CNET may get a commission from these offers. Glance down at any standard keyboard and you'll see that the B sits directly underneath the G and the H keys, with an equal distance to access with either the right or the left hand. Microsoft lets you know right up front its aim for the Sulpt Ergonomic Keyboard wireless keyboard-and-mouse combo. Several keys, in fact, seemed to require more stretching rather than less, most notably the “T” and “Y” keys. Great gifts you can still get in time for Christmas, 6 streaming services you can give as gifts (including Disney Plus), Get it there by Christmas: 2020 holiday shipping deadlines. Though it's priced ambitiously at $129.95, the Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop will certainly satisfy users craving a more natural, comfortable position to keep wrist pain at bay. Right off the bat I had trouble consistently hitting the “B” key, overshooting it more than half the time. CNET's 2020 Innovation Award winners improved life in a tough year, On the front lines of climate change, communities are using tech to keep tradition alive, Sony's PS5 controller is the most magical part of the next-gen console, Discuss: Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop review: A keyboard and mouse for a new generation. Microsoft endeavored to combat the physical effects of sitting in an unnatural position all day, and after two years, the design team came up with the Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop: a keyboard-and-mouse combo that positions your hands to alleviate pressure on the wrists. A small USB dongle is also included and cleverly stored in the mouse’s battery compartment for safekeeping when not in use. It’s a fantastic ergonomic mouse for people who want the ergonomics of a vertical mouse without, you know, using a vertical mouse. Thank you for taking the time to write such a thorough review… The keyboard uses two AAA batteries for power, the mouse uses another two AAs, and a small internal lithium ion battery juices up the number pad. PCWorld helps you navigate the PC ecosystem to find the products you want and the advice you need to get the job done. Michael Ansaldo is a veteran consumer and small-business technology journalist. Fast-forward a few decades and everyone's posture is out of alignment thanks to the ubiquity of computers in the office and something called "text neck.". The only drawback is the thumb cutaway, which is positioned for right-handed users, so don’t get rid of your current mouse if you’re a lefty. While the Sculpt’s spacebar is fine, one look shows it is not meant to replace Microsoft’s current split model. You’re probably asking yourself if you actually need an ergonomic … Have a great one, Nelson Microsoft Customer Care … The Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop is the latest entry in Microsoft's line of ergonomic PC peripherals, now with a three-piece desktop set, consisting of a keyboard, numeric keypad, and an ergonomic… There was a time when secretaries, data input professionals, and stenographers were generally the only ones who suffered from carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive strain injuries. Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard design and emoji The Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard is a comparatively light keyboard, weighing just 35.98 oz, including the cable (1,020 g). If you do suffer from RSI or are at risk for it, though, you’ll likely find the modest learning curve well worth the effort. Split keyboards take some getting used to, and the Sculpt is no exception. Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard review: Smart design, steep learning curve This keyboard's unique shape takes some getting used to, but RSI sufferers will find it worth the effort. Let's round up Amazon's best gems. We delete comments that violate our policy, which we encourage you to read. I liked the Sculpt’s durable and thoughtful design. Split keyboards are an acquired taste, setup takes up a lot of desktop space, and some users will lament the glossy shell on the mouse that attracts sticky fingers and fingerprints. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion. The Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard is a welcome alternative to conventional desktop setups for RSI sufferers. The Microsoft Sculpt Ergo is a narrow-footprint keyboard with an unusual twist: a detached numeric keypad is included in the box. It's made from all … Thanks for sharing your review. The riser and the battery compartment door underneath include magnets that snap them into place, and Microsoft adds another nice touch by including Duracell batteries instead of the usual generic brands typically bundled with other peripherals. The oval shape fit naturally in my hand and kept my palm from coming into contact with the desk or table. The Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard is very large, as the wrist rest is built-in and isn't removable. When we thoroughly analyzed their review scores, we learned that all of the sources that tested both Wireless Keyboards, including PCWorld, preferred the Logitech MX Keys (2019) over the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic … This mechanical keyboard is comfortable to type on and meets all of our ergonomic criteria: It’s a fully split keyboard, it has a flat slope, it can tent, it lacks a number pad, and it lets you … Keys have perfect resistance and allow for some … Copyright © 2020 IDG Communications, Inc. We're thrilled to hear your enjoying your Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop Wireless USB Keyboard and Mouse. Searching for a great show to watch tonight? Solid build Batteries included One