Customer Reviews

Microsoft Natural MultiMedia Keyboard, K50-00001

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

This would be a great keyboard if either the software did just a bit more, or if Microsoft would leave the function keys alone. The additional "media center" at the top of the keyboard is very handy and conveniently located. The calculator button above the keypad is great as are the logoff and sleep functions. Quick access to My Documents also comes in handy.

The downside is that nasty function key redesign. The software has no place to permanently enable the "F Lock" key so that the function keys operate as normal function keys. If you EVER use a function key in any software, use the insert key for anything, or even hit ALT-F4 to close an app, avoid this keyboard... it will frustrate you for weeks to come.

I will probably buy another keyboard and try to recover some money in an auction somewhere.

I've been using the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite ergonomic keyboard for a few years now and love it but when I decided to get an ergonomic keyboard for a second computer I decided to try something new. In comparision, I agree with a previous reviewer in that this keyboard does feel stiffer than the Elite. It all depends on whether you like soft keys or slightly stiffer ones. I prefer the softer keys myself because it's easier on my wrist muscles after hours of typing. When I say stiffer keys, I don't mean terribly stiff but you will notice a difference if you use both keyboards daily like I do. It just makes sense that the softer keyboard would put less strain on your wrist muscles, since it's less of an effort to press it.

The other differences between the two keyboards is that the Elite has smaller keys for the Home, End, arrows, etc buttons whereas this one has basically the standard size, and the Elite also doesn't have the multimedia buttons. The arrows are also rearranged on the Elite but that doesn't bother me because I don't use them much, nor do I use the multimedia buttons much either.

If you get a chance, I would recommend trying them both out first before buying. Both keyboards have about the same ergonomic shape so it comes down to whether you like how it feels when typing, if you need the multimedia functions, or don't like the Elite arrow layout. I gave this keyboard 3 stars because I can type longer on the Elite before feeling pain, which for me is the most important factor in buying an ergonomic keyboard.

First I should give Micro$oft credit for attempting to continue to produce a line of ergonomic keyboards with functions for everyone. However, and despite the nice features of the Natural Multimedia keyboard, they dropped the ball, again. I am one of the lucky users who bought an original Microsoft Natural keyboard when they first came out and, after the break-in period (to get used to the split keyboard), I was hooked and never went back to another (in-line) keyboard (actually, I can't go back as they hurt my wrists if I use them for any prolonged period). However, like most computer hardware, those keyboards had a limited life and mine broke. I tried the Natural Elite but, as a programmer/web person, I just couldn't get used to the rearranged arrow keys and small size in general. I was happy to see the original, traditional arrow key arrangement restored on this Natural Multimedia keyboard. However, M$ just couldn't leave well enough alone and saw fit to rearrange/modify the HOME/END/INSERT/DELETE... "location" keys above them. I'm in the same position I was in with the Elite board, I just won't be able to get used to the newly arranged "location" keys (and don't want to as all the other keyboards here at work and the one I have at home orgainize them correctly in their original configuration). Certainly if you don't use the arrow keys or "location" keys much this won't be an issue for you but if you do much coding and depending on your "style" you may find yourself not able to or not wanting to get used to the alternate key layout of the Multimedia Keyboard.

So far I don't mind the added keys as I can choose to use them, remap them to the programs I want, or just ignore them if I don't like them. This is what they should have done with the extended function keys, just made them separate keys as I think there is probably enough room for them. Oh well.

As far as the "F Lock" function key business, it's not that big of a deal to hit the key once whenever you boot your computer. However, there really should have been an option in the driver software that let's you modify the default behavior for this key. Also, it seems that the registry fix for this issue (that can be found on google groups) is only good for Windows 2000, XP, and greater (future); I have not tried it on my NT PC as I'm not sure what it will do since, per M$'s site RE key mapping, it is not supported on that O/S. But let's face it, users should not have to download possibly suspect 3rd party registry hacks to get the typical function key behavior back. It's almost as if Micro$oft is keen on getting everyone to "keyboard" to their specs, even if that means relearning how to type to some degree. Silly.

