Customer Reviews

Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 v3 (Black)

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(29)
3 star:		(16)
2 star:		(19)
1 star:		(36)

 

 

This is my third wireless keyboard/mouse combo (I have one from Dell and one from Logitech as well). I have highlighted some things that I particularly liked about it along with some of its drawbacks.

[Update: I've downgraded my rating to 3 stars because the keyboard amd mouse started having connectivity problems.]

Pros
----
- Decent Wireless Range
The effective wireless range for both the keyboard and mouse is about 15 ft. Beyond that, the response from the keyboard and mouse becomes sporadic. Still, it's a decent range and will suit the needs of most people.

- Ergonomic Mouse
I love how the shape of the mouse allows me to "hug" it with my entire hand, and it fits very snugly and comfortably. Its ergonomic shape, coupled with the support I get from my wrist rest, really helps to alleviate strain on my wrist. As far as ergonomics is concerned, I'm surprised that I actually find myself liking it a fair bit more than my Logitech MX Revolution.

- Ergonomic Keyboard
The slight curvature of the rows of keys for the QWERTY part of the keyboard helps to accommodate the natural position of your wrist. This is my first Microsoft "Natural" keyboard and I must say it has completely dispelled my skepticism of Microsoft's so-called "Natural" keyboard design. I find that it does work as claimed in helping to properly align your wrist so you can work more comfortably.

- Ultra Quiet Keyboard
Wow... I'm very impressed by how quiet the keyboard is no matter how fast I type or how hard I press the keys; there's none of the familiar "clacking" sound that comes from typing on a normal keyboard.

- Pleasant Tactile Response From The Keyboard
I also love how the keys on the keyboard have an almost laptop keyboard feel to it. The keys are firm, not jiggly, and they have a very pleasant tactile response.

- Accurate Mouse Tracking
The tracking on the mouse is responsive and precise. Because it uses laser tracking, it works on pretty much any surface - light, dark, shiny, dull, smooth, rugged - you name it. It took on surfaces that my optical mice have trouble tracking - with no problems.

- Mouse Customizability
All buttons can be completely customized. These include the left and right buttons, the wheel click, and the two buttons on the side traditionally set to forward and backward.

Cons
----
- Lagging Quirk
Periodically, there a slight lag in response from the keyboard for about a second or two, before it "catches up" with the typing - not terribly bothersome, but definitely noticeable.

- [Update: Every so often, the keyboard loses connectivity momentarily. At first, it was an occasional glitch, which was bearable, but as time went by it became more and more frequent, and now it's just plain unbearable.]

- [Update: The keyboard also seems to have developed the problem of repeating certain keystrokkes - justt likkke that. I find myself having to backspace to correct the glitch every few minutes - very annoying!]

- Mouse Has Too Much Friction with Surfaces
There is more friction between the mouse and surfaces for my liking. I guess I'm spoiled by the way my Logitech mouse glides on most surfaces - thanks to the coating of Teflon on the bottom of its contact points. Having a mouse that glides effortlessly really makes for a much more pleasant mousing experience.

- Lack of a "Click-to-Click" Wheel
This is a biggie for me - I am thoroughly used to a mouse wheel that gives you tactile feedback of a "notch"/click as you turn it, so I'm very disappointed to find out that the wheel of this mouse turns almost frictionlessly. It's a problem because most people have their mouse optimally set to scroll 3 lines at each click/notch (the default setting), so it requires some effort to precisely control the click-less/notch-less turning of the wheel for scrolling a page up or down to the desired position.

- Mouse Customizability
The left and right tilting motion of the mouse is strictly reserved for left and right scrolling, and is thus not customizable. So far, I've found one particular application (Opera) the side-to-side scrolling doesn't work on.

Conclusion
----------
What impressed me most about both the keyboard and mouse is how much they help in alleviating wrist strain to help me work more comfortably. I give it high marks for ergonomics, which is a pretty compelling incentive for me to switch to it from my Logitech keyboard/mouse combo. However, it has some quirks, and there are a couple of drawbacks to the mouse, the most significant of which is the lack of a "click-to-click" wheel - something I find very hard to get past. There you have it; the above are some considerations you might want to take into account before deciding whether the Microsoft Natural Keyboard/Mouse Combo is right for you.

[Update: I see at least a couple of reviewers have, like me, come back to downgrade their rating and update their reviews after they, too, started having connectivity problems with the keyboard/mouse. I was initially stoked about the ergonomics this package has to offer and was prepared to accept a couple of minor quirks. However, the glitches became more than just "noticeable"; they became unbearable as connectivity problems became more and more frequent. I'm switching back to my Logitech, which gives me rock solid reliability.]

