19.2.2014

I firstly want to commend Microsoft for such a high quality product. It all just feels really great from when you take it out the box. The padded palm rest is very comfortable and although the keys don't press in that deep, there is still more than enough feedback from them for you to feel them as you press them which is always very important to me when using a keyboard. It is also a very quiet keyboard which is nice as I've used some incredibly louder ones in the past.On first glance, the cut-out in the middle of the keyboard can look a little daunting, even more so to users that have not used an ergonomic keyboard before, but I feel as with any keyboard regardless of it being ergonomic or not,it just takes some getting use to. I actually found myself adjusting to the keyboard very fast and find it quite natural to type on just after a few days or so. I really like the split space bar too, as I've used keyboards that had big space bars that just felt slightly heavy to press so that really completely eliminates a problem that you don't really think too much about until you use a keyboard like this.It was also very simple to set up, worked straight out of the box. Just had to plug in the wireless dongle (which was located in the mouse) and then Windows 7 automatically installed the drivers and it was working perfectly just like that. After installing all the necessary drivers though, I was a little disappointed with the slight lack of customizable keys if you are accustomed to that. There is actually only one key that has any real flexibility which is the play/pause media key at the top left which I've set to open my media player. I also find it a shame that there isn't an led indicator to show whether caps locks is enabled or not since I feel that is quite a handy feature sometimes, instead you get an on screen notification when you press it, but it means you need to press the key to find out if it was on or off. I'm not too fond of the Fn switch at the top right either. It's basically to switch between the function of the top keys of the keyboard. the top keys are either windows shortcut keys when the fn switch is set to blue, and F keys when set to white, which can be a little annoying since I like to use both functions. These top keys are a fair bit smaller than the rest of the keyboard keys too which isn't a problem for the most part as there keys won't be used too regularly, which the big exception of the Esc key. I myself use the Esc key quite often as do a few other people I know and it makes it a lot harder to hit with it being different to the other keys and being so much smaller.Another unique thing about this keyboard is the fact that the numeric pad for the keyboard is a complete separate entity, but as I rarely use it, it is an actual bonus for me as it makes the physical side of the keyboard much smaller for me. I can imagine it being a little annoying though for someone that uses the numeric pad quite often which I do know a few people that do.As for the mouse, It's definitely another thing you would need to get use to. I've used it a bit and I've gotten use to it, but don't notice as much benefit from using it and being a graphic designer, I nearly always prefer to use my graphics tablet instead. Saying that though, it also has quite a nice weighty feel to it and a perfectly fine mouse. Again though, as with the keyboard, there is a distinct lack of customizable buttons on the mouse.Just a few side notes:• It does come with alkaline batteries so it is ready to use straight out of the box.• It uses magnetic covers for the battery compartments which just works flawlessly. It's just a small touch I know, but attention to detail such as that really makes a difference.• This it is a UK layout keyboard despite the product image shows a US layout keyboard (which most notably has the @ key on the 2 key rather than ").Overall though, this is probably one of the best keyboards I've used, if not the best and I would highly recommend it. If you have a mouse that you are already use to though and love (as there are quite a few other good mouses out there), then maybe buy the keyboard separately. If you need a new mouse too though, there is definitely nothing wrong with this one either.

