Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 by Microsoft

Posted by John P on July 9th, 2006 3 Comments Printer-Friendly

Natural Keyboard 4000

Do you want a more comfortable, yet stylish and usable keyboard? I recently came across the Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 by Microsoft and quickly requested it to review. I received the keyboard the following day through UPS and set it up on my desktop PC for testing purposes, and maybe even permanent if you read on!

Introduction

You may be wondering, do these ergonomic contraptions really work? I have yet to see if it does really help, but it has to be one of the most comfortable keyboards I’ve ever used in the many years I’ve been using computers. The keyboard comes with Microsoft’s IntelliType Pro software to help you get the most out of the hot keys at the top for favorites, volume adjustment, and launching applications like Calculator.

Now to the ergonomic part.

Ergonomic Design

The Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 has a nice curve to the profile of the keyboard itself, going back to the first Natural Keyboard from Microsoft a few years ago. In terms of the split design, it has the typical 12″ split coming from it’s predecessors. Instead of having your wrists turn outward, it helps make them straight for a more comfortable feel. The keyboard also comes with a 7″ reverse slope lift for the front of the keyboard which comes pre-installed out of the box, for myself, I took it off as I am used to the plain risers in the back of the keyboard that flip-down from the bottom.

Type in a more natural position
You spend a lot of time in front of your computer. In fact, the only thing you touch more often than your mouse and keyboard is your pillow. Microsoft offers some of the most comfortable hardware available.

Keyboard Functionality

The keys on the keyboard were very soft unlike other keyboards as I have mentioned at least three times in this review, and did not make as much noise as other keyboards. I have no expertise in reviewing keyboards, but the layout of the keyboard was the traditional layout you may be accustomed to already.

Extras

The IntelliType Pro software included with the keyboard is nothing to go nuts over, but it provides excellent functionality without any flaws whatsoever from what I have noticed using the keyboard for the past two weeks.

Verdict

Overall, the keyboard had no problems with me and was very responsive. The keys are soft with not that much noise and the ergonomic design did not give me any issues and although it took one to two days to get used to, it was very comfortable there after. I’m definately keeping this one on my desk.

I give this keyboard 5-out-of-5 stars, or two thumbs up.

The Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 by Microsoft is available now at many brick and mortar stores around the United States and Canada.