In this article we’ll be taking a closer look at the Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000. The striking red box should be a familiar sight to many of Microsoft’s peripheral range customers and this keyboard is keenly priced for those looking for a budget conscious USB plug and play keyboard.

First off, this is a keyboard designed for Windows. Although it should work with other operating systems this keyboard requires Windows 7, Vista, XP Pro, XP Home, Media Center Edition, Tablet PC Edition or Windows 2000 in order to get the most out of it – and to utilise the special hot keys.

It takes a short while getting used to typing on a curved keyboard, instead of the typical straight bar type, but it’s worth the effort as a curved keyboard allows the hands to rest a little easier. One thing to bear in mind is that this is not a split keyboard as you might find on some ergonomic keyboards but instead the keys themselves are slightly curved – which also lets the keyboard offer something of a smile in appearance. As a result of the curvature the key sizes are different with the central keys being wider than the outer keys.

There are a number of special buttons along the top of the keyboard for shortcut internet access including buttons for Back, Forward, Web/Home, Search, as well as Mail and Calculator (located far right). There are also several multimedia buttons for Volume Up, Volume Down, Mute, and Play/Pause. Indicators are also present for Num Lock, Caps Lock and Scroll Lock. They keyboard requires only a spare USB port on the computer and typically requires no driver installation.

The keys on the keyboard itself have a good travel, and are lower profile than many keyboards you might have seen – they almost give the keyboard a laptop feel – but they do feel springy in use and comfortable to type on for prolonged periods – just build in some time to get used to the curved nature of the keyboard if you are used to using a traditionally shaped keyboard.

If you like to have a drink whilst using your computer you might be pleased to hear about the spill-resistant design of the keyboard which should offer some protection against accidental spills from your coffee cup – but don’t expect full protection from a gush!

Overall, the keyboard is easy to setup, a pleasure to use for the price and has a positive ergonomic design.

To learn more visit Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000.

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