The Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite is the second in a series of ergonomically designed keyboards from Microsoft. Its split, gently sloped design allows you to place your hands, wrists and forearms in a natural position for greater comfort while typing.
With its improved space-saving design, the new keyboard takes up less room on your desktop and fits easily into keyboard trays. Designed for your comfort!
- The intelligent, ergonomic design of the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite allows you to type in a more natural relaxed position.
- The Natural Keyboard Elite is both PS/2 and USB compatible. The USB adapter (included) allows you to use your Natural Keyboard Elite with the latest PC technology.
Comfortable ergonomic designAllows you to place your hands, wrists and forearms in a natural position for greater comfort while typing.
Smaller footprint than prior versionTakes up less space on your desktop and fits easily into commercially available keyboard trays.
USB readyThe USB adapter allows you to use the Natural Keyboard Elite with the latest PC technology.
Microsoft's Natural Keyboard Elite features ergonomic contours that comfortably accommodate not only your fingers, but your whole hands. A built-in palm rest and adjustable keyboard legs help you work in comfort, and two connection options give you the ultimate flexibility: either a round PS/2 port or a rectangular USB port for plug-and-play convenience with the latest PCs.
With its improved space-saving design, the new keyboard takes up less room on your desktop and fits easily into keyboard trays. To use the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite, you need one of the following operating systems: Microsoft MS-DOS 3.1 or later, Windows NT Workstation or Server 3.51 or later, Windows 3.1 or later, and an available PS/2 or USB port (USB requires Windows 98, 2000, Me, or XP).
1 Addictive
I have two of these keyboards at home and two at work (I'm a programmer). All four are over 5 years old and still work perfectly. I started using them after I began to develop tendonitis; they feel very natural and I can type quickly and accurately for long periods of time without a second thought. I'm so used to them that I stumble a little bit on regular keyboards, but it's worth the tradeoff. As for the arrow keys being in a non-standard layout, I don't understand what the big deal is; if you can get used to the split keyboard, you can get used to the arrow keys.
By the way, I use both PCs and Macs and these work fine for both -- on Macs, just pretend the Windows key is the Command (Apple) key, Alt is the Option key, F12 is the Eject key, Insert is the Help key, and you're good to go (although there's no way to control volume from the keyboard, like Mac keyboards can).
Beware of cheap imitations. There are a lot of so-called "ergonomic" keyboards out there but I have yet to see one that is as well designed, as well constructed, and, well, as natural as the Microsoft line.
If you do a lot of typing, do your hands a favor and pick up one of these 'boards. If you can last the first several days of transition, you won't go back.
2 Why does Microsoft break standards?
I am a programmer, and I touch type my code. I navigate through pages of text using only the keyboard. Switching to a split keyboard design was not difficult since I touch type anyway. I love the split keyboard part of the design--the old Microsoft Natural Pro keyboard has a great design, and works well for me. I've used other split ("ergonomic") keyboards as well.
However, on the Natural Keyboard Elite, Microsoft has taken the standard arrow key and navigation key clusters and ruined them. The arrow keys are much more difficult to use than the standard, well-designed inverted T layout. While your fingers rested comfortably on the bottom row of arrow keys in the old layout, in the new your fingers don't really fit at all--you can only put two fingers on at once, and you need to move them in awkward ways to switch to the up and down keys from the left and right keys. Ergonomic it is not. Aerodynamic, maybe--after a short time using this keyboard, I certainly feel like throwing it somewhere to find out. Also, the "Insert" key has been removed entirely from the block above the arrow keys after they pointlessly randomized its layout. Insert isn't a super-popular key, but I actually use it frequently, and my fingers expect the entire block to be in the traditional layout.
Why break the standard? Why move the keys around into a LESS useful layout? If you're like me and you end up typing on lots of different keyboards, AND you use the arrow keys a lot to navigate, it turns out to be quite painful to switch back and forth between the different layouts. And some of the keys I use frequently just aren't there.
