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Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro...need a new keyboard, any recommendations? - Speedy

Posted: Apr 03, 2010

Microsoft has discontinued these great keyboards and I need a new one. Anybody aware of a split keyboard that has a really nice touch (remember those old IBM keyboards?) for transcription work by Microsoft or another brand that you really like? I'm open for suggestions please ; 0 My only complaint with this one is the keys are a bit clunky to press down (especially the space bar).

Thanks!

I would also like a suggestion - LK

[ In Reply To ..]
I also have been using the Microsoft Natural Keyboard and was just sidelined by a sudden onset and new diagnosis of arthritis in the first CMC joint of my right thumb, which is the one that has to absolutely pound the space bar on this keyboard because it's so clunky. And I thought this thing was ergonomic! I'm going out keyboard shopping today and would especially appreciate suggestions of keyboards with a gentle touch on the space bar.

To LK... - Speedy

[ In Reply To ..]
I would love to hear about your shopping finds ;0

I'll report in when I return! nm - LK

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

Happy camper - LK

[ In Reply To ..]
I came home with a Logitech Wave, on sale for $59 at Office Depot. It is an absolute dream. The touch is so light, especially noticeable on the spacer bar, which I had to pound on my Microsoft 4000 so-called "ergonomic keyboard." I am quite convinced that the constant pounding of my thumb is what brought on arthritis at the thumb joint of my right hand. I made a point of trying out keyboards at several stores, and this was by far the best. There may be better ones that can be ordered online, but because of my thumb problem I needed to actually try it and feel it to be convinced the touch was light on the spacer bar. I've been using this new keyboard all morning, and I think I'm going to love it!

Logitech Wave to LK - Speedy

[ In Reply To ..]
Sorry, took a few days off and just now replying. So, do you still like your new Logitech? What is the "wave" part of it?? Thanks!

I love it even more - LK

[ In Reply To ..]
I am absolutely amazed by the difference in this keyboard. I absolutely fly on it, and I think my line count is up at least 100 or 150 a day, plus it is so easy on my hands. I realize now how much effort I was having to put into pounding on my Microsoft Natural - ergonomic my @!$##!

I got the Logitech Wave wireless keyboard, and the wave refers to the wave-like configuration of the keys, similar to the wave on the Microsoft keyboard, but not nearly so exaggerated. It is not a split keyboard like the Microsoft. The touch is absolutely feather-light, and it's like magic! Never thought I could increase my line count so dramatically just by changing keyboards. I just fly on this thing!

To LK regarding Wave keyboard - dln

[ In Reply To ..]
I just have to say "thanks" LK! I went out and bought the Logitech Wave wireless at Office Depot a few days ago, having been a victim of the Microsoft "ergonomic" keyboard myself. I was a bit nervous as I have had a split keyboard for a long time, but this is wonderful! The keys are so light, and I love the fact you can reprogram the function keys! So, I just want to say "thanks" for some great advice! :))) Happy keyboarding!

keyboards - dln

[ In Reply To ..]
I myself am also looking for a new keyboard. I had been using the Microsoft Natural Ergo 4000 and had been relatively pleased with it; however, with the last two I have purchased various keys would stop working after only a few months and the space bar was really difficult to use (clunky). I am really at a loss as to what to try next. I have had to drag out my old Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite that has all of the letters worn off but still works, albeit not the most comfortable situation for my hands.

I am really hoping somebody has a good recommendation. I have checked out the Kinesis keyboards on-line that a few people have recommended from this site in the past, but I really hate to buy something without trying it out. :)

stickers for keyboards - Lilikoi

[ In Reply To ..]
If you have a keyboard you like but the letters are worn off, you can get stickers to replace them. I got some from DataCal recently and they work well. I got the large type so that I can see the letters and symbols easily at a glance. The DataCal stickers don't wear off, either. I tried another brand first that did.

I remember trying a Kinesis keyboard some years back, and they did have a trial period of 60 days or so in which you can return it and get a full refund if you don't like it.

Microsoft Keyboard - 15+ exp

[ In Reply To ..]
I also use an original Microsoft ergonomic keyboard. The ones I have are 5-6 years old and work perfectly, not clunky at all. Keys can be reprogrammed to replace the spacebar. You can get new ones of the original Microsoft ergo keyboard on ebay - that's where I get mine (heck, get just about everything there).

I get mine really cheap on ebay too. I have several...sm - oldtimer

[ In Reply To ..]
backups in the closet just in case I can't get them anymore.

RE: Keyboard - klownmom

[ In Reply To ..]
I had trouble with that keyboard or another one. They discontinued it, said the problem was the keyboard. It worked fine for a while, but then quit working. They sent me a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000. It is close to that, I think.

RE: Keyboard - klownmom

[ In Reply To ..]
Forgot. I am using now the old Microsoft Natural Keyboard, the white one. It works better than any of them to me. No problems with it. I love wireless, but got tired of having problems.

question regarding wireless - dln

[ In Reply To ..]
Quick question for you ~ I have heard a few people say that wireless keyboards are wonderful and others say they are not so wonderful (lag time, etc). I have not yet tried one. What sort of problems did you experience with the 7000? Were they with the wireless aspect of the keyboard or with the keyboard in general?

The Microsoft 4000 that I had been using was great except for the recent problems I had (keys not working, clunky spacebar). I think the 7000 is the same except that it's wireless (but don't quote me!) Thanks in advance! :)

Microsoft Natural Keyboard - Ellen S.

[ In Reply To ..]
Have you looked on the Amazon web site? That's where I got mine when I couldn't find one in the office supply stores. They are only about $33 brand new and you can also buy used ones in the 20-dollar range.

Microsoft Natural - Chow-ChowMom

[ In Reply To ..]
I have arthritis in my hands and I give much credit to the Microsoft Natural for keeping me able to do my job. I buy mine from amazon.com and they are wonderful!

Natural Keyboard - Anonymous

[ In Reply To ..]
I use Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite, I think it has a pretty nice touch. I have small hands and this one works for me. I get them from Dell because Staples and Office Depot don't sell them any more.

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