Microsoft debuts Arc Keyboard, exclusive to Best Buy
By Donald Melanson 
posted January 7th 2010 6:49PM
posted January 7th 2010 6:49PM
Well, it looks like Microsoft still has a bit more stuff in store for CES that didn't slip out ahead of its big keynote, with it now announcing its new Arc Keyboard that will exclusive to Best Buy (at least initially). Like its Arc Mouse, this one is slim and high on style, and relatively light on any extraneous features, although you will get a 2.4GHz wireless receiver that can be tucked away in the keyboard, and at least a few extra function keys. Look for this one to be available February 21st for $59.95.
@Slutty McNugget
a 5/5 and a 2.5/2
Great review. What's your site?
@Slutty McNugget
lol, well done. how long did that take?
@Slutty McNugget
Hey I dont wanna alarm you, but the Apple Newz link on your site is broken.
Sexy.
@MisterK
I agree and I just bought a HP Elite. No number pad turns me off though :(
@MisterK
Why can't Microsoft make software that is a fraction as elegantly designed as this?
Much as I tend to dislike their software, MS has long been one of my favorite hardware manufacturers.
@MisterK
man I wish it were bluetooth though, woulda bought it for my iphone
@streetstealth Agreed. I went looking for a keyboard a month ago and was astounded, as I write off Microsoft for everything, to find that their keyboard was the best in group in style, feel and functionality (comfort wireless keyboard 500 for anyone curious, though I don't use the mouse that comes with the set).
Exclusive to best buy = lame.
Keyboard itself = un-lame.
I was pretty angry until i realized that the top of the keyboard is to the left in that pic.
@triptych lol...Because they would put the function keys on the bottom row just to fuck with you, eh?
@Nitesh no, but they would fuck with you by squashing the cursor keys into some goofy little rocker-pad about the size of the ALT key. Go look at the pic on Microsoft's site.
Make it white and bluetooth compatible and I'm in
@Drago
Sorry, I'm sick of Bluetooth keyboard already. Good that this one is not using Bluetooth. Bluetooth keyboard enters sleep mode after 10 mins of inactivity. So you have to wait for 1 second for the key to response from waking up to displaying the letter you have typed 1 second ago. Once it's awaken, there is no lag.
@engadgetjp
Plus, Bluetooth licensing fees raise the cost of the device.
@Shadow08 I paid 32 dollars for a blue tooth keyboard from Best Buy, the keyboard was from Rocketfish, it has a aluminum finish, and white keys just like the apple keyboard, the design is very similar to the apple keyboard, not quite the same, but for 32 dollars I love it. The keyboard I got is very hard to find in Best buys, I got lucky, and you cannot get one on amazon anymore. I have no idea why it is such a rare keyboard, it is one of the best keyboards I have ever owned, and it is blue tooth, and 32 dollars!
No number numerical pad, tiny buttons on top and exclusive to Best Buy. I predict that this will do about as well as the Arc mouse.
@culbeda
How can you tell from a side view?
@culbeda Do you even know how well the Arc mouse sold ?
@PBB
Its called clicking the read link...
@culbeda
I might pick one up for my HTPC but no way I'd use it as an everyday keyboard for my tesktop.
@culbeda
So it's roughly akin to the current Apple Wireless Keyboard. I have one of those I use on my Windows 7 computer and I like it fine... physical Home/End/Page Up/Page Down/Insert/Delete keys would be a nice addition, but I don't miss having no numpad one iota.
@SarnGate - No, but I've read enough reviews to know that It's a cool looking piece of junk.
@James - I thought about it for an HTPC (I like that it's NOT BT, actually), but without a pointing device built in, it would be too annoying to use. I would prefer something more diNovo-esque.
Sell it with the mouse and I'm sold
What's Microsoft got against Bluetooth?
@Tony C Nothing, they have a Bluetooth keyboard with a number pad as well http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=016
First the Arc mouse, then the Arc keyboard...
looks pretty good but I actually prefer the $5 standard dell keyboards over everything else out there.
@bob e, and your chiropractor loves you for it.
It's about $50...
Oh, except BestBuy wants $60 for it http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Microsoft+-+Arc+Wireless+Keyboard/9715661.p?id=1218156773079&skuId=9715661
Looks pretty cool, and I am actually in the market for a new keyboard, but the lack of a number pad is unfortunately a deal breaker for me.
Exclusive to Best Buy just means you can buy it for half off everywhere else (when or if it becomes available elsewhere.)
Why not make it exclusive to MS stores? Don't they have those now?
@Sofabutt A few mice/keyboards have been Best Buy exclusives. They regularly run discounts on them.
so does it fold in half for portability?
Why haven't most wireless keyboards switched to being bluetooth? Every computer has the ability to get bluetooth, while most of them have bluetooth built in. I know for sure all macs made during when the first macbook came out have bluetooth.
@fishtar Perhaps BlueTooth is harder on batteries?
@tdogdfw It's cheaper to use the rechargeable batteries on bluetooth than to repair your USB port when the little thing sticking out gets accidentally hooked on something when you're moving it around and destroys that part of your computer...
@tdogdfw
Perhaps you have to pay royalties to the Bluetooth people to use their protocol, logos, certification whereas cheap ass off the shelf 2.4 GHz wireless parts exist and cost a fraction of the BT thing/is a lot less hassle to implement.
When I say you, I mean manufacturers, of course.
Exclusive, Microsoft, and Best Buy in the same sentence? No thanks.
I had the Arc Mouse and hated it. It just wasn't very comfortable and the tracking was horrid. Just wasn't as smooth and accurate as standard wired mouse.
No doubt, it was sexy as all get out and if the tracking was better I would've kept it but Best Buy got it back. Now the keyboard on the other hand, I might give that a try. Looks cool.
I really like it, hope it works for Mac
I love my arc mouse! Can't wait to have this thing sitting next to it!
Best Buy exclusive huh?
That explains the price: $40 MSRP + $20 (non-negotiable) Geek Squad "Optimization"
BestBuy also announced a required $30 "keyboard optimization" charge for which one of their Geek Squad techs will prepare your keyboard for the rigors of real world usage.
This apparently involves heavy usage for an hour using your keyboard to play a FPS and surf porn, all while eating a PBJ sandwich.
@valleybob Win.
No buying it from Newegg = Fail.
Say what you will about Microsoft, but they make some nice periphs.
@Alex
Couldn't agree more. I have had the MS 4000 (wired) ergonomic keyboard for about 4 years now and after suffering countless spills of coffee, falling from a distance of 3.5 ft., and the abusive nature of my typing style, the damn thing continues to work. Incredible.
The press shots made it look backlit, but ah well. It's suede.
They should make a Mac compatible keyboard. Since I'm stuck with a Mac for the next few years I would love to buy a sexy keyboard like this for it.
It looks nice, but I am so sick and tired of wireless keyboards and mice... it's gotten to the point where you can't hardly find any wired accessories any more.
Stop it already.