Bad move Microsoft. Please don't change things "just because you can."
3 Good for wrists, not so good for wallet
I bought the very first issue of the Microsoft Natural keyboard when it came out. It lasted at least five years, after a terrible adjustment period of nearly three weeks. The next one lasted about 16 months. It went downhill for two or three keyboards after that. I've had several models, including the Elite and the Pro and the one with 99 buttons all over the place. The letters now wear off in six months unless you apply clear nail polish to the key tops right away and keep it up. You can't wash it in the shower any more, it no longer has good isolation inside. Use Dow Bathroom Bubbles on a microfiber cloth - rinse VERY carefully, holding the board upside down. Let it dry naturally, don't blow water all over with compressed air, the keyboard just isn't as sturdy as it used to be.
Your wrists/arms/hands can get so used to the comfort that it's impossible to buy a laptop because your wrists ACHE within minutes of using the usual flat keyboard. That's the only downside I see. Otherwise, this is the only affordable ergonomic keyboard around. Keep your receipts handy, tape them underneath the board, in case you have to use the warranty.
4 Great Product!!
I am a computer programmer who spends 8+ hours a day using a keyboard. I used one of these keyboards regularly several years ago, but switched back to a standard keyboard after that. Recently, I developed severe tendonitis in both wrists and decided to switch back to see if it made a difference. Within two weeks, my tendonitis was gone and has not returned. Although the layout is slightly different, it does not take long to get used to at all. I recommend this product to anyone and everyone who uses a computer.
5 Too foreign for me to use...
I have used the Microsoft Ergo Keyboard for a decade. I still have the one that I bought for my Pentium 120 in my office hooked up to my modern day AMD Athlon XP machine. It's been a real trooper and has probably single handedly saved me from carpal tunnel surgery.
The first time that I sat down with the Elite version of this keyboard, I thought my fingers just weren't doing what they were told. As stated in many of the other reviews, the displacement of the arrow keys and the 6 navigation keys is VERY unnerving. I use the mouse as little as possible and not having the keys where I'm used to them is not a good thing. I probably use ctrl+arrow key combinations more than any other and this keyboard makes that difficult.
For those that are just starting out, and get used to this keyboard from the beginning, will probably be fine. For the long hardened IT guy's like myself and anyone that's been using a computer since the early 90's, should try to find a Pro version somewhere.
6 Comfortable, but horrible layout
As a programmer, I can't stand that they changed the layout of the center row (ins, del, pgup, pgdn), slowing me down considerably, as well as the arrow keys (too small & awkward).
NOT recommended if you have to switch between keyboards (at home/work).
7 Great Deal!
This keyboard is value priced and works great. My first Natural keyboard had stiff keys, but these are perfect. The only thing I wish it had was volume control, but I think that the more expensive version does have that feature. All in all, I think this keyboard give you great value for the money. I bought 2 -- one for home and one for work.
8 Never again !!!!
I had one of these and sold it because of the key arrangements that are mentioned in other reviews. If you like swearing a lot then this keyboard is for you! If you are a touch typist then my advice is to stay away from this one and get a PRO version. The best advice is to test drive a new ergonomic keyboard at a computer store before buying it.
9 Awesome Keyboard!
I have to admit that I love my Natural Keyboard "Pro" version I bought many years ago. (...)
This keyboard has a smaller footprint, is light, and very very quiet, exactly what I was looking for. Also, it is a basic keyboard with nothing more than the normal keyboard keys so a special driver is not needed for the Elite.
Once again, awesome keyboard!
10 Keeps your wrists straight
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.
11 Once you go Natural you don't go Back
I've tried several expensive ergonomic keyboards, but this is still my favorite keyboard. Each key press feels just right, with the right amount of tension. It's definitely easy-going on the hands. I would highly recommend this keyboard first before trying a crazy expensive ergonomic model.
