Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard for Business. Wireless , Comfortable, Ergonomic Keyboard with Split Design and Palm Rest. Separate Number Pad Included

Why did you pick this product vs others?: I thought the design looked the most comfortable for the price (I could be tempted to a true split keyboard at double the amount, but). I was not disappointed! It is so-o-o-o comfortable! I have had ZERO pain since a few weeks after I started using it, and I used to have a LOT. I am a college instructor, teaching exclusively online, and I write as a side gig, so I am keyboarding ALL DAY. Comfort and ergonomics matter! So I can wholeheartedly recommend this. Keyboard size: A bigger (wider) person might prefer a true split keyboard, but this one is wide enough for a woman, at least, to prevent you having to scrunch your arms in front of you or twist your wrists into weird configurations to use it. My forearms are still angled in a bit but, as I say, not enough to be awkward. I am prone to arthritis and so if it's comfortable for me you're going to likely be more than fine with it. Feel: Pretty good feel to it! I think I might like the more modern fingertip-shaped keys and a softer surface available on other products these days, but this is fine. I grew up with hard, flatter keys, so I'd never given it a second thought until reading reviews tonight. On which subject, I'd thought I was going to need to replace it (see below), but in an hour or more of reading reviews I did not see anything I liked better.... so, two years and change later, this is still the best choice for me. Zero regrets. Brightness: Unfortunately, it is not backlit. I have a desk lamp and although I'm a touch typist I still am not entirely comfortable using it without the desk lamp angled toward it. Functionality: The only trouble I've had with it is that it seemed to be, well, failing recently. Weirdly, it was worse in the afternoons, when all the kids in the neighborhood get home from school but before dinner, and I figured there were hordes of teens all trying to game and whatnot (some might even be doing homework). Then I decided it was the battery.... It was neither. Apparently, it's a quirk with this keyboard, and I came here to write a review complaining that I'd only got two years out of it (at pennies a day, but still) and found a reviewer with a solution: Move your USB thingy so that it is in a direct line with your keyboard's receiver and within a foot or two of it and problem solved. Sure enough, I moved mine to my hub so it would be on the same level (I had my laptop elevated, so its USB ports were nowhere near in line with my desk surface) and I scooted the keyboard over a bit to give the receiver a direct shot at the dongle and dang if it isn't working perfectly now. The letters are wearing off the keys, though, and if you are not fluent in touch typing, you may find you'll need to replace some after a couple of years use. I never look at them and so do not care! Keyboard layout: I have no complaints about the layout. Although some people seem to prefer different variations, I've gotten used to this one and it does not slow you down once you are familiar with it. It's pricey, but you will not regret it. It very quickly works out to pennies a day and what it will save you in pain, discomfort, and possibly even (eventual) disability is priceless anyway.

As a computer programmer suffering from mild carpel tunnel effect (aching around wrists and splitting pain close to the tip of ulna bone), I have been using the Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 since 2006 (It also goes without saying that you should have a decent chair with lumbar support + arm support...plus a desk with proper height etc). While I appreciate the split layout from the Natural Keyboard 4000, one thing I find quite inconvenient is the frequent hand travel from the keyboard to my mouse (I am right handed). As a programmer, I rarely use the number pad, and this extra wasted space requires me to move my hand back and forth for a good minimum of 6" per one way trip. Obviously, over the years, I have mastered the keyboard shortcuts to save time; however, I still use mouse a lot, especially if you come to appreciate the multi gestures feature in your mouse (i.e. Apple Magic Mouse, Microsoft Wedge Touch Mouse etc). Upon receiving the Sculpt keyboard-only package, I noticed that the battery chamber cover along with the batteries already popped out, roaming freely within the plastic package. Knowing that the cover is magnetic, it would be a challenge to hold everything in place during shipping. But it is not a big deal, aside from minor scuff marks on the battery cover resulted from sliding or squeezing against batteries during shipping, it is still fully functional. This keyboard takes two AAA batteries. Since I just received this product, I do not know how long the battery life will last. Also, note that there is no power switch button with this keyboard, so it is unclear how you can power down the keyboard to save batteries (aside from the obvious popping out batteries) The keyboard setup with OS X Mavericks is a breeze. You simply plug in the USB dongle into the available USB port, and OS X will ask you to verify the keys to the right and left of the "Shift" key, and to confirm that it is US North American version of keyboard, you are good to go! At the time of writing this review, I am currently typing on this Sculpt keyboard along with Apple's Magic Mouse. The setup works perfect, as I can finish typing, and very quickly move my hand over to the mouse if necessary. In terms of learning curve, I would say that the Esc key at the upper left corner may take a little bit to get used to. Often times, I accidentally pressed "," (comma) key right below to Esc key. I also have similar muscle memory issues with Backspace and