Discover the Microsoft Natural MultiMedia Keyboard, with one-touch buttons that take you directly to your favorite multimedia activities - navigate music and video clips, surf the Web, start many of the programs you use most, and more. With custom blue accents and a stylish ergonomic design, this keyboard adds dynamic features and vibrant looks to any desktop.Experience a faster way to perform common tasks. Just press a key to open, close, save, and print documents, send and forward e-mails, and more. Switch between standard and enhanced function key commands, giving you more flexibility. Vibrant color and design add personality to your desktop. Split, gently sloped shape encourages a natural hand, wrist, and forearm position for maximum comfort. With the press of a button, you get instant access to Messenger, Mail, Internet, and Calculator commands. Hot keys for My Documents, My Pictures, and My Music put the files you use most within easy reach.
The trend toward adding extra function keys to keyboards to control specific parts of Windows or applications continues with Microsoft's introduction of the Natural MultiMedia keyboard. This device takes the ergonomics of Microsoft's Natural keyboard, with its split keypads, shaped surface, and wrist rest, and adds a variety of useful function keys.
Before plugging the Natural MultiMedia keyboard into the PS/2 socket on the back of your PC, it is necessary to install the included IntelliType Pro 2.2 software. It works with Windows 98 and later, though some hot keys require specific versions of applications, such as Internet Explorer.
The keyboard is styled in dark blue, cream, and grey, so it fits in well with other Microsoft peripherals. As with earlier versions of the Natural keyboard, the keys accessed by the left hand are separated from those intended for the right by being angled away, with a triangular spacer in the middle, above the Spacebar. The bottom-row keys, like Ctrl, Start, and Alt, are enlarged to make them easier to press, and the Spacebar itself can still be used with either thumb.
A new F Lock key, positioned to the right of F12, locks the row of function keys into alternate functions, such as Undo, Close, Send, and Print. This makes working with many applications, including e-mail clients, much quicker. There are a further 17 dedicated, special keys behind the function key row that handle things like music playback, opening the My Documents folder, starting the calculator, and switching the PC to sleep mode.
While this keyboard will undoubtedly make most users' lives easier, some "pick-and-peck" typists may have difficulty with the separated keyboard layout. --Simon Williams, Amazon.co.uk
Take command of your keyboard experience in comfort and style with the comfortable keyboard that fits your digital lifestyle! The Microsoft Natural MultiMedia keyboard features one-touch buttons that take you directly to your favorite multimedia activities--navigate music and video clips, surf the Web, open many of the programs you use most, and more.
With the press of a button, hot keys give you instant access to Messenger, Mail, Internet, and Calculator commands. Hot keys for My Documents, My Pictures, and My Music put the files you use most within easy reach. Enhanced F keys let you perform common tasks faster. Just press a key to open, close, save, and print documents, send and forward e-mails, and more.
Put your computer into sleep mode (such as suspend, standby, or hibernation) right from your computer desktop, protecting your data and saving energy. (Sleep hot key functionality is available if your system supports power management and it is enabled, and if all peripherals are compatible with power management.)
This keyboard features a three-year warranty.
1 Not perfect, but it'll get the job done
i spend my entire workday in front of my computer so naturally i needed something more comfortable than the stock keyboard that was given to me by my empolyer. i use a natural pro at home and am very happy with it. the natural multimedia has a similar look, but feels very different. the keystroke is a lot smoother, almost feels spongy. the extra multimedia buttons on the top... i don't use them. oh yeah, and the keyboard is noticibly heavier and takes up more space than a stock keyboard...
there are two main things that really annoy me: the function keys (F1-F12) have been replaced by M$ with shortcuts for things like help, undo, redo, open, close, reply, fwd, send, spell, save, print. you can still use the F-keys, but you have to press the FLock button first. annoying. also, there is an oversized delete button -- it sits where the insert button and a normal sized delete button sit.
2 Much different feel than previous MS Naturals
I'm a long term user of Microsoft Natural keyboards and am a programmer who types all day (and night). I needed a new one and found a deal on this version (it was cheaper than a new Natural Pro, I guess because it's not USB), but was glad that I tried it out in a store first. They've completely change the feel of the keys; they're soft and spongy, rather than crisp like the previous models (Natural Pro and Natural Elite). Some people might prefer this, but I definitely didn't and am going to stick with a Natural Pro.
