Microsoft Wireless Comfort 5000 Desktop (Keyboard and Mouse)

When I was forced to finally upgrade my computer, I found myself also having to upgrade my PS2-connector-ed keyboard of many years. The keyboard I received with the system left much to be desired. It was definitely not designed with a writer in mind. I went shopping and found what is perhaps the most comfortable keyboard I have ever used for writing: the featured player in the [amazon_link id=”B002JCSCYS” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Microsoft Wireless Comfort 5000 Desktop[/amazon_link].

The claim to fame for this keyboard is that the keys aren’t in regimented rows but slightly curved. Even better, there is none of that separation or hump nonsense. Because of the curve, I don’t have to tuck my elbows or skew my wrists. Without a doubt, this is how we were meant to type. As someone who wears splints on both wrists every night so I usually don’t have to during the work day (curse you CTS and other RSI issues), anything that spares my hands is welcomed.

BUT — this keyboard has some definite design flaws that I find annoying, but not annoying enough for me to “go straight”. The ESC and function keys are small and slightly lower in height than the standard keys. They are dual functioned: by default they don’t act as function keys but as macro keys matching the icons printed on them. You have to press the “F lock” key to have them behave as expected. Sadly, like an increasing number of keyboards, there are no LEDs to tell you if the CAPS/NUM/ScrLk/F lock keys are in an active state. There is a small, brief, on-screen notice, but for the most part, you have to figure it out for yourself if you aren’t getting the results you’re expecting.

Above the function keys are larger keys that are easily macro’d out of their default functions (some defaults are common actions, others address the task bar, and there are also multimedia selections). If you are using this as a multimedia keyboard, this would probably make life a bit easier. But, I’m not much for macros. Even though I wrote keyboard macro programs back in the 80s, I’ve never much used them.

The mouse, which at about 42 mm high (1-2/3″) is a little taller than I find comfortable, is adequate. Sometimes the scroll wheel is a little squirrelly and that might be something that may force me to change mouses at some later date. For now, it’s OK.

It’s design irritations aside, my primary desire for this keyboard comes from the perspective of a writer. When I’m touch typing along, I’m not even noticing I’m doing it, that’s how comfortable it is for me. So I’m giving this pair a recommended with reservations. If you live at your keyboard, and especially if you’ve had RSI issues, it’s worth a test drive.