I was hoping this keyboard would be the redeemer M$ needed after the inferior Elite replaced the original Natural board, a nearly perfect product in my estimation (Dubious? just look at the prices those puppies command now - if you can find them!). But I'm afraid that, due to the placement of the HOME/END/DELETE/INSERT... "location" keys, the flub with the "F Lock" key setting, no USB support, and the fact that they eliminated the front flip-up "foot" found on the underside of the original Natural (that raised the front of the keyboard up and greatly reducing wrist strain - for me) leaves me with no choice but to give this product just 2 stars. Here's hoping they get it right next time :o(

The original MS Natural Keyboard was the best thing MS ever made, and probably their only product that actually worked. Unfortunately, they seem to have dropped it and concentrated on useless, user-unfriendly "updates", such as the "Natural Elite", "Natural Plus", and now this piece of [work], the "Natural Multimedia".

First of all, it's flat. To get it at the proper angle, I had to remove the small "legs" from underneath and reinsert them upside-down to make the keyboard's anglement good.

Second, the keys are hard to press and pop back too often.

Third, a lot of space is occupied by some stupid "multimedia" buttons that I will never even look at, much less use. If [people] want to have "play" and "rewind" buttons, they can use a remote controller.

But fourth, and worst of all, THE FUNCTION KEYS ARE DISABLED BY DEFAULT!!! Yes, you read it right. Unless you press some... new key named "F-Lock" (OFF by default!), the function keys will act like the numeric keyboard!!! Listen, Microsoft, when I press F8, I want to press F8, NOT to see a letter "h" on screen! I use the FAR Manager and Windows Commander, and function keys are crucial to me. You can take the whole numeric keyboard from the right for all I care, but DO NOT MESS WITH THE FUNCTION KEYS!

I would never buy this piece of [work] but my original MS Natural Keyboard Pro broke after many years, and I thought this would be a good replacement... BIG MISTAKE. This is MS's worst product since Windows Millennium. Stay away from this [item]. Are there any stores that have some dusty supplies of the original MS Natural Keyboard stored in some old warehouse? I'll buy three of them... or trade you this unused MS Multimedia [item] for a used MS Natural in good shape!

i spend my entire workday in front of my computer so naturally i needed something more comfortable than the stock keyboard that was given to me by my empolyer. i use a natural pro at home and am very happy with it. the natural multimedia has a similar look, but feels very different. the keystroke is a lot smoother, almost feels spongy. the extra multimedia buttons on the top... i don't use them. oh yeah, and the keyboard is noticibly heavier and takes up more space than a stock keyboard...

there are two main things that really annoy me: the function keys (F1-F12) have been replaced by M$ with shortcuts for things like help, undo, redo, open, close, reply, fwd, send, spell, save, print. you can still use the F-keys, but you have to press the FLock button first. annoying. also, there is an oversized delete button -- it sits where the insert button and a normal sized delete button sit.

I'm a long term user of Microsoft Natural keyboards and am a programmer who types all day (and night). I needed a new one and found a deal on this version (it was cheaper than a new Natural Pro, I guess because it's not USB), but was glad that I tried it out in a store first. They've completely change the feel of the keys; they're soft and spongy, rather than crisp like the previous models (Natural Pro and Natural Elite). Some people might prefer this, but I definitely didn't and am going to stick with a Natural Pro.

I have been using ergognomic keyboards for 4 years, ever since I developed very mild CTS. The split boards helped keep wrist stress down. I broke my old ergo board, so I bought the MS Natural Multimedia. Like most new boards, it's slathered with new buttons. Use em if you like. I use the multimedia controls for MP3s.

My criticisms
(1) The function keys are by default off. This is stupid. There is an F key lock so you can have the Function keys in their proper F mode. Otherwise, they're 'shortcuts.'

(2) The biggest problem is the redesign for the Ins/Del, Home/End, PgUp/PgDn keys. It's an awkward layout, and you have to reteach your hand how to use the keys. I still fumble for which key I want and I've been using the board for 3 months.

That being said, there are some rather nice features.
(1) The oversized Alt, Ctrl, and Start buttons are wonderful. I've quickly become accustomed to them.

(2) The key resistance is quite pleasant. It's not IBM clicky, but it's not soft like those old Mac keyboards. It's a pleasant amount of resistance, and I've had no trouble adjusting to it. My typing speed is almost to normal.

(3) The wrist rest is very comfortable. It's designed quite well. At first I was concerned because the center of the board sort of floats, but the wrist rest can support weight well, and this board is built sturdy enough.

Overall, I'd say the keyboard is adequate. The change in key locations is my only problem. If you've never used a split keyboard, you should learn to touch type. Trying to hunt and peck on a split board would be a nightmare. You really do need to be an adequate typist to see any benefit from having an ergo board. For casual computer users, stick with standard boards. For me, the comfort of the split board has helped my wrist out quite a bit. I could imagine a better ergo board, but I have yet to find one to my liking.