3 Solid Keyboard
This is a solid keyboard (quite literally). the keys require effort to push, and accordingly the noise is quite loud. The upside is that the keyboard can take abuse. I am not a hard typer, but I made the adjustment fairly quickly. The F-Lock is off by default, which is very annoying. The included software allows you to see the sound card master volume on screen when you adjust it, which is the strongest selling point of this keyboard (though Logitech also has a similar feature). The extra function keys are not so helpful, there are many shortcuts through windows. One thing I do not like is the lack of programmable keys, you can remap any key, but there aren't ones to launch Word/Excel or free keys to launch some other program. The Intellitype Software is fine, and reconfiguring keys is not a problem. I would have given this keyboard 5 stars if the keys required less effort.
4 Takes some adjusting
I love the feel but the functionality takes some getting used to. Also, as has been said in almost every other review, the F-Lock key is a pain. I am a long time computer programmer. The IDE's that I use for software development rely on the function keys for debugging. I can't count how many times I have started to debug and instead opened a new project by accident or perfomed some other "user friendly" task because I didn't hit the F-Lock key. It is still not as bad as some say and the typing flow is very smooth. It just takes some getting used to.
There are some registry hacks out on the internet that will map the function keys for Windows 2000, XP and up. I think I may look into one sometime soon.
5 Logitech vs Microsoft
IÁøve purchased many of the Logitech natural wireless keyboards and one of the Microsoft version (I leave a keyboard in each country I work). Microsoft keyboard (without Á¨programmingÁø) seems to work better with my software (i.e. controls volume well and can skip to next song on my musicmatch radio). I prefer the feel of Logitech keys. I will continue to use and enjoy the Microsoft product, but my next wireless natural keyboard will be Logitech.
6 Ok for a novice, but bad for a power user. Poor quality?
This is an ok keyboard. The keys feel nice, the position of your hands feels more natural.
BUT! The way the function keys work really really sucks. The F Lock key may be good for novice users (which Micro$oft seems to be targeting nowadays) but really blows for anyone who has used a keyboard before. And even with the F Lock on, the function keys don't work in some applications.
Also, I don't like how the function keys are so close together, or how it's got the 'enhanced' function on the top so you can't read the fn key number. I also used to be able to tell which fn key I'm pressing by the grouping the key is in.
I got used to the 'enhanced' home/end/page up/page down/delete (notice no insert) relatively quickly though.
Overall, if you've never used a keyboard before, or don't know what a function key is, this keyboard is ok.
Oh yeah, after only 2 weeks, the keys don't feel as smooth as when I first got it. So maybe the overall quality is questionable.
7 Small learning curve, but great product
After about a week with the keyboard, I have to say I love the thing. It looks kind of funky on your desk, but in a good way. So there is a bit of a learning curve with the keyboar. At least there was with me. It made apparent that I was using the wrong hand for some of the keys. After about 10 minutes with the keyboard, I pretty much retaught myself with correct tying skills.
Some other things about the keyboard: It's kind of annoying that there are different default buttons for where the F-keys are. You have to push an F-lock button every time you start up your computer, otherwise the buttons will do things like open Help (F1) and Close windows (F6), when you want them to do other things. I also am enjoying the keyboard for games (First person shooters mostly). I can easily and quickly find the keys I need.
8 Good yet not good
This keyboard is crippled by the so-called "enhanced" function keys.
I actually managed to get used to the strange configuration of delete/home/end/pageup/pagedown/insert rather quickly, though. Insert is usually something I hit accidentally and don't notice until I start overtyping things, so I accepted that change. That said, I am still unsure that it is a good idea to change a layout like this. Ergonomic keyboards are usually used by touch typists, since we are hardest hit by RSI, and touch typists expect their fingers to know where the keys are without looking.
The multimedia functions are great! The layout and appearance makes them much more intuitive than previous multimedia controls (when they were all the same color and shape).
Also terrific is the feel of the keys. The require just the right amount of pressure; touch typing on this keyboard is very pleasant (so long as you stay on the "core" keys, of course).
The issue with the function keys is rather severe, however. For anyone who uses them frequently (I'm a programmer) there is significant danger of doing something you really don't want to do - like closing the application in which you're working. I used the keyboard software to disable all of the function key shortcuts - that way, at least, nothing happens if I forget to hit the "F-Lock" key when I boot up.
