This page is a gallery of Microsoft Keyboards. For Logitech keyboard, see: Logitech Keyboards Gallery. For gaming, see: Gaming Keyboards for Programers.
When i look at computer keyboards, saliva drools from the corner of my mouth.
You know how girls do window-shopping as a life-long regular activity? and some guys do window-shopping of cars? I don't need another keyboard, i already have plenty. But, i look at them, look for them, stare at them for hours, every week. I:
• Compare their sizes, the keys on them.
• How they label their keys. Do they say “Page Up” or “PgUp”, “Enter” or “Return”? Do they use graphics symbol like ⇪ or ⇧ or ↑ for Shift key? ↵ or ↩ or ⏎ for return/enter? What graphics symbol they use for Zoom In, Zoom Out, Mute, Web, Search?
• The key's positions, arrangement. Are the arrow keys in inverted T? In one row? In a cross? How's ↖ Home/↘ End key cluster shaped? 2×3 or 3×2?
• What are special buttons and knobs they offer. Sound level controller as slider? As rotary knob? disc shaped? Touch sensitive bar? Zoom as seesaw rocker?
What's their functions, the style of the keys, their height, tactile sensations, the differences between them, their ergonomic implications, the implications for Emacs use ….
This is the cheapest keyboard that Microsoft offers.
If i were to use a non-split keyboard, i'll like this. Plain and functional. Note the standard F keys, arranged in traditional 3 clusters, 4 keys each. This means you can press them without looking. Also, the keys are full-sized. Nice. Some fancier keyboard make these into one continuous row, and as flattened non-tactile buttons.
I'll take this keyboard any day than the ≈$80 Happy Hacking keyboard. 〔☛ Happy Hacking Keyboard Review〕
This is second cheapest from Microsoft according to MSRP (manufacture's suggested retail price).
Added are 4 multimedia keys and a calculator launch key. But as you can see, there's one screw-up already. The function keys now became special buttons, losing the tactile quality of keys.
Apparently, by demand-and-supply, Amazon has this $1 cheaper than the other Microsoft keyboard. People like this one less.
This is new. Seems just came out in 2011.
As we advanced into the higher-end models, the form gets stylish, yet function goes downhill.
Notice the F1 to F2 key are degraded further, now becoming one beatific continuous row. You need to look at them to hit the correct key.
Notice that there's no gap between the arrow keys and adjacent key blocks. LOL
Also new is that they replaced the right Windows key with a Fn key. For advanced keyboard users, this means losing a modifier key.
Interesting is that these days they have a dedicated Flip3D button. It's great to add a dedicated key to a frequently used function. However, Flip 3D function is badly designed. 〔☛ Windows Flip3D, Instant Viewer, Productivity Tips〕
In this model, they have the very annoying F Lock key. 〔☛ Microsoft Keyboard: How to Disable the F Lock Key〕
Also interesting is that, a wireless version, with a mouse, is actually $15 cheaper (at the time of this writing). This probably means the wireless version has lots problems. See: “Wireless Media Desktop 1000” amazon .
Notice the top buttons — one beatific continuous row. You can't feel them, but you must look!
There is a desktop set with this keyboard, named “Microsoft Wireless Desktop 6000”. But actually, there are 3 generations of this keyboard+mouse set, all physically different but sharing the same name, with “v1”, “v2”, “v3” on Amazon. The v1 is dramatically different than the other two. Dunno why Microsoft named them the same.
They all got very bad reviews. Usually like connection problems.
This comes in 2 versions, with or without number-pad. It seems that this keyboard is also called “cat keyboard hero”, because the images on Microsoft site is named that.
This is new in 2011.
Apparently, this one is designed for couch potatoes. Note the newfangled 4-in-1 arrow button.
Now comes this smooth bull. Not a Microsoft keyboard, but i had to put it here.
Quote from Amazon
This ErgoMotion keyboard with its patented pivot-motion design that automatically adjusts to your natural hand and wrist position is the world's first intelligent keyboard that prevents Repetitive Stress Injury. The patented DPC - Dynamic Positioning Controller automatically moves based on your use pattern capitalizing on productivity while diminishing operator hand and wrist fatigue and discomfort.
Supposedly, this keyboard moves slowly, by a built-in motor, so that your hand muscle use is not always the same from the same position, thus preventing you from getting a Repetitive Strain Injury. But, from its clean geometric look, like Apple's keyboard, i can tell you right away it's PAIN.
See: Logitech Keyboards Gallery.
Ok. Spend 9 hours on this now. I think that's enough keyboard geeking today. None of these keyboards i can use. They all have multitudes of serious flaws:
For keyboards that i deem useful for programers or heavy typers, see: Ergonomic Keyboards Gallery.