Surface Pro 8 Signature Keyboard Defect: Internal bulge at hinge breaks connection

Hi everyone,

I am writing to the community to report and seek advice on a connection failure with my Surface Pro 8 Signature Keyboard. While the exterior of the hinge looks mostly normal at a casual glance, there is a distinct abnormality hidden within that strongly suggests a structural defect.

The Issue and Diagnosis:

Tactile Anomaly: Although difficult to spot visually without close inspection, there is a noticeable internal bulge or swelling that can be clearly felt by touch on the backside of the hinge area. This indicates that internal components, likely the flexible cable, have deteriorated and are pressing outwards from the inside.

Angle-Dependent Connection: The keyboard only works when the pen storage flap is opened to a very specific angle. Moving it to use the device or closing the flap causes the connection to drop instantly.

My Usage History and Treatment of the Device:

I am a university student, and shockingly, this is the second time a Surface Signature Keyboard has failed on me within my 5 years of study. This current keyboard has failed in less than two years since I purchased it. I have treated this premium accessory with the utmost care. I always store and carry my Surface in a soft, padded PC sleeve to protect it from any external stress. It has never been dropped, bent backward forcefully, or exposed to liquid. This failure occurred purely from the inside out, despite my extremely gentle usage.

My Demand for Microsoft Support:

This tactile internal deformation is a clear sign that this is not a user-inflicted physical damage issue, but rather a severe material or design failure in the hinge mechanism that should not happen in a premium product of this price point. I am extremely disappointed and frustrated. While I know this issue is difficult to capture in a photograph, it is very real to the touch. I am hoping a Microsoft moderator or support agent can review this unique case. My priority is to ask for a replacement as a special exception due to the nature of the failure. If that is absolutely not possible, I would at least expect a significant discount code for a replacement purchase as a necessary relief measure.

Has anyone else encountered this same issue? Any advice on how to get Microsoft to investigate this as a manufacturing weakness would be appreciated. 

Thank you.