Ergo - The Microsoft Keyboard

I’ve never personally enjoyed using ergonomic keyboards. The reason could be that I really don’t type according to standards. Then again, who does?

Anyways, I can definitely see the value of an ergonomic keyboard like the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 and if you are running Windows on you PC or Laptop then this keyboard will definitely help you out, ergonomically. The problem is the adjustment period. Either you’ll be OK with the time it takes to adjust, or you wont. Simple.

I probably wont ever be able to adjust, or re-adjust to a keyboard of this type. It’s taken me years and years to get to a point where I can touch type. The ergonomic split on this keyboard just doesn’t suit me at all.

The great divide occurs between the T & Y, G & H and B & N keys. I think this makes sense if you start this way but for me, it’s too much to overcome.

The keyboard is definitely comfortable to use and is finished with great touches such as soft padding for your wrists to rest on while you type. That I could get used to.

The hotkeys on the 4000 keyboard actually work. Can you believe that? I have tried out many keyboards that are simply for looks. The hotkeys often don’t work, but on this beaut, they do! There is a hotkey for web-home, back, forward, volume up and down, mute, play/pause that integrates with Windows Media Player and even a hotkey to open up the calculator. If you are using a calculator often, what a bonus!

All in all the 4000 works splendidly with a Windows machine and I would highly recommend it if you are in the market for some change or a new ergonomic keyboard.

But does it work on a Mac?

As I type this section of the review I am using my MacBook Pro and the Microsoft 4000 keyboard. Again, the typing is slow but the keyboard actually works on a Mac.

Now if only someone could explain to me why anyone would want to use it on a Mac we’d be all set.

Setting up the keyboard on the Windows machine was effortless and non-existent. And it was almost so on the Mac. Simply plug it in and configure. You will be asked to push a button next to each “Shift” key, and then you’ll be good to go. Done and dusted.

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Filed Under Computing, Featured Reviews, Microsoft, Peripherals