Having used the original Microsoft Natural Keyboard for a few years, I figured I might as well "upgrade" to the multimedia one. I thought the extra, quick access keys (for e-mail, calculator, buttons for multimedia players, etc.) would come in handy. In a way they are. They are "programmable," meaning you can decide what folder/program is open for specific keys. But I've also found they don't necessarily respond when you need to use them, thus adding a slight inconvenience. In fact, after awhile, I found myself using shortcut icons far more often than the programmable keys.

This keyboard seems to feel a little "cheaper" than its predecessor. It doesn't feel as sturdy (or as heavy) as the original Natural Keyboard. Sometimes when I'm typing, I feel like whatever's holding the keys in place will suddenly break. In fact, the legs that support the keyboard (so the keyboard would be at an elevated/tilted position) broke all too easily. It's as if cheaper or thinner plastic was used for this particular model. I also miss having an extra "insert" key, which has been replaced by an extra long "delete" key. Another thing I've run into is the "media" key. I have that set to run Winamp, although sometimes I've found that it likes to run Windows Media Player instead. Not sure why that happens.

Also, a big quirk as mentioned is the "F-lock" key. It's set to be on by default, meaning what normally would be the function keys are really the alternate uses. You can actually rectify that by downloading a small program ...(It makes a minor modifcation to the registry file so the F-lock is off when you boot, but remember, if you need to do an F8 during a Windows bootup, be sure that the F-lock is ON!

Overall, it's not a bad keyboard, yet I've found typing on this slows me down a tad; I was faster on the original Natural keyboard. The Natural Multimedia Keyboard needs to be better made and have a better driver so those programmable keys work all the time, and not just at selective moments.

Ive read a few reviews here and think they are a little biased. Mainly because they are users of regular keyboards thinking they can just type normally on a natural immediately with the same results.

It takes a few hours to get used to it the natural design, and once you do, you feel a lot more comfortable, and can type at a much faster rate.

This is my 3rd ms natural keyboard - the previous two going with one other pc and me spilling hot soup over the original - which kind of ticked me off ;)

They are the best keyboards I have ever used, and yes, I am also a heavy gamer, and can use the keyboard the same in just about all games I play (cs, ra3, opflash, IL2, falcon 4 etc).

And if your looking for a natural keyboard, of what I know, these are the most comfortable and contoured boards around. I reccomend these pants down :) And the extra multimedia and shortcut keys on this board are great once u get used to them.

I love this keyboard. One of the main reasons why I bought it it's because its split in the middle, allowing the user to be able to type and rest the elbows on the chair, like I do.
I think the added keys are great and time saving. These keys include my documents, my pictures, my music, mute, play, stop, vol +, -, fwd, rew, media (to open the media player), mail, web/home (to open browser), messenger, calculator, log off & sleep.
I'll say that I use most of these keys on a daily basis, the one I use the least is the log off key & the calculator, but I do appreciate they are there.
This keyboard also has an "f lock" key, where the "f" keys can do a double function depending on which program they are being used.
Most of the times I work with this key "on", locking my "f" keys and leaving them in the standard mode. I am very used to pressing F5 to refresh a web page, or F6 to type in the address bar, F3 to do a search, etc.
When the "f lock" is not activated, the "f" keys can use the purpose of undo, redo, new, open, close, reply, fwd, send, spell, save & print. Most of these commands can be used with outlook or word or pretty much any program that has any of these commands.
Now the bad things.
The keyboard is a bit tall. Putting on the stands can sometimes be a little too uncomfortable, as it is already elevated. Also if you decide to put on the keyboard stands, you may have trouble sliding it in the keyboard drawer in your desk. So I got used to not having them on. Another thing is that you have to know how to type correctly..."tip-toeing", or so I call it, with the usual typing finger on the keyboard will not get the user very far. You have to lay your hands on it and learn where the fingers go before you can take full advantage.
This is in no way a discouragement for a user who does not know how to type without looking at the keys, but it's kind of a warning.
Also, you have to turn on the "f lock" key every time you start windows, or you won't be able to use the "f" keys natural functions.
Do this: If you decide to buy it, first try it out. Do what I did. I went to my local store and tried typing in my name and a few other things on this keyboard while being on display just to see how it felt to work. Then I started typing random sentences. It felt natural. So I took it.
In overall, my personal experience is great. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone.