Microsoft has quietly posted two new accessories onto its online storefront, called the 'Modern Keyboard' and 'Modern Mouse' (via Engadget). Both devices are built to visually match the company's line of Surface products and connect to Windows PCs, but the Modern Keyboard will also connect to any macOS and iOS device that supports Bluetooth 4.0.
*Microsoft Modern Keyboard With Mac
*Microsoft Modern Keyboard Bluetooth Pairing Mac
*Microsoft Modern Keyboard Mac Pro
*Mac To Pc Keyboard Mapping
Jun 16, 2017 Windows giant Microsoft today unveiled a nicely designed wireless keyboard with a built-in fingerprint sensor located between the Alt and Ctrl keys, as. Jan 15, 2020 The Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center is an application that helps you make the most out of your Microsoft keyboard and mouse. Mouse and Keyboard Center helps you personalize and customize how you work on your PC. This application is not available for Windows 10 in S mode.
The Modern Keyboard has a low profile with an aluminum frame that Microsoft says is 'virtually indestructible,' while still remaining sleek. It can also be used wirelessly through Bluetooth 4.0 or with a wired connection, includes a rechargeable battery that can last up to two months on one charge, and weighs about 14.79 ounces.
Notably, the Modern Keyboard includes a hidden fingerprint sensor located between the Alt and Ctrl keys that lets users unlock their Windows 10 devices with a simple finger press using Windows Hello. Although the keyboard can be used on a Mac, iPhone, and iPad to type, the fingerprint unlocking feature is not compatible with Apple devices.Microsoft said that its goal was to seamlessly blend the fingerprint sensor into a key on the keyboard, 'so it would appear to be any other key.'
Our vision was to blend the Fingerprint reader into a keyboard, so it would appear to be any other key.
We iterated relentlessly to improve each layer, making sure they came together to create a flawless typing experience that felt like any other key.Microsoft Modern Keyboard With Mac
Microsoft's new keyboard falls in line with a similar product requested by Mac fans since the debut of Touch ID within the MacBook Pro's keyboard last year, which would be a Magic Keyboard for Mac with Touch ID included somewhere on the device. Last week, Apple launched a new Magic Keyboard with a number pad, but it lacks a Touch Bar and Touch ID.The Modern Mouse is made out of similar metal material as the keyboard and includes 'premium precision pointing and clicking,' according to Microsoft, but it lacks compatibility with macOS. It also uses AAA batteries with a battery life of around 12 months.
Both devices have a 'coming soon' banner on their pages, so it's unclear when exactly the accessories will launch. When they do, users will be able to buy the Modern Keyboard for $129.99 and Modern Mouse for $49.99.
The Modern Keyboard with Fingerprint ID is Microsoft's latest PC keyboard accessory that builds on the original Surface PC Keyboard in small and subtle ways. It features the same sleek design and awesome chiclet-style typing experience, but with the addition of a Windows Hello compatible fingerprint reader and the ability to use the keyboard in either wired or wireless states.
If you've been looking for a Windows Hello compatible solution that's integrated with your keyboard, look no further.A valuable peripheralModern Keyboard with Fingerprint ID
Bottom line: The Modern Keyboard with Fingerprint ID is an excellent keyboard and a great way to add Windows Hello to your Windows 10 PC.Pros:
*Beautiful design.
*Chiclet-style typing experience.
*Windows Hello-compatible fingerprint reader.What you'll love about the Modern Keyboard with Fingerprint ID
The Modern Keyboard with Fingerprint ID features the exact same design found on the original Surface PC Keyboard released alongside the Surface Studio in 2016. It has a low-profile modern grey design, and keys that feel excellent to type on. Those keys are framed by an aluminum body that feels premium when compared to most keyboards with a plastic body.CategorySpecConnection interfaceBluetooth LE 4.0/4.1/4.2Wireless frequency2.4Ghz frequency rangeWireless range33 feet (10 meters) in open air, up to 17 feet (5 meters) in office environment typicalCompatibilityWindows 10Dimensions16.57 in (L) x 4.43 in (W) x 0.76 in (H)Weight14.58 ouncesBattery TypeNon-removable rechargeable batteryBattery LifeFour monthsPortsMicro USB
The key layout is full-size, meaning you've got an included number pad positioned after the arrow keys. Along the top, you have the standard 12 function keys, which feature volume controls, screen brightness, quick access to Task View, Search, and Settings. You also have four extra shortcut buttons on the far right that give you access to Calculator, Action Center, PC lock, and show desktop.
Unlike the original Surface Keyboard, the Modern Keyboard can also be used in either wireless or wired states. This means that if you don't want to use Bluetooth, you can plug in the keyboard with the bundled Micro-USB cable. This is also how you charge the keyboard, as the Modern Keyboard doesn't come with a removable battery. But that's a good thing, because it's more eco and you don't have to keep buying or recharging external batteries.
Once fully charged, the keyboard should last around four months on a single charge. It supports Bluetooth LE 4.0, too, which means it should use very little power. Bluetooth connectivity is up to about 10 meters when in an open space, or about five meters when in an obstructed space.Microsoft Modern Keyboard Bluetooth Pairing Mac
The other big change between the old Surface Keyboard and the Modern Keyboard is that the second Windows Start key has been replaced with a fingerprint reader. It looks and feels like a normal key, except it no longer opens Start when you tap on it nor does it feature the Start logo. Now, it has a fingerprint logo and only works on the lock screen after Windows Hello has been setup.
To setup the fingerprint reader, you have to first connect your keyboard to your PC via the bundled cable, and then head to Windows Update to make sure all the correct drivers are installed. Then, you just head to the Accounts* > **Sign-in options area in Settings and setup the fingerprint login option. Setting up takes about 30 seconds and requires you to scan your finger multiple times to get an accurate scan.
I love how the fingerprint reader is integrated into the design of the keyboard. It's not in a separate area, nor is it colored differently, and it doesn't look different than any of the other keys.What you'll dislike about the Modern Keyboard with Fingerprint ID
The biggest annoyance with this keyboard is the speed and accuracy of the fingerprint reader. It's definitely not the fastest fingerprint scanner on the market, taking about a second or two before it logs you in. You really have to hold down the fingerprint key for it scan you correctly.
I find that taking your time when adding your fingerprint really helps with the accuracy, but unfortunately, it doesn't appear to make it any faster when on the lock screen itself. Logging in with the fingerprint scanner is faster than entering a pin or typing a password, but if you're expecting iPhone 8 level Touch-ID performance, you won't find it here.
I also wish the keyboard used USB-C instead of Micro-USB for charging. The other thing I don't like about this keyboard is its price, $129, which is quite a bit more expensive than the original Surface Keyboard.Microsoft Modern Keyboard Mac ProModern Keyboard with Fingerprint ID bottom line
The Modern Keyboard with Fingerprint ID is an excellent keyboard with the addition of Windows Hello fingerprint capabilities, meaning it provides a secure and quick way to log into your PC if you don't already have a Windows-Hello compatible peripheral.
The Surface Keyboard and Modern Keyboard are more or less identical. The only differences are the Modern Keyboard can be used wired and has a fingerprint reader. If those things don't matter to you, save a few bucks and get the older Surface Keyboard.
It's the only keyboard on the market that features Windows Hello integration this elegantly. And being able to use the keyboard wired is a nice option. The Modern Keyboard with Fingerprint ID is the ultimate version of the Surface Keyboard, and it's one of the best keyboards Microsoft makes.
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