Microsoft unveils the Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000

According to Microsoft, the average consumer spends six hours a day using the computer, so its latest mouse / keyboard bundle, the Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000, is designed to make all that surfing as comfortable as possible. We've seen these designs separately as the Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 and the Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000, but the new bundle ditches the wires in favor of that clean wireless look -- although it's using a proprietary 2.4GHz RF link instead of Bluetooth. Other than that, there's not much else to see here -- in the midst of all this touchscreen mania, regular old mice and keyboards seem downright ordinary.

[Joe Smith @ Jun 24th 2007 10:32AM]

Hey, that's my keyboard! I recommend it. I think it's the best keyboard in the world. Because the Optimus Maximus doesn't exist.

[Ellianth @ Sep 6th 2007 6:38PM]

Keyboard Please!

[Steve D. @ Jun 24th 2007 10:40AM]

That is EXACTLY what are on my desk... Except the keyboard is wired :P

[diesel @ Jun 24th 2007 4:18PM]

same here, i hope we can get the KB without wires as a seprate product

[sracer @ Jun 24th 2007 10:41AM]

Those ergonomic keyboards are atrocious! No one needs them. If people sat properly in their chairs, with a keyboard at the proper height... and for Pete's sake REMOVE those little flip-down feet in the back of the keyboard, virtually all problems would go away.

The flip-down feet in the back of the keyboard is actually what contributes to carpal tunnel syndrome. It would be more ergonomic to put the feet in the front of the keyboard... but then companies couldn't sell those weird-ass keyboards.

[Gil @ Jun 24th 2007 10:56AM]

You're 100% wrong. I've been using an ergonomic keyboard for almost 10 years and I can safely say it's very much needed.

What's so hard to understand? organic shape vs. rectangle. Which one do you think is easier on your organism?

[chych @ Jun 24th 2007 11:44AM]

The microsoft keyboard, strangely, has a support in the *front* of the keyboard, so it angles it downwards. I've found that this gives a much more natural hand posture. I agree that the flip downs on the back of the keyboard are terrible, don't understand why people use them. Anyhow I started using split keyboards several years ago and all my wrist strain problems went away instantly, and I use keyboards properly.

[kmb63 @ Jun 24th 2007 11:57AM]

I have to second Gil's opinion. I used to use non-ergo keyboards and loved my old Gateway AnyKey keyboard (a rectangular keyboard to beat all rectangular keyboards). I used them for years in my work as a transcriptionist (typing hard at 130 wpm for 8 hours per day) and developed severe pains in my wrists and forearms.

I then switched to the MS Natural (and Natural Elite at one point) and all the pain went away, while still typing hard 8 hours per day. I eventually upgraded to the Natural Ergo 4000 and am using it now and love it.

Whenever I work on someone else's computer and they invariably use a non-ergo keyboard, I feel like my wrists are in a straightjacket, and can't imagine going back to that type of keyboard. I do agree with sracer that the risers or flip-feet in the back of any keyboard should be down, but it is the "gull wing" split V shape of these keyboards that is most important.

Ergo keyboards are the only way to go if you do any typing beyond the occasional one-fingered hunt and peck.

[AJ @ Jun 24th 2007 11:56AM]

You've obviously never used this keyboard then. I can safely say this keyboard is the most comfortable one I've ever used.

[THLinTX @ Jun 24th 2007 2:33PM]

I've used a handful of ergonomic keyboards over the years and this one is my favorite in terms of wrist positioning. It does the best job of keeping your hands and forearms in a straight line. No twisting upward or outward at the wrist. Also, they did the right thing by placing the Ins,Del,PgUp,PgDn,Home,End keys in the correct place and order.

My only complaint is the tactile feedback from the keys. The EK4000 has a (very) slightly mushy feel. I hope on this wireless version they give a little better key feedback.

My (dork-) dream keyboard would have this configuration, key layout, and a buckling-spring mechanism (a la the IBM keyboards of my youth). Loud and fast as hell, but uber-comfortable.

[Revrant2394 @ Jun 24th 2007 4:15PM]

Baa Baa Baa(Translated, I agree)

I've had this Microsoft Ergonomic 4000(The one in the picture) since it came out, it's wonderful, granted the warranty(As always with Microsoft peripherals) is atrocious, but it feels great.

[Tyler @ Jun 24th 2007 6:56PM]

You haven't spent much time on a natural keyboard if you don't think they are necessary. When I put them on all my computers my family hated them as well. Now that's all they want to use.

I've got the old wireless MS Natural Multimedia keyboard/mouse combo and I've been waiting for them to come out with this version in wireless. Looks like my wait is over.

[NovaLand @ Jun 25th 2007 12:39AM]

I agree with ya. I've been using a regular computer keyboard for 25 years of different models, but all standard layout and not considered ergonomic, and I can't say I've suffered at all. From what I've heard it's all about how u sit and behave in front of the keyboard, not the layout of the keys.

What I do belive is the "placebo"-effect..
- Hey, you have this super ergonomic keyboard, so now u shouldn't feel uncomfortable!
- Oh, wow. Thanks. Now all my problems are suddenly gone!