USB dongle for all Ergonomic design. The compact, smooth-operating K380 is a desktop wireless keyboard replacement that connects... Don't know what to watch tonight? Sarah Tew/CNET If you've just picked up a Windows … Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard . We're glad to hear that you are finding the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop to be the most comfortable keyboard. I will say that if you tend to settle for nothing but the best and prefer the split ergonomic design, the Microsoft Sculpt is the gold standard of wired workhorse split ergonomic keyboards. Extremely comfortable. The Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop retails for $129.95, which, though pricey, is easily justified for such a high-quality set. Goldtouch, Kinesis, and others have addressed the … Microsoft. But ultimately only time helped me get the hang of it. This makes the home row position very comfortable, with both wrists settled on the downward slopes of the padded wrist rest. The mouse and number pad run on AA batteries and a single lithium ion battery, respectively, but these are preinstalled and you only have to remove their battery tabs. Its partially split design bends the keys up and toward the cutaway, evoking the image of the sea animal and its winged fins. The keys rise toward the cutaway to more naturally meet your fingers and reduce the distance they have to stretch when you’re typing. We learned that both of them performed far better than most of their competitors - the overall review average earned by Ergonomic Keyboards being 7.4 out of 10, whereas the Logitech Ergo K860 (2020) and Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic … Rather than dispense with it altogether, though, it includes it as a separate module that can be pulled out of a drawer only when needed. Let's round up some of its best gems. When you place your hands on the home row, you'll find that your wrists are delicately guided to the softly padded wrist rest that stretches beneath the device and measures nearly the width of the keyboard itself. Microsoft's Sculpt Comfort is a dongle-free Windows wireless mouse that delivers superior ergonomics at a rock-bottom price. Why You Need an Ergonomic Keyboard. Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop 84 This product hasn't been reviewed yet. Another Favorite: Microsoft Sculpt Mouse Microsoft. How CR Tested Ergonomic … © 2020 CNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. It re-imagines the shape of our most-used computer peripherals to prevent or reduce the effects of repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. I almost reluctantly decided to go against my intuition and decided to buy the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard . Don't know what to watch on Amazon tonight? The Bottom Line Whether you're already noticing early signs of carpal tunnel syndrome or just want to get started on prevention, the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop is a cost-effective, well-thought-out solution that puts a healthy posture at your fingertips. We’re big fans of the Microsoft Sculpt mouse, which sports an oddly comfortable blob-like design. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. With a split keyboard format and separate number pad, this keyboard is designed for maximum flexibility in setting up a work space. Instead, the Sculpt is a new riff on the Comfort Curve – a lastingly popular compromise between ordinary keyboards and ergonomics. Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard for Business. The keyboard also comes with an incline riser that attaches magnetically, which increases the height of the keyboard … The Good The Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop is a simple split-key keyboard with integrated shortcut keys and a spherical mouse, designed to take undue weight off your wrists. Microsoft’s newly redesigned Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop bundle – which includes a keyboard, number pad, and mouse – is the company’s latest attempt to end poor posture at our PC … Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop is built on advanced ergonomic principles, with a split keyboard layout that keeps wrists and forearms in a relaxed position, and a cushioned palm rest to provide wrist support. Note: When you purchase something after clicking links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. It is also stylish and surprisingly ergonomic … Microsoft removed the desktop keyboard’s number pad to save space but wisely included it as a separate module to be used as needed. The Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse proves to be a solid, well designed, entry level mouse for those looking for a basic ergonomic mouse with wireless capabilities. However, you will end up paying at least double the price of this LXM-00001. Read our, Learn more about PCWorld's Digital Editions, Unique layout can be challenging for touch typists to master quickly. The keyboard is especially flat on the sides and gradually rises toward the center, forcing your hands into the proper position that feels very natural. Searching for entertainment other than Marvel and Star Wars? Microsoft lopped off the number pad to save space, as a lot of keyboard replacements do. I also had problems reaching the right Shift key with my pinky without lifting my fingers from the home row, and that never did get any easier. We'll be sure to pass along your feedback about the detached keypad to the rest of our team. The LXM-00001 is without a doubt a worthy alternative to the Sculpt. The Sculpt’s accompanying mouse has gotten some negative feedback, but I found it quite comfortable to use. Keyboard