Delete keys, since they are so close together, but it is really just a tiny issue to adapt. Aside from the aforementioned issues, I'd say if you have used Natural Keyboard, you shouldn't have any trouble reaching the same typing speed as before. Someone already mentioned that the keys are chiclet style, but perhaps, because I am already quite used to the same style on Macbook Pro, I find the tactile feel is just as good, if not better, than Natural Keyboard 4000. The added bonus is that I now type a whole lot quieter than before. There are two areas that I wish Microsoft can improve further with Sculpt, both of which are not related to the typing experience itself. First, the device does use up one available USB port. It would have been quite nice if the keyboard is Bluetooth based. I do not quite agree with the official response from Microsoft stating that Bluetooth based keyboard suffers from unsatisfactory response delays. At least from my experience, Apple's Bluetooth keyboard seems to have no issues at all. Second. the slot for storing the USB dongle is hidden inside the battery chamber. It means that if you happen to put away the keyboard completely, you must take out the separate magnetic support (if you use it), open up the battery chamber with your nail, and then insert the dongle for storage. It would have been nicer if the storage slot is in plain view, so that we can easily shut off the keyboard by inserting the dongle inside the keyboard. I will update if I have more to report. Overall, it is a good keyboard, especially for those that do not use number pad. Note: I haven't reviewed number pad, as I don't use it. Update (Oct 27 2013): In Natural Keyboard 4000, the wrist rest is leather based, and has nice cushion feel to it. Under Sculpt keyboard, the cushion feel is also quite good, but the fabric is no longer leather based, as it is more foam-based. Thus, if you arm gets ashy on a dry day, it can leave much undesired ashy marks on the wrist rest fabric. It is also quite hard to clean. Still, functionality-wise, I find it very comfortable to type on still.

I have nothing bad to say about the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard for Business. I have been using it for engineering and FEA modeling work, and it has been excellent. One of the biggest advantages is the separated number keypad. It allows you to use your left hand for number input while keeping your right hand on the mouse, which noticeably increases efficiency and workflow productivity. For technical work that requires constant data entry and modeling, this setup makes a real difference. The ergonomic design also encourages proper hand placement and posture. After more than 7 years working in an office environment, I have not developed carpal tunnel symptoms, and my wrists do not get tired during long work sessions. That alone makes this keyboard worth it. Highly recommended for professionals who spend many hours at a desk and want both comfort and productivity.

I read the reviews extensively prior to deciding to buy the keyboard, so I was aware that it doesn't have an off switch (which seems like a serious oversight), the tendency to have connectivity issues, and that the wrist rest can get dirty quickly. I've used the keyboard for about a month, and for the most part, it's been great! I've only used it in my apartment and haven't had to take it into the office, but I plan to. When I have the keyboard within the "line of sight" of the dongle, I've not had any connection issues, and the keyboard works. For this set up, I have the laptop on with the dongle on top of a snack table / dinner tray, and the keyboard in my lap. When I have the laptop with the dongle in a wooden cubby (which I have on my desk for 8 hours a day for work), at least once a week, the keyboard stops registering every key and I have to unplug the dongle and plug it in again, then the issue is resolved. It's frustrating that it doesn't work flawlessly (especially since I also use a mouse with a dongle and the mouse doesn't have this issue), but I can live with it. On the lack of an off switch: I just take out at least 1 battery when I'm done using it for the day, and I haven't needed to replace them yet, and I've used it every day for 12+ hours a day for about a month. On the wrist rest getting dirty quickly: I followed the recommendation of another reviewer and used a handkerchief. I wrap the whole padded area with the handkerchief, and fold it over so it doesn't cover the bottom row keys. It can get in the way of the space bars, but I just keep folding it over. The keyboard definitely takes time to adjust, and while I've been using it for a month, it's still a work in progress. I definitely struggle to type in the dark with this keyboard, which let me know I'm not as much of a touch typist as I thought. For the first 2 weeks or so, I was actually practicing my typing on a website so that I could get more familiar with the layout. As many noted, the gap in the middle especially reminded me I'm not as much of a touch typist as I thought, because I'll use the "wrong" hand for the numbers 6 and 7, and the letters T and Y, as well as B and N. I'm still adjusting to those. I've also had issues with the size and alignment differences with the Shift key and the Ctrl key. I often accidentally hit Ctrl instead of Shift, and then discover new shortcuts that open all kinds of things. I've gotten better about hitting Shift correctly, but, like I keep saying, it's still an adjustment. I do not like the majority of the blue Functions in the function keys, because I don't use any of them except for the volume. I'm surprised they didn't include brightness adjustment or toggling Wi-Fi / Airplane Mode, which are keys I use more often. I don't hate the Function switch, which a lot of people in the reviews seem to despise, mostly because I think it's more