The thing with my computer sessions are that I always step up for a while, go take something to drink once in a while, never feel stressed from "using those high-tech devices called computers", sitting always in a comfortable chair.

If you're stressed upp and tensioned, u'll certanly are going to get problems that some people would concider be the keyboard of the mouse's fault.

[McGinley @ Jun 24th 2007 10:52AM]

Someone stood on the mouse.

[Jevos @ Jun 24th 2007 12:05PM]

Now if only i had the option of a lefthand version of this mouse (or any ergonomicly shaped mouse for that matter)... i feel neglected by logitec, MS, trust, the works...

[greg @ Jun 24th 2007 3:09PM]

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/mice_pointers/mice/devices/168&cl=us,en

[clemonator @ Jun 24th 2007 12:09PM]

@Jevos...

I gave up wishing for a decent left handed mouse. I have since moved to the dark side and use my mouse on the right-side exclusively... Once you adjust to it being on the (wrong) right side all is well and you can play happy with all those new gadgets.

[C @ Jun 24th 2007 12:26PM]

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=080 this one is better because it has a charge station right on the keyboard to charge your mouse while your not using it.

[sorahn @ Jun 24th 2007 12:35PM]

aside from a slight curve that keyboard isn't very ergonomic at all.

the main use for that keyboard, is that it's good for using on your lap to control media center in vista.

The Natural 4000 keyboard is easily the best keyboard i've ever used. I own 3 of them now. But now to be able to get that one, and the mouse as a wireless combo will be awesome.

[crescentdavid @ Jun 24th 2007 1:01PM]

I'm just going to pile on the majority of comments and agree that the reverse angle (higher at the palm rest than the function keys) has made typing so much less painful and tiring for me. If you're only using a keyboard every once in awhile to write 3 sentence emails and type in a URL, you probably won't get it. And you definitely won't get it if you've never typed for 5 minutes on this partcular keyboard (or the elite 4000)-it HAS to be experienced to be understood. If you really do a lot of writing, it becomes almost immediately apparent how much easier this design makes input. I'd NEVER go back to a standard keyboard. Here's a side view: http://www.techfreaks.org/reviews/nke4000/04.jpg

[Peter McNulty @ Jun 24th 2007 1:57PM]

I can whole heartedly recommend this mouse and keyboard. Having developed RSI primarily in in right hand, this mouse has 100% cleared the pain and makes it much more comfortable. It takes a little while to get used to the mouse though.

[balu @ Jun 24th 2007 2:02PM]

Typing basically 12 hours a day on my Das Keyboard is good enough for me, once tried these ergonomic keyboards, but the pressure forces were never all right. I would test this as well gladly though.

Apart from the keyboard there is one thing I can never ever understand: battery powered wireless mouses. The batteries deplete at the possible worst times, and in the era of induction powered mouses i just cant understand why are they so popular.

[Matt O @ Jun 24th 2007 2:17PM]

i dont know what you are talking about... i have a wireless laser single AA powered logitech mouse that i have been using without turning off for a good 2 months now. The battery life is honestly amazing.

[Marian @ Jun 24th 2007 2:29PM]

Logitech kbs&mouses kick microsoft's ass big time.

And besides, I would never encourage organized crime (see microsoft's criminal record)

[Daniel Cheung @ Jun 24th 2007 2:32PM]

What bothers me is how they STILL use 2.4ghz as the frequency to transmit and receive. Whenever my cellphone is close to my current wireless mouse, it will pretty much kill any hope of a decent connection. Wifi on my laptop will also do the same thing to my mouse.

[Joseph @ Jun 25th 2007 12:18PM]

They use 2.4GHz because it's free, otherwize they'd have to pay the FCC.

[Jesse S @ Jun 24th 2007 2:49PM]

Does it come in Dvorak?

[ethana2 @ Jun 25th 2007 2:52AM]

Does it come in Colemak? That's even better than dvorak- satisfied user

qwfpgjluy;
(backspace)arstdhneio
zxcvbkm,.

As you can see, it reduces finger movement drastically while remaining, where it can, similar to qwerty. It was designed fairly recently and has implementations on all three primary platforms.

[ethana2 @ Jun 25th 2007 3:04AM]

You know, come to think of it, it'd be handy to have a keyboard where you could change the letters the keys display- and I don't mean optimus. I mean something as simple as little square slips of paper you slide under the clear plastic top of the key... Or... I don't know. They need to give people more choice.

Kinda like it makes me sad when pc makers assume I want windows on that thing.
I want to be able to see all my options in just about everything I do, not have society's inefficient, sucky defaults forced upon me.

[DW @ Jun 24th 2007 10:41PM]

I can heartily recommend the keyboard! I'm using it right now, and it's helped with my wrist pains no-end! Especially as I clock at least 12+ hours at a PC a day.
A great piece of kit.

However, that mouse... utterly useless. I wish I had never spent the £40 on it.
While it IS very, very comfortable, it's so completely inaccurate to a point of being near-worthless as a mouse, which is a real shame.

For now, i'll be sticking with my ancient IntelliMouse Explorer 3000 (wired)

[brett @ Jun 25th 2007 12:50AM]

The Natural Ergonomic Desktop 6999 was way overrated. But this, the 7000, man... Whoa. I mean... Whoa.

