Review: Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000
Posted Thursday, March 16th 2006
Keyboards are often the most overlooked piece of hardware - people will usualy buy whatever is the cheapest, and use it as long as it lasts. I was using my Microsoft Multimedia Keyboard for almost two years, and although nothing was technically wrong with it, it became too loud and the keys started becoming sticky. So, after some carefull consideration, I got my hands on the Microsoft Ergo 4000. I say careful consideration because it’s been a while since I’ve used an ergonomic keyboard, and I was afraid that I wouldn’t get used to it.
Extra Buttons
People like to debate whether having a multitude of extra buttons on the keyboard is usefull. There are the purists that like to have nothing but the standard 102/103 keys. I on the other hand, like extra features, as long as it’s not overdone. My old Multimedia keyboard had several media control buttons, and a few other misc configurable buttons. The Ergo 4000 is similar, but the number of extra buttons have been reduced. There are volume +/- buttons, a mute and a Play/Pause button, as well as a calculator and web/search/mail buttons.
The “Favorites” buttons however, are a cool feature. Five, fully configurable buttons, that you can use to start any application. So you can use them to automatically start your favourite IM client, or media player, or whatever else you use on a regular basis.
Under the spacebar, back and forward buttons are available. They seem usefull, though I haven’t used them much yet. I’m just used to using the back & forward buttons on my MX500.
There is a “Zoom” slider in the middle, between the two sections of keys, though the main use I have for this is scrolling. Instead of using the mouse, scrolling can be done directly via this slider, and it’s a great feature.
Everyday Use
Many people stay away from ergonomic keyboards because of the key layout - and rightfully so. There is a slight learning curve when first using one - however, it’s not as scary as most people thing, and over time (I’ve had it for over two months now), I’ve become really accustomed to it. I might not type faster then I did with the old keyboard, but I type just as fast, and there’s the added bonus of my wrists not hurting anymore. The keypress is very good, and the keyboard isn’t noisy at all, which is very important to me.
I’ll be the first to admit that the first week of use, I was doing many mistakes, but once I got used to the keyboard, that changed. I find it to be very comfortable for day-to-day use, and I definitely like how sturdy and heavy it feels. At no point did it ever feel like it might slide away or feel fragile. And the front wrist support is very good and feels quite supportive.
People that have used Microsoft keyboards in the past, will know the F Lock function, through which various other functions are assigned to the F1-F12 keys. I’ve personally never used this, so I’m not going to comment on usefullness.
Overall:
I constantly use the computer, so having a comfortable keyboard is crucial. I’ve used various keyboards over the years, and I can honestly, after two months of use, say that the Ergo 4000 is the most comfortable keyboard I’ve used. The learning curve was not steep at all, and quite short, and I enjoy the extra buttons. It also looks very stylish sitting here on my desk. Gaming is not an issue at all, and overall it’s a great keyboard.
Good:
- Looks and feels great.
- Very sturdy.
- Very comfortable.
- Very mild learning curve.
- Extra buttons are useful and not overboard.
Bad:
- Ergo design might put people off.
- Slightly pricey.
- A bit big.
- Questionable usefullness of F Lock function.
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