Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 is an ergonomic keyboard. The angled keyboard with split keys is said to target on the comfort of its users whereby it encourages natural wrist and arm alignment. It has the dimension of 503mm x 262mm. The sleek back design with silver edges Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 by Microsoft comes with non-removable leatherette cushioning wrist rest, also targeting on comfort of users. The wired keyboard with USB interface includes Microsoft IntelliType Pro software with the package. To be able to operate the keyboard, it requires the operating system of Windows Vista, Windows XP Pro/ Pro x64 Edition/ Home/ Media Centre Edition/ Tablet PC Edition, Windows 2000 (Service Pack 4) or higher together with 60MB of free Hard Disk space. It is recommended to have 128MB of RAM. It needs a CD-ROM Drive as well as a USB Port. It does not use PS2 connectivity.

Features

As the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 attempts to work on the comfort of its users, it features several characteristics implemented on its design. It comes with what Microsoft calls it a ‘Gull-Wing’ design where the keys are subtly laid out in curve as of the shape of a seagull’s wing to meet better placement of the fingers, especially if the user is a touch typist. Besides that, the middle of the keyboard is elevated as well. The IntelliType Pro software that is featured with the Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 functions to control all the hot keys of the keyboard. Zoom feature is packed with the keyboard where a closer look on the details on the screen is made possible. It comes with Lockable F Key feature as well which eliminates the possibility of engaging it unintentionally. Users may rest assured that the product comes with a warranty of 3 years provided by Microsoft.

Additional Features

• “My Favourite” Hot Keys
• E-mail and Internet Hot Keys
• Multimedia Keys
• Spillproof

Accessories

• Microsoft IntelliType Pro software
• User manual

External Resources

Microsoft

PC World

CNET

Everything USB

Review Summary

The Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 is said to be well-designed, built to reduce RSI and enhance users’ comfort. This unit is also a beautiful piece of hardware. A soft leather-effect wrist rest complements the black-and-silver gullwing look, and users can use a bar to invert the lift on the board for maximum comfort. There’s a zoom slider and customised hotkeys that both has nice touches. There’s also the standard Home Page, Search, E-Mail, Calculator and Audio Control launch buttons along with five "My Favorite" buttons. The keys are very quiet, the padded wrist-wrests are a great added touch and the gull wing and gable design is truly revolutionary. The Gable has the keyboard slanted downward at a 7° angle which means users have comfortable hand and wrist positioning and padded wrist wrest. There’s a zoom slider and customised hotkeys that both have nice touches. Reviewers from the site pcadvisor.co.uk concluded that this unit is extremely comfortable to use and well worth shelling out for. Reviewers from another website techfreaks.org noted that this is the best keyboard I’ve ever used and also noted that the feel of this Natural Ergonomic keyboard 4000 is first class.