isn't quite flawless. Build quality & construction Pick it up and the first thing you notice is the weight — or rather, the lack of any flex. The chassis feels hewn from a single piece, with zero twist or creak no matter how you torque it. The low-profile scissor switches sit flush and level across the entire deck, and crucially every single key depresses with an identical, planted feel. There is no lateral wobble, no rattling stabiliser, no variance between the spacebar and a pinky-reach function key. For a wireless keyboard at this price, the consistency is genuinely impressive and speaks to tight manufacturing tolerances throughout. The feet grip the desk with conviction too — the board stays exactly where you put it. Low-profile experience The slim deck sits comfortably flat on a desk without a wrist rest, and the shallow key travel strikes the right balance between feedback and fatigue. Long typing sessions remain comfortable well into hour two. The keycaps are well-spaced for a compact layout, and the legends are crisp and legible at any angle. It's the kind of keyboard that disappears beneath your fingers in the best possible way — until you glance down and appreciate just how refined it looks. Concerns: soft-touch surface & longevity Here is where the Designer Keyboard invites some genuine scrutiny. The soft-touch coating on the keycaps is a tactile delight in the box — velvety, warm, unmistakably premium. But it brings two problems that owners of similarly finished devices will recognise immediately. First, and somewhat counterintuitively for a matte surface, it smudges. Fingerprints and skin oils collect on the keycaps in a soft haze that is far more visible than on a standard glossy or textured plastic key. A clean wipe only temporarily improves things — within minutes of use the bloom returns. For a keyboard marketed as a centrepiece of a tidy, aesthetic workspace, this is an awkward irony. Second, and more pressing in the long run, is the question of durability. Soft-touch coatings have a well-documented tendency to degrade over time: they can become tacky, peel at the edges, or develop shiny wear patches on high-frequency keys like E, A, and the space bar. Microsoft has not published any accelerated-wear data for this finish, and there is no meaningful long-term track record to draw on yet. Buyers who plan to keep peripherals for several years should weigh this carefully before committing. Verdict The Microsoft Designer Keyboard is, structurally speaking, one of the better-built wireless keyboards you can buy at this price. The solid chassis, rattle-free keys, and wobble-free typing experience are hard to fault. The soft-touch finish is its own double-edged sword — appealing on first contact, but likely to test the patience of clean-desk devotees and raise questions as the months go on. If Microsoft can resolve the smudging and prove the coating's longevity, this becomes a very easy recommendation. For now, it is excellent hardware with a surface-level asterisk. Pros Rigid, twist-free chassis Wobble-free, consistent key action Slim, comfortable low-profile design Excellent desk grip and stability Clean, premium aesthetic Cons Soft-touch keys smudge surprisingly easily Long-term coating durability unproven Tacky/peeling risk on high-use keys over time Fingerprint haze returns quickly after cleaning
Review: Your Windows version of the Apple Magic Keyboard - Compact, thin (easy on the wrists), and lightweight. Great battery life. Can toggle connection between different devices VERY easily. This is your Windows version of the non-keypad Apple Magic Keyboard, both of which I use often.

## 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].

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| ASIN | B08J8BLRZF |
| Additional Features | Portable |
| Antenna Location | Travel |
| Best Sellers Rank | #168 in Computer Keyboards |
| Brand | Microsoft |
| Built-In Media | Keyboard wireless |
| Button Quantity | 78 |
| Color | Matte Black |
| Compatible Devices | PC |
| Compatible Operating System Family | MacOS, Windows |
| Compatible Tablet Computer Models | AAUB P30 |
| Connectivity Technology | wireless |
| Customer Reviews | 4.3 out of 5 stars 879 Reviews |
| Enclosure Material | Plastic |
| Generation | 1 |
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 11.18"L x 4.36"W x 0.38"H |
| Item Weight | 15.2 Ounces |
| Keyboard Backlighting Color Support | Single Color |
| Keyboard Description | Standalone |
| Keyboard Layout | QWERTY |
| Language | English |
| Manufacturer | Microsoft |
| Mfr Part Number | 21Y-00001 |
| Minimum Required Operating System Version | Windows 10, Windows 8.1 |
| Model Name | Microsoft Designer Bluetooth Compact Keyboard |
| Model Number | 21Y-00001 |
| Number of Batteries Required | 4 |
| Number of Keys | 78 |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Travel |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Style Name | Contemporary |
| Switch Type | Tactile |
| Theme | Modern, Compact, Travel |
| UPC | 889842668223 |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Warranty Description | 3 year manufacturer |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |

