Best Microsoft Keyboards

Ergonomic typing – Ergonomic typing layout is why i got it. Been using it almost daily for a few months now and i do notice less hand fatigue. But annoyed that the lettering is already beginning to rub off! I took off two stars for that as it's not what i expected. Show details

Second Natural Keyboard in 15 Years – Finally had to give up my original Gen 1 natural keyboard from more than a decade ago. But not because of the keyboard but the PS/2 connector was… Read more

becoming loose. I do not have a single bad thing to say about that keyboard. So naturally, my replacement would also be a natural keyboard since I've learned to type with it (even if I don't type as much as I used to).

The Gen 1 keyboard with the split design was mainly designed for the arm spread circular motion when typing. This 4000 keyboard have also accounted for the wrist twist rotation motion towards the centre. Even for me who have used the natural keyboard for over a decade still need a bit of relearning and adjusting with this keyboard. But that leap is no where near what it would have been if transitioning from a "standard" or a laptop keyboard. But that retraining is highly worthwhile for those who do A LOT of typing long term. Microsoft have also added 4 additional keys (equal, parentheses, back space) above the number pad for those who do a lot of data entry. Again, takes some getting used to. The leather covered wrist support is also a nice touch (pun intended). This full size ergonomic keyboard is fantastic in keeping your fingers aligned with the arm to eliminate wrist strain and lateral bending.

Now on to the bad points. Microsoft should have split the space bar into two. The keys at the centre (t,y,g,h,b,n) are pressed at an angle following the wrist rotation so they are easy to press. But the single space bar is pressed vertically which makes it feel a bit stiffer. The second problem is the most complained about online relating to the zoom wheel. It looks like the scroll wheel on the mouse but it is used to zoom in and out instead. And the IntelliType driver doesn't let you customise the wheel function. There are custom hack available online on how to change the function to scroll but you need to do that for each program and the result is not always as intended. I guess Microsoft have already moved on from this keyboard to create any updated software. Lastly, I wish I could use the function keys as traditional function keys (as in F1, F2, etc). Microsoft have assigned other shortcuts to those keys as default so I need to leave the function lock on to use them as function keys and hence the indicator light (similar to the Num lock and Caps lock) is always on.

For those who don't like this "chunky" look then there is the Sculpt which is better looking and more compact. But I prefer a chorded keyboard.

4.8 stars ;) – I bought this to fit into a computer desk designed by someone who never owned a computer. The keyboard tray is too narrow for a keyboard and mouse,… Read more

and the main desk is too high to comfortably use a mouse but well done for a flat panel. This is a small keyboard and after a few minutes of getting used to the almost notebook like feel, it is really nice. If it had some little feet to prop up the top it would be perfect. I accept the design was for mobile use, but how hard would it have been? Some web reviews complain about the sensitivity of the space bar. I find none of that. Getting used to the Dhat arrow keys is a bit of practice but it comes with use - just misses greatness but still a fine product. As a keyboard, very happy. Caveat. I am a touch typist and do not use a numeric pad often, and am very comfy using the primary numeric keys. Size, good tactile touch, quality feel. Missing feet to adjust the slant

Product doesnt work how it should – The mouse wheel will not scroll, no matter what I try in the settings I downloaded the mouse and keyboard centre it didnt help at all. will be… Read more

boycotting all microsoft harware from now on.. its a shame because the keyboard design is quite nice. however some buttons are assigned to the wron key .

Lettering on keys wear off quickly – I installed this keyboard 3 months ago. Already the letting on the A, S, E and T keys have completely worn off and the I and O keys are half worn… Read more

off. This keyboard was more expensive that an equivalent Logitech keyboard which lasted me well over 12 months (probably 18 months). I will never buy another Microsoft keyboard.