and Keypad Designed from the ground up for use with Windows 8, the keyboard and mouse both feature a … PCWorld |. The keyboard also comes with a removable riser bar that attaches to the bottom and pushes your wrists up even farther; personally, I prefer to type without it and still feel a relief from prolonged strain compared with a traditional, horizontal keyboard. I can type for hours with no wrist strain. With time I got used to most of the keyboard’s quirks, but they slowed me down considerably for the first week or so, a problem compounded by all the typos I had to fix. The Bad Split keyboards are an acquired taste, setup takes up a lot of desktop space, and some users will lament the glossy shell on the mouse that attracts sticky fingers and fingerprints. But without the pain of an RSI I just didn’t have the incentive to work through 25 years of muscle memory to conform my typing to its unconventional layout. I had slightly better luck when I used the magnetically attachable riser included with the kit, as it seemed to tip that key into a more natural position. He contributes regularly to TechHive and writes the Max Productivity column for PCWorld. It measures just over 15 inches across and includes a full set of alphanumeric and function keys. We've added this product to our database but we haven't actually tested it yet. No more zip ties or fiddling with wires on your desk! A pair of AAA batteries powers the keyboard; they’re included in the box and you have to install them. But typing immediately presented some challenges for this touch typist. The keyboard’s “manta ray” design presents some challenges for touch typists, but the relief it should provide from injury pain is worth working through them. Behind the scenes, Microsoft dubbed the keyboard “Manta Ray” for obvious reasons. Its two buttons and scroll wheel are optimally placed for your index and middle fingers, and it includes a thumb-accessible Windows button for easy access to the Start menu. It also tracked smoothly on a variety of surfaces—I even used it on the arm of a leather recliner with no issues. I’ve been using ergonomic keyboards for years and this is, regardless of price, THE BEST. We can't guarantee the Logitech M510 mouse will boost your productivity, but at this price... Logitech's smooth-tracking, comfy mouse keeps carpal tunnel at arm's length. While the keys gave my fingers a comfortable home row, I found myself getting thrown off by the placement of the B key. According to our research, we felt that the number one choice for a user looking to buy a microsoft sculpt ergonomic keyboard mac has to be Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Wireless Desktop Keyboard and … Review summary for Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse L6V 00001, based on 884 user reviews: OVERALL - 7.7/10. The design saves room by splitting off the number pad into a separate unit, which you can stick in a drawer if you're not using it. In this review, we’ll be diving into the details of the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard for Business, in hopes of finding the accessories that will suit your lifestyle and health needs. Let's round up the best gems... Lightweight, supportive, durable: These running shoes win the roads, the trails and your... Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. The integrated wrist pad is designed to combat bad habits before they become an issue. The obvious frontal curve of the Sculpt … This no doubt has to do with the fact these keys each lie on the edge of cutaway at the Sculpt’s peak. The sculpt … Whether you're already noticing early signs of carpal tunnel syndrome or just want to get started on prevention, the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop is a cost-effective, well-thought-out solution that puts a healthy posture at your fingertips. Without the number pad, the keyboard only measures a little more than 15 inches wide. Every keyboard requires some time to learn in order to get back up to normal typing speed, and this is especially a factor with the Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop set. I thought I might as well give a … The NumPad is a separate piece that you can place wherever you want. … The Microsoft Sculpt, for example, is like a small ramp with enough horizontal DNA to feel familiar in your hand, but enough pitch to ease the stress on your forearm. Microsoft covers the Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop with a three year warranty. Those already suffering through carpal tunnel syndrome are surely familiar with the splints worn to prevent the hands from moving into problem positions. Since the Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard was designed primarily for Windows 8, Microsoft thoughtfully included keyboard shortcuts to access various features that many users are likely to … Microsoft made these keys and the others along the cutaway slightly larger than the chiclet size of all the others to make them more easily accessible, but their position still felt unnatural. https://www.cnet.com/reviews/microsoft-sculpt-ergonomic-desktop-review Here are some of the best movies Netflix has to offer. Microsoft tells us that the keyboard earned the code name Manta Ray during its test phase, a hat tip to the angled-in design of the keypad and the teardrop cutout in the center that truly emphasizes the separated form. Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop review: A keyboard and mouse for a new generation. Freelance contributor, , with both wrists settled on the arm of a leather recliner with issues. Lie on the edge of cutaway at the Sculpt alternative to the Sculpt ’ battery. 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