## Product Details

- **Brand:** Microsoft
- **Color:** Matte Black
- **Compatible Devices:** PC
- **Connectivity Technology:** wireless
- **Keyboard Description:** Standalone
- **Keyboard backlighting color support:** Single Color
- **Product Dimensions:** 11.18"L x 4.36"W x 0.38"H
- **Recommended Uses For Product:** Travel
- **Special Feature:** Portable
- **Style:** Contemporary

## Images

![Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard - Matte Black. Standalone Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard. Compatible with Bluetooth Enabled PCs/Mac - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71a0MV9p5TL.jpg)
![Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard - Matte Black. Standalone Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard. Compatible with Bluetooth Enabled PCs/Mac - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71Y3RpE4YIL.jpg)
![Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard - Matte Black. Standalone Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard. Compatible with Bluetooth Enabled PCs/Mac - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71fHX1oidPL.jpg)
![Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard - Matte Black. Standalone Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard. Compatible with Bluetooth Enabled PCs/Mac - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71oH+hIxzvL.jpg)
![Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard - Matte Black. Standalone Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard. Compatible with Bluetooth Enabled PCs/Mac - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71-PQV7iEdL.jpg)

## Questions & Answers

**Q: How do I change the batteries?**
A: Your Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard uses four coin-cell (C2032) batteries. Here's how to put the batteries in your keyboard: 

Turn your keyboard over and insert a pin into the small hole.

Keep holding the pin and slide the battery door away from the keyboard.

Place your batteries into the available slots. Make sure the positive end is facing up.

Slide the battery door back into position.

**Q: Can you easily reconfigure the emoji key to function as a normal control key?**
A: Yes, nearly all keys on Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard are mappable, and can be updated to suit your needs!

**Q: Can you use this keyboard to configure bios and install os, i.e. before win/macos full install with bluetooth is up and running?**
A: No, there is no wired connection option, Bluetooth only. Unless your motherboard has Bluetooth enabled, connected, and configured during bios (BASIC input output system), you can’t use it. I’ve tried.

**Q: Is this keyboard metal like the apple magic keyboard?  or is it plastic?  what is the feel like?**
A: Feels like aluminum body with soft rubber keys. You can feel the key presses with a slight audible click.

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great Build Quality and Feel, with some Concerns about Longevity
*by E***U on April 13, 2026*