comfortable to use the switch than to press the Function key and then press the actual key, but I also don't frequently use them. I had attempted to use AutoHotkey on my personal computer based on the recommendations of other reviewers, but I actually found it more confusing, since the shortcuts I'd added for the Function keys obviously don't line up with the small drawings, and I'm a very visual person. Additionally, remapping those keys (at least for me) also meant other shortcuts involving those keys no longer worked. People also noted that the function keys (and all the other keys in that row) are of a different material, and are more like a squishy button. I don't know why Microsoft made this design choice, but again, I don't use those keys very often, and I got used to it. The keys on the top row of the number pad are also those squishy buttons. I must be one of the few people who love the detached number pad. It allows the mouse to be closer, and I love that I can just pick up the number pad and punch away on it like it's a calculator. The fact that it includes Backspace on it is an inspired choice and I greatly appreciate it. On to the ergonomics of it: this keyboard is much more comfortable to use, though it takes adjusting to the alignment. If anything, when I now try to type on a standard keyboard on a laptop, I notice the unnatural position of my hands and wrist and start reaching for this keyboard instead. It's much more natural and I feel less strain. My personal struggles with wrist pain, though, were actually from my mouse, so I switched to a vertical one. Since I only bought the keyboard from Microsoft rather than the set that came with their mouse (I had no desire to have that Windows key on it), I bought an Anker vertical mouse. I don't love it, especially since it's caused me elbow pain instead, but that's a different review. All in all, it's definitely taken time to get used to this keyboard, but it's helped me be more comfortable while typing, especially the detached number pad. I mitigate the wrist rest getting dirty with a handkerchief, I take out a battery since it doesn't have an off switch, and I only have connectivity issues once a week, and even that's only when the dongle doesn't have a clear "line of sight" to the keyboard, because the laptop with the dongle is in a wooden cubby. Even that I'm able to fix by just unplugging the dongle and plugging it in again.

NOTE FROM THE REVIEWER: I also posted this review for Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop (L5V-00001) because it's exactly the same keyboard, but comes with a mouse. In reading the reviews, most people who buy that package, buy it for the keyboard and not the mouse, so I felt my review would be as relevant over there, as over here. While Microsoft didn't get Windows 8 right, I'm almost tempted to say that they are the Apple Computer of ergonomic keyboards. A prime example is this keyboard. Shortly after purchasing my Fellowes Microban Split Design Keyboard, Black (98915) I stumble across the Microsoft Sculpt. I was very turned off by the price, but then discovered that I could buy it for less without the mouse (which most people complain about) by ordering version known as Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard for Business (5KV-00001) . So here I am today typing this review with it. Here are my impressions: THE GOOD: It absolutely has a better feel than any keyboard I've every used. The Fellowes, which intend to keep as a backup was excellent and I still highly recommend it. But, I like the short-travel chiclet style this one offers. It allows me to type faster and more accurately, particularly as it gets toward the end of the day when I'm running out of gas. Ergonomically off the scale. I'm typing on it right now, using the "riser" that lifts the front so that it's slanted downward from from to back. This seemingly non-intuitive angle actually places your hands at angle that keeps your wrists straight. It is the perfect angle for the way in which my elbows are resting on my armrests. Ease of setup. I just removed the little tags from the battery compartment as, viola I was underway after plugging it on and rebooting. Plus, there were no drivers that I had to manually install. Another review complained about the drivers, but I know not what he refereth too. No Weird Awkward Mouse. Many reviewers complained about having to pay considerably more for mouse they didn't want and didn't need. I'm glad I found this version... Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard for Business (5KV-00001) Separate Numerical Keyboard. I don't use the numerical keys that often so it's nice to have more space on my desk. The Infamous Riser That Has Surprising Benefits. As mentioned, the keyboard has a riser that you can attach to raise the front of the keyboard. Initially, this may be awkward for most people, but once you try it and adjust the height of your chair...you might understand the rationale of this. For me, as stated be at least one other reviewer, it not only puts my wrist and elbows in a more natural position, but it makes me sit up straight in my chair. That's quite an accomplishment given that I'm probably the king of all slouchers. You Can Place This Keyboard On Top Of A Laptop Keyboard Without Trigger Errant Keystrokes. Because this has a concave bottom, I am able to place this on top of my top keyboard without triggering the keys. THE BAD Did they really have to use a non-standard watch battery for the numerical keyboard? A FEW OTHER THINGS: It's quiet. Looks like work of art, particularly next to my Kensington Slimblade Trackball USB 2.0 for PC and Mac, K72327US . Update: Been using this for 5 months and it's still going strong. One thing I'd like to add is that, for me at least, this keyboard works best when it's sitting on my lap without the provided "riser."