12 very comfortable keyboard
I have been using ergo keyboards from Microsoft for many years, and my other one finally gave out after the heavy use I've done with it. I like this keyboard, has a lighter touch for me, since I'm a speed typist. It is smaller than the previous Microsoft ergo keyboard I've used, keys are fine, no issue on smallness. While I use the PS2 portion, I would have had to buy a separate USB card for the USB connector, which is not necessary for my immediate needs. The PS2 part works in the standard keyboard connection on the back of the PC. I recommend this keyboard for those folks with CTS or other hand injuries due to the lighter touch & not having to pound on those smaller keyboards by other brands. The wave shape is great, you can rest your hands on the bottom base portion.
13 Very comfortable keyboard.
This is the most comfortable keyboard I've typed on. It takes a while to get used to the layout, but after that I can't go back to regular keyboard. My wrists like to say thank you.
It is also pretty silent.
The only bad thing is that the arrow keys are a little small.
14 Once you get used to it, you'll never go back
Getting used to this keyboard takes a while. But, once you get used to it, you'll never use another keyboard again.
This keyboard is also best used with the 3M ergonomic keyboard wrist wrest (model WR314MB).
15 Not the best design but very close
I have a workstation chair with arm rests that support my arms over the keyboard all the way to the wrists. This arrangement lines my hands and fingers up perfectly with this keyboard. I can't believe I didn't switch to one of these long ago! We get programmed that computers have one monitor and a straight keyboard and most of us fail to upgrade to monitor arrays and ergonomic keyboards. If I didn't have this type of chair I would find that the keys are too elevated for the built-on palm rest. You may want to somehow engineer a higher palm rest, a common problem with all keyboards I've seen. I did not find a problem with the half-size arrow keys or 3/4 size Delete, etc. keys, and although I've been keyboarding for over 20 years I'm no typist.
- jim
16 Does not qualify to be called an ergonomic keyboard
The arrow keys are way too small and have non-standard placement. The function keys and the home, end, pageup, pagedown keys are also much smaller. I find it extremely difficult to use these keys. Of course, the split keys are OK. Personally, my opinion is, if this keyboard makes any operation more difficult than my regular keyboard, then it doesn't qualify as an ergonomic keyboard. I don't see any point in spending more money to end up with a degraded experience.
17 Typing for many years.
Having used my fingers on keyboards for more years than I want to remember, I finally found a keyboard with my hands, fingers, wrists, and arms in mind. This keyboard takes a few days to get used to because of the ergonomic split in the middle; but, it is well worth the time and effort to get used to it and you'll wonder what you ever did without it. I even got myself an extra one, just in case I should drop a cup of sticky substance in it...I don't want to be without it. You can mostly just rest your hands on the bottom edge and move only your fingers to reach just about all the keys...except for the numeric pad at the right. It even has feet to raise the upper end to a slant if you prefer. I have carpal tunnels and arthritis in both hands and find this has helped them tremendously, it is almost like exercise the doctor would order. I don't think I could ever go back to a normal keyboard again. Try it for a week and you'll be ordering a spare, too. I think it is great that they finally thought of what typists go through when they use a keyboard all day long. Depending on the length of your fingers, you don't even have to lift your hands off the resting part for the heels of your hands; you can just slide them along to the numeric pad and the keys to the left of it. You would only need to lift them to reach the 'F' row at the very top. The way it is layed out, there are even a few extra helpful keys right at your fingertips. In the center split area are little lights that remind you that you have the caps lock key on, and other handy things. I think you know I love it. I think you would, too.
18 Great!
This is one of the best ergo keyboards I have used. The shape and height are both comfortable. I also like the large spacebar button--other models from other brands have two, one on either side. Other models also tend to be larger overall. The MS Elite takes up a bit less desk space.
