microsoft comfort curve keyboard 2000 ( b2l-00002 )

Rating:
Date: 2008-07-08
A cheap, silly gimmick
When I unpacked the Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 Keyboard, my first thought was, "Wow, this looks cheap." When I started typing on it, I thought, "Wow, this feels cheap."

Of course the Comfort Curve IS cheap in price. However, I've used many computer keyboards in this price range, and they've seemed positively luxurious by comparison. The Comfort Curve is as cheap-looking and cheap-feeling as they come.

If you're a fast typist, you'll find this keyboard maddening. The key travel is very shallow and insubstantial; even a typical laptop keyboard is much faster.

Then there's the distractingly inconsistent touch and sound of the Comfort Curve's keys. Some are nearly silent; others make a loud "clack"---and it's completely random. The spacebar is particularly loud and clunky. (Guys, is it really that big a deal to add a few pennies' worth of padding to these things?)

But what about the cool curved key layout? Comfortable, right?

Wrong---for me, at least. My work arrangements require me to divide my time between a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard (at home) and various standard keyboards. The NE 4000's "split hands" design really does let you keep your wrists straight. Standard keyboards feel cramped and unnatural by comparison, but I put up with them.

The Comfort Curve felt just like returning to a standard keyboard. The rows weren't nearly curved enough to make a difference in wrist position or comfort. In fact, I found I could use a "straight" keyboard with my wrists at exactly the same angle.

But here's what I found especially goofy about this supposedly ergonomic keyboard: It slopes UP and away from you, making you bend your wrists upward to keep your hands an equal distance from each row. The Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 actually slopes DOWN and away---letting your wrists bend slightly downward, the most natural and comfortable position. But even a completely flat keyboard lets you hold your wrists in a more natural vertical position than the Comfort Curve does (and I'm feeling a bit silly typing that name by now). In this respect, it's actually ANTI-ergonomic.

What was Microsoft thinking when they released this product? My best guess is that they thought it would appeal to people who wanted to type more comfortably---but who couldn't afford real ergonomic keyboards, or found them too unconventional.

In other words, it's a gimmick. Completely. But hey, don't take my word for it. A lot of people here thought it was great. So go ahead and try one for a while. Just be sure you can return it.

Rating:
Date: 2008-07-01
Big Improvement
This is an upgrade I wish I would have done sooner. Has so many pluses over standard keyboards: Slim profile, slim keys, perfect angle. My favorite part about it is that it does away with the awkward/bulky wrist rest that are part of so many keyboards. Combined with the slim profile your wrists can rest where they're supposed to-on the desk. Doesn't hurt that the keys have a perfect resistance/response ratio that is very easy and smmmooooth. Only reason it didn't receive five stars from me is due to Amazon not mentioning very clearly that this is a USB keyboard.

Rating:
Date: 2008-07-01
Great Keyboard!
I really like this keyboard. It has all of the features I wanted - a calculator button, the traditional 2 high by 3 across navigation keys (insert, delete, home, end, page up, and page down) and media controls (play/pause, volume down, volume up) - it's very comfortable, and it takes up less horizontal space than the bar keyboard I had before it. It's great. I kinda wish it was wireless though.

Rating:
Date: 2008-06-19
Best keyboard I 've ever tried
I went to 5 different stores and tried out 40- 50 keyboards. I was willing to spend up to 100$ if one "felt right." I have a severe tendinitis injury / carpal tunnel and need a really well designed keyboard. I ended up buying this baby for 20 bucks and my pain was dramatically reduced. The only downside is that it doesn't come in wireless (to my knowledge). For under 20 bucks, how could you not at least try this keyboard. A+

Rating:
Date: 2008-06-13
Keyboard
I received this item on time!! The keyboard has helped with my arthritic hands. The spacing of the keyes are great.

List Price: $34.09
Lowest Price: $18.01

New Items Remaining: 7

List Price: $99.00
Lowest Price: $58.91

New Items Remaining: 18

List Price: $29.95
Lowest Price: $6.70

New Items Remaining: 9

List Price: $99.00