When Microsoft first introduced the Surface Laptop series, one of its standout design features was the use of Alcantara fabric around the keyboard deck. It gave the device a soft, premium feel—something different in a world of cold metal and plastic. But as the years went by, it became clear that Alcantara wasn’t aging well. The material would easily stain, collect oils from your hands, and proved nearly impossible to clean thoroughly.
With the Surface Laptop 7, Microsoft has taken a new direction: a full aluminum body, and it’s a change that many users have been waiting for.
Sleek, Durable, and Clean: Why Aluminum Wins
The aluminum chassis on the Surface Laptop 7 isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about long-term usability and practicality. Unlike Alcantara, aluminum doesn’t absorb dirt or oils, and it’s far easier to keep clean. A simple wipe-down is often enough to restore that fresh-out-of-the-box look.
Beyond cleanliness, aluminum also adds structural rigidity. The Surface Laptop 7 feels more solid and premium in hand. There’s less flex around the keyboard area, and the overall device gives off a confidence that matches its high-end price tag.
A Better Typing Experience
Typing on a Surface Laptop has always felt good, but the new aluminum surface under your palms adds a cool, firm texture that doesn’t wear over time. Alcantara, while initially soft, would often develop shiny, worn-out patches with regular use—especially around the wrist areas. This simply doesn’t happen with metal.
Design Consistency Across the Line
Another subtle benefit of switching to aluminum is design consistency. Now, whether you’re using a Surface Laptop or a Surface Pro with a Type Cover, there’s a unified industrial design language across the product line. The Surface Laptop 7 looks and feels more in line with other premium ultrabooks on the market, and that’s a good thing.
Still Elegant, But Built for Real Use
Some fans of Alcantara will miss the luxurious touch it offered, but for users who actually use their laptops day in and day out—on the go, in coffee shops, at school, or at work—the aluminum build just makes more sense. It’s easier to clean, more resistant to wear, and helps the device stay looking sharp over time.
Final Thoughts
The move to an aluminum body in the Surface Laptop 7 is more than just a cosmetic update—it solves real-world problems that have frustrated long-time Surface users. Microsoft has kept the elegance but added much-needed durability and practicality. If you’ve ever been annoyed by a stained keyboard deck or struggled to clean your Surface, the Laptop 7 is the answer you’ve been waiting for.