The operation rocks. Best keyboard I've ever used. I don't have a problem with pain while typing, I like these split keyboards for speed. I don't like the noise of mechanical keyboards. Quiet keyboards, like on laptops, are usually squishy keys and slow down the typing. This kind is a perfect combo of decent key travel, quiet operation, and just a joy to use. I've actually bought two of these. But I'm not buying one again, especially not from Amazon through Microsoft as the seller. Story Time: The first one I purchased went about a month before constantly going to sleep and not waking up until I'd remove/replace the batteries. Then it'd instantly connect and work fine until I stopped typing for like 30 seconds and go back to sleep. This seems like a software glitch so I did quite a bit of troubleshooting and searching online to solve this issue. After probably 3 hours over the span of a week I came up empty and finally started a tech support chat with Microsoft which was a heck of an adventure I never want to repeat. The initiation was mostly fine, took me a bit to figure out which Microsoft support site to refer to then get a chat with a human going. Then had to go through that rep's troubleshooting steps, same as what I'd already tried, but fine. It was determined I had a faulty unit and I was authorized to get a replacement which would involve me shipping this keyboard back to them then they'd send me a new one. Based on online reviews, I already knew that process would take many weeks so I actually ordered myself a new keyboard so I didn't have to wait because I liked it so much I wanted them for work and home. But before they'd let me ship it, I had to jump through some hoops. Send them proof of purchase, fine. Send them pics of the keyboard...kind of overkill for a $60 keyboard purchased within 30 days but whatever. Also I had to tell them the serial number and get a picture of it. Fine. Sent them their info. A few weeks later I get an email back saying the pictures I sent didn't show the serial# clearly enough and also didn't show the little USB wireless connector docked with the batteries which made them assume I wouldn't be sending it with the keyboard I guess? That serial number is TINY and nestled behind the batteries along a side. It's REALLY hard to get a clear photo of it. It's odd to me that if they wanted to prevent me playing shenanigans with returned a different keyboard than what I purchased that they couldn't just check that serial number after they got the keyboard back which I was to be shipped on my dime. But here we are. I was VERY annoyed at this point but I had already put the work in and wanted a working keyboard. Sent them their more detailed photos. Finally got a return authorization code and shipment address. Was asked to email this particular rep the shipping tracking info. I did. Haven't heard back from them for months. So I had to jump through several annoying hoops and errands to even get MS to replace my bad keyboard and months later am still waiting for it. But I HAD a good working version that I have purchased separately. Until today. After a few months of use, it started doing the same unresponsive sleep thing the first one did. I'm not going to spend another minute of my life on troubleshooting or trying to get Microsoft to do something about this defect. I'm giving up on this keyboard and buying keyboards from Amazon. If I did want to triple down on this thing I'll be getting it from Best Buy or somewhere that will simply trust me if I say it's not working and exchange it without making me go through a maze of dumb tasks and ship it to them at my own cost.