31.10.2014

So to set the scene, I'm in my mid twenties (before anyone thinks ergonomic keyboards may be for the older generation) and one day I woke up and thought I'm really not happy with my wireless keyboard (Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 2.0). It would intermittantly lose connection, the range would mean that on my desk I would have to be within 1ft to ensure it was connecting, the keyboard itself had been used for 3 years so it was worn, basically I due an upgrade...So last Saturday morning, I started the search determined to purchase something that same day... I went through website after website thinking the keyboards looked boring and yes they may type very well i.e.mechanical keyboards but i much preferred the scissor style much like my MacBook Air... so the search continued throughout the day and I also visited some shops... no joy on finding a keyboard that looked aesthetically pleasing and that was going to be a pleasure typing on... well until this...Because I like things to look appealing, this keyboard jumped out... It looked unique, it had a challenge as I touch type but i've never used an ergonomic style keyboard, it would appear this was the keyboard I was after! So I scanned the reviews and they were mixed, basically saying great keyboard but a lot of people experienced faults. This didn't put me off and I placed the order Saturday evening and received the item Monday morning using the next day delivery. Arrived at my office nice and promptly so I could get using it straight away. Firstly, upon unpacking this item (very well packaged), people walking by my office would comment as it does truly look incredible, it's not just a keyboard but a decorative piece for your office/desk.So day 1, types very well, no effort at all to push down on keys and it turns out that it's not very hard to adjust to this style of keyboard... well apart from a bad typing habit of using my right index finger to press B (just did now) instead of my left hand.. so when touch typing B becomes N. The keys are different sizes but your hand adjusts... it's noticeably a lot comfier than a standard style keyboard, I was basically very happy with the decision to get this. The mouse, some people have complained about it, I'm very pleased with this too, it's so comfortable! Yes it's big and yes I have whacked it across the desk by mistake but it feels great, the buttons on it are also useful (Windows 7)... There's also the num-pad, this is taking some getting used to as I dip in and out of using it day to day, but again, like it... So at the end of day 1, I decide to take it home with me to keep using it and see if I can get used to it for the following day (my typing speed had dropped significantly to before).Day 2. take it the office, lay it out and start typing, I notice the left shift key wouldn't press properly resulting in it not working... Frustrated thinking everyone on the reviews had warned me of faults, I inspected the key and noticed a small piece of plastic was floating underneath the key... I couldn't remove it, but instead pushed it away (it's now floating somewhere else within the keyboard). This has resolved the problem but in the interim period of not knowing, i contacted Amazon and they dispatched a replacement straight away (due to arrive today). For this reason I am going to replace it because I'm not clear where that piece of plastic belongs so may cause me problems in the future... But, other than this, I wouldn't lower the rating as the keyboard is honestly the best keyboard i've ever used and seen, Amazon's service has also been incredible, so all in all would highly recommend to anyone wanting a challenge to adjust their typing, stand out with a good looking keyboard and want a premium quality keyboard that is as the description tells you.

12.9.2017

This is one of the best ergonomic keyboard and mouse set you can get. The product is also well priced for what you get (wireless dongle, ergonomic keyboard, separate numeric keypad, ergonomic mouse fully featured with 4-way scrolling and 4 buttons, and batteries included). It is durable and feels very high quality.I used to suffer from a lot of small wrist aches using my old normal keyboard and mouse and these have practically disappeared after I started to use this keyboard and mouse. This does not mean that it will magically remove any RSI problems you might have of course, you have to couple this with adequate posture, a good chair,good monitor height and adequate desk arrangement (and don't forget to move around and take frequent breaks).The keyboard has a stand which elevates it from the front. This may seem awkward at first but once you start using it you immediately feel that your wrists and hands are in their natural position. It has a padded palm rest on the front which helps you keep your hands in the right position and avoid unnecessary strain from keeping your wrists suspended. You might think that such a strange keyboard arrangement will be difficult to get used to, but it only took me around 15 minutes of using it continuously to get used to it. And now that I got used to it, when I go back to traditional keyboards I immediately feel that my wrists are not in a natural position. The keyboard uses a couple of the small AAA batteries, with quite a long battery life.The numeric keypad is separate from the main keyboard. This gives you the advantage that the main keyboard has a smaller footprint, and the mouse can be kept closer to your central working area, avoiding unnatural arm/shoulder outwards movements. If you don't use the numeric keypad frequently you can move it out of the way (or chuck it in your desk drawer) and get it out only when needed.The mouse is larger than normal avoiding the continuous 'gripping' position you have to do with a traditional smaller mouse, and has an unusual shape that helps you keep your wrist in a natural position (slightly tilted to the right), with a 'thumb scoop' to ease the pressure from that finger too.Other than that the mouse uses a blue LED (which is arguably better than usual red LEDs, not sure if this is a myth) and is quite fully featured, with extra Windows Start and Back buttons reachable by the thumb, and four-way scrolling from the wheel. The mouse uses 2 conventional AA batteries. It does feel that it drains them a bit too quickly (need to change them after a couple of months or so, but I guess I have quite heavy usage), but I try to switch it off when not using it to save on battery life. The mouse also has a place where you can store the wireless dongle. So it is a safe place to put if you decide to carry the mouse (and maybe the keyboard) with you while on the move without losing it. (You can use the mouse alone without the keyboard if you have the dongle with you).The only issue with this keyboard is that it uses a proprietary wireless dongle that is prepaired with the keyboard and mouse in the set. So you cannot replace the dongle if you lose it or damage it. Similarly you cannot replace the mouse on its own if you damage it. You also cannot buy the keyboard on its own, and the mouse separately (so be careful of those keyboard only sets for sale). The only option you have is to replace the whole combo. I guess would have been good if Microsoft released a small software tool to flash and pair a replacement dongle, or to pair your peripherals if you need to replace one of them! (Or maybe Microsoft will decide to just use bluetooth with the next version). Pity because it would have been a 5-star product otherwise!