19 Make life easier
I've worked on computers many years and typewriters before that. I have carpal tunnel and, when I discovered this Microsoft erogonomic keyboard, I was ecstatic. It took a little getting used to because it is quite different than a normal keyboard. Now, even with the carpal tunnel, I find I have become so used to it that I can stay on it a lot longer than I did on the old keyboard models. I love it. The builtin wrist rest is a great help along with being able to change the angle of the keyboard by using the little legs. I would recommend it to anyone who has to type a lot so they don't get carpal tunnel. I have used mine for 3 years now and am just ordering another so I'll be sure to have one if something happens to this one. I would hate to not be able to get this particlar model. So, I am sort of stocking up, you might say, just in case. Then it would be my luck not to be able to find it when I need a new one. I'm on the computer 10-12 hr a day, so that should tell you something...it has received plenty of use...and not a problem with it yet. Get one and see for yourself. You will wonder why you waited so long.
20 Comfortable, but unnatural placement of some keys
I, too, find Microsoft's re-arrangment of the Ins/Del set of keys as well as the arrow keys unfathomable. Hmm, maybe the geniuses at Sony designed this one. :) In any case, this is a comfortable keyboard, and affordable, and I would continue using mine despite the stupid key placements. The multimedia version if a little better, at least with the inverted T keys. BTW the pro version is discontinued.
21 Key Placement? BAH!! This keyboard rocks!!
WAH!! Of course the key placement is different than your standard grandma keyboard...but this is the new age, with a new keyboard to match it. I type for a living(tech support and accounting/data entry). I've always had problems with wrist pains/arm pains from the traditional keyboard-in-a-tray computer set ups. I use this keyboard at work on my desktop and have absolutely no pain from typing. I actually find the new key placement easier to work with than a standard keyboard. My typing speed increases by about ten percent versus my old keyboard. Going in, I was a bit skeptical, of course...but I was forced to use it. At my next job, if they don't have one of these, I'll go to the store and buy one to use at work. I'll never go back to the old style keyboards again.
22 Only keyboard I can use1
I've used this keyboard for eight years - It's the only kind I like. I have problems when typing on any other kind. Saves strains on the wrists; never any discomfort. It's time for a new one. Purchasing exact same model. Love it
23 Great keyboard
I used this keyboard for more than two years.
Of course, arrow keys and (home, end, delete, etc) keys are little inconvinience,
but if you don't play old style games, arrow keys doesn't matter anymore and I'm now more comfortable with (......) keys layout.
One thing I don't like is that it's too big for my desk.
Other than those, it's perfect keyboard.
very comfortable for long time use.
24 a good time saver.
Really all this thing is good for is to save typing time for PS2 online games like Everquest Online, SOCOM, and so on, trust me, you NEED this if you have any online games.
25 Lacks
This keyboard is a decent ergonomic, but I would expect better for this price. Especially from Microsoft. It is nice that the feet to angle the keyboard are in the back as opposed to the front like many ergonomic keyboards. It is more comfortable that way. However, like many others have noted, the key layout of the arrow keys, the 6 keys above them, and the function keys (F1 - F12) are not the standard size/shape. This slows me down considerably. Also, the wrist rest is not removable or replacable. Overall Microsoft could have done a LOT better. Major thumbs down.
26 Great Keyboard
Despite complaints from other reviewers, I have to say that this keyboard is just as easy to use as the old-fashioned square layout keyboards. It indeed does take a few days to get used to, but after that you'll love it. And it's so much more comfortable to type on than a regular keyboard! You'll notice that much right away.
If this were a quiet touch keyboard, it'd be PERFECT. Though they keys aren't exactly loud - they're queter than the ones on my Logitech and Memorex keyboards!
27 Greatly eases typing stress, even for experienced typists
I work in technology and programming, so I use my keyboard ALL of the time. So much that I was having "repetative stress" problems (basically, tendonitis in my hands and wrists).
