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Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
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Microsoft
Natural Ergonomic Keyboard
Engadget - Not yet scored
0
Critics
4 reviews83
AVERAGE CRITIC SCORE
Users
42 reviews85
AVERAGE USER SCORE
View All Critic & User Reviews
Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
- Critic Reviews (4)
- User Reviews (42)
- 83AVERAGE CRITIC SCORE4 ReviewsPC World80Microsoft's Comfy, Ultra-Ergonomic KeyboardThe comfort and relief provided by this ergonomic keyboard justify the fairly high price.CNET70Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000Microsoft's ergonomic keyboard is comfortable to use and supplies a few useful extras.Maximum PC90Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000Microsoft’s Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 could finally replace the aged Natural Pro as our split-keyboard of choice.Everything USB90MS Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 reviewThe Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 is a serious keyboard for safety and comfort conscious touch typists.
- 85AVERAGE USER SCORE42 ReviewsEngadget Reader100February 16, 2015Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A gadget unicorn - EngadgetEngadget Reader40August 15, 2014Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I had this keyboard a mere 3 months when the keys took on a life of their own and started either typing two characters at once when a single key was pressed, typing wrong characters altogether or not typing anything at all. Shame really because it took me a while to get used to it as I was more accustomed to having flatter (but still ergonomical) keyboards, and now being back to the old style of keyboard is less comfortable for me.Engadget Reader70May 2, 2014Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I had one of these for roughly four years. I was consistently happy with it!Please note, however, that this keyboard is intended for traditional touch-typing, and most of this review is from that perspective. Don't get it if you don't type that way; otherwise you'll probably find it difficult to work with and counter-intuitive for the way you want to use it. In case you don't know what I mean when I say "traditional touch-typing", I'm talking about typing using the method that uses the concepts of a "home row", "one finger per letter" and "bottom-right to upper-left columns".Even if you do touch type using a better or different technique than the traditional method, this probably won't suit you, since it's designed with the traditional method in mind. If that's you, you might have already figured out how to type ergonomically on standard keyboards, which is better anyway since your skills can be transferred to most keyboards rather than limited to niche ones like this.Being a split keyboard, using it is much easier on your wrists. The wrist-rest at the front is very comfortable for your wrists. The ergonomic curvature of the keyboard makes typing a lot more natural; your hands literally sit in a completely relaxed and natural position over the keys. The backwards tilt is also a good idea and keeps your wrists at a natural angle.The keys are soft and light to press. On mine, half of the letter D has rubbed off, which shows that the printing of the symbols on the keys is poor and not as durable as with older, robust keyboards. Of course, this isn't much of a problem since the users of these keyboards should be touch-typing most of the time anyway.One other issue I found was the sensitivity of the keys. When I first moved to this keyboard, I found that sometimes keyboard shortcut combinations did not work. For example, pressing Ctrl+C would not work. After a while, I found that the problem was that the keys were not sensitive enough. This is not a problem for normal key presses, but when you have to hold a key down, it can be an issue. Because of this, my concern is mainly with the Ctrl and Shift keys, which I use regularly in keyboard shortcuts. I don't have any problems with this now, however. I think this is due to a combination of the keyboard wearing in and me learning to press the Ctrl, Alt, Window and Shift keys a bit harder when I use them, which is unergonomic. The sensitivity of the keys is otherwise very reasonable, so the keyboard is still fully functional.Being a curved and split keyboard with ergonomic design, the relative positioning of the keys feels different to traditional keyboards. I found that this took a while to get used to, but I definitely don't consider it a problem; I prefer ergonomics over backwards compatibility. I also found that it then took me a little bit of time to get used to the traditional layout when I was using someone else's computer, but you eventually get used to comfortably typing using both physical layouts.At some points, I used the keyboard for playing games. It was still usable, but I don't think it's as well suited for gaming as traditional keyboards. This is primarily because it is a split keyboard. Gamers may want a lot of access to the keys using their left hands, so the split works against them in this area. Being a split keyboard, you are sacrificing the traditional design for ergonomics.The keyboard also has a variety of extra buttons. It includes the standard multimedia buttons, a calculator button and some Internet-oriented buttons, and some designated customisable buttons. It also has a zoom slider in the middle, which I have sometimes found useful. I also like the additional row of keys above the number pad. These include an equals sign, two round brackets and another backspace key. Having this extra row was a good design decision. Unfortunately, the keyboard does not include the power and sleep buttons that some keyboards have, and I have missed them.As another reviewer pointed out, the plastic for the wrist rest mount can make a tiny bit of noise if you push it. This may give the impression of poor construction, but it still functions properly. I have found the keyboard's construction to be good and durable. The wrist rest mount is nice and light, which I appreciate since it doesn't add to the weight of the overall keyboard. I think it's main construction problem is it lacks water resistance; I don't think it even has any water drainage holes. It only took a tiny spill of water to break mine.Some people have also pointed out that the keyboard is bigger than others. This is true because of the added wrist rest, extra space in between the keys, and the plastic bit that you attach to the front of the keyboard to tilt it backwards. I think ergonomics have been prioritised over compact design here. This has not been an issue for me because I have had adequate desk space, but it is something to keep in mind if space could be a concern.I