[L. Cyphre @ Jun 25th 2007 3:38AM]

Whee, a MX Revolution... Wait, what the f-?

[Irwin @ Jun 25th 2007 5:53AM]

my hand is fucked from using this laptop, holly shit
i need 1 of these

[JD @ Jun 25th 2007 10:48AM]

I have this keyboard too. Love it except for the worthless "zoom" key. Why isn't this a scroll wheel???

You can fix that by reading this:

http://paininthetech.com/hack_the_microsoft_natural_4000_keyboard


And to the person that thinks ergonomic keyboards are worthless...try lifting your arms out in front of you. Do your hands naturally fall flat like you are going to play a piano or do they fall slightly angled with your index fingers higher than your other fingers?

[AbbydonKrafts @ Jun 25th 2007 12:34PM]

JD says: And to the person that thinks ergonomic keyboards are worthless...try lifting your arms out in front of you. Do your hands naturally fall flat like you are going to play a piano or do they fall slightly angled with your index fingers higher than your other fingers?


I actually used that exact explanation to show my wife why ergonomic keyboards are correct. She never realized that hands naturally tilt when at rest.

[NovaLand @ Jun 25th 2007 2:34PM]

Yes, they fall perfectly on a regular keyboard. But on the other hand, maybe it's "what Darwin does best". Those people with the correct finger structure to be using a regular keyboard will be the ones that survive the longest and in 5000 years from now, everyone will have hands shaped to fit regular keyboards =)

Or it might be that i've been using keyboards since i was 8, and now 25 years later, my hands have grown the right way to use those keyboards.

Or can it be that it doesn't have anything to do with how things are shaped, only that u feel comfortable with it and doesn't get tensioned or stressed, because that is the REAL damage.

[Sam @ Jun 25th 2007 2:44PM]

Bullcrap. The Microsoft Natural Elite keyboard was the best. Bar none. The 4000 series are pieces of shit. You need to be a frickin' weight lifter to press the keys in if you just so happen to hit the key on a slight angle, and you get no audible or tactile feedback if you hit it squarely. The Elites are definitely superior, in my not so humble opinion. Though, to be sure, even they won't hold up against IBM's Model M keyboards.

[AbbydonKrafts @ Jun 25th 2007 5:52PM]

I'm a software developer at work and do a lot of typing. I've been using the standard rectangle keyboards that come with the computer for years. However, I started developing severe wrist pains that would cause my hands to cramp up. After seeing my mom go through repeated surgeries for carpal tunnel due to a lifetime of being a secretary (from old-school typewriter, through terminals & DOS, to Windows), I decided I should get an ergonomic keyboard. I went with the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 (wired version of the pictured one) because it had a $30 rebate at Staples. It took a little bit to get used to, but now I love it. I even bought one for use at home. The angle is just perfect, and the padded wrist rests are great. In addition, I use the 4-button Microsoft Trackball Explorer 1.0. This combination is awesome. It has the added benefit that my co-workers can never figure out how to use the mouse.

I agree with the other commenters. If you think an ergonomic keyboard isn't necessary, you either hunt-and-peck, only type for the occasional e-mail, or are mouse-bound for games. When you type for a living, carpal tunnel is a serious risk and is very painful. Ergonomic keyboards have a more natural form. The only time I have to move my hands is to reach the function keys or everything to the right of the regular keys (Insert/etc, arrows, number pad).

[Wolfpaw @ Sep 7th 2007 6:52PM]

Heh. You have the exaxt same human interface device setup as I do. The trackball is really the icing on the cake - unsurpassedly ergonomic and it's always good for a chuckle when someone tries to slide it across the table to move my cursor. :)

[berzirk @ Jun 25th 2007 8:03PM]

I've been using the SmartNav from NaturalPoint. I still use the keyboard a fair bit, but I can relieve the wrist strain of using a mouse and clicking by controlling the mouse with my head. Bit of a learning curve, but once you get used to it, much, much easier on the arms!

[Tobias @ Jul 1st 2007 5:12AM]

Funny enough, one of the reasons I have bought the 4000 keyboard is because it is wired. I am tired of changing batteries and needing the receiver to stand practically next to the mouse and keyboard to be reliable in a working environment.

[zoltan @ Sep 6th 2007 6:02PM]

PLEASE--I'll take what I can get.

[John @ Sep 6th 2007 6:04PM]

Definitely want the keyboard!

[boku @ Sep 6th 2007 6:04PM]

that keyboard looks nice.. so is engadget!

[B-Cup @ Sep 6th 2007 6:11PM]

maybe this one?

[Kevin @ Sep 6th 2007 6:12PM]

Any of those rewards would be awesome!

[Kyle @ Sep 6th 2007 6:12PM]

my hp keyboard that i am on now is killing my hands
i would love that keyboard

[fuma @ Sep 6th 2007 6:13PM]

...ditto

[Dave @ Sep 6th 2007 6:13PM]

pick me!!!!!

[Leo @ Sep 6th 2007 6:19PM]

I need one of those. These dell keyboards are hell made of plastic.