Photovoltaic keyboard

Lore & Background

The Logitech K750, announced in 2010, features a set of photovoltaic cells on its top edge and charges from any light source including sunlight and under a standard bulb. It can work up to three months in total darkness and includes software to display battery charging status. It is a full-sized keyboard with low-profile keys similar to a laptop, and includes the usual movement keys and NumPad section on the right side. Two models are available, compatible with Windows or Macintosh operating systems. Although 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.

Another Logitech keyboard, the K760, is also photovoltaic powered. It is smaller than the K750 and communicates via Bluetooth. It was positively reviewed by David Carnoy of CNET, who praised its sleek, stylish design and its ability to be seamlessly integrated with Apple products. He found it slightly bulky to carry around and criticized the lack of carrying case provided by Logitech, but concluded that in the long run it would save a user money and was a better deal than Apple's Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard.

In 2018, Microsoft filed a patent describing how solar panels could be used to extend battery life for Microsoft's Surface Pro.

Reader's Guide

The photovoltaic keyboard is notable for addressing a key inconvenience of wireless peripherals: the need for regular battery replacement. By harvesting energy from ambient light, these keyboards reduce waste and ongoing costs for users. The Logitech K750, announced in 2010, demonstrated that a full-sized keyboard with a NumPad could operate for up to three months in total darkness after charging, making it practical for typical use. The Logitech K760 extended the concept to a smaller, Bluetooth-connected form factor optimized for Apple products, as noted by reviewer David Carnoy. Microsoft's 2018 patent filing indicates continued interest in integrating solar charging into portable devices like the Surface Pro. The existence of third-party software like Solaar for Linux shows that the technology's utility extends beyond officially supported platforms. Overall, the photovoltaic keyboard represents a niche but persistent effort to make wireless peripherals more self-sufficient and environmentally friendly, though the article does not indicate widespread adoption or further developments beyond the models and patent mentioned.

Did You Know?

• The Logitech K760 was reviewed by David Carnoy of CNET.
• Microsoft filed a patent in 2018 for using solar panels to extend battery life for the Surface Pro.
• A third-party application named Solaar provides Logitech-like functionality for the K750 on Linux.