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 Cameras Photo Reviews of Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite
Customer Review: Keeps your wrists straight
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been using my Microsoft keyboard for about 4 years now. I'm a fairly wide guy, and when I put my hands together, the arms are pointed in from the shoulders. If I'm using a regular keyboard my wrists have to bend outward from my arms to make my hands line up with the keys. Using the Microsoft keyboard, my wrists are more straight so long use doesn't tire them out. It also is supposed to reduce carpal tunnel syndrome where the tendons would have to bend through a bent wrist to work the fingers. The keyboard has all the regular keys laid out fairly well. It only takes a few minutes getting used to the split board. The cursor moving arrows and special function keys are in groups between the letters and number pad, which works well. One thing that seems strange is that the upper row, the numbers, are split between 6 and 7, instead of between 5 and 6. That's because there are the dashes and such on the right of that row. Seems strange though sometimes. You get used to it pretty quick. The wrist pad extension seems good too.Customer Review: Converted to split keyboard
Summary: 5 Stars
I really didn't like using this keyboard AT FIRST. I tried everything to convince my husband NOT to buy one (he had one at work). At first it was very hard to get used to, with the way the keys are arranged, but after a few weeks, I was typing just as well (in fact, faster) than the traditional keyboard (100+words/min). AND the best part, my wrists aren't killing me like they used to. We have two computers, the 2nd one has the traditional keyboard. We would fight over who had to use the old keyboard. After owning the first ergonomic keyboard for 4 years, we finally got a 2nd one for our other computer. No more fighting.
True, if you touch type, you will probably get frustrated at first, but don't underestimate your mind/hand coordination -- I use several different keyboard types and can switch back and forth with no problem. Though when I go back to the traditional keyboard, it is so uncomfortable now that I've 'experienced' the ergonomic ones. Be patient, it's great!
Customer Review: Very pleased, provides great relief for me!
Summary: 5 Stars
I had a chance to try this product before I ordered it. My boss had one, and I always found it more comfortable to use than a regular keyboard. I recently started having carpel tunnel issues, and swelling in my joints due to RA, so I ordered one for myself. It makes a huge difference for me.
One Con I have to admit is that the keys are not quite in the same spot, and if you use the arrow keys alot they seem odd, but I didn't find it that difficult to get used to.
This may not be the keyboard for everyone. I recently bought the 4000 for home use, it is a bit nicer and I think it has better key placement; however, my mother who has severe RA and carpel tunnel found it painful just to type. She says that you have to press too hard on the keys. I didn't feel that way, but then my hands are not as bad as hers.
I would recomend to try before you buy, but then that can be said about anything. I am very happy with the keyboard, so thumbs up from me!
Customer Review: Love this keyboard: mostly
Summary: 5 Stars
I had one of these keyboards a number of years again, and after about 5 years of constant use, it finally gave up the ghost, and I couldn't find another one.
When looking to replace a different keyboard, I found that this split keyboard was again available. I LOVE it for the ease of typing, the lack of pressure on my wrists, and the fact that even though I have little hands, all the keys are easily accessible.
The one negative comment I have (albeit not enough to drop the rating to 4 stars) is that they have changed the arrow keys, and the home/end/delete/insert/page up/page down keys from the old alignment. These keys are all now small rectangles in lieu of standard squares. It took about an hour to get used to them, but if you have big fingers, you might find them a bit small.
All in all, though, since my job requires that I use a keyboard about 6 hours a day, it's a PLEASURE to use.
Customer Review: almost perfect
Summary: 5 Stars
The Microsoft Natural Elite is my favorite keyboard by far. I have been using one since 1999 (about 9 years now). Although I can probably type just as quickly on a straight keyboard, I am definitely more accurate on the Natural Elite. I have also used a Logitech "ergonomic" keyboard, but I didn't like the feel. One of the best things about this keyboard is the complete lack of extra buttons, switches, and clutter. It would be nice if they made one in a different color (mine is looking somewhat dingy after many years of use). Also, mine is a PS/2 model and I don't know if I still have the USB adapter that it originally came with. I'm not an expert on ergonomics so I can't help you there. I am a touch typist and I do quite a bit of writing (PhD student) and I can sit at my desk for extended periods of time with little difficulty.
Overall: great quality, great feel, great speed, great reliability, and no extra junk.