Packaging and Accessories

Microsoft operates a web shop, and this review sample shipped straight from the company, so we begin with a look at the shipping packaging itself. The shipping box is quite large at 29x17x3 in. (74x43x8 cm) and has plenty of paper packaging inside similar to what we saw with the Xbox controllers, so we do have consistency in terms of the packaging with Microsoft products.


I already mentioned that I have the Microsoft Ergonomic Desktop here, not the keyboard on its own. As such, the product box is larger than it would be for just the keyboard, but the design language should be no different. We get a predominantly white cardboard box with the company logo and product name at the top, but the majority of the real estate on the front is taken up by a large render of the keyboard and mouse to clearly indicate what is inside. There are a couple of smaller renders on the back, as well as marketing features in multiple languages, certification information, and Microsoft logos. Two tear-away seals on the side keep the contents inside in place during transit and also act as means to detect any tampering done prior to delivery. Opening the box, we see three layers separated by more cardboard, with a large one hosting the keyboard inside a plastic wrap and the mouse on the right inside another piece of plastic.


The mouse cable is hidden inside another segment on the right, even with the cable attached to the mouse itself. The other accessories are found at the bottom, including paperwork in the form of a handy quick-start guide covering the features and pre-programmed functions of the keyboard and mouse, as well as the product regulatory guide and warranty policy.


The only accessory for the keyboard is a weirdly shaped piece of plastic in black, which we soon find out is referred to as a front tilt leg. The curves follow those of the keyboard, and we see two inserts on one side followed by rubber pads on the other, so this clearly fits into the keyboard on the back, with the pads adding friction against the resting surface. More on this on the following page!


Here's the Microsoft Ergonomic mouse, at least if you are right-handed. I am not a mouse editor, so I won't do much more than showcase it with the photos above and point out that it has side buttons as well as a fixed cable that terminates in a USB Type-A connection. It is fairly comfortable to use in palm grip with average-sized hands and has side buttons on the left that again favor a right-handed user. The top shell is made out of ABS plastic, and three rubber glides have been put on the bottom for smooth travel. The scroll wheel has a knurled finish, and there is a relatively subtle Microsoft logo on the rear. Refer to this page for more specifications of the mouse if interested.