Jump to content

Photovoltaic keyboard

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Monkbot (talk | contribs) at 22:59, 25 January 2021 (Task 18 (cosmetic): eval 8 templates: hyphenate params (6×);). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

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

  1. ^ http://www.freepatentsonline.com/10528083.pdf
  2. ^ "The wireless keyboard that lasts forever without new batteries or recharging is back down to $40". Retrieved March 23, 2020.
  3. ^ Biggs, Jogn (2011). "Logitech K750 Is The World's First Solar Keyboard". techcrunch.com. Retrieved October 9, 2011.
  4. ^ Fingas, Roger (2011). "Review - Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750 Review". macnn.com. Retrieved October 9, 2011.
  5. ^ Clancy, Heather (2011). "Green Gadget of the Week: Logitech solar keyboard for Mac". zdnet.com. Retrieved October 9, 2011.
  6. ^ https://github.com/pwr-Solaar/Solaar
  7. ^ "Photovoltaic Wireless Keyboard Test" (in German). Retrieved 2018-06-29.
  8. ^ http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2013/12/logitech-unifying-receiver-linux-solaar
  9. ^ "Logitech's Solar Powered Keyboard is Just What We Need". 2010. Retrieved March 23, 2020.
  10. ^ "Logitech's Latest Innovation: a Wireless Keyboard Powered by Light". 2010. Retrieved March 23, 2020.
  11. ^ CARNO, DAVID (June 16, 2012). "Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K760" (in German). Retrieved 2020-03-23.


Stub icon

This article about renewable energy is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Photovoltaic_keyboard&oldid=1002760622"