I'm a software engineer so I use a keyboard and mouse all day and I probably use keys that the typical user doesn't. I'd have to say over all that I don't intend to replace my current keyboard and mouse with this setup. I can tolerate the ergonomics of the keyboard and I like that it's quiet; however the space bar make an annoying click that the other keys don't. I absolutely hate what they did to the function keys and the escape key. Instead of being normal keys, they've turned them into small soft like buttons as if they are not important. If you develop software then you probably use the function keys all the time in Visual Studio or the debugger or IDE you use. Trying to find the function keys without looking at the keyboard is impossible. I also don't like the plastic frame that goes around the entire keyboard, it looks like I forgot to take the keyboard out of it's plastic shipping container or something. I'm using it for writing this review and I'm constantly getting double keys inserted, which I'm certain is due to the keyboard. If you don't tilt the keyboard up using the included "peg" feet then the back of the keyboard tilts up when you put you palms on the palm rest. I will say that the palm rest is a nice rubberize plastic material.

Now lets move to the mouse. While the keyboard is silent, the mouse is ridiculously loud when you click the right or left button. People in the cubicles around you will know about every click you do. Yet the mouse wheel has no click or any sort of tactical feedback (I hate a free spinning mouse wheel). The shape is okay, but it's unacceptable for gaming and I prefer the normal mouse shape to this right-hand only contraption. I'd also prefer that the mouse had a rechargeable battery with a charging station like my old Logitech wireless desktop has. I'd have to say that my Logitech wireless desktop from 5 years ago is a better product all around then this.

Keyboards and mice are very subjective things to review so I'd highly recommend that you try this setup out at a local store before committing. The key layout is different and the keyboard and mouse just seem like they were designed by two different teams. If you're big on ergonomics and don't know what the function keys are for, then you might like this keyboard/mouse. If you're a gamer or a developer than I'm going to guess that you won't be happy with it. In the end I'll be sticking with my Logitech G15 keyboard, it's not perfect either but it's light years beyond this MS keyboard setup.

I have been using the wireless Microsoft 3000 series keyboard and 5000 series mouse for a long while so I am very familiar with this product range.

The first improvement I noticed with the 6000 series is that you no longer have the big transceiver which will sometimes move and make it so you end up losing your wireless signal. Microsoft has now integrated the transceiver into a device which is the size of a thumb drive and plugs directly into your USB socket. The result of this (along with the better wireless technology) is hardly any signal loss so you always feel confident that things will happen instantaneously when you press a key or move the mouse.

To install the keyboard and mouse you plug in the transceiver, press the silver button and then the white signal buttons on the bottom of the mouse and keyboard and it will auto detect them. You can also install everything using the software included.

The 6000 keyboard is very sleek in design; it is about an inch thick at most and very lightweight. The main keyboard area is similar to the 3000 but there are a lot more `quick keys' around the outer area. Some of the new ones are `magnify' which lets you enlarge screen detail, `my favorites' which is a way to make your own set of personal keys and `flip 3D' which displays a 3D overlay of all open windows and lets you cycle through them. Another cool addition is the battery status indicator so you know when your batteries are running low. The keyboard itself is very responsive and when you press the keys it feels effortless instead of feeling numb and unresponsive like so many keyboards. The built in ergonomic wrist rest helps it feel a lot more comfortable.

The 6000 mouse is well designed and neatly crafted (even better than already excellent previous models) to fit comfortably in your hand. It is quick, smooth and responsive and the keys click with purpose.

Final conclusion - I really like the whole feel of the 6000 desktop series and Microsoft has taken the design of the keyboard and mouse to another level - highly recommended!

Purchased this keyboard because I needed a keyboard for my media/tv pc. I use this computer for TV but also for every day computing. I use it from my coffee table which is about 5 to 7 feet from my tv(depending if the keyboard is on the table or my lap). This keyboard/mouse is advertised as working from 30 feet. That is completely bs. With the USB plugged into the back of my computer, it wouldn't even work from 5 feet! When I changed the USB receiver to the front of the PC, it started working ok from 5 feet. I get missed key strokes often, however, and quite often the mouse goes out and in. Not for long, but the mouse will just stop for like half a second, then go again like normal. This happens at least a couple times a minute. Same with the keyboard. Sometimes when typing nothing will register for a second. You may be typing a sentence and if you are a fast typer like me the sentence will be missing a word or two. But like the mouse it just reconnects after a second or two.

