Reviewed by: suemccartin on 23-Aug-09 Rating:

Strengths:Comfortable ergonomic key layout, multimedia controls

Weaknesses:Key switches just do not last, they all fail the same way

Summary:I\'ve had two of these keyboards in the last three years. They are a great keyboard but the switches in the keys just don\'t last long. The first one a letter or two quit, second one the enter key quit. Look around and try to find an old natural keyboard pro keyboard, the switches are a ton superior to what you find here, I have one at work and one at home it just keeps on working. If you get this keyboard get used to buying them two at a time because when they quit, it\'s very sudden no warning. I really do like this keyboard it just seems like their quality control and or parts are just substandard. I wish these were more dependable, I would never pay full price bue the oem price is not bad at sub 30 bucks plus shipping of course but better than the 70+ the full priced ones sell for.

Reviewed by: badkid32 on 07-Feb-09 Rating:

Strengths:See bellow

Weaknesses:None

Summary:This is my second one, after I wore out my last one after using it for 3 years. This keyboard is simply amazing. The raised front of the keyboard gives it the proper incline for your wrists, not like others that raise the top (where the wire comes out). Key cushion is nice, and the soft rubber palm rest is nice too.

Reviewed by: lurkdale on 28-Dec-08 Rating:

Strengths:Everything except the spacebar

Weaknesses:the spacebar

Summary:I just bought a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. The spacebar sticks and really slows down the typing. This seems to be a common complain with this keyboard. I would NOT recommend it.

Reviewed by: websurfer88 on 21-Dec-08 Rating:

Strengths:Great keyboard, unique hand rest pads and works well with my XP, Vista OS without any additional drivers.

Weaknesses:Keyboard key layout

Summary:Overall this is pretty good keyboard, I was so impressed that I sold my older MS Ergomonic keyboards to get 2 of these.

I didn\'t have any problems with drivers on my XP, or Vista OS. There were additional drivers cd included as well for older OS models.

My only big nag is that the keys are not very well layout or say \"spaced\" so it would take some time to get used to.

I use to have pain in my hand but after getting this keyboard, the problem is now gone. Good hand layout and I really like the hand pad.

Recommeded highly to those that use the computer a lot and want to avoid injury. Of course a good sitting position and table means a lot also.

Reviewed by: cpeterson46 on 16-Dec-08 Rating:

Strengths:Easy on the wrists.

Weaknesses:Awkwardness of the space bar.

Summary:My second one of these just went out. The first one I had lasted 2 days. Then the C and V keys would not work. Got another one as it was under warranty. It has lasted a month. The C key will not work. The guy working at the store said they had been seeing a lot coming back with the same problem.

Reviewed by: msunflower on 14-Aug-08 Rating:

Strengths:Feels good on my wrists

Weaknesses:space bar is very hard

Summary:Like all the extra choices like back button by the number keypad and the calculator as i use those all the time at work.
I absolutely hate the space bar. You have to hit it xtra hard which slows down your typing speed.
If I knew then what I know now---wouldn\'t buy it again.

Reviewed by: apchar on 14-Feb-08 Rating:

Strengths:very comfortable. Slopes downward.

Weaknesses:keys stick. right shift is awkward.

Summary:Leave it to Microsoft to blow a good idea. The keyboard is very comfortable for touch typing text documents but the alien layout makes it awkward for most programming tasks. I found myself looking down more than I should have to. The right shift key is so awkwardly placed that you have to twist your right hand so much that it starts to hurt. Ergo keyboards are not supposed to hurt. This is not a keyboard for hunt & peck typing. It would actually be tougher than a normal keyboard. It is tailor made for touch typing. The greatest flaw is the sticky keys (especially the space bar.) Because of the shape you\'ll often find your fingers coming into a key at an angle. They stick badly when you do. And you really have to hammer the space bar. The rubber wrist wrest is nicely done . The best feature is that the keyboard slopes downward. This really makes a huge difference. I\'ve been wedging stuff under the front edge of past keyboards for years to get this effect. Glad to see someone finally figured it out. Keyboards that slope up never made any sense to me. I wound up taking mine back but I\'d still recommend giving it a try. If you can wear the keys down and are not a programmer you\'ll love it. The corded version is frequently on sale for less than $30.

Reviewed by: grc1056 on 09-Jan-08 Rating:

Strengths:Function keys

Weaknesses:Plastic attachment under keyboard

Summary:Great keyboard, lots of function keys, looks great, and may take a bit to get use to using. Search for the best price, remove the attachment, if necessary, for more confort, and should work out great. I love microsoft keyboards, but they are a bit large.