4.10.2013

After a few days of use, I'm finding this keyboard great to use. The key feel takes a little getting used to, however; it has a strange, clicky-calculator feel without much key movement.Now I'm used to it however, it is great. The split space bar is excellent, and very accurate.Caveat: if you're a programmer who uses vim/vi, you'll find the Esc key to be *really* disappointing - the Esc and function keys have a different action to the other keys on the keyboard, and simply are a pain to use. I suspect that this keyboard wasn't tested-out on enough programmers, or surely Microsoft would have addressed that before releasing it. Tip for vim users - try Ctrl-[ as an alternative...In terms of use,I'm using this keyboard as a professional programmer, connected to my Mac Book Pro, which runs very hot and using this keyboard isolates me from that heat through my fingers (!). I've used the Microsoft natural keyboards a lot in the past, and loved the original Elite keyboards; and simply hated the feel of the ones that replaced them. This keyboard is, overall, a great return to form from Microsoft in my opinion.Mac users - you can swap the behaviour of the Windows/Alt keys, to match the way the keys in that position work on your Mac keyboard. The instructions are as follows (having first connected the microsoft keyboard connected via the USB Dongle):System Preferences -> KeyboardPress the Modifier Keys button in the bottom rightSelect Keyboard from the drop list - "Microsoft 2.4 GHz..."Set Option to CommandSet Command to OptionAssuming that you want to configure your keyboard such that the @ and " keys are the right way round (!), you might want to try the following steps. Select System Preferences -> Keyboard. Press the Input Sources button on the screen that appears; this will show the "Languages & Text" screen. Select the Input Sources tab, and then select British (or British-PC, whichever works for you...) in in the list. A UK flag will appear in the system menu at the top of the screen. If you click on the flag, a menu appears which allow you to select what the active keyboard layout is; the menu also allows you to "Show Keyboard Viewer", which will show an on-screen keyboard reflecting how the Mac thinks your hardware keyboard is laid-out: that should line-up with what you see on your actual keyboard!On a separate note: the mouse feels way too large to me, I can't get on with it - so I'm sticking to my external Mac Track Pad. It would have been nice if I could have bought this keyboard without the mouse. The numeric keyboard is also a complete waste for me - straight in the bin together with the mouse, I'm afraid.All that said, focused purely on the keyboard: on balance, a 5 star keyboard that could still be improved for programmers: if anybody at Microsoft happens to read this (!), it would be perfect if the Esc key worked better, if it could be bought without the mouse and numeric keyboard, and if the key feel were a bit softer.Edit; I'm still very happy with this keyboard as of September 2016. However, I've found that the dongle has a long-term pair of problems. The first is that after rebooting my Mac, I need to take the dongle out and plug it back in, for the keyboard to be recognised. The second is that the dongle seems to have very short range; I have to use it connected via a USB extension cable that allows me to place it very close to the keyboard; that might be behind the first issue, I guess. Hoping this helps!

