Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite
by Microsoft
List Price:
Our Price: $29.99
You Save: $9.96 (25%)
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Buy Used: from $14.99 (click here)
Category: CE
See more product details
Customers in the UK,
buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
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: One of the best keyboards ever
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been typing away for many years and had many keyboards. I've owned (and still own) many keyboards. I've owned the famous IBM keyboard that weighed like 10 pounds, learned on the original Mac full size keboard that weighed like 20 pounds as well. Sitting right in front of me as I type this are simple USB keyboard that shipped with Dell, Mac's bluetooth cordless, this Elite, and Logitech G15. As I own and use many PCs every day, you can say this is normal for me. (well the Dell is out to see if my USB port/drivers are working properly) And I've even written reviews on more expensive keyboards but frankly, this is the best keyboard for the money.
I've probably owned at least 6 of these keyboards. Not because they had died, but because I threw away half of them as they just got old and grimy from all the hours of typng that I went through with them. In fact, I gave one away to my best friends wife, and only have two left. Fortunately, I just found out that one of the two, which I thought was ded, is actually alive and kicking. I'm actually typing of it right now.
So why is they keyboard so good?
Keep in mind, this keyboard has been around for over 10 years. Yes, the same keyboard I purchased 10 years ago is still sold by Amazon. And there's a good reason why.
1. Small footprint (for a natural keyboard)
I've had MS pro, and various others. but the design of this keyboard is just 'perfect'. And for good reason. 1. Functional keys are shorter (height wise), but they are full in width. Although they are smaller, you don't notice. But there's a sufficient savings in the depth of the keyboard.
2. Arrow keys and Home,end,delete,pg up, pgdown, and insert are in a 2 rows x 6 height. Although some will complain 'this is not normal', it actually works quite well. It also saves the keyboard's width as well. Instead of the usual inverted T, Elite has a + for the arrow keys. Once you get used to it, you will most likely prefer this layout instead.
3. Quiet
A coworker of mine complained that I type 'too loud'. (I'm in a startup so we can litterly start at each other). Actually, this is the reaon why I dug my keyboard out. Elite is quiet. And in an office environment where people do care about the 'loudness' of your typing, it can matter. In terms of quiet keyboards, I have had quiter keyboard, but Elite is quite good.
4. Feel
The feel in keyboard is reasonably good. Although it does not compare to say $100 keyboard, it comes darn close. (I own a logitech G15, and various MX elite wireless sets over time). The nice thing about Elite is it's a membrane that doesn't feel like a membrane
5. Overall 'shorter' travel
When typists talk about travel, they talk about the distance between depressed and undepressed (or typed vs untyped) keys. Travel is important as if it's too short, then you don't feel like you depressed the keys. But if the travel is too long, then you get tired from working too hard. The key is to have a balance and Elite has a good balance. The other thing to note with Elite is unlike other natural keyboards, due to the angles, where you feel like you have to streth your hand to get to some keys, they made them smaller and closer so you don't have to work as hard. Elite was designed very well.
6. Price
I used to pick up Elite for around $50. Now it's $30 and that's a darn good price. When you compare this keyboard to other keyboards at $30, you ask yourself why shouldn't I buy this?
So why would some people choose not to buy/use this keyboard?
I visited my best friend, and I noticed my friend's wife was not using they keyboard. I was tempted to ask for the keyboard back. (What's the use if she's not going to use it?) People who do not touch type, or type fast, do not pick up on natural keyboards. When I say fast, I am talking about 60+ words per minute. In order to type that fast, you can't look at your keys. If you are touch typinst, give the keyboard a honest try for three days. You will notice that the way it's laid out works quite well and is easier on your hands and wrist.
About the USB dongle:
There are several versions of Natural keyboard. Mainly OEM vs Retail. WHat I found out tonight that my OEM does not work with the Microsoft dongle shipped with the retail version. Instead, I had to use a genric dongle that I had purchased for use with KVM for the OEM version. The easiest way to identify OEM is to look at the product bar code sticker located upside down on the bottom right hand side (underneath the numeric pad) of the keyboard. You will see a serial number with "OEM" on it. If so, do try a standard PS2 dongle that you can find in a local comptuer store.
There is a reason why Microsoft continues to sell this keyboard after 10 years. I still have a retail boxed version as a backup and it's staring at me with a logo that says "Ready for Windows 98 and USB!". And there's a reason why it's been around for this long. Maybe it's time you gave it a try and see why?
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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