A month ago we wrote about a new Microsoft-branded Bluetooth accessory which has passed through the Bluetooth SIG. The Microsoft Modern Keyboard was listed on the 31st March 2017 and appeared to be the same device as the Microsoft C3K1780 keyboard which has jut received FCC certification on the 9th March 2017, in which case the keyboard appears to be a wireless desktop model like the Surface Studio keyboard with likely a full set of keys including a numeric keypad. According to that documentation, the keyboard also included a convenient USB wired mode, and it appears to use a rechargeable battery rather than AA cells.

Modern Computer Keyboard
Microsoft Modern Keyboard Fingerprint Driver Download
Microsoft Fingerprint Keyboard Driver

Oct 23, 2017 Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Microsoft EKZ-00001 Modern Keyboard with Fingerprint ID at Amazon.com. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. The new Microsoft Modern Keyboard is visually the same as the Surface Keyboard, including the bluetooth 4.0/4.1 connectivity, but it has a different pairing procedure, and lacks a pairing button. I was wondering if anyone has tried to get it working on Ubuntu? Here is the high-level setup instructions from MSFT: plug in USB to computer; turn on.

Now the Bluetooth SIG listing has been updated, on the 1/5/2017 to include a mention of a fingerprint reader, with the device now being named the “Microsoft Modern Keyboard with Fingerprint ID” and being described as a “BTLE Keyboard with Fingerprint enroll feature.” Microsoft at present does not sell a desktop keyboard with built-in fingerprint reader, though this feature is present in several touch covers, and would give users access to Windows Hello without needing to line up with a Windows Hello camera.

Modern Computer Keyboard

Given the trend, I think it is also safe to assume the keyboard will be covered in Microsoft’s favourite new material, Alcantara.

Microsoft Modern Keyboard Fingerprint Driver Download

The keyboard may be revealed at Microsoft’s upcoming hardware event in China on the 23rd May, with the new Surface Pro also expected to be released here.

Microsoft Fingerprint Keyboard Driver

See the Bluetooth certification here and the FCC certification here.