4.11.2015

I bought this ergonomic keyboard and mouse to help relieve my wrist aches and often bad seating posture. I can gladly say that this has been an excellent purchase. It's been a week since I purchased this product and have been using it every single day. Granted this is not too long, but here are my first impressions:The good points:First on the Keyboard: Not only does this keyboard help with the wrist aches, but also improves the seating posture. Because of the ergonomics, the best and easiest way to type is by sitting up straight and not leaning on the table while typing.My first reaction when I unboxed this keyboard was 'this feels so weird!' But it took me just a few minutes of typing to get used to it,and now I do not see myself going back to a traditional keyboard. The keys on this are perfectly spaced and have good feedback when typing. I use the magnetic stand (provided) which elevates the keyboard to a perfect height and angles the whole keyboard ever-so-slightly downward so the palms are comfortably placed on the soft palm-rest and there is no strain on the fingers while typing (pictured). The function keys on the top are awesome as there is a little switch that toggles between the function keys (in white) and media controls (in blue). I love this feature as I don't always use function keys. I can control the volume, search, share, connect to a wireless device, open the settings menu, switch between tabs on any browser and lots more! These worked straight out of the box without any need for additional settings/drivers. The number pad comes separate, which is perfect for those who use the number pad a lot. The freedom of not having it attached to the whole keyboard means you don't have to place your keyboard off-centre while typing. Love this feature!Now on to the mouse:The mouse is more of a round shape than the traditional pear shape. And the angle at which the buttons are placed make you rest your palm on it more naturally making it easy to use for long hours. It also has the windows home button which is conveniently place near the thumb along with a 'back' button next to it. It has a good weight to it as well.Another good feature is the fact that the battery compartments on both the keyboard and mouse are easily accessible with covers that are magnetic. this makes opening and closing the covers super easy and eliminates the risk of breaking any clips while opening. (I always ended up breaking the clips from previous mouse covers which are so flimsy and it becomes impossible to open especially the days I cut my nails!)Now on the down side: The only thing I can think of is the price. If only Microsoft made these slightly cheaper! But when compared with similar products, this Sculpt is still competitive and is worth every penny! Since I have only used this product for a week now, I haven't found any issues with it yet. If I do, there will be an update to this review in a few months.A highly recommended keyboard and mouse to anyone who spends a lot of time typing!

6.2.2019

I've been using this keyboard for about 3 months now, and I find it the most comfortable keyboard I've ever used for touch typing. I really enjoy the split layout, and the wrist rest is nicely placed to keep the wrists straight while typing. The keys have a decent amount of travel, and feel responsive, though if you like the "click" of microswitched keys, this isn't the keyboard for you.I'm not so crazy about about the layout of the arrow keys on the right. I would prefer if there was some separation from the main keyboard, and if they were in a more traditional arrangement. This is only a minor gripe for me, but might be a deal breaker for some people.The function keys double between the traditional F keys,and media keys, with a slide switch to choose between the two. I don't make much use of the media keys much, so leave the slider on the Fn side, however it would be tedius to have to keep switching between the two if you use both regularly. It would have been better to make the keyboard slightly bigger to have dedicated media keys, or have a laytop style Fn shift key to allow the other mode to be accessed without moving the slider.The numeric keypad is a separate unit. I only occasionally use this as I rarely use the numeric keys on a regular keyboard. It lies flat, and has no legs for adjusting the angle, which might have been helpful for people who make more use of than me.Both keyboard and keypad are wireless, and share a single USB dongle rather than a Bluetooth connection. I think this is better for a desktop computer, as Bluetooth can take a few seconds to reconnect when sleeping. However, make sure you don't lose the dongle, as the keyboard is useless without it, and apparently replacements are not available. There is a space to hold the dongle in the battery compartment of they keyboard.The range of the wireless link seems to be quite short, and seems to require line of sight. It worked okay with the front USB ports of my floor standing PC, but didn't like the rear ports. I found it worked best with a USB hub on my desk. However, this creates a slight problem that sometimes the computer doesn't recognise the keyboard when first turned on, and I have to unplug the dongle and reinsert it.The keyboard takes a pair of AAA batteries, and the keypad takes a single CR2430 button battery. The latter is an unusual size, larger in diameter than the more common CR2032, so I don't know if it will be hard to find when it runs out. While it's nice to have a wire free desk, I don't particularly need a wireless keyboard, and it would have been nice to have the option to connect with a USB cable and forego the need for batteries.Despite all these minor gripes, this really is a very good keyboard. Keyboards tend to be a very personal thing, and everyone has their own personal preferences, so finding one keyboard that meets all your requirements can be really difficult. I really love the typing experience on this one, and don't mind compromising on the other features.

5.1.2019

I had never really used ergonomic keyboards before I bought this one, I always preferred straight clunky mechanical ones, however having tried it and then bought it I can say this is definitely one to go for if you do a lot of typing for your job.The curve of the keyboard makes your wrists lie in a far more natural position than a straight keyboard. The vertical curve also extends to the support pad meaning there is almost zero bend at the wrists. I found the amount I move my hands during typing significantly decreased. The pad material feels nice to the touch and if you prefer having your desk lower relative to your arms the included block elevates the keyboard from the front making it a very relaxed and comfortable typing position.

