Like several systems before it, the Acer Switch Alpha 12 (starts at $599.99; $749.99 as tested) is looking to replicate the success of Microsoft's Surface line, combining a quick Windows 10 tablet with a slim detachable keyboard. While the Switch Alpha 12 isn't a high-end machine like the expensive Microsoft Surface Pro 4, it's one of the fastest we've tested in this tier. There are some design shortfalls that hold it back from unseating our top pick for midrange slate tablets, the Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700. Still, it's a solid contender with speedy components, a better-than-HD display, an included keyboard, and USB-C connectivity.

Design and Features

The Switch Alpha 12 is a sturdy tablet, with a brushed silver aluminum body that provides a comfortable amount of heft. At 0.62 by 11.5 by 7.93 inches (HWD) and 1.99 pounds, the Switch 12 is a little more substantial than other 12-inch tablets, but the difference isn't too drastic. The magnesium-alloy Miix 700measures 0.35 by 11.5 by 8.27 inches and weighs 1.73 pounds, a bit thinner and lighter, while the Microsoft Surface 3 ($1,999.11 at Amazon) and the (more expensive) Surface Pro 4 are even slimmer. Unlike the Surface, the Switch 12 is liquid cooled, which removes the need for any exhaust vents and keeps it quiet while running.

There is one caveat to the Alpha 12's solid build: The attached kickstand, while firmly pinned on either flank, is made of a light plastic, which feels somewhat cheap compared with the chassis. It doesn't twist or bend with normal use, but it feels susceptible to a snap or break from a drop or an accident. It does have a rubber stopper, which is a helpful addition to prevent slipping no matter the surface, and can be rotated up to 160 degrees. The Acer Aspire Switch 11 V (SW5-173-632W) ( at Amazon) avoids any issues with a kickstand, as it opts for a more substantial keyboard dock rather than the thin detachable keyboard and kickstand combination the Surface made popular.

Acer borrowed from the Surface's design cues for the detachable keyboard, much as Lenovo did with the one on the Miix 700. Unlike Microsoft, though, Acer includes the keyboard with the Alpha 12, saving you from an inevitable, almost necessary purchase. It's a thin, chiclet-style keyboard with a magnetic connection at the top built to latch in to the tablet's bottom. Another magnetic strip above the keys clips on to the bottom of the display, which slants the keyboard upward. This is especially useful for typing on your lap, as it makes the setup more stable, and is more comfortable than the keys lying flat. The backlit keys are flat and a little spongy, but at least they're full-size, so typing isn't too cramped. The touchpad is smooth and responsive, which can be a concern on these types of keyboards or docks. Though there are no major issues with the Alpha 12, the Miix 700 definitely has a more elegant look and feel in these areas.

At a 12-inch screen size, a high resolution is needed for more virtual screen real estate, and the Alpha 12 delivers with 2,160 by 1,440. This better-than-HD resolution, combined with In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology for wider viewing angles, makes for a quality touch display. It stacks up well against the competition: The Miix 700 and Surface 3 feature the same resolution, while the Lenovo Yoga 900S ($949.00 at Lenovo) includes only a 1080p screen. The picture is sharp and clear, and colors are vibrant—I had no complaints with the display, and it makes the tablet more appealing to use as a whole.

There aren't many ports on the Alpha 12, but those present are useful for a tablet. The left side holds all the system buttons—Power, Volume, and a Windows key for pulling up the OS menu—while the right flank includes a USB-C port (capable of power, display, and data transmission), a USB 3.0 port, a microSD memory slot (good for cards up to 128GB), and a headset jack. Having just one USB 3.0 port can be inconvenient if you'd like to connect a mouse and another peripheral, but the USB-C port adds some flexibility. There are two cameras as well: a 2-megapixel 720p front-facing camera and a 5MP full HD rear-facing camera. Inside, there's a 256GB solid-state drive for storage, as well as dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0. Acer supports the tablet with a two-year warranty.

Performance

The Switch Alpha 12 includes a 2.3GHz Intel Core i5-6200U processor, 8GB of memory, and integrated Intel HD Graphics 520. It scored 2,704 points on the PCMark 8 Work Conventional test, which measures general productivity. That beats the Miix 700 (2,532), the Switch 11 V (2,275), the Yoga 900S (2,636), and even the Surface Pro 4 (2,612). It was also quick on multimedia tests: Its results of 284 points on CineBench; 2 minutes, 30 seconds, on HandBrake; and 5:57 on Photoshop were toward the front of the pack, or outright faster than most of the competition's. While not a more powerful full PC, the Alpha 12 is capable of completing media work, and won't have a problem with day-to-day tasks.

See How We Test Tablets

As expected for a tablet, gaming and 3D performance are not where the Alpha 12 excels. The integrated graphics are capable of running some less-demanding titles on lower settings, but a smooth 30 frames per second on the Heaven and Valley gaming tests was a bridge too far, even at medium quality settings and 720p resolution. It can play simple games—many of which are well suited to traveling with a tablet—but you shouldn't expect any more than that out of this or any other tablet.

The Switch 12's battery life, while still good enough to last through the day for most users, fell short of comparable tablets. It lasted 8 hours, 17 minutes, on our rundown test, which is more than the Switch 11 V (6:08), but less than most other tablets. On the closer side, the Miix 700 lasted 8:55 and the Surface 3 9:52, but the Samsung Galaxy TabPro S ($419.95 at Amazon) ran for 11:13, and the Lenovo Yoga 900S reached 12:06. The Acer's 8 hours is enough to get you through your workday and commute, but if you think you'll find yourself in need of juice for longer stretches, one of the other systems may prove a better option.

Conclusion

The Acer Aspire Switch Alpha 12 represents a strong value, standing as one of the fastest midrange tablets we've tested, but coming in at a reasonable price. The screen is sharp with a high resolution, and the USB-C port is a welcome addition to the single USB 3.0 port. There are some letdowns with the overall design, though, like the cheap hinge and the average keyboard. Given that the Acer's speed boost over the Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700 ($749.99 at Lenovo) is modest and we like that tablet's design a bit more, it remains our Editors' Choice. But if the inclusion of USB-C is particularly appealing to you, the comparably priced Switch Alpha 12 is worth your consideration.

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