Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite
by Microsoft
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Our Price: $29.99
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Category: CE
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: MicrosoftAudio: English (Original Language)
Format: CD
Platform: Not Machine Specific
Model: A11-00337
Color: White
Product features:
- Keyboard features ergonomic design for comfort
- Multimedia controls for easy access to music and video files
- Enhanced F-key commands for customizable shortcuts
- Connects to PC via USB or PS/2 ports
- Attractive white finish
- Windows Live OneCare 2.0 (Up to 3 Users)
- Mavis Beacon Typing 17 [OLD VERSION]
- Norton Antivirus 2010 1-User [OLD VERSION]
- Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10 Standard [OLD VERSION]
- Roxio Creator 2010 [OLD VERSION]
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite
Customer Review: Great, better than standard keyboards
Summary: 4 Stars
Cons: (disclaimer: most of these cons are minimal, but you really notice the small things when you use something for many hours in a day)
1) The keys take too much force to press down. Why can't the keys just be lighter? I previously owned a "Logitech Office Pro 967452-0403 White PS/2 Standard Keyboard" and loved how quickly I zoomed through the keys, but this one takes a little more force than I would like. I've used the product for 2 weeks but still haven't developed enough finger-muscle strength to type without missing the speed from the lighter action on the logitech. Don't get me wrong - it really isn't that much force, but just enough to be noticable. It's just something I think is unnecessary.
2) The keys are still at the old angled layout like all other standard keyboard. This is supposed to be an ergonomic keyboard, right? So why are the keys still slanted like they were with typewriters, where they slanted the keys so that the machine wouldn't jam up from fast typing. If you can't follow me, take a look at the Kinesis and Maltron ( Maltron Keyboards (Dual Handed) ) ergonomic keyboards, and you'll see what I mean. Seriously, take a second to look at how you type the z, x, c, or v key and think about how much better it would be if the keys were placed grid-like right under the home asdf keys. Why must they still be slanted? It's like they expect our arms to grow at a left-ward angle instead of the straight angle.
3) The arrow keys are too small and have a weird layout. I really liked how my hand fits on the standard arrow key layout, with the index finger on the left, middle finger on the up, and ring finger on the right keys - just feels a lot more NATURAL. On this keyboard, I have to squeeze my fingers together to get the same placement. Wonder why they would put this small, crosshair layout on a keyboard they named "natural". Good thing today that many games allow you to use the awsd keys instead.
4) The size of the delete key. I find myself hitting the end key above it far too often, or accidentally hitting the insert key along with the delete key right beside it. They should have made the delete key a little bigger.
5) (This one's a personal qualm, probably wouldn't bother most others) The keys don't feel glossy. I love how glossy the keys feel on my old logitech... it drew my fingers to them so much that I'd just want to leave them there for the rest of the day. *Pouts*
6) The Function keys aren't grouped. It used to be very easy to hit the right function keys without having to look at them, but on this keyboard, they're all squeezed together so you'd rarely know which one you're hitting. You could probably train yourself to do so, so that's why this is my last and least malicious con.
Pros:
1) The great big gap in the middle. Even before ever hearing of split keyboards, I've always felt that my hands were a little bit too close together on the standard keyboard, and my left hand would arc to the left in order to orient itself with the straight layout, hurting my wrist a bit. This split keyboard alleviates all of that - my hands feel so much more natural. Now if they'd only do something about the key layout so that my fingers would feel better too (see my con #2 up there).
2) The upward slope in the middle. Although I wish the slope would be a tad higher, I think it's great Microsoft chose at least implement a slope, which gets your hands closer to the ultimate natural position: the vertical hand-shake position (Google the Safetype ergonomic keyboard to see what I mean.)
3) The lights are in the middle of the keyboard. It's just so much better when I can see the lights right there instead of all the way in the corner.
4) Aesthetically, the keyboard doesn't look too shabby. I like the inward curve on the top, and just like how the keyboard looks. =)
Final comments:
Yes, there are more cons than pros, and yes, I still give this keyboard a 4-star rating. Why? Read my disclaimer above - the cons are quite minimal but do add up. If they at least rectified my #1 con, I would whole-heartedly give the keyboard 5 stars. But as I type on this keyboard now, and move my hands back to my old keyboard and type on that, my fingers just frown at why all keyboards can't have such light yet responsive keys for them to zoom through.
I really love the split design of this keyboard, and quite like how it still uses qwerty. Dvorak would please my fingers more, but the thing is, it's not ubiquitous, and upsetting others when I forget to switch their keyboard layout back to qwerty would probably get annoying. I think this keyboard hits a nice ergonomic balance, keeping qwerty due to its ubiquitousness, yet having the wonderful split design.
The cons of many reviews include how big this keyboard is and the changed layout of the home, end, delete, etc key group. I on the other hand would much rather have a spacious keyboard because I have tons of desk space, than a keyboard that makes me feel cramped. Also, the changed layout of the home, end, insert, and delete keys really doesn't affect me much because I don't really use them much, except for the delete key which hasn't changed position - it's still right next to the enter key.
Really, for the price there's not much wrong with this keyboard, and nothing wrong with the split design. I would however recommend this keyboard instead: Microsoft Natural Multimedia Keyboard because it keeps all of the pros of this keyboard, but rectifies one of my cons - the arrow-key layout.
Thanks for reading, and happy buying! Don't forget, your hands are much more important than $30. =D
Description of Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite
Stay comfortable and work longer with the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite. The split, gently sloped shape of this keyboard allows you to type with a more natural hand, wrist, and forearm position. The ergonomic design helps to prevent poor posture and fatigue, so you can work longer at your computer. At the same time, enhanced F-key commands and a multimedia center give you more control over how your system works, enabling you to tailor your keyboard to match your needs.Stay comfortable and work longer with the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite. The split, gently sloped shape of this keyboard allows you to type with a more natural hand, wrist, and forearm position. The ergonomic design helps to prevent poor posture and fatigue, so you can work longer at your computer. At the same time, enhanced F-key commands and a multimedia center give you more control over how your system works, enabling you to tailor your keyboard to match your needs.
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You spend a lot of time with your hands on a keyboard, which is why comfort is key. The Natural Keyboard Elite features a split, gently sloped keyboard design that promotes a more natural hand and arm position. A built-in palm rest prevents fatigue, while adjustable keyboard legs ensure that you can find the typing position that works best for you.
More Control Over Your System
Get one-touch control over the computer functions you use the most with the Natural Keyboard Elite's enhanced F-key commands. Whether you want to enjoy your favorite music, video clips, or media programs, the multimedia controls give you quick and easy access to all the commands. You can even set the perfect sound level with the integrated volume controls.
Easy Connection To Your PC
The Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite connects quickly and easily to your PC through any available USB or PS/2 port. It is backed by a limited three-year warranty.
What's in the Box
The Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite connects quickly and easily to your PC through any available USB or PS/2 port. It is backed by a limited three-year warranty.
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