regularly touch type at over one hundred words per minute, and I seldom had any soreness or pain when I use this keyboard. (However, I do not touch type for extended periods of time. I'm sure you can still get sore hands while using this keyboard, but I found it to be a lot easier on my hands than traditional keyboards.)In summary, when I was a traditional touch-typist, I was very happy with this keyboard, and I highly recommend it to anyone else who wants to touch type using the traditional method and doesn't mind compromising in the other areas for the sake of ergonomic design.However, if you want to improve the ergonomics of your typing, it's better to learn to touch-type ergonomically on standard keyboards rather than using niche ones. This way you avoid all the disadvantages of these keyboards while still getting the same benefit. Since my Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 died, I've learnt to do this. Just think outside the box. If you play guitar, this might be easier for you to understand. Here are some pointers to get started:-Don't always use the same finger to press a single key; try to use whichever is most efficient and ergonomic for the given context/word-You don't need to always stay aligned with the home row-You don't need to keep your index fingers aligned with the F and J keys-You don't need to align your wrists with the keyboard; just keep that at a comfortable angle and learn to type that way-It's better to visualise the columns of the keyboard in this shape ///\\\ rather than this shape \\\\\\Engadget Reader90March 19, 2014Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90December 2, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90July 2, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Sadly today you seem to have to decide between a great typing experience with a mechanical keyboard or avoid carpul tunnel with an ergo keyboard. Personally I like a mechanical keyboard for gaming but for day to day coding and typing this is the way to go.Engadget Reader80November 11, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90March 15, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetJason80February 17, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws. - EngadgetEngadget Reader80January 14, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90December 22, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader100December 12, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A gadget unicorn - EngadgetEngadget Reader90October 17, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader80October 15, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws. - EngadgetEngadget Reader70October 6, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I thought this keyboard would be nice to use but it is somewhat of a pain due to some of the button layouts and when typing fast its easy to press the wrong keysEngadget Reader100September 15, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A gadget unicorn - EngadgetEngadget Reader90September 14, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90September 1, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader60July 12, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!need to push center of space bar. really bad.Engadget Reader70July 7, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!As far as ergonomics go, the 4000 could be very good, but only under a very specific situation. If you do a lot of typing and rarely use a mouse/trackball (or are left handed), it could be the ideal solution. If you are right handed and do a lot of mousing, the number pad will get in the way, negating most of the advantages of the good keyboard design. I like how it has a negative slant for the keyboard, as it really is better than the positive slant most keyboards have, but since I'm a heavy trackball user as well, it doesn't work out as I'd like.Engadget Reader80July 7, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws. - EngadgetEngadget Reader100June 14, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Absolutely the best, most comfortable keyboard I've ever used. I've purchased 5 so far, for many of my systems at home and work, and I forsee more purchases in the future. Outstanding ergonomics. Easy to use. Integrated wrist-rest remains soft and comfy after years of use.Engadget Reader70June 9, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A dependable product that doesn't really stand out from the competition. - EngadgetEngadget Reader80May 27, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws. - EngadgetEngadget Reader80May 27, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws. - EngadgetEngadget Reader60May 24, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A forgettable product. It isn't bad, exactly, but also doesn't do anything particularly well. - EngadgetEngadget Reader80May 23, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!$39 bucks or so not bad for a decent durable keyboard. I think Microsoft makes better hardware than software.Engadget Reader80May 19, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws. - EngadgetEngadget Reader80May 17, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws. - EngadgetEngadget Reader60May 15, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A forgettable product. It isn't bad, exactly, but also doesn't do anything particularly well. - EngadgetEngadget Reader80May 15, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws. - EngadgetEngadget Reader80January 13, 2011Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90September 25, 2010Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I first had a chance to use a Microsoft Ergonomic keyboard at an internship (it was lying around). It took some getting used but was much more comfortable than any other keyboard I had used before. Now that I have a full time job I had my employer purchase one for my workstation and also purchased one for home. The media and volume keys are helpful for this, but on my Mac the Play/Pause key doesn't always work which is a little frustrating (I installed the software from MS and it still isn't consistent). Still I am keeping this keyboard.Engadget Reader100September 14, 2010Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I'm currently on my fifth one. My cats throw up on them, and that half of the keyboard refuses to work again. And I refuse to use a different keyboard. I've owned these kinds of ergonomic keyboards since MS has been putting them out. I find that my error rate is down. My only complaint is that Gmail can take off and do weird stuff when I'm typing. But typing in my text editor or Word or any other program has no issues. The new options with Windows 7 look interesting, but I never use them, I use this keyboard's favorite keys just like I would if it were XP.I expect that