Photovoltaic keyboard

A photovoltaic keyboard is a wireless computer keyboard that charges its batteries from a light source such as the sun or interior lighting, addressing a major drawback of wireless computer peripherals that otherwise require regular replacement of discharged batteries. The first keyboard that was solar-powered was Logitech K750 that was announced by the company in 2010. In 2018 Microsoft filed a patent describing how solar panels could be used to extend battery life for Microsoft's Surface Pro.[1]

Logitech K750

The Logitech K750 has a set of photovoltaic cells on the top edge, charges from any light source including sunlight and under a standard bulb, can work up to three months in total darkness, and includes software to display battery charging status. It is a fullsized keyboard, including the usual movement keys and NumPad section on the right side, with low-profile keys much like a laptop.[2] There are two models, compatible with Windows or Macintosh operating systems.[3][4][5]

Even though the keyboard is not officially supported in Linux, a third party application named Solaar provides functionality akin to the original Logitech software, such as battery and connection status indications, and allows device pairing/unpairing.[6][7][8][9][10]

Logitech K760

Another Logitech keyboard, the K760, is also PV powered, is highly useful. It is smaller and communicates with the computer via Bluetooth. [11]

References


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