Reviewed by: reviewerreid on 17-Jul-06 Rating:

Strengths:good feel, configurable

Weaknesses:space bar could have lighter touch, driver causes problems with Microsoft apps.

Summary:After installing the keyboard software, MS Excel, and Power Point zoom to the max. PP then \"flickers\". Had to press the shift key to open Word. Otherwise it opened and immediately closed. One web page repeatedly closed whenever I tried to type in a specific text box. Uninstalling the driver fixed these problems. The keyboard is nice, but the driver (5.5.661) needs fixing.

Reviewed by: jgranato on 29-Mar-06 Rating:

Strengths:Ergonomic, Wrist Support, Tactile Keys, Zoom Scroll

Weaknesses:Lacks USB Hub

Summary:This keyboard replaced my trusty MS Natural Multimedia Keyboard. The think that really caught my attention was the padded wrist and elevation option. These worked really well for me. The new zoom key is nice, but I keep going back to my mouse for this function. Good software to support programming key functions. I really like the keyboard response when I type and the pad does really help after typing all day. As a wish list item I would have liked to see an USB hub built into the keyboard.

Reviewed by: fandry96 on 28-Jan-06 Rating:

Strengths:Very comfy and natural.

Weaknesses:Takes some getting used to.

Summary:As expected with something new, this keyboard will take some retraining of your mind. It feels extremely smooth and comfortable and after a few days you get used to having your hands in a new position and the typos get less and less. I love this keyboard and I am sure I could never go back. I also love the middle back and forward buttons, so easy to hit them with your thumbs while you surf.

Reviewed by: mamabake on 19-Jan-06 Rating:

Strengths:Great feel; ergonomically correct; very sleek styling and good looking keyboard.

Weaknesses:None that I have found so far.

Summary:I would recommend this keyboard for the ease of use, comfort and just the overall looks and style. It has lots of different features and the software is awesome. I also like the keys you can program to do what you\'d like them to do. It\'s definitely a keeper and a great keyboard for you to consider when needing an ergo keyboard.

Reviewed by: za000 on 06-Jan-06 Rating:

Strengths:Ergonomic. Quiet keys. Soft palm rest. Programmable hotkeys.

Weaknesses:Does not support PS/2 port. No logoff nor sleep buttons.

Summary:In terms of ergonomics, this keyboard offers little improvement over previous Microsoft ergonomic keyboards, IMHO. And, it is missing the logoff and sleep hotkeys that a lot of other Microsoft keyboards have. However, it differs from previous models in that it is very quiet while typing and has a soft, faux leather palm rest--things that may benefit some people. Plus, its color scheme is quite stylish. So, if you already have an ergonomic keyboard, you may not find a compelling reason to replace it with this keyboard. But if you don\'t, then this keyboard definitely deserves consideration.

Also note that this keyboard is purely USB and does not support PS/2 ports--using a USB-to-PS/2 adapter will not work either. This may be an issue for some people.

Like other Microsoft keyboards with hotkeys across the top, the included Intellitype software will allow most of the hotkeys to be re-programmed to either run a specific application, open a file, or open a web page.

Reviewed by: wonderboy1 on 17-Dec-05 Rating:

Strengths:Favorites Keys

Weaknesses:too high front keyboard riser=useless, wired.

Summary:The keys are so stubborn, and bulky. They don\'t go down smoothly. I have to hit real hard. (especially right ALT key and SPACE bar) I have to hit those keys several times.
This keyboard is also noisy, and too spacy. Microsoft should do their job - fixing bug on windows XP.

Reviewed by: bentinney on 18-Nov-05 Rating:

Strengths:Black & Wired, Layout, Appearance, Feel.

Weaknesses:Zoom button and front keyboard riser.

Summary: The keyboard riser to raise the front of the keyboard is good, but it\'s too high in my opinion. They should have someehow made it user adjustable.

The only weaknesses I could find is the zoom button, it really doesn\'t work all that well, and takes up way to much space for something so useless. And the front keyboard riser which seems way to tall this would be much better if it was ajustable. I have used Microsoft keyboards prior to this board and this keyboard is an improvment over all of them. Very confortable and makes your typing a pleasure. You have almost every option at your fingertips. You can accomodate the F-lock keys to your own commodity. It also looks and feels beautiful. In additions, the black/silver appearance of the keyboard definately matches the sleek looking computer cases & LCD bezels nowadays. Top this off with the reliable Microsoft keyboard software.