9 Sent it back
I've been using a Microsoft Natural Pro keyboard for a couple years, and absolutely loved it. However, when it broke, I discovered that I couldn't buy another. I was told this was the next best thing.
First, remember that this is NOT a USB interface. So I needed a converter to hook it into my Mac. Then, I realized that there are no USB ports on the back of this keyboard. Another downside. So I ended up sending it back and will likely get the Elite and try it out.
For typing, however, the Microsoft Natural keyboards can't be beat--it only took me a few days on one to get my typing speed back up to normal, and after a month or so, I was FAR faster on the Microsoft Natural keyboards than on any standard keyboard. The configuration is wonderful, and the slope in the middle of the keyboard enables me to type for much longer periods without soreness. I'm on a computer 8-10 hours a day, and would never want to be without one of these keyboards.
I just wish I had the Pro model back!
10 blatant disrespect for previous MS natural keyboard users
First of all this keyboard is not bad in itself, the key action is alright. HOWEVER there are two things about this keyboard that have caused me to lose some productivity when using this keyboard: 1. MS decided to change the layout of the home/delete/end/pgup/pgdwn/insert key group AGAIN! 2. MS decided to delete the right windows key. I had used a windows natural keyboard before this and had just begun to get used to the alternative key-layout. Now they have changed it AGAIN!... If this would be your first MS natural keyboard it's probably alright for you but I feel MS is unreliable when it comes to adhering to one layout. MS does not seem to care that it's customers lose productivity when they have to use a keyboard with a different layout (especially when you're a touch typist like me)... My next KB is not going to be a MS as I don't trust them to keep the layout the same.
11 A great piece of equipment
I love this keyboard. One of the main reasons why I bought it it's because its split in the middle, allowing the user to be able to type and rest the elbows on the chair, like I do.
I think the added keys are great and time saving. These keys include my documents, my pictures, my music, mute, play, stop, vol +, -, fwd, rew, media (to open the media player), mail, web/home (to open browser), messenger, calculator, log off & sleep.
I'll say that I use most of these keys on a daily basis, the one I use the least is the log off key & the calculator, but I do appreciate they are there.
This keyboard also has an "f lock" key, where the "f" keys can do a double function depending on which program they are being used.
Most of the times I work with this key "on", locking my "f" keys and leaving them in the standard mode. I am very used to pressing F5 to refresh a web page, or F6 to type in the address bar, F3 to do a search, etc.
When the "f lock" is not activated, the "f" keys can use the purpose of undo, redo, new, open, close, reply, fwd, send, spell, save & print. Most of these commands can be used with outlook or word or pretty much any program that has any of these commands.
Now the bad things.
The keyboard is a bit tall. Putting on the stands can sometimes be a little too uncomfortable, as it is already elevated. Also if you decide to put on the keyboard stands, you may have trouble sliding it in the keyboard drawer in your desk. So I got used to not having them on. Another thing is that you have to know how to type correctly..."tip-toeing", or so I call it, with the usual typing finger on the keyboard will not get the user very far. You have to lay your hands on it and learn where the fingers go before you can take full advantage.
This is in no way a discouragement for a user who does not know how to type without looking at the keys, but it's kind of a warning.
Also, you have to turn on the "f lock" key every time you start windows, or you won't be able to use the "f" keys natural functions.
Do this: If you decide to buy it, first try it out. Do what I did. I went to my local store and tried typing in my name and a few other things on this keyboard while being on display just to see how it felt to work. Then I started typing random sentences. It felt natural. So I took it.
In overall, my personal experience is great. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone.
