Preonic keeps disconnecting from bluetooth

[itfeltsowong]

Describe the bug
Since updating the firmware, the keyboard always disconnects from Bluetooth within a minute. Full reset and install of firmware does not make a difference

To Reproduce
Steps to reproduce the behavior:

Expected behavior

Turn on the device, connect to Bluetooth, disconnect within a minute, and turn off regardless of whether or not it's being used.

Environment (please complete the following information):

• OS: [e.g. macOS]
• surface Pro 11 and Desktop windows with AMD processor
• Version [e.g. 11.1] Latest firmware
• Device [e.g. Keyboardio Model 01] Preonic

Additional context
Here's the weird part: it works great when plugged in directly to the device (obviously), so I started to think that maybe it's a battery issue, even though when it's connected to Bluetooth, it says 100%. So I tried to plug it into a USB charger to let it charge, and the funny thing is that the Bluetooth functionality works just fine as long as there is power going to the keyboard!

SO, definitely something funky is going on here. I hope it's an easy software fix and soon.

[itfeltsowong]

So, small update, I left the keyboard plugged into an outlet overnight, and now the Bluetooth function works just fine. It seems the problem is that the battery recognition is not accurate, and the LEDs don't display a low battery??

[obra]

Hi, Have you done a full https://keyboard.io/preonic#recovery-mode recovery mode reset yet? That's probably worth trying next.

…

On Sat, Oct 18, 2025 at 8:29 PM itfeltsowong ***@***.***> wrote: *itfeltsowong* created an issue (keyboardio/Kaleidoscope#1537) <#1537> *Describe the bug* Since updating the firmware, the keyboard always disconnects from Bluetooth within a minute. Full reset and install of firmware does not make a difference *To Reproduce* Steps to reproduce the behavior: *Expected behavior* Turn on the device, connect to Bluetooth, disconnect within a minute, and turn off regardless of whether or not it's being used. *Environment (please complete the following information):* - OS: [e.g. macOS] - surface Pro 11 and Desktop windows with AMD processor - Version [e.g. 11.1] Latest firmware - Device [e.g. Keyboardio Model 01] Preonic *Additional context* Here's the weird part: it works great when plugged in directly to the device (obviously), so I started to think that maybe it's a battery issue, even though when it's connected to Bluetooth, it says 100%. So I tried to plug it into a USB charger to let it charge, and the funny thing is that the Bluetooth functionality works just fine as long as there is power going to the keyboard! SO, definitely something funky is going on here. I hope it's an easy software fix and soon. — Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub <#1537>, or unsubscribe <https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AAALC2CRMTTQEUIKAKDQ2H33YMARRAVCNFSM6AAAAACJSV4QFGVHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43ASLTON2WKOZTGUZDSNBWGY4TGNY> . You are receiving this because you are subscribed to this thread.Message ID: ***@***.***>

[itfeltsowong]

Hey @obra
Yes I have done a full recovery. Next minor update, It seems the issues resurfaced after the device went into sleep mode. I had to leave for a little bit, and when I came back, the Bluetooth on the preonic just wouldn't respond. Plugged the preonic back into a power source and bluetooth works again. I then unplugged the device and the device seems to power down or something within a minute, no LED flash. something funky is going on..

Again, I let it charge on an outlet for a bit, and after disconnection, the Bluetooth is back to normal. Battery issue???
Software??? I don't know.

[itfeltsowong]

Update, noticed that if I manually turn off the keyboard via the switch instead of letting it sleep on its own, I can turn the device back on and it will connect just fine and stay connected. I guess it's a work around until this is fixed... but it's nice to know that the device works.

[karptonite]

FYI, I'm seeing the exact same problem, that is, I lose connection and can't reconnect if I let things go to sleep (with the exact same workaround of switching the keyboard off), also on MacOS. This may be the same issue being tracked in #1523.

[coggro]

Is this still getting worked on? I'd love to be able to use this keyboard on my Steam Deck when hooked up to a TV and/or when not plugged in to my computer. I've been monitoring the other issue ( #1523 ) but haven't seen any progress.

[itfeltsowong]

@obra I also found the culprit behind my keyboard disconnecting and having difficulty reconnecting. Besides the knob, which I have gotten used to making sure it's in an actual notch and not half a notch, I noticed that having too many devices connected to Bluetooth would cause my preonic to act abnormally. I'm not sure if it's because of the low power, the software, or something. Still, whenever I would use my headphones, sometimes a game controller, keyboard, and mouse all connected, the keyboard would start to disconnect and have trouble reconnecting. This would force weird sleep where I would need to continuously use FUN+# to force a rewake, but it would take FOREVER to reconnect (30s-2min)

I stopped using my Bluetooth headphones/speakers to connect at the same time as my preonic + mouse, and it solved pretty much everything... I now have zero problems with Bluetooth. However, not being able to use earbuds or headphones is kind of a dealbreaker when I'm travelling for work and need to do work calls.. I'm using a Surface Book, btw, and switch between my desktop and experience the same issues. So this may not be the same for those on MAC.