Surface Pro 9 - Keyboard model 1905 stops working when set in raised position (magnetized against the tablet))

Question

Hello! I hope this support request finds you well!

Recently, my Surface Pro 9's detachable keyboard (Model 1905 according to the print near its connection area) has exhibited some weird behavior. The keyboard no longer works on my favorite usage position, which is at an angle, raised from the desk, with its magnetized section put up against the tablet. This is the only confortable angle I can use the keyboard on long-term, as when it is flat against the table, my wrists get exhausted pretty quickly.

I went through the following troubleshooting steps:

• Restarted my Surface Pro 9
• Used the Surface app on Windows to go through some Get Help articles
• Went through the Microsoft Surface Diagnostic Toolkit software and followed all instructions related to the keyboard
• Tried using the keyboard on the Surface Pro 9's BIOS (it exhibited the same behavior there)

Is there anything else you guys recommend I do to get my keyboard back to working as it should? My workflow has halted ever since these issues started, and I've had to use other devices to do work in the long term. Thank you in advance for your help!

Answer 1

You’ve already done the right troubleshooting steps — especially testing the keyboard in BIOS. That’s important because:

If it fails in BIOS, it’s not a Windows or driver issue.

It’s almost certainly a hardware problem.

Since your Surface Pro 9 keyboard (Model 1905) stops working only when you lift it into the raised magnetic position. That usually happens because:

1. This is a very common early sign of ribbon cable fatigue. or
2. The connection points don’t stay aligned properly when the keyboard is bent. If possible, try attaching this keyboard to another Surface Pro 8 or 9, or test a different keyboard on your Surface. This will help isolate whether the issue lies with the keyboard itself (the more likely culprit) or with the Surface's connector (less common).

If under warranty, contact Microsoft Support if not. Replacement is usually the only permanent fix.

Answer 2

Hello there! I appreciate the troubeshooting steps provided above. I tried them out in my own time, here's how it went:

1 - No physical damadge (past small cosmetic wear and tear) was observed on the keyboard port nor the tablet's port. Here's a few pictures of them:

2 - After using a dry toothbrush to clean both the keyboard's port and the tablet's port, the behavior did not change.

3 - I have no other Surface Pro device available to me to try this keyboard on, my apologies for this one.

4 - Tried! But Windows Updates seem to currently have some issues on my tablet. Here's a screenshot - resetting the computer did not change these errors.

5 - I thought this was customer support! If there's another team I should be contacting about this, I would appreciate some help with reaching them.

Thank you in advance for your help, team!

Answer 3

It sounds like you've already taken significant troubleshooting steps with your Surface Pro 9's keyboard. Since the keyboard stops working when raised and exhibits the same behavior in BIOS, it may indicate a hardware issue rather than a software one. Here are a few additional steps you can consider:

1. Check for Physical Damage: Inspect the keyboard for any visible signs of damage or wear, especially around the connection area where it attaches to the tablet.
2. Clean the Connectors: Sometimes, dirt or debris can interfere with the connection. Gently clean the connectors on both the keyboard and the tablet with a soft, dry cloth.
3. Test on Another Device: If possible, test the keyboard with another Surface device to determine if the issue is with the keyboard itself or the Surface Pro 9.
4. Update Firmware and Drivers: Ensure that your Surface Pro 9 is fully updated with the latest firmware and drivers. You can check for updates in the Settings under "Update & Security."
5. Contact Support: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it may be best to contact Microsoft Support for further assistance or to explore repair options.

I hope this helps you get your keyboard working again!