So I bought the MS Natural Keyboard. I type over 80 words a minute but didn't have much trouble getting used to the new key arrangement -- which is still a QWERTY design, just on an angle. Not only is the arrangement more comfortable, but the action on the keyboard is about the best I've used: full range of motion, appropriate key resistance. Overall, the keyboard is the fastest, most comfortable I've ever worked on.
In 6 years, I haven't had any tendonitis problems with this keyboard (but do have them when I'm forced to use a regular keyboard for too long).
I'm at Amazon today to buy a third one -- I've had to give up the old ones with each outdated PC.
Hope this helps!
28 Just fine for touch typists and hunt-n-peck
Takes just a little getting used to, but then you'll want one on every computer you use. I have two keyboards at work and one at home. I type about 60wpm and this does not slow me down at all. Going back to a "regular" keyboard does requires a little re-adjustment time to get speed back up. For me, the "outward" placement of the arms caused by this arrangement is much more comfortable than having them closer to parallel. No more discomfort from a day spent keyboarding.
All of mine are made in Mexico.
29 Touch typing's fine
I'm a touch typist, have been for almost 40 years, and I have no problem at all with this keyboard. I've had one for over a year, and I love it. I recently bought another one to hook up to my laptop when I use it away from home.
The only real problem I have with it is that I don't have one of these everywhere I use a computer, such as at work.
My new MS bent keyboard is the fancy new kind, with function buttons, and I never had to run the installation software. I have XP on my machine, and it recognized the keyboard and I was able to use it, special functions and all, in about five seconds.
I have been pleased with the quality and "feel" of both keyboards. My husband goes through keyboards at a rate of about two a year, but my MS keyboards go on and on.
30 Frustrated with anything else.
I have been using this keyboard for almost 4 years now. I actually bought it by accident, not knowing that it was ergonomic, but curiously decided to give it a try. In a few weeks time I was hooked; it really does beat the traditional keyboards in comfort in feel. Every time I go back to a regular keyboard I get annoyed because the keys are so close together, but the keys on this keyboard are spread out and big and comfortable. I whole-heartedly recommend this keyboard or one like it to everyone in the market for a new keyboard.
31 Love this Keyboard
I am sitting here in my office writing on this keyboard! I have one at home also. In fact I cannot use the one at home any more, much to my sorrow, because I bought a MAC. That's another story. It takes about three weeks to really get used to this keyboard, then the Elite is the greatest thing you can type on, and you will want never to be without it. There are not enough ergonomic keyboards on the market. You can get it with a touch pad if you prefer. LOVE IT! Used it now for about four years - work and home.
32 broke in less than 6 months
the darn thing just quit working entirely- very cheaply made apparently- what a disapointment!
33 Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite
I've used a Microsoft split keyboard for several years. I currently have the newer version (the lower cost one without the fancy buttons on the top row) which replaced my original [$$$] one, which was damaged by spilled soda. I can honestly say that these keyboards are more comfortable and create less stress for aching hands and wrists. These keyboards are also good for men that have large hands and have trouble with the cramped space and twisted wrists that result when using standard keyboards.
I've had surgery on both hands/wrists for carpel tunnel syndrone, which gave some relief from the pain of keyboarding and musical instrument playing. The key to managing carpel tunnel pain from computer use is frequent breaks between typing, ensuring proper posture, and hand streching excercises. These split keyboards can also help.
34 Works Fine
I bought this keyboard even though I was fully aware of the key-placement issues that several other folks have describe. But I wanted a USB ergonomic keyboard and couldn't wait for a different brand/model to be shipped (this particular keyboard is easy to find at local office supply stores), and I didn't have a need for the much more expensive wireless keyboards. I can honestly say after about 2 days of use, I don't find it the arrow key configuration an issue at all. Since I'm used to typing on a laptop keyboard, I also didn't find the placement of the PgUp/PgDn/Home/etc. keys a problem.
I primarily use this keyboard for Office applications, and I think it will suit most users.
I do like the feel of the keys, and the reduced space that it takes on my desk.
