Want a fingerprint reader? Microsoft now has a keyboard for that

The Modern Keyboard features a fingerprint scanner located on a key next to the right Alt. (Source: Microsoft)

Microsoft has released a new keyboard with embedded fingerprint scanner and is calling it "The Modern Keyboard". The Modern Keyboard has both wireless and wired functionality but comes at the hefty price of US$129.99.

Douglas Black, Published 06/16/2017

Microsoft's premium keyboards — especially the Surface Keyboard — have received a lot of critical acclaim. They have a handsome, minimalist design that suits both premium PCs or Macs, and they always have come with a number pad. A new keyboard from Microsoft that sports a Windows Hello fingerprint sensor has been spotted on their website, and Microsoft is calling it The Microsoft Modern Keyboard. A new mouse, dubbed The Modern Mouse was unveiled as well.

The Modern Keyboard will likely be very similar to the original Surface Keyboard, and so it's a good bet that it will have the same pros and cons. The Surface Keyboard has generally been praised for its build quality and ergonomics but criticized for its price of US$99. That looks like it will go double for the Modern Keyboard, which has a US$129.99 price tag. If you want a nice keyboard and biometric security is important to you, though, then it might be worth it. The accompanying Modern Mouse is priced at US$49.99.

It's not clear when the devices will be available, but they are "coming soon".