 - Cutting-edge design and improved performance for maximium productivity
- E-mail and Internet hot keys
List Price: $59.95
Lowest Price: $29.00 
Product Description: A 14 degree gable separates the two groups of keys, which is complemented by the curved key bed and 7-degree wrist rest for what looks to be a truly comfortable typing experience. Other notable features include a zoom slider, five programmable favorites keys for launching documents and applications, forward & backward keys located in the center of the keyboard, hotkeys, and the standard enhanced function keys. Customer Reviews: Rating: 
Date: 2008-07-02
Nothing wrong with the space bar on my board...
I spend a lot of time typing, and when the keys on my much-used, much-loved Belkin Ergoboard started to stick, I went shopping for something with which to replace it. I knew I wanted another ergonomic keyboard (I can't stand anything else), but I couldn't decide on a model. This, the Microsoft 4000 ergonomic keyboard, looked very appealing (and I like the soft, "squishy" feel--and the low noise level--of the key actuation on the new Microsoft keyboards in general), but I was concerned about the space bar. I read quite a few reviews about how the spacebar "sticks", or is hard to depress, or how it should have been split into two separate space keys, etc.
I was a bit worried about it, but I found a cheap refurbished 4000 on eBay and thought, what the heck? I just got it in the mail today, and I have to say that I can find absolutely NOTHING wrong with the spacebar on this keyboard. Maybe I just type harder than other folks, or there's a slight difference in different boards, but, much to my relief, I have nothing at all bad to say about it.
In addition to the very comfy ergonomic split design, this keyboard has a fairly pronounced "rise" in the middle, a feature that's hard to appreciate from the images. It's meant to allow your wrists to be positioned at a more natural angle, and it's great.
Another thing that's hard to notice from the picture is that the built-in wrist rest is not just hard plastic, but a soft, cushioned, leather-like material.
All of these features, combined with the smorgasbord of extra keys (back/forward, zoom, volume control, favorites etc.), make me think that I'm going to be enjoying this keyboard for a very long time... Rating: 
Date: 2008-07-01
Love it! (with a caveat)
Bought the first one about a month back. Loved typing on it as typing was a breeze, I was not having the usual pains and also I thought I could type faster. BUT... the first piece that I bought started to act weird. First, I lost some control over the L key (it would need to be pressed hard) and then finally lost control over the N key (read the N key issue of this keyboard over the internet). Tried to calm myself that perhaps it is my finger position on these keys but no, it was an actual issue.
Finally, I returned the keyboard using the Amazon returns and asked for a replacement. The new keyboard has arrived and its space-bar is a lot less stiffer and it is holding fine for the last week or so. Need to keep working on it for a month or so to find out if it breaks down or not. Good thing is Microsoft has 3 yr warranty on it too.
So what is my advice? I love the keyboard and would recommend that you buy it. Beware though that you MIGHT end up returning a piece or two before you get the perfect one. So if you are one of those people who despise going through the return process then you should think twice. I personally think the comfort of this keyboard is worth the discomfort. Rating: 
Date: 2008-06-27
Terrible keyboard
I had one of the older ergonomic Microsoft keyboards, which I loved. When I decided to get a second ergonomic keyboard for home I figured I'd order the updated model. What a mistake. The 'H' key didn't work and two other keys were very sticky, making a really annoying loud clicking sound each time I hit them. I sent that one back to Amazon and got a replacement. Although all of the keys worked on the second keyboard, they still felt really stiff (especially the space bar), making for a very unpleasant typing experience. I ended up giving the keyboard away. Rating:
Date: 2008-06-26
Great keyboard
Generally I wouldn't buy hardware that was branded by a software company but after researching the different keyboards available that met my needs this came out on top.
I've been very happy with this keyboard. The keys have a good feel to them and it hasn't let me down. Rating:
Date: 2008-06-26
Best keyboard yet
I bought this primarily because I was having problems with my Saitek and my Vista x64 laptop. I figured that maybe a Microsoft keyboard that said "Vista certified" on the box might give me less problems. To be honest, I'd never really thought about the ergonomic aspect before.
My initial thoughts were that this keyboard seems very well made and sturdy. There is nothing about it that feels cheap - the plastic feels tough, the wrist rest feels soft but durable and they keys have an excellent travel and feel to them. I really appreciate the damped sound compared to my Saitek.
Next, I am impressed with the range of extra buttons on this keyboard - I never thought I'd use them, but I do. It actually is handy to have my browser, email, search and calculator right there. The zoom slider seems a little pointless, but horses for courses!
But what has impressed me most of all is the ergonomic design. They have obviously given a tremendous amount of thought and research into laying out these keys - and what a result! Never before have my hands felt like they were in such a natural position. Going back to my Saitek briefly I can't believe that I typed in that position for so long - it's no wonder I'd started to get pains in my wrists and forearms. This keyboard is comfortable with a capital "C". I really like the raised wrist position. It took me maybe an hour to get used to the angled key layout and I love it now. It's even ironed out a few of my bad typing habits, like constantly reaching over for the "B" key with my right hand - not possible on this layout.
Overall I am tremendously happy with this product and would recommend it to anyone who is prepared to try something new. My only worry is that I'm going to wince from now on whenever I have to use someone else's non-ergonomic keyboard... |
