It’s not the smooth or ‘Swift Pair’ experience that Microsoft boasts about. The replacement keyboard connected properly, albeit with some initial troubles. So we returned to the Microsoft Store for a replacement which worked. The connection light on the back of the keyboard didn’t flash in the patterns described in the documentation. The devices paired and connected but almost immediately disconnected. Sadly the connection (via Swift Pair or standard Bluetooth) didn’t work properly. The first model we tried connected using Microsoft’s Swift Pair feature, that promises a faster connection between supported Microsoft accessories and Windows.
MICROSOFT’S WEDGE KEYBOARD WINDOWS 10
Though Windows 10 machines enable some parts of Microsoft keyboards not available on non-Windows devices.
MICROSOFT’S WEDGE KEYBOARD BLUETOOTH
SetupĪs the name says, it’s a Bluetooth keyboard which should connect with most devices, not just Windows or Win10 computers. Next to the battery area is the Bluetooth connection button and indicator light. Microsoft says a pair of batteries will last two years … ask us again in 2021. The Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard is powered by two AAA batteries (supplied). € – Euro – AltGr + 4, make sure Win10 is set to an English (UK layout) keyboard. We wish more keyboards supported multiple currency symbols. Our UK layout version had three currency symbols included. Curiously, the Windows 10 setting to use standard Function keys instead of special functions does NOT work (Control Panel | Keyboard) Currency Symbols To access the regular Function keys, hold down the Fn key first then one of the special keys shown above. No camera on/off key, though a physical lens cover is more reliable. No screen brightness controls, seemingly dumped in favour of connect, task and calculator options. There is NO Printscreen key, presumably the Snipping key is meant to replace it. Search: starts the Search pane, same as the Search button on the taskbar, same icon too! What’s missing Lock: locks Win10, login is needed to access the machine. Setting: opens the Win10 Settings app, not Control Panel Task View: same as the Task View / Timeline button on the taskbar, though it uses a different icon. Notifications: opens the Win10 notification pane Start media player: opens the default media player ( VLC for us)įurther to the right (F8 and higher) are more unusual and mostly undocumented.Ĭonnect: opens the Windows 10 Connect pane Some are common and hopefully obvious (volume and play) but not all of them are documented or even mentioned in the accompanying software. The Office and Emoji keys are getting all the attention because they are new but there are other special keys across the top row. Office key replaces the right-hand Windows key.Įmoji or Expressive Input key is also on the right. The Office and Emoji keys are on the right of the spacebar between the Alt and Ctrl buttons. See our separate reviews of the dedicated Office key and Emoji key. They seem trained to deflect blame from Microsoft, regardless of the situation or facts. The exchange was done with little fuss however the staffer tried to blame other factors (older Windows 10, conflict with other devices etc). We had to return the first keyboard because of Bluetooth connection problems. It’s a strange situation where a customer is explaining Microsoft hardware to Microsoft Store staff! Only the Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard was available and it had to be pointed out to Store staff.
Staff didn’t know about the Office key and tried to explain there was no Office key and insisted there was only a Windows key. Microsoft Store staff are pleasant and well-meaning but hampered by their narrow training. We spent some time trying keyboard options to discover what Microsoft has made possible but hides from paying customers.īuying the keyboard from a Microsoft Store was an interesting experience. The documentation with the keyboard is lacking, though a little improved in recent days. not the Microsoft Designer Bluetooth Keyboard released in 2018. Note: this is the Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard released in October 2019. We bought a Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard with our own money and gave it a long hard look. What’s this new keyboard like … aside from those innovations? The Microsoft Bluetooth Keyboard is one of two new models with dedicated Office key and Emoji key.