Reviews for Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000

My 2nd Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000

Strengths: Easy on the wrists.

Weakness: Awkwardness of the space bar.

My second one of these just went out. The first one I had lasted 2 days. Then the C and V keys would not work. Got another one as it was under warranty. It has lasted a month. The C key will not work. The guy working at the store said they had been seeing a lot coming back with the same problem.

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excellent keyboard for macs too!

Strengths: good mac support

Weakness: Doesn't have an 'eject' key so you have to learn about F12. Pricey ($25 would be better) and buying it enriches the Beast.

I like the feel much better than current mac keyboards. Shockingly, the software driver correctly maps the ALT key to Command. Even its multimedia keys work correctly. (In fact, the pause/play key starts and stops iTunes about 2 seconds faster than the equivalent key on an Apple keyboard.)

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Horrible spacebar problems

Strengths: Everything except the spacebar

Weakness: the spacebar

I just bought a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. The spacebar sticks and really slows down the typing. This seems to be a common complain with this keyboard. I would NOT recommend it.

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great keyboard

Strengths: design, better insert/home/delete layout, long cord

Weakness: tactile response could be better, ps2 connection not availibe, price, size of software package

have been waiting for a wired black ms natural keyboard for a while. i like the keyboard. the padded wrist rest is very nice. zoom slider seems useless. a "power on" button would have been welcome. software package is huge to customize keys. keyboard is very customizable.

all & all happy with the product.

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Driver problems with Microsoft ergonomic keyboard

Strengths: good feel, configurable

Weakness: space bar could have lighter touch, driver causes problems with Microsoft apps.

After installing the keyboard software, MS Excel, and Power Point zoom to the max. PP then "flickers". Had to press the shift key to open Word. Otherwise it opened and immediately closed. One web page repeatedly closed whenever I tried to type in a specific text box. Uninstalling the driver fixed these problems. The keyboard is nice, but the driver (5.5.661) needs fixing.

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The best Natural yet

Strengths: CORRECT orientation of the arrow keys and the INS/HOME/PAGEUP block of keys. Ultra-quiet key response. Sleek & sexy appearance.

Weakness: No USB ports - c'mon! Hard to see when playing games in the dark.

I have previously owned the original Natural and the Natural Pro keyboards, skipping the Elite because MS screwed up the placement of the arrow keys and the block of 6 keys above them. These ergonomic keyboards are great for playing FPS-style games. I can play for hours without any finger or wrist cramping, compared to the torture of using a straight keyboard. If you've never used an ergo keyboard before, there is definitely a learning curve, but you will get used to it after a week or so of regular use. All of the MS keyboards I have owned previously have been built very solidly, and the 4000 is no exception. If anything, I think it's a little bit better than before. The key presses are almost completely silent, so unless you like the clickity-clack racket of old-school keyboards, you will love this keyboard. The big negative I found with this keyboard is the lack of extra USB ports. I mean, geez, if it's a wired USB keyboard, why leave off the extra ports for easily connecting a mouse, tablet, or whatever?

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The most comfortable keyboard in existance!!!

Strengths: Comfort!!!! tons of features!

Weakness: Price!!!

Bottom line...comfort! Forget all the other features! this keyboard is comfortable. The words just fly off your fingers with this keyboard! no stuttering!

It also has tons of features that you can use if you choose to. But if your hand is tired of typing, invest in a little comfort.

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microsoft makes typing much easier

Strengths: Keyboard is very chic looking and much more comfortable than conventional keyboards that Ive used in the past .The keys are lifted up higher for a better feel and less strain while typing.

Weakness: The only faults I have are the zoom buttom in the middle of the keyboard is unnecessary and takes up space. Also I would prefer different colors to choose from such as blue or silver.

I highly recommend this keyboard because I type and play games frequently putting unduly strain on my hands.The keyboard is functional as well as good looking.The software was easy to install and has a variety of supportive features such as one button access to the internet. I hope to enjoy using this product for years to come.

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Best (reasonably priced) keyboard out there!