if the cats would keep off my desk, my original would still be working today.Engadget Reader100August 12, 2010Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!In short, for PC or Mac, the best keyboard out there. Have used this keyboard for a long time. I am IT and I have to get in front of a lot of keyboards. Anyone that ask me, I steer them towards this keyboard.Engadget Reader100July 23, 2010Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A gadget unicorn - EngadgetEngadget Reader100August 17, 2009Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I spend all day in front of this keyboard, and couldn't be happier with it. I have had lots of problems with Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, and this keyboard helps tremendously with this. Of course the split curved design has been around for a while but this keyboard has a soft touch on the keys. The padded wrist guard is a nice touch for people who like to rest their hands on the keyboard as they type.It has an array of extra buttons for media control and application launching that are very handy.If you spend a large amount of time in front of your computer, do youself a favor and get this keyboard. It doesn't take too long to get used to the split layout and you'll save yourself years of potential pain.Engadget Reader100July 15, 2009Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!this keyboard is the best of all when it comes to MS Hardware (and boy they make great hardware gear).this keyboard is really confortable and it feels good. I think this should be the best keyboard option for people who (like me) have enjoyed the MS Natural Keyboard Elite and the MS Natural Keyboard Pro for ergonomics. There seem to be some key issues with some users but it is rather because of how you press the keys (my brother has one like mine and he is having some issues with the spacebar but I have noticed he presses the keys too hard and think it could be the problem).There is even a 7000 version of this keyboard which is wireless but I haven't tryed that one (will be my next gift from myself ;) for my b-day).Engadget Reader100July 13, 2009Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!download the Microsoft drivers, and make it even better.Works with OSX, Linux, and Windows.Uber comfortable for long typing sessions. Use the front mounted lift, it keeps your wrist straight. Look for them on Newegg, Amazon, and Overstock. You won't regret it for a second.This keyboard matches nicely with the Natural Ergonomic Wireless mouse 4000. I was shocked at how comfortable the combo really is. They only slight I could give, is that one of my keyboards is slightly unbalanced when resting on my desk, but it could be my desk is not flat, or the lift is warped. Doesn't matter though, when your hands rest on it, there is no issue.Engadget Reader90July 2, 2009Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Let me get this out front: I LOVE this keyboard. It is the best keyboard I have ever owned, bar none. The layout is perfect, the key sizes are perfect, the extra features are fantastic, and the build quality is second to none. The ONLY thing that bothers me about the keyboard is the keypress, and it is only off by a tiny bit, and if you don't like really clicky keys, then you probably won't even notice.I love the old IBM keyboards with the loud keys and the buckling-spring action. They are a joy to type on, even if they can annoy everyone within three square miles with their incessant "CLICK CLICK CLICK CLACK CLICK CLICK CLICK CLACK". Those keyboards are the greatest, and I had to get rid of my IBM keyboard when all of the letters had finally worn off of the keys and it was no longer readable.This keyboard's key action is not quite as satisfying as the IBM's, so that is the only negative I will say about it.On the plus side, I reprogrammed the Zoom Tilter to scroll instead of zoom, and being able to scroll through a page without using the mouse is fantastic. If you have this keyboard, I strongly recommend this hack. Read online about how to accomplish it.All in all, a fantastic keyboard, and one I would recommend to anyone.Engadget Reader90July 2, 2009Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I'm a programmer, and I push buttons for a living. I'm very particular about my gear, especially my keyboard. To this day my favorite keyboard is still the Microsoft Natural Elite. If MS would take the look of this, and apply it to the Natural Elite, sans all the shortcut buttons, I would be set.I like the look, and feel of this keyboard for casual work, but it's a bit soft for my day to day coding. I have gotten used to it, but the action on most of the keys is a little damped, and the spacebar is definitely annoying most of the time. As for the shortcut keys, I never use them since windows already has these built into the OS. I use these silver buttons about as often as Haley's Comet stops by.Natural keyboards to me seem to be a lot like manual transmissions in automobiles. Nobody wants to learn, but auto companies keep making fake manuals ( auto shift, bump shift, paddle shift, etc.. ). I feel like the same thing holds true for natural keyboards. There are so many 'natural' keyboards on the market that have their buttons only slightly tilted, or mounted along a slight curve.I get this, but it kills me that I can't find one decent looking natural keyboard, that is, until MS released this keyboard. So Kudos to MS for getting a little closer, but I still want a hot Natural Elite.Engadget Reader100July 1, 2009Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I code, play video games, and write papers for school. Needless to say, I really wanted a comfortable keyboard, in fact, I think its safe to say that everyone wants a comfortable keyboard. But then comes the question, "Which keyboard should I get?" Well, look no farther than this beauty!This thing is incredibly comfortable. You can attach a bar to the bottom to make the angle better, and the wrist rests are padded...seriously comfortable. When I am in Windows *cringe* I actually find the calculator launch key (yes there is one) incredibly useful for short calculations. There are custom app-launching keys, and internet browser forward/back keys.I only have two very small complaints about this keyboard: 1) The space bar sticks in the up position ever so slightly, just enough to get on my nerves during heavy typing. I think its because of the angle your thumb hits it and the way it is supported because if you hit it in the middle there is no resistance. 2) The wrist rest for the number pad is just barely to short for me (I have big hands) so actually the end of my palm rests on it rather than my wrist.
Key Specs
TYPE
Standard
ERGONOMIC DESIGN
Split
NUMBER PAD
Integrated
CONNECTION TYPE
Wired
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