Microsoft Unveils New Ergonomic Products

Two new keyboards and an optical mouse update Microsoft's line of ergonomic products with the latest in comfort technology.

Microsoft today launched three new products which feature the company’s latest and greatest in ergonomic design. The Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 ($64.95), Comfort Optical Mouse 3000 ($29.95) and Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 ($24.95) will all be available this month.

The Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000, Microsoft said, is the latest Natural keyboard. Highlighted features on this model include a “gull wing” design with a 14-degree gable for bringing the keys closer to the users’ fingers, an optional palm rest for a 7-degree reversed slope, a cushioned wrist rest and 12-degree split.

The Comfort Optical Mouse 3000’s shape provides what Microsoft says is more contact with the user’s hand. It features an ambidextrous design, a magnifier tool for on screen magnification, a tilt wheel with four-way scrolling capabilities and optical tracking.

Chief amongst the features of the Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 is a 6-degree curved layout targeted towards flat keyboard users looking for a lower price. The keys on this model are flat and include special keys such as back, forward and media controls.

“At Microsoft, we take comfort very seriously and are continually looking for ways to make the time our customers spend on their PCs more comfortable,” said Dan Odell, Ph.D., Microsoft Hardware user researcher and ergonomist. “We are excited to introduce new products specifically designed to enhance PC comfort, including the new Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000, which was expertly crafted for our loyal split-keyboard users looking for greater comfort.”