Customer Reviews: Read 7 more reviews...
 Both helpful and contradictory ergonomically January 14, 2010
Jason (Backwater, Alabama)
I had to type on a coworker's keyboard for a bit today, and the experienced spurred enough thought that it required a review. Even though I prefer a traditional keyboard, the ergonomic layout is difficult to get used to. And the keyboard additions almost betray the intent of ergonomics: to optimize well-being (yes) and performance (no). I have more errors when using this type of spread-arm keyboard, but it's "supposed" to be better for a repetitive typist. (Side note - I've been consistently jamming away on a computer since the early 90s, and I type like the Big Bang: Way more action and commotion than is probably necessary, but the results are amazing and lightning quick.)
There are a few positives to this keyboard that make it worthwhile. I know most will tout the ergonomic layout as the number one positive - more on that in a second - but I actually think the design of the Space Bar is ingenious. Everyone uses the Space Bar in a rough "U" shape. Both thumbs dive down and nearly never hit the upper-middle of the key. This keyboard makes use of that ignored location and cuts off part of the Space Bar. With that in mind, the empty spot on the Space Bar is occupied by the Zoom button. Normally a dead space on ergonomic keyboards, this Zoom button comes in handy for documents, maps, and just about anywhere else there is fine print. The wrist padding is soft and comfortable, and the plastic "elevator" provides the correct wrist support for even the worst desk sloucher. The "idea" of the function buttons is nice, since programs used often could be programmed in; but, isn't that what the Start Menu is for?
The negatives for this keyboard, however, outweigh the positives in my opinion. First, the minimized Right Shift and Enter keys are noticeable, and lead to fat fingers, but are overall not terrible. The Back and Forth button is just pointless because it's a function for nearly every mouse, but it's also in a horrible location. Positioned just far enough below the Space bar that it can't be reached without picking up one hand or the other, it's perfect for those oh-so-common typists with double-jointed thumbs. The key design and covering wears off far too quickly, or maybe I just don't wash my hands enough. The size of this keyboard is enormous compared to most others. This is the type of keyboard that allows maybe a tape dispenser and one of those dancing hula girls to occupy space; other than that, prepare for the keyboard manifest destiny. The function buttons are nearly a complete waste. Because of the aforementioned bulky size of this keyboard, the function buttons are a mile away and guaranteed for minimal usage. Without the extra, plastic attachment to the bottom of the keyboard, it lies far too flat on the desk, and feels quite uncomfortable.
VERDICT:
If you are starting to get repetitive motion injuries, or OSHA is brow-beating your company, this is a fine keyboard. Otherwise, ride the horse what brung ya.
Jason Elin
 Ergonomic and Comfy Keyboard December 3, 2009
K. OH (Beaverton, OR United States)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Microsoft Wired Natural Ergo Keyboard 4000 5-Pack Black
Compared to my Dell non-ergonomic general keyboard, the difference is like day and night. I do a lot of typing sometimes, and I have to massage my wrist after 20 or so minutes of continuous typing. But with this keyboard, it feels so comfy and wrist doesn't hurt at all. I'm getting 5-pack for my family and friends. It will be a good gift. Besides, it's good for the wrist and hand, right?
 Good Concept, Poor Execution November 10, 2009
Len (Roslyn, NY USA)
I loved using the keyboard for typing and it is very comfortable --- BUT.
The letters are painted on non-durably. After a year or so the E and D, evidently most commonly used, wore off. I contacted Microsoft and they were very nice about sending a free replacement keyboard. I assumed they would have fixed the problem. Bad assumption! After another year the same letters wore off again.
For an ergonomic keyboard, it has some of the shortcut buttons in a very stupid place; in the middle of the resting pad. Very often the heel of my hand would hit the buttons accidentally, change the settings, and require resetting.
The problems are not worth the benefits and, with my new computer, I returned to a conventional keyboard.
overpriced by 5 May 15, 2009
Ariel Esteban Rodriguez
ok i had this keyboard for 1 year and it stoped working on me, and i take care of my keyboards, im writing this review from the first keyboard i brought, an ibm old style one with no fancdy keys etc and the mycrosoft always felt like a much more cheaper keyboard than this one, the plastic on the keys and casing of the ibm is about 2 times thicker and it still has all the letters on them, on the microsoft the letters started to fade away after 3 weeks! the keyboard started to malfunction after 6 months, the space bar felt like garbage from day one, and 8 keys on the keyboard stopped working after a year so i had to go back to my old and sturdy ibm, no more microsoft hardware for me, oh and by the way i paid 42 dollars for it.
 Misleading Scam that Amazon Refuses to Correct May 1, 2009
Olaf Peterson (USA)
15 out of 15 found this review helpful
This item is linked to several price searching websites as a 5-pack (including pricegrabber.com) although it ships as a single keyboard. the single keyboard link is listed on the same page directly from Amazon and is 4.5x less. So you can buy the true single for 42 bucks or pay 188 for "5 Pack" and receive the same single keyboard. Because it doesn't say "5 pack" on the amazon site, although it's linked as such at external sites and is priced as such, they refuse to remove or correct the product page. Good luck to others unlucky enough to fall into their trap.
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