Microsoft Keyboard 850 vs 900: Key Differences & Best Pick
Microsoft Keyboard 850 is a full-size wireless set with quiet keys and a basic optical sensor; Microsoft Keyboard 900 is the identical-looking successor that upgrades the sensor to BlueTrack for glass-desk use and adds a slightly longer battery life.
People grab whichever box is on sale, then wonder why one works on the glass coffee table and the other skips. Retailers often shelve them side-by-side with identical packaging, so the model number—850 or 900—becomes the only clue.
Key Differences
850: 2.4 GHz USB dongle, 15-month battery, optical tracking on cloth mouse-pad. 900: same dongle, 24-month battery, BlueTrack sensor that glides on granite, gloss, or glass, plus slightly darker spacebar and a recyclable box.
Which One Should You Choose?
Glass desk, glossy counter, or frequent travel? Go 900. Stuck on wood or fabric and want to save $10-15? 850 still types and clicks just fine.
Examples and Daily Life
At the airport lounge, the 900’s mouse works directly on the glossy table; the 850 needs a magazine underneath. In a quiet library, both keyboards stay equally silent, but the 900 lasts a full semester on one battery swap.
Can I use the 850 dongle for the 900 set?
No—each pair is factory-locked; you’ll need the original receiver or a Microsoft replacement dongle.
Does either keyboard work with Mac?
Yes, both are plug-and-play on macOS; multimedia keys map automatically except for Calculator and Zoom, which need Karabiner tweaks.
Are the batteries included?
Yes, both ship with pre-installed AA and AAA cells ready to peel and type.