Misc. Ramblings

My new Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 just came in. As you might expect, given there isn't a keyboard driver for Linux, none of the specialized keys work. Hence, I'm not going to spend anytime on what the keys are intended to do. In addition, the raison d'être for this keyboard is ergonomics. Therefore, my mini-review will concentrate on the feel of this human input device.

With the said, the most noticeable thing about the keyboard is that it has a negative angle. That is, the edge nearest to the user is higher than the edge farther away. I've often wondered why keyboards weren't angled this way because, it seems to me, that it releases some of the tension on the wrists and even the shoulders and neck. If you don't like this angle, you may remove the rather flimsily attached plastic spacer and use the keyboard in a more common angle. In any case, score one for MS.

The next thing I noticed is that the key layout quickly rises towards the center where you will find the 7, t, y, g, h,n, and to a lesser extent the b key caps being substantially larger than the other keys. I can already see that this layout is going to take awhile to get used to. The key placements are just different enough from the Natural Keyboard Pro that I was using that I am constantly hitting the wrong keys. I assume I will get over this but, at best, I have to give a neutral mark on this.

The feel of the key travel is similar to my previous keyboard - that is, mushy and without much tactile or auditory feedback. I know I am showing my age when I say it but I really liked the original IBM AT type keys. They provided terrific feedback and felt like you could hit them with a baseball bat without worrying about it breaking them. These keys have such a soft feel that I have found that I'm getting double letters because I usually rest my fingers on the keys and these are so sensitive that a key press is being registered. So, for me, I give the 4000 a negative on feel although your may feel otherwise [pun not intended -ed].

The 4000 also includes a padded, integral wrist rest that seems pretty comfortable. I don't know how it will feel after hours of use but I think it's better than the hard plastic I had before. A plus on this feature.

One thing lacking that was present in my earlier keyboard is a USB hub. The Natural Pro included a two-port hub that came in handy since the location of the ports were more accessible than the back or front of the CPU case. In addition, the 4000 is a USB keyboard and, in at least my case, did not come with a USB to PS2 port adapter. I happen to have a couple of those adapter laying around but if your motherboard doesn't support USB keyboards you may need to purchase such an adapter. I guess, given most modern motherboards and operating systems will not have problem. Still, I will also grade this as a neutral.

Finally, a word about esthetics. This keyboard is predominately matte black with accents in silver/gray and polished black. To my eye, it makes for an attractive product and was one of the key selling points (since it matches the color of my Dell GX260 at work). For me, this is a plus.

The bottom line is is a net positive. But as in almost all cases, this score may be different for you depending on your personal likes and dislikes. Still, I grade this as a step up from the previous keyboards and look forward to many years of happy keyboarding.

Aloha!