(Credit: Microsoft)Microsoft yesterday announced the Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop, which comprises the Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard and the Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse.
The new keyboard has a split design and is higher in the middle so your hands can be put in a more natural position. This is not an uncommon design for ergonomic keyboards but Microsoft has successfully managed to inject quite a bit of style in its take. Interestingly, the internal codename for the product was "Manta Ray" -- it's not hard to see why.
The number pad for the keyboard is separate, which makes good ergonomic sense since you can move it out of the way so your mouse can be nearer to the center of your body. Such a mouse position is better for your shoulders.
(Credit: Microsoft)The Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse appears to be a rounder, smoother version of the Microsoft Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000, which has been discontinued for years. It puts your right hand at a tilted angle, which is the premise for many ergonomic mice -- reducing dependence on the wrist for movement.
The new products all come with optimizations for Windows 8, including shortcuts to the Start screen and other Windows 8-specific controls. However, both the mouse and keyboard are also compatible with Mac OS X, though not every advanced software-configured feature may work. A single RF dongle is used to connect the three components to a computer. The keyboard is powered by two AAA batteries while the mouse uses two AA batteries.
There are arguably better ergonomic products out there. For example, keyboards such as the Kinesis Advantage (US$299) and the enthusiast-only DIY ErgoDox (US$199, unassembled) all feature split designs and mechanical switches that boast better tactility and durability. For pointing devices, you have the Evoluent vertical mouse (starts at US$100), which comes in both right- and left-hand models (the Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse is for right-hand use only). There's also the radical RollerMouse Free2 (US$240), which sits below the keyboard and uses a movable bar to control the cursor.
However, those products are all very expensive and difficult to get in Asia. This is where Microsoft products have a distinct advantage -- Microsoft hardware can typically be found in retails stores all over Asia at accessible prices. While US$130 for the Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop appears pricey compared with regular input peripherals, it's a fraction of what you'd pay for one of the above-mentioned ergonomic products.
The Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop will be available in the US starting this month. We have contacted Microsoft for more information about its Asia availability and will update this article with more information.
[h=5]About the author[/h]Editor John Chan's love for gadgets can be traced back to the days when he disassembled his toys and couldn't put them back together again. He practices great restraint in not opening up every review product that comes through the CNET Asia Labs, and before that, in his previous job at HardwareZone. He has reviewed items big and small, from mobile phones to projectors and feels everyone should carry a multitool at all times in case of MacGyver situations.
John Chan, Editor