12 Leave well enough alone (programmers beware)
First I should give Micro$oft credit for attempting to continue to produce a line of ergonomic keyboards with functions for everyone. However, and despite the nice features of the Natural Multimedia keyboard, they dropped the ball, again. I am one of the lucky users who bought an original Microsoft Natural keyboard when they first came out and, after the break-in period (to get used to the split keyboard), I was hooked and never went back to another (in-line) keyboard (actually, I can't go back as they hurt my wrists if I use them for any prolonged period). However, like most computer hardware, those keyboards had a limited life and mine broke. I tried the Natural Elite but, as a programmer/web person, I just couldn't get used to the rearranged arrow keys and small size in general. I was happy to see the original, traditional arrow key arrangement restored on this Natural Multimedia keyboard. However, M$ just couldn't leave well enough alone and saw fit to rearrange/modify the HOME/END/INSERT/DELETE... "location" keys above them. I'm in the same position I was in with the Elite board, I just won't be able to get used to the newly arranged "location" keys (and don't want to as all the other keyboards here at work and the one I have at home orgainize them correctly in their original configuration). Certainly if you don't use the arrow keys or "location" keys much this won't be an issue for you but if you do much coding and depending on your "style" you may find yourself not able to or not wanting to get used to the alternate key layout of the Multimedia Keyboard.
So far I don't mind the added keys as I can choose to use them, remap them to the programs I want, or just ignore them if I don't like them. This is what they should have done with the extended function keys, just made them separate keys as I think there is probably enough room for them. Oh well.
As far as the "F Lock" function key business, it's not that big of a deal to hit the key once whenever you boot your computer. However, there really should have been an option in the driver software that let's you modify the default behavior for this key. Also, it seems that the registry fix for this issue (that can be found on google groups) is only good for Windows 2000, XP, and greater (future); I have not tried it on my NT PC as I'm not sure what it will do since, per M$'s site RE key mapping, it is not supported on that O/S. But let's face it, users should not have to download possibly suspect 3rd party registry hacks to get the typical function key behavior back. It's almost as if Micro$oft is keen on getting everyone to "keyboard" to their specs, even if that means relearning how to type to some degree. Silly.
I was hoping this keyboard would be the redeemer M$ needed after the inferior Elite replaced the original Natural board, a nearly perfect product in my estimation (Dubious? just look at the prices those puppies command now - if you can find them!). But I'm afraid that, due to the placement of the HOME/END/DELETE/INSERT... "location" keys, the flub with the "F Lock" key setting, no USB support, and the fact that they eliminated the front flip-up "foot" found on the underside of the original Natural (that raised the front of the keyboard up and greatly reducing wrist strain - for me) leaves me with no choice but to give this product just 2 stars. Here's hoping they get it right next time :o(
13 Love it--easy push buttons & kind to wrists
Love the Microsoft Natural MultiMedia Keyboard. At the top, you push a button to start music playing, call up documents, mail, etc. There's even a volume regulator within a finger span reach. I've gotton lazy, and I love it! The only improvements could be a 2nd usb port that another MS model has, but I wouldn't give up my keyboard-I lay a gel wrist rest and just drop my hands down for stress-free typing! Try one in the store--you'll either love it or hate it--it seems to be a quick reaction. I agree with an earlier comment about the touch of typing on the Elite natural model--it's type touch is softer, while this MultiMedia model is crisp. If you like your gadgets, this one is for you!! PS the blue is true medium blue at the top--if you're color coordinating, this can be difficult.
14 Decent enough keyboard, but...
Having used the original Microsoft Natural Keyboard for a few years, I figured I might as well "upgrade" to the multimedia one. I thought the extra, quick access keys (for e-mail, calculator, buttons for multimedia players, etc.) would come in handy. In a way they are. They are "programmable," meaning you can decide what folder/program is open for specific keys. But I've also found they don't necessarily respond when you need to use them, thus adding a slight inconvenience. In fact, after awhile, I found myself using shortcut icons far more often than the programmable keys.
This keyboard seems to feel a little "cheaper" than its predecessor. It doesn't feel as sturdy (or as heavy) as the original Natural Keyboard. Sometimes when I'm typing, I feel like whatever's holding the keys in place will suddenly break. In fact, the legs that support the keyboard (so the keyboard would be at an elevated/tilted position) broke all too easily. It's as if cheaper or thinner plastic was used for this particular model. I also miss having an extra "insert" key, which has been replaced by an extra long "delete" key. Another thing I've run into is the "media" key. I have that set to run Winamp, although sometimes I've found that it likes to run Windows Media Player instead. Not sure why that happens.
Also, a big quirk as mentioned is the "F-lock" key. It's set to be on by default, meaning what normally would be the function keys are really the alternate uses. You can actually rectify that by downloading a small program ...(It makes a minor modifcation to the registry file so the F-lock is off when you boot, but remember, if you need to do an F8 during a Windows bootup, be sure that the F-lock is ON!