Pros: -The tenting puts your hands in a more ergonomic and comfortable typing position such that you can type for longer than than a normal keyboard -The narrower keyboard with a separate keypad allows the user the option to not use the keypad such that the mouse position can be better aligned with the right shoulder position and thus reduce wrist strain -The palm rests are well made and quite comfortable allowing a user to lightly rest his palms for long periods without discomfort compared to other palm rests on the market or simply resting them on your desk -Split left and right hand key layouts promotes touch typing that leads to faster typing practices -Great value as other ergonomic keyboards are generally more expensive Cons: -May require a bit of retraining your touch typing. Specifically the b key was something I used both hands on so there was a period of adjustment. -Not Mechanical -I hesitate to list this as a con as it is a personal issue, however, I tend to overuse the palm rest while gaming such that it does lead to some wrist strain during long gaming sessions especially in FPS games. This may not be an issue for others as this may be my own bad practices. Summary: This is a great keyboard and I have not found a better one yet especially for work. In October 2019, I was experiencing some issues with Carpal Tunnel and RSI, and this keyboard along with other adjustments helped me to minimize/resolve these symptoms. The ergonomic and comfortable position promoted by this keyboard allows me to type on this keyboard without strain longer than any other keyboard I have tried. It has also helped speed up my typing and improve my typing technique. Comparisons to other keyboards: Specifically I compared this keyboard to both Kinesis Freestyle 2 with tenting accessory and the Corsair K63 Compact Mechanical Gaming Keyboard and ended up choosing this keyboard over the other two for both work and gaming usage. The K63 is not an ergonomic keyboard and thus was less comfortable for daily typing required by my job. This was my previous keyoard where I started developing RSI and Carpal Tunnel related symptoms such that switching to the Sculpt has helped to greatly mitigate/eliminate these symptoms. While the Kinesis Freestyle 2 has the advantage of being truly split allowing you to move each side to wherever you want and extra tenting angle options, I really didn't notice too much of a benefit of these features when compared to the Sculpt. However, I did notice the difference in the quality of the palm rests and the Sculpt blows the Freestyle out of water there as the Freestyle's pads feel cheap and thin comparatively. The thin pads of the Freestyle resulted in less comfortable wrists rests and my wrists/hands would fatigue/pained faster when compared to the Sculpt. Further the Sculpt is quite a bit cheaper than the Freestyle 2 so this is an added bonus.

The keys have the short stroke and crisp feel of the better laptop-style keys. A flat, inline keyboard gives me sharp, shooting pains through my wrists within a few days; this ergonomic keyboard does not. These two criteria are my pass/fail checkpoints, and it passes very well. When is the last time you thought about a keyboard's artistic merits? Right. Me neither. Nonetheless, this keyboard is interesting to look at. It also does not take a huge chunk of desk space. It does take a little while to get used to the split keyboard layout. But the designers have adjusted the width and height of every key in order to minimize this effect. Overall, it requires a very short learning curve and has a very natural feel for touch typing. The keyboard comes with its pre-matched USB plugin that is keyed to the keyboard and number pad. Just plug it in, and the keyboard and number pad are ready to go. (Sorta. Read the next paragraph for my exception.) I had a return-the-keyboard problem when I first plugged in the keyboard: I typed roughly twice as fast as it would accept my keystrokes. Half of my keystrokes were dropped. The fix was easy: Move the wireless USB plugin to a different USB port. I was doubtful as to why this would work, but the online help at Microsoft did not have any other recommendation (Which, when you think about it, indicates that it usually does work after all.) The F-Keys at the top are combined with the blue Function keys. You have to actually flip a switch in order to toggle between the F-Keys and the Function Key functionality. If this bothers you, and you are technically inclined, then read the workaround in the next paragraph. Otherwise, skip the next paragraph. As the Function keys mainly apply to laptops and 8.1 specific functions, I do not really need them. However, I do like the pause/play and sound volume Function Keys. Fortunately, for windows users, the keys are easily mapped to the keys that you use. Half of my keys are now the standard F-Keys, and half of them are the standard Function keys. I used a free download utility called Kwikset SmartKey that writes the re-mapped key functions to the Windows registry. It is as simple as clicking the key that you want to change (Blue Function Key), and the clicking the key that you want it to be (F-Key). As far as the Blue Function keys themselves, I really do not know what the hieroglyphic symbols mean, and my cursory searches were not productive. If you have a laptop computer with Win 8, I would suggest hitting the keys and seeing what they do, I love the F10, which gives you a 3-dimensional view of your open applications. Bottom line, if you require an ergonomic keyboard, and you like short-stroke, crisp keys, then this is a great, no-compromises keyboard. I tried many, many keyboards in person before ordering this one blind. None of the other ergonomic keyboards compares to this one, and very few of the inline keyboards will either.