Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite

by Microsoft

• Keyboard features ergonomic design for comfort
• Multimedia controls for easy access to music and video files
• Enhanced F-key commands for customizable shortcuts
• Connects to PC via USB or PS/2 ports
• Attractive white finish

Product Details

Product Manual [259kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 18 x 8 x 2.2 inches ; 4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000642RX
• Item model number: A11-00337
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (456 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 16, 2002

Product Description

Color: White | Style: Retail

Amazon.com

Stay comfortable and work longer with the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite. The split, gently sloped shape of this keyboard allows you to type with a more natural hand, wrist, and forearm position. The ergonomic design helps to prevent poor posture and fatigue, so you can work longer at your computer. At the same time, enhanced F-key commands and a multimedia center give you more control over how your system works, enabling you to tailor your keyboard to match your needs.

Natural Keyboard Elite At a Glance: Ergonomic design for extra comfort. Multimedia controls. Enhanced F-key commands. Connects to USB or PS/2 port.

Designed For Comfort
You spend a lot of time with your hands on a keyboard, which is why comfort is key. The Natural Keyboard Elite features a split, gently sloped keyboard design that promotes a more natural hand and arm position. A built-in palm rest prevents fatigue, while adjustable keyboard legs ensure that you can find the typing position that works best for you.

More Control Over Your System
Get one-touch control over the computer functions you use the most with the Natural Keyboard Elite's enhanced F-key commands. Whether you want to enjoy your favorite music, video clips, or media programs, the multimedia controls give you quick and easy access to all the commands. You can even set the perfect sound level with the integrated volume controls.

Easy Connection To Your PC
The Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite connects quickly and easily to your PC through any available USB or PS/2 port. It is backed by a limited three-year warranty.

What's in the Box
The Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite connects quickly and easily to your PC through any available USB or PS/2 port. It is backed by a limited three-year warranty.

Product Description

Stay comfortable and work longer with the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite. The split, gently sloped shape of this keyboard allows you to type with a more natural hand, wrist, and forearm position. The ergonomic design helps to prevent poor posture and fatigue, so you can work longer at your computer. At the same time, enhanced F-key commands and a multimedia center give you more control over how your system works, enabling you to tailor your keyboard to match your needs.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

111 of 112 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars My Favorite Keyboard June 15, 2010

By Justin L. Force

Style Name:Retail| Color Name:Black|Amazon Verified Purchase

I work in IT, so I get to try A LOT of different keyboards. This is, by far, the best keyboard that I have ever had. I got my first Microsoft Natural Elite about 10 years ago and am only now replacing it because I took it apart to clean it and lost the screws. These things last and last. It got a little louder as it aged, but other than that (and being filthy), it was as good as the day I bought it before I disassembled it.

When I first purchased this keyboard, I immediately picked up about 10 words per minute. I type fast (average around 100 words per minute), and I attribute a lot of that to using a comfortable keyboard.

I code a lot and I email a lot, and I can type on this thing for hours without any wrist or hand strain. The only real drawback is that it's ruined other keyboards for me. When I use a standard straight keyboard, I'm now much more aware of just how awkward and uncomfortable it is. When I use any Apple keyboard, for example, my wrists hurt and my hands cramp after a few minutes.

I recommend this keyboard to anybody for whom comfort is a priority. You cannot beat a split ergonomic keyboard. There may be a bit of a learning curve for non touch typists, but the benefit to your body is well worth the investment.

A final note: I prefer this keyboard over the larger "pro" models because I don't need or like the extra keys for multimedia, etc. and this one is a bit smaller. Also, be advised that they Home/End/Delete/Page Up/Page Down/Insert keys and the arrow keys are not arranged in the standard way. I use all of these keys a lot, but the different placement has never been a problem for me.

75 of 77 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Keeps your wrists straight March 5, 2004

By The Old Philosopher VINE™ VOICE

Style Name:Retail|Color Name:White

I've been using my Microsoft keyboard for about 4 years now. I'm a fairly wide guy, and when I put my hands together, the arms are pointed in from the shoulders. If I'm using a regular keyboard my wrists have to bend outward from my arms to make my hands line up with the keys. Using the Microsoft keyboard, my wrists are more straight so long use doesn't tire them out. It also is supposed to reduce carpal tunnel syndrome where the tendons would have to bend through a bent wrist to work the fingers. The keyboard has all the regular keys laid out fairly well. It only takes a few minutes getting used to the split board. The cursor moving arrows and special function keys are in groups between the letters and number pad, which works well. One thing that seems strange is that the upper row, the numbers, are split between 6 and 7, instead of between 5 and 6. That's because there are the dashes and such on the right of that row. Seems strange though sometimes. You get used to it pretty quick. The wrist pad extension seems good too.

111 of 124 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Good for wrists, not so good for wallet October 28, 2004

By edfan

Style Name:Retail|Color Name:White

I bought the very first issue of the Microsoft Natural keyboard when it came out. It lasted at least five years, after a terrible adjustment period of nearly three weeks. The next one lasted about 16 months. It went downhill for two or three keyboards after that. I've had several models, including the Elite and the Pro and the one with 99 buttons all over the place. The letters now wear off in six months unless you apply clear nail polish to the key tops right away and keep it up. You can't wash it in the shower any more, it no longer has good isolation inside. Use Dow Bathroom Bubbles on a microfiber cloth - rinse VERY carefully, holding the board upside down. Let it dry naturally, don't blow water all over with compressed air, the keyboard just isn't as sturdy as it used to be.

Your wrists/arms/hands can get so used to the comfort that it's impossible to buy a laptop because your wrists ACHE within minutes of using the usual flat keyboard. That's the only downside I see. Otherwise, this is the only affordable ergonomic keyboard around. Keep your receipts handy, tape them underneath the board, in case you have to use the warranty.