Performance

The Microsoft ergonomic keyboard allows for the expected 6-key rollover USB, which works as expected and is just fine for this typing-centric keyboard. Switch hitter also confirmed no chatter on the tested keys, of which there are clearly more than the typical 104 on this full-size US ANSI layout.

If it comes off like I am complaining about the key layout, let me put that to rest. I personally think the chosen key layout is one of the best for ergonomics. Take the alphanumeric section, for example. The menu key is not typically used by the average consumer, but comes in handy for programming. Having it on the left where you also have the Tilde key helps with console navigation since the quotes and navigation are now left to the right hand. Delete is also the most commonly used key out of the Ins-Pg Dn cluster, so having it twice, with the second one a more prominent spacing in the alphanumeric section itself, is also a good idea—I'd rather have the option to change the other Delete key to something else, though. Having Print Screen next to the larger Delete key also is an extension of this logic, and here at least it doesn't matter too much since the Fn keys are barely used by most as-is. Num Lock now being to the left can be irksome. However, if you only use the numpad for number crunching, having the extra four keys above will help the calculator functionality more than having the Num Lock toggle there.

The extra keys are handy thus, and the hotkeys up top more so by adding dedicated media playback and volume control in addition to other function and program shortcuts. The layout adopted for the membrane keys is taken from the previous-generation Microsoft ergonomic keyboard, which clearly is a working formula not to be messed with too much. There have been some updates based on how technology has changed over time, with the emoji button the clear example, which can be remapped for those who find it irrelevant even when it comes to using it in first-party software suites, such as Yammer and even MS Office.


As always, the sound of a keyboard is based on more than just the switch type. So when comparing sound clips, consider the keyboard as a whole. In this case, I have provided above an example sound clip of me typing on the Microsoft ergonomic keyboard sample at ~75 WPM as it comes out of the box with the membrane switches. For context, you can find sound clips from other keyboards here, including those with linear switches. I did bottom out, and you can also hear me deliberately pressing on other keys at the end to give you a better idea of how they sound, especially with the louder hotkeys—louder compared to the other switches, which are quite quiet, thus making for an excellent shared-space keyboard here.

The ergonomic aspects of the keyboard are generally all valid, helping minimize wrist extension, pronation, as well as ulnar and radial deviations. The fixed angle for tenting also can be somewhat adjusted based on moving your arms slightly around the pivot point built into the wrist/palm rest, and there is a second tilting angle courtesy the so-called front tilt leg. It's not perfect as you need to have the keyboard actually split to allow the hands to rest at the width of the shoulders naturally while typing at those points. As mentioned, there is also little customization in tenting, and the thumbs still don't have much to do beyond hitting space. Likewise, I could argue that membrane switches are an imperfect choice for ergonomics since you have to bottom out with a tactile bump courtesy the rubber domes that may be familiar but not very supportive. Ultimately, it comes down to the price point, so let's discuss this further on the next page with that very important bit of information in hand.