Overall, it's not a bad keyboard, yet I've found typing on this slows me down a tad; I was faster on the original Natural keyboard. The Natural Multimedia Keyboard needs to be better made and have a better driver so those programmable keys work all the time, and not just at selective moments.
15 Adequate, but with limitations
I have been using ergognomic keyboards for 4 years, ever since I developed very mild CTS. The split boards helped keep wrist stress down. I broke my old ergo board, so I bought the MS Natural Multimedia. Like most new boards, it's slathered with new buttons. Use em if you like. I use the multimedia controls for MP3s.
My criticisms
(1) The function keys are by default off. This is stupid. There is an F key lock so you can have the Function keys in their proper F mode. Otherwise, they're 'shortcuts.'
(2) The biggest problem is the redesign for the Ins/Del, Home/End, PgUp/PgDn keys. It's an awkward layout, and you have to reteach your hand how to use the keys. I still fumble for which key I want and I've been using the board for 3 months.
That being said, there are some rather nice features.
(1) The oversized Alt, Ctrl, and Start buttons are wonderful. I've quickly become accustomed to them.
(2) The key resistance is quite pleasant. It's not IBM clicky, but it's not soft like those old Mac keyboards. It's a pleasant amount of resistance, and I've had no trouble adjusting to it. My typing speed is almost to normal.
(3) The wrist rest is very comfortable. It's designed quite well. At first I was concerned because the center of the board sort of floats, but the wrist rest can support weight well, and this board is built sturdy enough.
Overall, I'd say the keyboard is adequate. The change in key locations is my only problem. If you've never used a split keyboard, you should learn to touch type. Trying to hunt and peck on a split board would be a nightmare. You really do need to be an adequate typist to see any benefit from having an ergo board. For casual computer users, stick with standard boards. For me, the comfort of the split board has helped my wrist out quite a bit. I could imagine a better ergo board, but I have yet to find one to my liking.
16 Nice keybard, but.....
After using the Elite keyboard for years, I started using this model. I think this keyboard performs just as well as the Elite did.
There is only one flaw worth speaking about, and it's a MAJOR one. The function keys are disabled by default. You have to press the F-lock key before using them. This is particularly frustrating on multi-boot systems or system setup (F2) on bootup. If Microsoft insists on having these keys do more than one thing, they need to least have default functionality be just like any other keyboard. For this reason, I gave it only 3 stars intead of the 4 - 5 it would have otherwise deserved.
17 Forgetaboutit = Only certain typists can use this thing
The proliferation of the "split" keyboards has, thankfully, been limited in recent years.
I cannot use these things. I can't touch type, but I can knock out 35-40 wpm on a standard keyboard. I use my right index finger for the "f" an "t" keys while using my left ring finger to hold the shift key (odd, but we all have our own way of typing).
I cannot type on a split board. My wife used one (a fine touch-typist), but was faced with the impossible reach required for certain control and function key combination keystrokes; she wears a size six (6) glove. Even my large hands (glove = 9.5) don't allow me to make use of all of the control key functions.
I want a straight keyboard with the function keys on the left of the board (as my ancient IBM AT keyboard has) for my PC / WINTEL boxes. On my Mac machines I can use the pro keyboard for the boxes, but have found the tactile feedback I love (if cramped) in my 12" TI Powerbook - albeit at the loss of the function keys' full use.
I'll not own another split keyboard and I'd pay a lot for a keyboard that was cross platform, had the tactile feedback of the original IBM keyboards and had the function keys in two columns on the left!
18 Warning, this [item] has nothing to do with MS NaturalKeyboard
The original MS Natural Keyboard was the best thing MS ever made, and probably their only product that actually worked. Unfortunately, they seem to have dropped it and concentrated on useless, user-unfriendly "updates", such as the "Natural Elite", "Natural Plus", and now this piece of [work], the "Natural Multimedia".
First of all, it's flat. To get it at the proper angle, I had to remove the small "legs" from underneath and reinsert them upside-down to make the keyboard's anglement good.
Second, the keys are hard to press and pop back too often.
Third, a lot of space is occupied by some stupid "multimedia" buttons that I will never even look at, much less use. If [people] want to have "play" and "rewind" buttons, they can use a remote controller.