Strengths: Black & Wired, Layout, Appearance, Feel, Software

Weakness: Key shape, Keyboard riser, Zoom button

Microsoft knocked this design out of the park. I can't emphasize enough how nice it is to type on this - even coming from the much loved Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro. (NKP) Finally, Microsoft has released a keyboard that is both black & wired, their wireless products have given me lots of headaches. The layout continues the same layout as previous Natural Keyboards, but both sides appear to have a bit more of a concave shape than previous models - resulting in a better feel for me. The keys also have a softer type to them rather than the loud click of my NKP, another welcome change. In addition, the black/silver appearance of the keyboard definately matches the sleek looking computer cases & LCD bezels nowadays. Top this off with the reliable Microsoft keyboard software and it is difficult to find things not to like.

No worries though, I'm rather picky and can always find things to complain about. The shape of some specific keys is bad, where they seem to have raised the center of the key above the sides rather than making it lower. This results in situations where sometimes I can't pinpoint the key easily and/or my finger will slip off. (Thankfully this is not all of them) The keyboard riser to raise the front of the keyboard is good, but it's too high in my opinion. They should have somehow made it user adjustable. Last but not least, the zoom button in the middle can useful, but I often find myself hitting it accidentally - a minor annoyance.

Bottom Line: Buy this now.

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Microsoft Natural Keyboard 4000

Strengths: Ergonomic, Wrist Support, Tactile Keys, Zoom Scroll

Weakness: Lacks USB Hub

This keyboard replaced my trusty MS Natural Multimedia Keyboard. The think that really caught my attention was the padded wrist and elevation option. These worked really well for me. The new zoom key is nice, but I keep going back to my mouse for this function. Good software to support programming key functions. I really like the keyboard response when I type and the pad does really help after typing all day. As a wish list item I would have liked to see an USB hub built into the keyboard.

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Great Keyboard!

Strengths: Very comfy and natural.

Weakness: Takes some getting used to.

As expected with something new, this keyboard will take some retraining of your mind. It feels extremely smooth and comfortable and after a few days you get used to having your hands in a new position and the typos get less and less. I love this keyboard and I am sure I could never go back. I also love the middle back and forward buttons, so easy to hit them with your thumbs while you surf.

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Could a keyboard get any better?

Strengths: Black & Wired, Layout, Appearance, Feel.

Weakness: Zoom button and front keyboard riser.

The keyboard riser to raise the front of the keyboard is good, but it's too high in my opinion. They should have someehow made it user adjustable.

The only weaknesses I could find is the zoom button, it really doesn't work all that well, and takes up way to much space for something so useless. And the front keyboard riser which seems way to tall this would be much better if it was ajustable. I have used Microsoft keyboards prior to this board and this keyboard is an improvment over all of them. Very confortable and makes your typing a pleasure. You have almost every option at your fingertips. You can accomodate the F-lock keys to your own commodity. It also looks and feels beautiful. In additions, the black/silver appearance of the keyboard definately matches the sleek looking computer cases & LCD bezels nowadays. Top this off with the reliable Microsoft keyboard software.

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Nice Keyboard

Strengths: Great feel; ergonomically correct; very sleek styling and good looking keyboard.

Weakness: None that I have found so far.

I would recommend this keyboard for the ease of use, comfort and just the overall looks and style. It has lots of different features and the software is awesome. I also like the keys you can program to do what you'd like them to do. It's definitely a keeper and a great keyboard for you to consider when needing an ergo keyboard.

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Comfort and style

Strengths: Ergonomic. Quiet keys. Soft palm rest. Programmable hotkeys.

Weakness: Does not support PS/2 port. No logoff nor sleep buttons.

In terms of ergonomics, this keyboard offers little improvement over previous Microsoft ergonomic keyboards, IMHO. And, it is missing the logoff and sleep hotkeys that a lot of other Microsoft keyboards have. However, it differs from previous models in that it is very quiet while typing and has a soft, faux leather palm rest--things that may benefit some people. Plus, its color scheme is quite stylish. So, if you already have an ergonomic keyboard, you may not find a compelling reason to replace it with this keyboard. But if you don't, then this keyboard definitely deserves consideration.

Also note that this keyboard is purely USB and does not support PS/2 ports--using a USB-to-PS/2 adapter will not work either. This may be an issue for some people.

Like other Microsoft keyboards with hotkeys across the top, the included Intellitype software will allow most of the hotkeys to be re-programmed to either run a specific application, open a file, or open a web page.

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Microsoft should make OS product better. Don’t...

Strengths: Favorites Keys

Weakness: too high front keyboard riser=useless, wired.