35 THE BEST !!
This is the best keyboard I have ever used...It's the ONLY keyboard I have ever used. Learned how to type on this one...
I have tried the others...there is NO COMPARISON! NO PROBLEMS with hands and wrists with this one. Try it..you'll NEVER go back to the conventional one.
36 For UNIX?
I really regret that I brought this junk. I was deceived by its stylish look, and when I started using it, immediately I found that the cursor keys and the page up/down, home/end keys are so awkwardly placed, making the keyboard virtually useless in OS where you absolutely need those keys -- like Windows. I doubt if Microsoft has made this keyboard for UNIX users, those who are used to vi or Emacs, where you type Ctrl+F to move the cursor to the right, etc.
37 Keys poorly laid out and miniature in size
As with several other people who have shared their thoughts on this product, I must say that I absolutely hate it because of the tiny arrow, page up/down, home, insert, delete, and end keys. Pretty much the entire right section of the keyboard requires me to glance off the screen and look at the keyboard before typing.
38 Works for me.
Works good. I've had mine for quite a while now. This is so much easier to type on compared to traditional style keyboards. Especially if you know the proper way to type; separated left and right sides just make sense.
I also owned the older model. The only beef I have is that the newer model has smaller, moved arrow keys. They are not in the traditional "T" style. Also, the Home, Delete, Insert... etc.. buttons are also re-located. That's why I gave this 4 stars.
It took me a while to get used to this, but you can get used to anything. After repeated use, it's not a problem anymore.
Overall:
Works great. So much easier to type on. Easier on the hands. I found mine durable also. I can't tell you how many times I've spilled a little on it or dropped it while moving it somewhere. I will definitely buy a new one after this one wears out.
39 More Microsoft Garbage
I don't know what Microsoft did from their 1st generation of this keyboard to their latest, but they've totally destroyed whatever reputation their original natural keyboard had.
I have both the old kind (arrow keys in an inverted-T shape) and a new kind (arrow keys in a cross pattern)
This keyboard had inherent problems with Windows NT 4.0 (certain keys would not work properly) and the keyboard feels cheap.
Their original keyboard had a hinge underneath the back which would recurve the keyboard away from you. This is the most comfortable setup for a typist. The new kind now has the traditional lift-up on the back that cants the keyboard towards you....a very bad no-no and you are asking for permanent wrist damage.
The original cost [$], this one is [$], and is exactly 1/2 the quality of the original version. We bought a bunch of these for people at work and most have since swapped them out and have gone back to the standard wrist killers because this keyboard performed so poorly.
If you can still find a 1st generation MS Natural Keyboard, buy it, but stay away from any later versions.
40 Wish I'd read these reviews before buying the Elite
If you only occasionally type, or you're a hunt-and-peck typist, then this keyboard would be an excellent choice for you. The split keyboard takes some getting used to if you've never used one before, but once you have, you'll never want to go back to the regular square model. The keys on this keyboard are perfectly shaped to cradle your fingers, and the space bar works effortlessly without having to pound your thumb. The touch is light and wonderful, enabling you to type faster and easier than ever before.
But, if you are familiar with a keyboard and are a touch-typist, then you'll be greatly disappointed and/or frustrated with this Natural Keyboard Elite. I agree with the other negative reviews regarding the smaller size and changed arrangement of the Insert/Home keys, and the smaller squished-together arrow keys. To paraphrase a saying, they shouldn't have fixed something that ain't broke. I use my keyboard 8 hours a day in my occupation as a medical transcriptionist. I've been typing/keyboarding for 30+ years and my fingers know where the keys are supposed to be even if I can't remember. So it is a great nuisance to have to constantly look down away from the monitor to see what key my finger is trying to reach. I keep hitting the Home key when I intend to hit the Insert key, because that's the place the Insert key is supposed to be. The newly sized and arranged directional arrows are impossible to correctly hit without first hitting every other key around them.
