Share via


Is it wrong to love my new keyboard?

I've been a die hard MS Natural Keyboard user since the model was first released.  Before the Natural Keybard, spending as much time as I did in front of standard keyboards made my wrists hurt.  The split keyboard was totally the thing for me.  Released a little later, the "Pro" version of the keyboard was even better, with USB support and cool extra keys.

However, subsequent models of the Natural Keyboard caused me no end of frustration.  If it wasn't the "Elite" models with their funky arrow key layout and sideways Insert-Delete-Home-End-PgUp-PgDn key block, it was the "MultiMedia" version with its mysteriously disappearing Insert key.  I tried using these new models, but my fingers' muscle memory expected to find the keys in their old, traditional layout.  Yes, I'm still a Ctrl-Insert / Shift-Insert guy, so removing the Insert key was like removing a finger to me.

As time passed by and I needed to replace dying keyboards or outfit new PCs, I eventually resorted to purchasing used original Natural and Pro keyboards on eBay.  I even bought a few extra to build up a sort of strategic keyboard reserve... just in case, you know, Armageddon or whatever made them impossible to find later.

A few weeks ago I was able to try out a Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000.  I was delighted to discover that not only does this new keyboard have all of of the keys where I expect them to be, but it really is even more comfortable than the original Natural and Pro models!  I immediately and with great enthusiasm purchased new keyboards for both my work and home offices, and I've been typing in luxury ever since.  If you'll pardon me, I need to be alone with my keyboard for a moment now.