Spotlight On . . . Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000

These days plenty of doctors are prescribing ergonomic keyboards in an effort to alleviate the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and other injuries caused by unnatural typing positions. The Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 is decked out in black, with a soft palm rest made of very durable and washable synthetic, plus an array of system control and web browser navigation keys positioned above the F-keys. Professional keyboards such as the Kinesis Maxim offer adjustments for keyboard split angle, lateral angle, vertical angle, and tent angle. The Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 offers only vertical angle adjustment using hinged feet, in addition to the fixed split key layout and moderate fixed vertical tenting. The supplied Intellitype keyboard driver installs a configuration tab in the Windows Control Panel keyboard applet so that you can assign and configure the extra control and navigation keys. The gently curved key split reduces wrist pronation and the tent angle provides a noticeably more natural wrist and forearm position. The key layout conforms to Microsoft's standard which pairs Insert/Delete, Home/End and Page Up/PageDown in a double row. The numeric keypad is on the right side. An F-Lock key is provided to activate alternate key functions. Indicator LEDs for Caps, Num, F and Scroll Lock are located between the split key layout. Most of the key caps are concave, so strikes feel generally accurate. But the Ctrl keys are flat and the space bar and Alt keys have slightly convex tops which are disconcerting to some users. General home users, general business users, students and gamers should get good use out of this one, but medium to heavy duty typists still need a professional keyboard such as the Kinesis Maxim or the Goldtouch. 3 out of 5 stars