It's been mentioned in prior reviews that the keyboard I'm looking for is the Natural Pro, so I guess I'll need to go for a "test drive" of that one. And I'll be sure to bring along a map of the key placement I know and love so I won't make this mistake again.
41 Wish I'd read these reviews before buying the Elite
If you only occasionally type, or you're a hunt-and-peck typist, then this keyboard would be an excellent choice for you. The split keyboard takes some getting used to if you've never used one before, but once you have, you'll never want to go back to the regular square model. The keys on this keyboard are perfectly shaped to cradle your fingers, and the space bar works effortlessly without having to pound your thumb. The touch is light and wonderful, enabling you to type faster and easier than ever before.
But, if you are familiar with a keyboard and are a touch-typist, then you'll be greatly disappointed and/or frustrated with this Natural Keyboard Elite. I agree with the other negative reviews regarding the smaller size and changed arrangement of the Insert/Home keys, and the smaller squished-together arrow keys. To paraphrase a saying, they shouldn't have fixed something that ain't broke. I use my keyboard 8 hours a day in my occupation as a medical transcriptionist. I've been typing/keyboarding for 30+ years and my fingers know where the keys are supposed to be even if I can't remember. So it is a great nuisance to have to constantly look down away from the monitor to see what key my finger is trying to reach. I keep hitting the Home key when I intend to hit the Insert key, because that's the place the Insert key is supposed to be. The newly sized and arranged directional arrows are impossible to correctly hit without first hitting every other key around them.
It's been mentioned in prior reviews that the keyboard I'm looking for is the Natural Pro, so I guess I'll need to go for a "test drive" of that one. And I'll be sure to bring along a map of the key placement I know and love so I won't make this mistake again.
42 Wish I'd read these reviews before buying the Elite
If you only occasionally type, or you're a hunt-and-peck typist, then this keyboard would be an excellent choice for you. The split keyboard takes some getting used to if you've never used one before, but once you have, you'll never want to go back to a regular square model. The keys on this keyboard are perfectly shaped to cradle your fingers, and the space bar works effortlessly without having to pound your thumb.
But, if you are a touch-typist and your fingers already know where the keys are supposed to be, then you'll be greatly disappointed and/or frustrated with this Natural Keyboard Elite. I agree with the other negative reviews regarding the smaller size and changed arrangement of the Insert/Home keys, and the smaller squished-together arrow keys. To paraphrase a saying, they shouldn't have fixed something that wasn't broke. I use my keyboard 8 hours a day in my occupation as a medical transcriptionist. I've been typing/keyboarding for 30+ years and my fingers know where the keys are even if I can't remember. So it is a great nuisance to have to constantly look down away from the monitor to see what key my finger is trying to reach. I keep hitting the Home key when I intend to hit the Insert key, because that's the place the Insert key is supposed to be. The newly sized and arranged directional arrows are impossible to correctly hit without first hitting every other key around them.
It's been mentioned in prior reviews that the keyboard I'm looking for is the Natural Pro, so I guess I'll need to go for a "test drive" of that one. And I'll be sure to bring along a map of the key placement I know and love so I won't make this mistake again.
43 Fantastic feel, but dies a horrible death if it gets wet
I've been using this keyboard for years, at work and at home, and I was always wonderfully satisfied with them. Until yesterday, when I opened a pressurized bottle of soda and it sprayed some soda onto the keyboard. My keyboard soon developed funky behavior, and then while trying to figure out what was going on (I thought a key had got stuck), eventually rebooting my system to see if it was merely a software problem. Unfortunately, my computer could not successfully boot, and when I turned the power off and on again, my computer was dead.
I took apart the MS Natural keyboard, and found that under the rubber key supports, there are two layers of conductor-coated plastic separated by a thin sheet of plastic. The conductor traces around the left control key looked as though they had burned. Looking at the keyboard design, it appears that the power leads for the LED's are very close to the leads for the keystrokes, and apparently power from the keyboard connector got fed back to the computer on the data lines, killing the computer as well as the keyboard.
