Microsoft has announced a new keyboard without making too much of a fuss about it. The company brands it as the "Modern Keyboard," a sleek-looking full-size keyboard integrated with a fingerprint sensor.
Microsoft Outs Modern Keyboard
The Modern Keyboard comes as the successor to the Surface Keyboard. Besides the built-in fingerprint sensor and the option to use a cable for a wired connection, the Modern Keyboard looks pretty much the same as its predecessor.
With the top case made of aluminum, the keyboard sports a slim, minimalist, and low-profile design, very much akin to the Surface line of products.
It Comes With A Hidden Fingerprint Sensor
Microsoft hid the fingerprint sensor on a special key beside the second alt button, represented by a fingerprint whorl icon, which can be used to log into Windows 10 or websites via Windows Hello.
Microsoft's new keyboard will also support different operating systems across the board, including macOS, latest versions of Android and iOS, and, of course, Windows 10. Whether the keyboard will support Android O, macOS High Sierra, and iOS 11 when they're all eventually released remains a question, though. Several reports contradict with what Microsoft's OS compatibility chart states, however, but we're betting that any device that supports Bluetooth 4.0 or higher will work with the Modern Keyboard.
Microsoft claims the keyboard lasts up to four months on a pair of AAA batteries, which is bundled with the device. Thankfully, this means you won't have to recharge it too often.
Modern Keyboard: Pricing And Availability
Microsoft will make the Modern Keyboard available soon for $129.99, which is a tad bit more expensive than the Surface Keyboard at $99.99, but if you want the fingerprint sensor, you need to shell out an extra $30 for the Modern Keyboard.
Those points in mind, both of the keyboards' prices are still pretty much expensive, especially when the Razer Turret — a wireless keyboard-and-mouse combo — only costs $160. But The Verge notes that the Modern Keyboard is one of the best keyboards on the market at present, especially for those who prefer laptop-like key travel.
Thoughts about Microsoft's new Modern Keyboard? Would you purchase it over the Surface Keyboard? As always, if you have any thoughts or opinions, feel free to sound them off in the comments section below!
Other Microsoft News
In other Microsoft-related news, the company recently committed to a semi-annual release cycle for Windows Server updates, as opposed to releasing major changes every three years or so. The cycle shift will put Windows Server in parity with the way Microsoft delivers updates to Windows 10 and Office, which both also receive two updates per year. The next update to Windows 10, for example, hits users this fall.
The change comes as a natural progression of the company's efforts to unify Windows development. It will also open up a preview channel in addition to an Insider Program for those who want to get in on the action first.
