TwelveSouth SurfacePad Review: Leather Palmrest for MacBook Air

The TwelveSouth SurfacePad is a beautiful looking leather palm rest cover for the MacBook Air.

This affordable accessory offers a thin layer of Napa leather cut to fit the 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air precisely.

The TwelveSouth SurfacePad for the MacBook Air is available for $29.99, a version is also available for the MacBook Pro for $39.99.

TwelveSouth SurfacePad Review featured

The TwelveSouth SurfacePad is a leather palm rest cover for the MacBook Air.

Installation

Unlike many stick on accessories, the TwelveSouth SurfacePad is easy to install. It took two tries to get it lined up just right, and it was easy to remove and re-apply. The SurfacePad left no residue behind after this initial movement, and TwelveSouth says it own’t leave any trace when it is removed later.

TwelveSouth SurfacePad Review Trackpad

The TwelveSouth SurfacePad fits tight to the trackpad.

Users should be careful not to stretch the thinner portions that sit above and below the trackpad.

Fit and Finish

The SurfacePad is cut to fit the MacBook Air perfectly.The outer edges sit right inside the small rubber seal that surrounds the MacBook Air display and the inner edges hug the edges of the trackpad without interfering with use. The edges are tight enough to the trackpad that it is easy to center during installation for a uniform look during use.

TwelveSouth SurfacePad Review closeup

Close up of the SurfacePad.

The Napa leather is soft and feels much nicer than aluminum. There is a small grain pattern to the leather, but no option for an imprint pattern like on the MacBook Pro.

With the MacBook Air closed it’s impossible to tell that the SurfacePad is installed, and it doesn’t interfere with the sleep function of the notebook.

Why I Like the SurfacePad?

The SurfacePad is one of my favorite MacBook Air accessories to date. I enjoy the soft leather feel to the hard metal of a bare MacBook Air palm rest. The SurfacePad is thin, but it still offers a nice amount of cushion.

TwelveSouth SurfacePad Review profile

The SurfacePad is thin enough to disappear when the Macbook Air is closed.

The leather palm rest also protects the MacBook Air from metal watchbands and the metal part of my Nike FuelBand.

After using my MacBook Air for hours it gets rather warm, causing my palms to sweat. The SurfacePad can’t cool the Macbook Air, but it helps prevent the hear from toasting my hands while working in Final Cut Pro.

Recommendation

Anyone that uses the MacBook Air on a regular basis should invest in the SurfacePad.. In addition to looking great, the SurfacePad is a practical must have accessory for the MacBook Air.

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