I went with this keyboard because I figured with the Microsoft name and a 30foot rated length of signal it would suite my needs fine. What I got was a very nice looking and feeling(I do like the feel and quiteness of the keys) piece of junk. For $70 a keyboard/mouse should run smooth. There is no way I would ever try to use this keyboard for writing anything of length. In fact this review is getting annoying to keep writing as I am using the Microsoft keyboard now and my keys keep getting missed.

To anyone out there looking for a long range, good signal keyboard/mouse. DO NOT BUY THIS ONE!

I just bought v3 and returned it 2 hours later. Microsoft claims a range of up to 30 ft yet the keyboard kept losing connectivity and dropping characters at only 6 feet. If you are buying a keyboard for range, do not buy this one. You will be disappointed.

To the people that have connectivity problems, please take a course about radio waves and transmission and learn about what radio interference is. Plus some of the connectivity problems are most likely cause by the USB not having enough power going to it.

1. Shopping Around:
I've for the last 5 year have gone with wireless keyboard and mouse, have had Logitech, Rosewill and a cheap 2.4GHz from Wal Mart. Out of the one that I've own liked Microsoft's the most, although Logitech keyboards are mice are really good too. The main reason that Microsoft's are my pick is the batter life seems to be longer, and the keyboards have last me longer. Wireless is not for everyone, in fact would say for those that do a lot of office work to stick with wired keyboards are mouse, and try to go with USB ones if possible. I find that wireless does not work well in an office type setting, mostly do to interference from other devices; and for fast typing people some wireless keyboard cannot keep up.

The three main reason that someone should go wireless are:
A. One - if you are going to use your computer as a Media Center, Media PC; and use your HDTV as your computer monitor.
B. Two - Gaming with a large monitor, or video editing with a large monitor.
C. Three - If you are going to be work fare from the monitor like security work.

2. Setting Up:
I feel this Microsoft Wireless Keyboard & Mouse is getting bad reviews because some people do not take in account of other 2.4GHz wireless devices they may have. For one, multiple wireless devices operating in the same frequency range can interfere with one another. The keyboard and mouse works great for me, it just took some play around to get it working. Setting up the keyboard and mouse was a bit tricky, because the keyboard and mouse is wireless 2.GHz which is what most wireless home networks are. That is where the trickiness comes in, for some people setting up the keyboard may mean that settings for your wireless network; so it is not simple Plug-in-Play. Once I got things set with both my Wireless Network, and with the Keyboard & Mouse things work great. By the way this is common with having multiple wireless devices. If you have multiple wireless devices, suck has computers game-systems and game pad controllers then a 2.4GHz wireless keyboard and mouse my not be for you. Either a 27MHz wireless input device, or Bluetooth; but I would go with Bluetooth, cause the problem with 27MHz is limited range, as in 5ft or less. Bluetooth has the same range of stander 2.4GHz input devices, the only downside to Bluetooth is it cost more.

1. Pros:
(a) [F]Lock for less mouse clicking.
(b) Long batter life.
(c) Up to a 30ft range depending on other wireless device, and walls.
(d) Easy key and mouse button configuration
(e) Feet interchangeable between front and back of keyboard [This is really hand for Media PC and Gaming setup.
(f) Cover keys and built in wrist rest.

2. Cons:
(a) [F] key indented and small.
(b) Wireless setting cannot be changed easily.
(c) Media keys little small.

3. Other thoughts:
(a) I've never had a problem with Microsoft Keyboards and mice, and the 6000 is a good set. The problems that people are having with this is mostly do to interference from other 2.4GHz wireless devices. In truth the problems are not due to faulty device, it is limitations that comes in to play with any kind of radio transmission and receiving device. It took me a better put of an hour and half mess with settings of the keyboard and mouse, wireless adapter and router to get it working without lag or interference. Now if you do not have Wireless Network in your home then it is simple plug in and go; other wise playing around with some settings on somethings will get it working.

