Microsoft Sculpt Comfort Keyboard

Microsoft has a new keyboard. Sculpt Comfort Keyboard.

here's some interesting points:

• Space key is split into a ⌫ Backspace key. VERY NICE!
• Function keys and extra keys such as mute/sound/play, app launch, are now toggled by a physical toggle switch (not a button). And not a combo press with a Fn key.
• Rubber dome keyswitch, not mechanical. [see Guide to Keyboard Key Switch Mechanisms]
• Key labels rub off after a while, just like vast majority of cheap keyboards.
• Wrist rest is removable. Nice.
• some ancient unless keys are gone. Pause/Break is completely gone. Insert is now a soft key, it need to be switched with the function key.
• No light indicator for {Caps Lock, Num Lock, Scroll Lock}.
• Wireless.

I don't think it's a keyboard for those of us who use Dvorak layout or tweak keys by software. However, the Space bar split into 2 keys, is a major, risky, innovation, seldom done by big companies. The ⌫ Backspace on PC keyboard is a major problem. [see Computer Keyboard Design Flaws]

Even though they split the space bar, which is a great move, but note how silly it is they make the keys huge. Also, the Alt key are pushed to the side, instead of closer to the thumb. And notice the Shift key is now unnecessarily super wide. For a different perspective on why the space bar should be split, see: Tiny Space Bar on Japanese Keyboards.

the result of using a physical toggle switch for the function keys is that, for most people, the switch will probably stay in one position, and never used. For mom and pop, the switch will probably stay in special function position, since they don't use {F1, F2, …} keys. But for programers, we need the function keys, but then that means we lose the Mute and other app launch keys.

For mom and pop, this may be a fine keyboard. For programers, no.

It's nice to see Microsoft do innovations. They've been a leader in this area, starting with their ergonomic keyboard the Microsoft Natural in 1994, then the Microsoft 4000 in 2005. (also, Microsoft invented the mouse wheel, and lead the 2 button revolution.)

2013-08-14 Microsoft came out with Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard. Highly recommended.