But fourth, and worst of all, THE FUNCTION KEYS ARE DISABLED BY DEFAULT!!! Yes, you read it right. Unless you press some... new key named "F-Lock" (OFF by default!), the function keys will act like the numeric keyboard!!! Listen, Microsoft, when I press F8, I want to press F8, NOT to see a letter "h" on screen! I use the FAR Manager and Windows Commander, and function keys are crucial to me. You can take the whole numeric keyboard from the right for all I care, but DO NOT MESS WITH THE FUNCTION KEYS!
I would never buy this piece of [work] but my original MS Natural Keyboard Pro broke after many years, and I thought this would be a good replacement... BIG MISTAKE. This is MS's worst product since Windows Millennium. Stay away from this [item]. Are there any stores that have some dusty supplies of the original MS Natural Keyboard stored in some old warehouse? I'll buy three of them... or trade you this unused MS Multimedia [item] for a used MS Natural in good shape!
19 It all depends on your preference
I've been using the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite ergonomic keyboard for a few years now and love it but when I decided to get an ergonomic keyboard for a second computer I decided to try something new. In comparision, I agree with a previous reviewer in that this keyboard does feel stiffer than the Elite. It all depends on whether you like soft keys or slightly stiffer ones. I prefer the softer keys myself because it's easier on my wrist muscles after hours of typing. When I say stiffer keys, I don't mean terribly stiff but you will notice a difference if you use both keyboards daily like I do. It just makes sense that the softer keyboard would put less strain on your wrist muscles, since it's less of an effort to press it.
The other differences between the two keyboards is that the Elite has smaller keys for the Home, End, arrows, etc buttons whereas this one has basically the standard size, and the Elite also doesn't have the multimedia buttons. The arrows are also rearranged on the Elite but that doesn't bother me because I don't use them much, nor do I use the multimedia buttons much either.
If you get a chance, I would recommend trying them both out first before buying. Both keyboards have about the same ergonomic shape so it comes down to whether you like how it feels when typing, if you need the multimedia functions, or don't like the Elite arrow layout. I gave this keyboard 3 stars because I can type longer on the Elite before feeling pain, which for me is the most important factor in buying an ergonomic keyboard.
20 A must have!
I was a little weary of getting this keyboard especially that I never used one split down the middle. I wanted something easy to use and high in quality because I just bought my new computer and I wanted it to look good. I find this keyboard easier to use and much more comfortable. I like typing fast and my wrists ache when I typed on the traditional kind of keyboards. The extra keys are great to I can instantly go to my documents or save or send email by clicking the button. This keyboard has made it a lot easier on my wrists and now find it easier to learn how to type. The Microsoft Natural MultiMedia Keyboard is the way to go. The comfort is there as well as the simplicity to learning it quickly.
21 Nice features and quality
In a time with more importance on computers, I decided to finally change over to the redesigned natural keyboard to help prevent any carpaltunnel. Unlike any previous reviewers have said, this board is not made cheaply. The keys are very quiet, and have a good overall build. My only complaint is the middle of the board is extremely tall when the back supports are up. Because this board is so tall, I have to lower it to be able to put my keyboard slide back in, so for that reason, I have given it a 4 out of 5.
22 Great keyboard.
Ive read a few reviews here and think they are a little biased. Mainly because they are users of regular keyboards thinking they can just type normally on a natural immediately with the same results.
It takes a few hours to get used to it the natural design, and once you do, you feel a lot more comfortable, and can type at a much faster rate.
This is my 3rd ms natural keyboard - the previous two going with one other pc and me spilling hot soup over the original - which kind of ticked me off ;)
They are the best keyboards I have ever used, and yes, I am also a heavy gamer, and can use the keyboard the same in just about all games I play (cs, ra3, opflash, IL2, falcon 4 etc).
And if your looking for a natural keyboard, of what I know, these are the most comfortable and contoured boards around. I reccomend these pants down :) And the extra multimedia and shortcut keys on this board are great once u get used to them.