4. Tips:
(a) Before you plug-in the wireless receiver, set your router if it is less then 30ft from your computer, and if it is a 2.4GHz 803.11b/g to 50% or less transmitting power. Do not worry this will not effect the speed of your internet, and your connection speed. Set the router to transmit on channel 6 or 11.
(b) Set the Network adapter to operate by FCC transmission rules.
(c) Plug-in the receiver in one of the bottom USB ports in the back of your computer, and sync the keyboard and mouse to it and test to see if there are any lags. If there is some lagging with either the mouse or the keyboard then resynchronize the keyboard first and retest for lag, (do not resynchronize both the keyboard and mouse) if no lag then you are good to go. If the mouse still lags then go ahead and resynchronize it, and/or try a different USB port on the back of the computer.
(d) After the keyboard and mouse is synchronize, if your wish to set the routers wireless signal to full power you can.
(d) Install the software and set both the keyboard and the mouse not to wake computer from sleep if you have cats, lol. With the software installed you can make changes to what some of the mouse and keyboard buttons do.

Works fine for an hour or so then loses connectivity for 30 seconds to a minute at a pop five or six times in rapid succession. It's not a usable tool for anything--for writing it interrupts my flow of thought, for working the media center the show I want to record may be half over before the keyboard responds well enough to start the recording, for games I get killed because the keyboard disconnects at inopportune moments.

The mouse isn't particularly nice either--it is imprecise and the sensor is not under the center of mass so it only works well on flat surfaces, not the arm of my couch on which the cheap wired mouse that came with my machine works fine.

This would be a lousy piece of hardware for 20 bucks, for the price that is charged it is absolute junk.

Given Microsoft's resources I would expect them to have done a more thorough job of testing.

Edit: 28 APR 2011: Putting the receiever on a long USB cable and hanging it over the top of the monitor seems to solve the problems I've had. Apparently the signal isn't strong enough to penetrate common furniture materials.

I'd revise my review to 3 stars if the Amazon system allowed it.

I have purchased this Microsoft Wireless Keyboard IntelliType 6.3
6000 v3.0 just three weeks ago, put new batteries in both KB and mouse and installed disk. The major problem I am having is that I constantly lose connection between KB and PC. I will be typing then there will be a delay for my typed keys to show up. I had trouble typing this comment. It happens every 1 - 2 minutes! The delay is @ 20 - 30 seconds till it starts typing my keys again. But a minute or two later it happens again. It is driving my nuts!! I just want to throw the KB into the lake! I am reading other reviews and they are saying the same thing! DO NOT BUY THIS COMBO...it is junk!!

I've used quite a few keyboard and mouse sets in my time, so I know what I like in a wireless set.
1. Decent range and a solid connection
2. Quiet keyboard with a decent amount of shortcut keys
3. Well tracking mouse that doesn't make my hand hurt after several hours of use
4. No irritating required software

While this set did well on #2 and #3, it failed #1 and #4. I'll start with the positives.

The Good
-2.4ghz signal means a great range but no intense battery drain like bluetooth keyboards tend to have. You could use this in an HTPC setup with the computer 15-20 feet away and be fine as long as it stays connected (see "the ugly").

-Nice quiet keyboard with a good tactile feel. A must for any keyboard.

-Great mouse tracking. The mouse worked well on any surface a laser mouse could be used on, and laser is of course vastly superior to optical.

-Great mouse shape and feel. The mouse looks a little strange at first, but feels awesome once you start using it. One of the best ergonomically shaped mice available.

-Small receiver. The receiver isn't a huge block you have to set somewhere, just a small usb dongle you plug into any USB port you prefer.

The Bad

-Curved keyboard. It's not as intense as the Microsoft Natural series, but the keys aren't in a straight line. While these are a little bit better on your wrists, the problem is you tend to get so dependent the shape that any other keyboard or a laptop feels weird. I have to be able to use any computer at any moment, and I can't be so addicted to a curved keyboard that I can't use any generic flat one.

-Decent shortcuts on the keyboard - the drawback is you have to use their software.

The Ugly

-Required software. I hate having to add software to use a mouse or keyboard. Microsoft's was a bloaty mass of frustration. Worse, as another reviewer mentioned, the set actually works BETTER without the software, but you lose support for the keyboard shortcuts.

-Connection issues. The connection tends to flake out and lose signal from time to time. A wireless keyboard and mouse without a rock solid connection is like a car without wheels.

In conclusion, while the mouse and keyboard were designed fairly well, the shortcomings of questionable signal and poorly designed software killed it for me. It's not a horrible set, but not the best either.

I have these items, even though I didn't buy them through amazon. I love the ergonomic shape and feel of the keyboard and the fact that the keys don't "click" and they are relatively quiet. Two things I don't like are a) the mouse is very heavy and hard to maneuver. It is comfortable to the feel of the grip, just way to heavy. b) the connectivity of the keyboard and mouse does not always register the first try.