5 Build quality 5 Typing feel 3 Longevity 4.5 (rounded to 5) Overall Overview Microsoft's Designer Keyboard arrives dressed to impress, and for the most part it delivers. Slim, solid, and refreshingly stable underhand, it makes a compelling case for those who spend long hours at the desk and want hardware that looks as good as it performs. A few nagging surface-finish questions, however, mean it isn't quite flawless. Build quality & construction Pick it up and the first thing you notice is the weight — or rather, the lack of any flex. The chassis feels hewn from a single piece, with zero twist or creak no matter how you torque it. The low-profile scissor switches sit flush and level across the entire deck, and crucially every single key depresses with an identical, planted feel. There is no lateral wobble, no rattling stabiliser, no variance between the spacebar and a pinky-reach function key. For a wireless keyboard at this price, the consistency is genuinely impressive and speaks to tight manufacturing tolerances throughout. The feet grip the desk with conviction too — the board stays exactly where you put it. Low-profile experience The slim deck sits comfortably flat on a desk without a wrist rest, and the shallow key travel strikes the right balance between feedback and fatigue. Long typing sessions remain comfortable well into hour two. The keycaps are well-spaced for a compact layout, and the legends are crisp and legible at any angle. It's the kind of keyboard that disappears beneath your fingers in the best possible way — until you glance down and appreciate just how refined it looks. Concerns: soft-touch surface & longevity Here is where the Designer Keyboard invites some genuine scrutiny. The soft-touch coating on the keycaps is a tactile delight in the box — velvety, warm, unmistakably premium. But it brings two problems that owners of similarly finished devices will recognise immediately. First, and somewhat counterintuitively for a matte surface, it smudges. Fingerprints and skin oils collect on the keycaps in a soft haze that is far more visible than on a standard glossy or textured plastic key. A clean wipe only temporarily improves things — within minutes of use the bloom returns. For a keyboard marketed as a centrepiece of a tidy, aesthetic workspace, this is an awkward irony. Second, and more pressing in the long run, is the question of durability. Soft-touch coatings have a well-documented tendency to degrade over time: they can become tacky, peel at the edges, or develop shiny wear patches on high-frequency keys like E, A, and the space bar. Microsoft has not published any accelerated-wear data for this finish, and there is no meaningful long-term track record to draw on yet. Buyers who plan to keep peripherals for several years should weigh this carefully before committing. Verdict The Microsoft Designer Keyboard is, structurally speaking, one of the better-built wireless keyboards you can buy at this price. The solid chassis, rattle-free keys, and wobble-free typing experience are hard to fault. The soft-touch finish is its own double-edged sword — appealing on first contact, but likely to test the patience of clean-desk devotees and raise questions as the months go on. If Microsoft can resolve the smudging and prove the coating's longevity, this becomes a very easy recommendation. For now, it is excellent hardware with a surface-level asterisk. Pros Rigid, twist-free chassis Wobble-free, consistent key action Slim, comfortable low-profile design Excellent desk grip and stability Clean, premium aesthetic Cons Soft-touch keys smudge surprisingly easily Long-term coating durability unproven Tacky/peeling risk on high-use keys over time Fingerprint haze returns quickly after cleaning

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Your Windows version of the Apple Magic Keyboard
*by T***M on March 28, 2026*

Compact, thin (easy on the wrists), and lightweight. Great battery life. Can toggle connection between different devices VERY easily. This is your Windows version of the non-keypad Apple Magic Keyboard, both of which I use often.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ No greasy finger prints. Light keys. No annoying clicking. Perfect size
*by J***Y on May 3, 2024*

I have a thinkpad Lenovo and I was trying to look for a keyboard that is the same size and has similar keys (I do a lot of copy and pasting with the keyboard). And this keyboard is AMAZING! it has a great weight to it, the keys are like soft buttons that you click, it's like a matte material so it doesn't get all greasy (like my Lenovo keyboard) and it's just the perfect size. The only thing I wasn't crazy about (which really isn't anything at all. I would still buy 10 of these) is that when it was shipped the batteries were already in it, but the instructions told me I had to flip them over. But really I didn't... So i thought it was a dud keyboard and not working. And one of the batteries had like a hairline of carozion on it. It easily wiped of. Like I said. I would still buy 100 of these keyboards. Never buying a different kind! GET IT! You will be happy you did...

## Frequently Bought Together

- Microsoft Designer Compact Keyboard - Matte Black. Standalone Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard. Compatible with Bluetooth Enabled PCs/Mac
- Microsoft Modern Mobile Mouse, Black - Comfortable Right/Left Hand Use design with Metal Scroll Wheel, Wireless, Bluetooth for PC/Laptop/Desktop, works with Mac/Windows 8/10/11 Computers

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*Product available on Desertcart South Africa*
*Store origin: ZA*
*Last updated: 2026-05-12*