Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
- 64 reviews
- 25 likes
Second Natural Keyboard in 15 Years
Finally had to give up my original Gen 1 natural keyboard from more than a decade ago. But not because of the keyboard but the PS/2 connector was becoming loose. I do not have a single bad thing to say about that keyboard. So naturally, my replacement would also be a natural keyboard since I've learned to type with it (even if I don't type as much as I used to).
The Gen 1 keyboard with the split design was mainly designed for the arm spread circular motion when typing. This 4000 keyboard have also accounted for the wrist twist rotation motion ...
Read moretowards the centre. Even for me who have used the natural keyboard for over a decade still need a bit of relearning and adjusting with this keyboard. But that leap is no where near what it would have been if transitioning from a "standard" or a laptop keyboard. But that retraining is highly worthwhile for those who do A LOT of typing long term. Microsoft have also added 4 additional keys (equal, parentheses, back space) above the number pad for those who do a lot of data entry. Again, takes some getting used to. The leather covered wrist support is also a nice touch (pun intended). This full size ergonomic keyboard is fantastic in keeping your fingers aligned with the arm to eliminate wrist strain and lateral bending. Now on to the bad points. Microsoft should have split the space bar into two. The keys at the centre (t,y,g,h,b,n) are pressed at an angle following the wrist rotation so they are easy to press. But the single space bar is pressed vertically which makes it feel a bit stiffer. The second problem is the most complained about online relating to the zoom wheel. It looks like the scroll wheel on the mouse but it is used to zoom in and out instead. And the IntelliType driver doesn't let you customise the wheel function. There are custom hack available online on how to change the function to scroll but you need to do that for each program and the result is not always as intended. I guess Microsoft have already moved on from this keyboard to create any updated software. Lastly, I wish I could use the function keys as traditional function keys (as in F1, F2, etc). Microsoft have assigned other shortcuts to those keys as default so I need to leave the function lock on to use them as function keys and hence the indicator light (similar to the Num lock and Caps lock) is always on. For those who don't like this "chunky" look then there is the Sculpt which is better looking and more compact. But I prefer a chorded keyboard.
- 61 reviews
- 36 likes
- Selected Review
Great keyboard for *traditional* touch-typists
I had one of these for roughly four years. I was consistently happy with it!
Please note, however, that this keyboard is intended for traditional touch-typing, and most of this review is from that perspective. Don't get it if you don't type that way; otherwise you'll probably find it difficult to work with and counter-intuitive for the way you want to use it. In case you don't know what I mean when I say "traditional touch-typing", I'm talking about typing using the method that uses the concepts of a "home row", "one finger per letter" and "...
Read morebottom-right to upper-left columns". Even if you do touch type using a better or different technique than the traditional method, this probably won't suit you, since it's designed with the traditional method in mind. If that's you, you might have already figured out how to type ergonomically on standard keyboards, which is better anyway since your skills can be transferred to most keyboards rather than limited to niche ones like this. Being a split keyboard, using it is much easier on your wrists. The wrist-rest at the front is very comfortable for your wrists. The ergonomic curvature of the keyboard makes typing a lot more natural; your hands literally sit in a completely relaxed and natural position over the keys. The backwards tilt is also a good idea and keeps your wrists at a natural angle. The keys are soft and light to press. On mine, half of the letter D has rubbed off, which shows that the printing of the symbols on the keys is poor and not as durable as with older, robust keyboards. Of course, this isn't much of a problem since the users of these keyboards should be touch-typing most of the time anyway.
- 95 reviews
- 15 likes
Good
Nice keyboard good feel with ergonomic curve less pressure on shoulders and wrist rest pad across the front.
The keys are soft touch not clicky like cheaper ones.
Great extra keys for internet surfing, favoutites, play music Cd's volume control and more. The zoom key is intersting and is useful on some sites that make things to small. great to be able to zoom in with the toggle switch.
Annoying that the keyboard is USB only had to get a USB Hub to accomadate. (oh well my fault to many extra gadgets.
shape of keyboard
comes in USB only or wireless (costs lot more)
- 25 reviews
- 7 likes
Excellent
I always love Microsoft's Natural Keyboard. I started unsing Natural keyboard when they first came out. This one is the third one that I am on. I used it at work and it is great.
I realised some comments saying that the key layout is awful. I suggest to anyone considering this keyboard to try it out first in the shop before buying. If you are only looking for a normal keyboard, don't waste your money on this.
Once you get used to the keyboard layout, you will find it very comfortable to type.
Very comfortable. Can be customised to perform functions that you often do.
A bit big on a small desk.
Find out how Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 compares to other Keyboards
Know better, choose better.
- 14 reviews
- 4 likes
Excellent
I love this keyboard. 3 years of use and it is still going strong. The only keys that show any sign of wear are 'D' and 'S', mainly due to heavy gaming. No buttons have stopped functioning, I will certainly be replacing it with an equivilant when the time comes.
Comfortable to use as wrists are in a better position, the wrist support is fantastic.
Great keyboard for extensive use if you type for long periods of time.
The wrist support is a little too big, especially in the middle where it has a tendancy to hang over the edge of your desk, I find I am constantly knocking it with the arms of my chair when getting up.
- 12 reviews
- 4 likes
Chunky keyboard!
The build quality is good but not great - the wrist rest a bit squeaky. The USB cable is long enough to connect to systems standing on the floor beside/under the table. Geometry of this keyboard is not really for small hands.
Reliable keyboard, smooth typing and not too expensive
Key prints rub off after a few month of use.
- 11 reviews
- 1 like
Terrible
The layout for this keyboard makes typing slow and very awkward.
The raised central part of the keyboard will leave you with the nastiest case of carpal tunnel sydrome you've ever experienced and will slow down even the most proficient typist.
I still can't figure out how this is supposed to be "ergonomic", unless you have massive hands with very long fingers and forearms that have enough fat on them to keep your wrists reasonably straight.
Given time, it's possible to get used to it but why bother... just buy something else.
Overall? Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard = Fail.
Not a whole lot! Expensive and very uncomfortable to use.
Keyboard layout is awful.
This doesn't seem to be a fair review.
I have no discomfort or carpal tunnel syndrome from the raised keyboard centre, and I find it easier on my wrists than traditional keyboards....
Read more I agree that the layout is spacing and positioning of the keys is a bit different to traditional keyboards. I don't think it takes very long to get used to. It sounds like you aren't touch-typing, which does indeed defeat the purpose of using the keyboard.Related Articles
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- 26 reviews
- 1 like
Terrible
i found it very hard to type with this keyboard. part of my job is to type fast - at least 45 words per minute. when this keyboard was introduced my typing speed dropped dramaticly, i went from approx 50 words per mintue to around 40 woords per minute. i think the drop in typing speed was due to the lay out of the keyboard. maybe if i starte to type on this type of keyboard there would be no difference to my typing speed but because i had to keep looking where my fingers go it was time consuming.
I didnt like anything about this
the shape
If you're touch-typing, the re-learning involved in using the keyboard should be minimal. Touch-typists don't need to look at the keys they're pressing, so it sounds like you aren't touch-typing.
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Details
| Category | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| Price (RRP) | 99.95 |
| Release date | |
| Manual | Download manual |
- GTIN14: 00008822240154, 00840356820231 and 00882224015462
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I recently spilt a little bit of water on this keyboard, and several of the keys seem to have permanently stopped working. Although this is a good keyboard, I suspect that it's not durable enough to last a long time.