9.4.2015

This keyboard and mouse set looks much better in reality than it does in the pictures. I'll leave the debate over repetitive strain type injuries to the experts but, more importantly for me, it feels very comfortable to use. If you are a touch typist you will get used to it much more quickly, almost instantly, as it feels so natural. (If you are not, use a free online course and it will be worth the investment of time whatever keyboard you use.) The separate number pad is a great innovation. As I only use this when I am doing number orientated work, which is occasional for me rather than full time, I leave it just above and to the right of my keyboard (as pictured).

8.2.2016

I bought this along with an ergonomic, vertical mouse as I am currently suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. I am very impressed with this keyboard. After just a couple of weeks using it I find that I am able to work with a lot less pain and fatigue in my hand than with a regular keyboard. It only took a couple of days to get used to the layout, although it does highlight your keyboard skills (or lack thereof!). I found that I was trying to use the "wrong" hand on the "wrong" side of the keyboard, like trying to reach the 'Y' key with the index finger of my left hand. It hasn't taken me long to unlearn this habit and to start typing the correct way again.

17.5.2015

I bought this keyboard as an alternative to the more expensive Kinesis ergonomic keyboards. The typing experience is more like a laptop style scissor switch than anything else I have typed on. The hand positions are more comfortable as using the board forces you into a natural posture, personally I prefer the to use the stand which angles the keyboard away from you. I really like the detached numpad, and particularly like holding it like a calculator. The functions keys have two functions which are switched between using a selector switch on the right side of the board. This is can be confusing if your like me, you will forget the switch setting and be wondering why pressing F1-12 keys does other things.

19.3.2017

Beautiful. It takes some getting used to having typed on a standard keyboard for many years. But having made the switch to an ergonomic keyboard in work, I took the plunge with the keyboard at home, hopefully this will allow me to get used to the new layout sooner. I have the older Natural Ergo Keyboard 4000 Win32 USB Port EngBrit Hdwr CD (UK Layout) but still perfectly usable keyboard for work (I code all day and write a lot of documents) and having recently suffered with a flare up of an old shoulder injury I decided to make the switch. So far so good. Obviously a keyboard and mouse switch is only part of the solution.The mouse included in this set, while I was sceptical at first,

16.11.2013

Having used this keyboard for the last couple of months, I am starting to get the hang of it. My previous keyboard was the 4000 Ergonomic model, so I have struggled a little while figuring out where the control keys like cursor keys, etc. have been moved to. The mouse button are a little difficult to get used to, requiring a firm click to activate. Perhaps it's Microsoft's way of making sure I am positioning my hand correctly as this seems to have fixed itself.The keys are a dream to use, which is surprising to me, as I never through I would like using a "chicklet" type keyboard. The separate numeric keypad is an interesting idea, and it is useful to bring the mouse "closer to the action".

3.1.2017

I've had this keyboard/mouse for about 6 months now. It's truly excellent, has some flaws, but they can be ignored if you desire comfortPros- comfort is excellent. I no longer suffer wrist pain (arthritis, it sucks)- typing is natural and quick and responsive. The chiclet style keys are more comfortable when you also suffer finger pain- design is wonderful, batteries included, no awkward clips, magnetic covers- the mouse is surprisingly good. I normally use a gaming mouse at home but at work, it's ideal when paired with a sliding wrist support (this one is excellent, though the packaging is not useful when you have weak hands!

28.7.2019

Don't overthink, don't read more reviews, this is it, this is THE keyboard. I've tried all other Microsoft ergonomic keyboards, including the latest surface ergonomic, but this one beats them all.Pros:- Extremely comfortable to type on it, it's just a pleasure, difficult to describe.- Key travel distance is optimal, somewhat between a laptop keyboard and a normal keyboard.- The key switches are fantastic, and I've used mechanical keyboards as well, but these ones just feel absolutely perfect to me- Ultra quiet. If you like quiet keyboards this is also your choice. But still the sounds it produces it's really nice, many people has already told me in the office,

8.12.2016

I bought this to replace an ageing but much loved Microsoft Ergonomic 4000 Keyboard that I used for hours a day at work.Overall I really like this new keyboard with the laptop style keys, although it's taking me some time to adjust to the slightly different layout with regards to things like the Insert, Delete, Home, End etc., cluster. The keys are tactile and provide nice feedback. The travel is obviously much less than the keys on the 4000, but they're positive and satisfying to use.I didn't use the numeric keypad often so it's nice to clear up some desk space by not using the separate keypad.My biggest hang up with this is that it is wireless.The dongle that comes with it is surprisingly large.

Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop - Reviews

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