Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 review
December 3rd, 2006 by Sian Siew
Now the other piece of computer hardware which I got hold of recently is the Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000. Yes, I actually bought a M$ product. >:| I’ve procrastinated for months in getting a new keyboard even though the 2 year old Logitech standard keyboard keys have gotten really stiff requiring rather strong key beatings which probably weren’t kind to my wrist and fingers.
I originally was thinking of Logitech’s Ultra Flat Keyboard since I kinda like the feel of thin profile laptop-like keys but the key layout seemed a little cramp from pictures. My friend at work had the M$’s model on his desk, so I borrowed it for a day to try out and decide whether to get it (which I eventually did).
First impressions
The moment you put this keyboard on your desk, you would notice that the keys are slightly curved. It’s not as brutal as the Microsoft Natural keyboards where you have the keys split into two separate sections (I loathed that design totally). Next would be the laptop-like keys, and finally the additional media control, shortcut buttons at the top and a calculator shortcut button at the top of the numpad portion of the keyboard.
Pros
It was truly plug and play with the Toshiba laptop at work, with it being detected and ready for use in a couple of seconds. Media control buttons worked as it should with the Windows audio control as well as Windows Media Player, Media Player Classic and foobar2000. The Web/Home key wasn’t hardcoded to start IE but the default browser, search popped up the standard Windows Search and Mail started the default mail application. The calculator button on top of the numpad was a rather intuitive addition which seems well thought.
The slightly curved design took just a short while of getting used to but once that phase was over, I really liked it. The laptop-like keys worked just as stated with minimal effort required in registering the keystrokes. Compared to my previous Logitech keyboard, this was really really quiet.
Cons
I really can’t think of any cons of it after using it for three days. It’s definitely targeted towards those who prefer laptop-like keys, so it will be a very serious negative point if your preference is towards standard desktop profile keys.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a new keyboard with laptop-like keys and an overall good design, Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 is something you might want to consider.
Now if only M$’s software division would be able to produce software of similar standards to its hardware division’s products. :D
[...] Here’s my second and final hardware review for this weekend. :) Now the other piece of computer hardware which I got hold of recently is the Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000. Yes, I actually bought a M$ product. >:| I’ve procrastinated for months in getting a new keyboard even though the 2 year old Logitech standard keyboard keys have gotten really stiff requiring rather strong key beatings which probably weren’t kind on my wrist and fingers. [...]
[...] dated Acer Aspire Pentium-M laptop, Acer AL2016W 20″ wide screen LCD, Logitech MX400 mouse, Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 keyboard and a.. kiwi soft toy (a gift from my colleague who went to NZ for a holiday some time [...]
[...] decided to buy a new keyboard. At first, I actually plan to buy the Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 as reviewed by Sian Siew. But my budget is quite tight, so I have no choice but to choose a cheaper keyboard. I [...]