The keys are so stubborn, and bulky. They don't go down smoothly. I have to hit real hard. (especially right ALT key and SPACE bar) I have to hit those keys several times.
This keyboard is also noisy, and too spacy. Microsoft should do their job - fixing bug on windows XP.

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This is my favorite ergonomic keyboard

Strengths: In the past 5 years I've worked several places and always ordered this keyboard for my desk, it does take a little to get use to the layout of it but once you do you'll find it's very comfortable

Weakness: With the platform on the bottom it raises the keyboard too high for some keyboard trays but it can be easily removed.

It's definately my favorite ergo keyboard, I'll be sad when they stop selling these! I'm not sure about the issues that others have reported in the review, despite having had several of these I've never experienced issues with keys sticking or faitulre of any keys. They're comfortable and your hands will naturally fall on the keys, great for people who know how to type but probably challenging for those that peck.

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Good Keyboard

Strengths: Very comfortable once you get use to it. Stylish look.

Weakness: Raises up a little to high for me. The "M" key doesn't work very well on my keyboard.

Overall, a great keyboard to use everyday. Making the switch to this keyboard from a regular keyboard has eliminated the pain in my wrist I use to get.

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Terrible for Carpal Tunnel

Strengths: It's ergonomic; short cut keys are cute

Weakness: You have to hit on the keys a bit harder than you would with many other keyboards.

It's got tons of bells and whistles in the shortcut keys, and the wrist rest is nice, but it takes too much effort to push down on the keys. I didn't notice this at first, but after typing for about an hour (I am a student) it got to be like typing in mud. I also started to feel inflammation, which never happened with my previous ergo keyboard that I just ended up typing into the ground before I bought this one. Maybe I'll try to sell it on E-bay to one of those people that have a tendency to push too hard so I can get a lighter touch.

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Awful key arrangment, decent key action

Strengths: key sizes & angles decent for alphabet keys.

Weakness: control keys (page up/down) arrows, etc awful and wrong-sized

Avoid all MicroSoft split-key keyboards if you plan on typing alpha-numeric data. Unless you're okay with jumping to the numberpad for every number, the ^/6 key is a dealbreaker here.
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I don't know a single typing manual or instructor that teaches you to type the number 6 with the LEFT hand, and EVERY MicroSoft split-key keyboard has the 6 key on the LEFT of the split!
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It does have a decent key action, and size and angle of the letter keys is average or better-than-average.
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I personally prefer my backslash key on the right of the shift key (under the ENTER) rather than above. This however isn't a dealbreaker for me.

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By member: Bittis - Apr 2, 2010

Good keyboard.

Strengths: Forces me to use correct hand for the middle keys. Far more comfortable than a standard keyboard.

Weakness: Takes some getting used to. Normal keyboards are actually harder to use now.

After getting used to the split setup, I prefer the ergo keyboard over a standard keyboard. It broke me of some bad typing habits. The keys are also very comfortable and relatively quiet. Definitely a great keyboard for the price.

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Nice, as long as it keeps working

Strengths: Comfortable ergonomic key layout, multimedia controls

Weakness: Key switches just do not last, they all fail the same way

I've had two of these keyboards in the last three years. They are a great keyboard but the switches in the keys just don't last long. The first one a letter or two quit, second one the enter key quit. Look around and try to find an old natural keyboard pro keyboard, the switches are a ton superior to what you find here, I have one at work and one at home it just keeps on working. If you get this keyboard get used to buying them two at a time because when they quit, it's very sudden no warning. I really do like this keyboard it just seems like their quality control and or parts are just substandard. I wish these were more dependable, I would never pay full price bue the oem price is not bad at sub 30 bucks plus shipping of course but better than the 70+ the full priced ones sell for.

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The only keyboard you'll ever need again.

Strengths: See bellow

Weakness: None

This is my second one, after I wore out my last one after using it for 3 years. This keyboard is simply amazing. The raised front of the keyboard gives it the proper incline for your wrists, not like others that raise the top (where the wire comes out). Key cushion is nice, and the soft rubber palm rest is nice too.

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Great keyboard and very ergomomic to use but it...

Strengths: Great keyboard, unique hand rest pads and works well with my XP, Vista OS without any additional drivers.

Weakness: Keyboard key layout

Overall this is pretty good keyboard, I was so impressed that I sold my older MS Ergomonic keyboards to get 2 of these.

