Microsoft admits Surface keyboard splitting problem

Some early adopters of Microsoft's Surface RT tablet have reported their Touch Cover keyboard splitting at the point where it connects to the device.

The issue has occurred despite the tablets only being on sale two weeks, and some users have taken to the Surface forums to complain about the split.

"My Touch Cover, in the middle at the join to the screen, is peeling. Like the top layer has come loose and is ruffling up," a user by the name of 'Br1an_G' wrote last week.

Since then, other users have complained of the same issue occurring in the same place, as well as other problems with the Microsoft logo printed on the tablet.

"Right in the middle on the seam it tore open, and pretty quickly too," 'whyjoe' wrote on the Surface Forum. "On another note, that Microsoft logo on the back is certainly not etched or painted on very well. Mine is already rubbing off."

Others on the forum suggested that the problem may not be present in the black Touch Type keyboard as it has a different material on the bottom. ZDNet's Matt Baxter-Reynolds, whose keyboard suffered the splitting, also noted that the Touch Cover has a ridge where the ribbon connector is that isn't present on the Type Cover.

Microsoft acknowledged the issue in a statement sent to ZDNet on Friday.

"Microsoft makes every effort to ensure our customers receive a high quality product. We are in active contact with our Customer Support operations and are aware of a small number of instances of material separation," the spokeswoman said.

Customers with any concerns about their keyboard are advised by Microsoft to contact customer support with their queries.

Image credit: Julien Manici