Comfortable Keys (Microsoft Natural MultiMedia Keyboard)

Member Name: Zmugzy

Product:	Microsoft Natural MultiMedia Keyboard
Date:	05/11/08 (133 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Ergonomic and easy to use

Disadvantages: A wired device

Although a keyboard might not be the most exciting product to review or read about, picking the right model that suites your needs can be a vital decision, as along with the mouse, a keyboard is one of the main devices you will use everyday. It is important to consider desktop space, required features and the overall layout. It's been a few years since I've used this device and it has proved to be more than satisfactory.

Like many keyboards of this type the one-touch buttons come in very handy. You can set them up so that you can go straight to your favourite multimedia activities and programs. There are 15 customizable hot keys and 12 hot keys acting as the F-keys. By using an F-lock key you can use the F-keys as the normal function keys instead of hot keys. A single key can be used to open, close, save, and print documents as well as access calculator commands. A sleep mode key enables you to save energy and protect your data. You can also send and forward e-mails. I find the volume controls a useful feature that come in very handy especially if you have a media centre on your computer. These are situated conveniently at the centre of the hot keys at the top of the unit. Further keys will allow you to obtain instant access to Messenger and the Internet and as such provide one-touch Internet navigation. On the top left hand side you will find three hot keys for accessing My Documents, My Pictures, and My Music and as such putting the files you use most within easy reach.


I really like the ergonomic design of this keyboard. Its gently sloping shape and split key design make it comfortable to use, even during long sessions. It has a durable quality and is certainly less back breaking than the previous one I had. A well designed keyboard will enhance your typing skills and should improve your speed a little. It's amazing what a difference a simple hand rest can make. The detachable palm rest clips easily onto the bottom of keyboard and is very easy to take off if you prefer to work without it. This might be a requirement if you have limited desk space. The rubber contacts underneath the unit are a welcome feature hat prevent the keyboard from sliding about during those stressful heavy typing sessions. These keyboard legs are also adjustable and help you to work in the position that's most comfortable for you.


A software CD comes supplied in the box and installation is very straight forward. You just pop in the CD and the screen instructions are easy to follow. After a restart, the setup asks which keyboard you are using and thus finalizes the installation. A "quick start guide" is displayed which takes you through the keyboard highlights and help resources. There is also healthy computing guide advising you how to use the keyboard in a manner that is beneficial to your posture amongst other things.


Although it is all the fashion to go for wireless keyboards these days, this is not always advantageous. With a hooked up keyboard you never have to worry about your batteries running out. This keyboard is a highly efficient tool that is ideally designed for multimedia use and is recommended on this basis.

Summary: A good value keyboard

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