I didn't have any problems with drivers on my XP, or Vista OS. There were additional drivers cd included as well for older OS models.

My only big nag is that the keys are not very well layout or say "spaced" so it would take some time to get used to.

I use to have pain in my hand but after getting this keyboard, the problem is now gone. Good hand layout and I really like the hand pad.

Recommeded highly to those that use the computer a lot and want to avoid injury. Of course a good sitting position and table means a lot also.

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Ergonomic Keyboard

Strengths: Feels good on my wrists

Weakness: space bar is very hard

Like all the extra choices like back button by the number keypad and the calculator as i use those all the time at work.
I absolutely hate the space bar. You have to hit it xtra hard which slows down your typing speed.
If I knew then what I know now---wouldn't buy it again.

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not a programmers keyboard and not for hunt & peckers

Strengths: very comfortable. Slopes downward.

Weakness: keys stick. right shift is awkward.

Leave it to Microsoft to blow a good idea. The keyboard is very comfortable for touch typing text documents but the alien layout makes it awkward for most programming tasks. I found myself looking down more than I should have to. The right shift key is so awkwardly placed that you have to twist your right hand so much that it starts to hurt. Ergo keyboards are not supposed to hurt. This is not a keyboard for hunt & peck typing. It would actually be tougher than a normal keyboard. It is tailor made for touch typing. The greatest flaw is the sticky keys (especially the space bar.) Because of the shape you'll often find your fingers coming into a key at an angle. They stick badly when you do. And you really have to hammer the space bar. The rubber wrist wrest is nicely done . The best feature is that the keyboard slopes downward. This really makes a huge difference. I've been wedging stuff under the front edge of past keyboards for years to get this effect. Glad to see someone finally figured it out. Keyboards that slope up never made any sense to me. I wound up taking mine back but I'd still recommend giving it a try. If you can wear the keys down and are not a programmer you'll love it. The corded version is frequently on sale for less than $30.

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Confortable

Strengths: Function keys

Weakness: Plastic attachment under keyboard

Great keyboard, lots of function keys, looks great, and may take a bit to get use to using. Search for the best price, remove the attachment, if necessary, for more confort, and should work out great. I love microsoft keyboards, but they are a bit large.

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The Most Comfortable Keyboard EVER!

Strengths: Comfort, comfort, comfort and more comfort.

Weakness: None.

This has to be the most comfortable, easy-to-use keyboard ever made. I tried one of those new-fangled, $200 keyboards and it didn't come close to this little Microsoft 4000. I can't say enough about this product!

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Best freakin Keyboard Ever

Strengths: Bought this thing when it retailed at over $80 bucks. Now that its on sale for less than half, im buying another!

Weakness: makes gaming harder to get use to at first. since my brain thinks i have to reach further to reach number keys.

Some friends come over and take off the reverse tilt bracket cause they are not use to it. Annoys me severely since i can imagine the little teeth holding it in snapping off. leave them on once you in

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Great Keyboard

Strengths: Price, customizable keys, comfort, the zoom key offers a bit of ease when used with Photoshop but other than that it's useless...they really should have added a skip media button instead.

Weakness: The space bar sometimes sticks though it's not a huge problem, the N key requires a heavy finger, the calculator button is unnecessary, F lock is a little irritating when trying to access Safe Mode.

I wouldn't recommend it to people looking to save space on their desktops, it's rather large...don't think I'd suggest it to gamers either what with the lack of lighted keys and usb ports. Despite the little flaws I love the lack of carpal tunnel.

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Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000

The Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 is Microsofts redesign of their natural keyboard. This keyboard is designed for ergonomics and features a split keyboard to create a more natural positioning of the hands when typing. It also sports a removable front-tilt plate so that the keyboard rests at -7 degree angle relative to your desktop. ... PROS: (1) Comfortable pad for your wrists (2) Not too...

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Best Keyboard

Bestcovery experts have rated the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 as the Best Keyboard. Bestcovery's experts recommend the best products and services for a particular need based on extensive research and evaluations. Click below to see Bestcovery's full review of this product.

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Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000

Testseek.com has collected 25 expert reviews for Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 and the average expert rating is 84 of 100. The average score reflects the expert community’s view on this product. Click below and use Testseek.com to see all ratings, product awards and conclusions.

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