Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000

The Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard has been specifically designed to provide optimized positioning to help minimize the strain and stress of typing on a keyboard. The "gull wing" design puts the keys in a better position, which creates a more natural typing position for the fingers, hands and arms.

About the Company

This keyboard is manufactured by Microsoft, a leader in computer hardware and software products.

About the Product

This ergonomic keyboard has been designed to help reduce the risk of carpal tunnel injury, by featuring a design that puts the user's fingers in closer proximity to the keys. This encourages a more natural and comfortable typing position, and reduces the amount of reach and unnecessary motion that standard keyboards require. The keyboard's design has been found to encourage better wrist and arm alignment, and includes an optional palm rest for a 7-degree reverse slope. It also features easy to access forward and back buttons, located at the bottom center of the keyboard, My Favorites keys, enhanced F keys, and customizable hot keys.

The Good

This keyboard has unique features that, although they might take a little getting used to, are quite comfortable. The fact that your hands are positioned in such a way that the forefingers are higher than the little fingers puts the wrists in a more natural position. The customizable and quick-launch buttons are handy, as is the zoom button. It is a keyboard with a good solid feel to it, and the faux leather palm rest is comfortable.

The Bad

The front tilt plate that raises the palm rest and puts the keys at a downward slope can be difficult for some to get used to (however, it is removable). They keyboard has the tactile feel of a laptop keyboard, which makes it quiet, but some people might not like the softer "squishy" touch. Because of the fact that the keys at the center of the curve have been elongated, touch typists might have some initial problems getting used to the keys. This is a USB-only keyboard, and you can't use a PS/2 adaptor with it.

The Bottom Line

This keyboard is a good choice for those who frequently use a computer, as it will help reduce the amount of stress placed on the fingers, hands and wrists. The overall design is ergonomically friendly, and it doesn't take long to get used to the feel and arrangement. The price is reasonable, and it is a good replacement keyboard that almost anyone would enjoy using.

Product Information

The retail list price for this keyboard is $64.95 and you can get it at CableOrganizer.com