23 its pretty good
i just recieved the natural multimedia keyboard and it works quite well. the IntelliType Pro 2.2 software allows you to customize the top multimedia buttons allowing you to start up your favorite programs at a touch of a button.
the buttons feel nice and solid. i dont like the soft feel ones because it is too sensitive and i keep on pressing keys that i don't intend to press. the keys feel like a Dell Quietkey keyboard (its those white ones, not the stealth black ones which are Dell Enhanced Quitekeys). i like a little resistance in keys so i don't accidentally press keys. the right shift key however, was a little too hard to press so i just popped it out and added some grease and replaced it and now it works just fine. it also didn't take much time to learn how to type on this kind of keyboard than standard keyboards. in addition, like the main goal of this keyboard, i dont feel any more pain in my wrists! the 6 key i don't really care about which side its on (if you are such a good "typist" then you should be able to learn and get used to it!) i got it for a great buy [especially] at the Microsoft Employee Purchase Program!
24 its pretty good
i just recieved the natural multimedia keyboard and it works quite well. the IntelliType Pro 2.2 software allows you to customize the top multimedia buttons allowing you to start up your favorite programs at a touch of a button.
the buttons feel nice and solid. i dont like the soft feel ones because it is too sensitive and i keep on pressing keys that i don't intend to press. the keys feel like a Dell Quietkey keyboard (its those white ones, not the stealth black ones which are Dell Enhanced Quitekeys). i like a little resistance in keys so i don't accidentally press keys. the right shift key however, was a little too hard to press so i just popped it out and added some grease and replaced it and now it works just fine. it also didn't take much time to learn how to type on this kind of keyboard than standard keyboards. in addition, like the main goal of this keyboard, i dont feel any more pain in my wrists!!! the 6 key i don't really care about which side its on (if you are such a good "typist" then you should be able to learn and get used to it!!!) ...
25 Not worth the purchase
This keyboard is the cheapest feeling keyboard I've ever used. Only after a few days of typing the keys started to stick and requires a little more effort to press some keys. In general it feels more stiff when typing rather than a nice cushy feel. This never happened from the other 5 keyboards I've used. If you really want to get a Microsoft keyboard then try getting the Elite which I also own.
As for the ergonomic layout, I've noticed that it's not completely neccesary. If I use a standard keyboard that doesn't try to save money by compacting the keys together then I don't get wrist problems. You have to find a keyboard that provides a good amount of space between each keys. Although you still need to use a wrist pad and the flatter the keyboard the better.
But no matter what you do don't waste your money on this keyboard.
26 Not worth the purchase
This keyboard is the cheapest feeling keyboard I've ever used. Only after a few days of typing the keys started to stick and requires a little more effort to press some keys. In general it feels more stiff when typing rather than a nice cushy feel. This never happened from the other 5 keyboards I've used. If you really want to get a Microsoft keyboard then try getting the Elite which I also own.
As for the ergonomic layout, I've noticed that it's not completely neccesary. If I use a standard keyboard that doesn't try to save money by compacting the keys together then I don't get wrist problems. You have to find a keyboard that provides a good amount of space between each keys. Although you still need to use a wrist pad and the flatter the keyboard the better.
But no matter what you do don't waste your money on this keyboard.
27 Excellent keyboard, wonderful multimedia features
I love this keyboard. It takes a bit to get used to from the standard layout but it is worth it. My wrists feel much better also using this keyboard. It was very simple to install and the software is easy to use. Go for it.
28 Natural Microsoft Keyboard
With the software,the keyboard is easy to install and edit. The 10 extra keys can be edited so they can be used for your home page website or other favorite websites, or you can make them a quick source to your documents, pictures, music etc. Although I learned to type many years ago on a regular keyboard typwriter, I found it very easy to feel comfortable on the natural keyboard. I believe my wrists are more rested after typing for a time. The price is right. I would buy it again. It also goes well with the Microsoft, wireless optical mouse, which I recommend.
29 Funky Function Fantasy
This would be a great keyboard if either the software did just a bit more, or if Microsoft would leave the function keys alone. The additional "media center" at the top of the keyboard is very handy and conveniently located. The calculator button above the keypad is great as are the logoff and sleep functions. Quick access to My Documents also comes in handy.
The downside is that nasty function key redesign. The software has no place to permanently enable the "F Lock" key so that the function keys operate as normal function keys. If you EVER use a function key in any software, use the insert key for anything, or even hit ALT-F4 to close an app, avoid this keyboard... it will frustrate you for weeks to come.
I will probably buy another keyboard and try to recover some money in an auction somewhere.