Don't get your MS Natural Elite keyboard wet, whatever you do.
44 Inaccurate Feature Listing
THis keyboard is excellent, but it DOES NOT come with the any/many features highlighted in the product listing including extra USB ports, hot keys, detachable palm rest. I think those are on the Pro model of the keyboard. BTW, I mentioned this inaccuracy to AMZN customer service when I got my shipment over two weeks ago and I see they still are listing the phantom features.
45 Feels SO good!
This keyboard feels so good! Typing is effortless and flowing. Once you've used it for a few days, going back to traditional keyboards feels uncomfortable and awkward...that's because they are! --they force your wrists to be in an unnatural position. The keys on the Microsoft Natural Keyboard are set up at the angles your arms would be if you just let them rest in their natural position. See for yourself: hold your arms in front of you and let them fall naturally on the desk. See the angle they're in? That's the angle of this keyboard. Now don't fall for the imitations--only the Natural Keyboard by Microsoft feels this good and works this well.
46 The worst of all Microsoft keyboards
The Elite's key layout is non-standard: the Ins/Home/Pgup and Del/End/PgDn key grouping is rotated through 90 degrees. This means that you have to re-learn your right hand typing behaviour. To make matters worse the reduced-size cursor keys are not in the usual inverted T, but in a cruciform arrangement, which makes this keyboard pretty useless for people who engage in FPS games like Quake 2/3, Unreal etc. They're really only fit for people with fingers like pencils.
On the whole, the Elite keyboard is only for those who suffer from restricted space (such as those who use pull-out keyboard trays), but MUST have a natural layout.
47 Decent, but for two major problems
The problem with key layout (the ones to the right of the enter key) are covered in other reviews. Another issue is that the rubber bumps on the bottom of the keyboard are poorly fastened. We've got two at my office and both had the same one fall off -- making the keyboard unusable until we glued them back on. Unacceptable.
48 Evil key layout!
My experience parallels a previous review. I also used the older Microsoft Natural keyboard (now the Natural Pro) and it relieved my persistent pain. When I accidentally killed my keyboard, I ordered the Elite model without thinking. Within a few days I was desperate enough to go back to a conventional keyboard. The arrangement of the Home/Page Up/Page Dn/End/Delete/Insert and arrow keys may allow the keyboard to fit in trays, but otherwise it is insane. I never realized how much I use those keys until I was swearing at this keyboard. The arrows keys are nearly impossible to use, especially for gaming. Unless you truly need the keyboard to fit in a tray, please stay away from this annoying, frustrating, and unusable keyboard.
49 How wonderful the Spit Keyboard is to Use
I love the split keyboard. It is so much more comfortable to type with but does take getting use too. Only a few days!
It is easy to use and makes typing so comfortable to use too.
I think everyone will enjoy it.
The only negative statement I have concerning this is it shows in a dark gray or black here and when it comes it is white.
I wanted to darker color to avoid showing smoke or dirt.
50 Problematic Key Configuration
I used an older Microsoft Natural keyboard for over five years, and it was excellent. By comparison, conventional keyboards are an occupational hazard. Unfortunately, I broke it while cleaning it, and I had to buy a new one. I picked up the Elite model without looking too closely ... but soon after I started using it, I was cursing under my breath ... because of the arrangement of the Home/Page Up/Page Dn/End/Delete/Insert and arrow keys. They've lost the inverted-T configuration used with the older Natural keyboard. Also, these keys are now half-sized, and therefore harder to hit. These may seem like minor quibbles to some of you -- but they preclude the possibility of hitting these keys without looking at them. This inability is detrimental to any serious touch-typist. I'm a full time IT professional, and as far as I'm concerned, this keyboard is unusable. (My suspicious mind guesses that Microsoft used this bogus configuration to push us to pay for the upscale Pro model, which has the correct key configuration.)
