Gizmodo
As bloggers, the most important thing piece of equipment we use each day next to the computer and display itself is the keyboard. This is reason enough why we've been looking forward to the Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop keyboard ever since it was called the Microsoft Ultimate Keyboard.
Despite losing its graphite grey look and thus, much of its panache, the keyboard manages to still look great while performing great.
The first question is, of course, how the keys feel. If you like soft, laptop-like keys like the Kensington Slimtype keyboard then you're going to be in heaven. The keys don't make a whole lot of noise, don't go down too much, and have just the right amount of spring-back so you can type fast. However, if you're a huge nerd and love the IBM M-type keyboards, then you're out of luck.
There are a few things off the mark in the Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000, though.
• Touch sensitive F1-12, Escape, Home, End, Printscreen, Scroll Lock keys. Instead of regular keys, these things are just a raised line on the keyboard that you tap to activate. Not bad if you're in the habit of looking at your keyboard when you want to find a key, but horrible if you're a touch-typist. You can't feel around for the Escape key because just the fact you're touching the key registers it as a key-press. This means you'll have to interrupt what you're doing, look down, then hit the key you're looking for. Neat idea, but lousy execution.
• The Windows key's moved. After 10+ years of getting used to the Windows key being next to the CTRL and ALT keys, they've gone and moved them to a big fan circle down in the middle of the keyboard, below the space bar.
• The arrow keys are too small. About half the size of a regular key (1/3 of the size of some of the larger keys), these arrow keys are a pain in the ass to use. If you're editing text or doing any kind of keyboard work, you'll need the arrow keys often.
• No numpad. Just like a laptop keyboard, if you want a numpad you've come to the wrong place.
But all is not lost. There are some neat features Microsoft added that don't suck. There's a touch-sensitive pointer deal on the right side of the keyboard you can use in place of a mouse. Kind of like a touchpad, but smaller. There's a dedicated Media Center key, playback keys, record key, mute key, and volume and channel keys. Great if you're using this on a Media Center machine.
Then there are the Vista specific functions such as the Microsoft Live Messenger dialer, the Vista key, and the gadgets key. We don't have a copy of Vista here yet, but when we do, we'll update with what we think of these.
As for the mouse, well, it's a standard Microsoft mouse. Suffice it to say we usually buy Microsoft's keyboard/mice combos for the keyboard, then buy a separate Logitech mouse to use instead. Like all Microsoft mice, the scroll wheel has no grip and is way too smushy, the side keys are misplaced, and there aren't enough special keys.
If you're somehow a fan of MS mice, you'll be happy that the mouse charger works great. Instead of docking vertically like Logitech mice do, it's just a flat tray that hooks into grooves in the mouse. No slip and guaranteed contact every time. Plus it's symmetric, so weirdos lefties can use it too.
In short, we love the keyboard but hate the mouse. The keyboard could do for another round of design work—ditching those touch-sensitive keys would be a nice start—but it's definitely good enough to use on a daily basis.
Product Page [Amazon]
Comments
I think Microsoft just performed the Picard maneuver!
I wish they'd stop screwing with key placement.
Way, way back in the day, IBM, the manufacturer of the most popular typewriter in the world, the Selectric, rearranged keys to make the PC keyboard. This keyboard had function keys in two columns on the left - simple for Ctrl- Alt- & shift-Function combos with only one hand. (Oh, wait, now with Windowz, nobody uses those combos anymore - I had 'em all mezmorized for WordPerfect 1.0). Then they took and moved those keys to the top so you couldn't one-hand combo them anymore. Then they added the Windows keys (I guess they were jealous of Apple with their open- and closed-apple keys).
Then they took the arrow keys from the awesome inverted-T (Is this good? Just ask any FPS player if this layout works) to the little plus, rearranged the movement keys (pgUp/Dn, etc) from two rows that I've developed 2 decades of muscle memory for and made 'em 3 rows - I'm typing on one of those keyboards now, and constantly hit the wrong key.
Now, they've got us used to hitting the Windows key, and I can easily hit Win-E, Win-M, etc and they're moving it to a different spot? Where they gonna put that key on a curved 'natural' keyboard? And they're adding a Vista key? What's that, hard-coded with your license key for Vista?
blech.
/rant. Thanks for listening.
BTW- I'm not really sure who "they" are, but they're makin me mad!
Windows Key below the spacebar? Are they fucking kidding? How the hell are you supposed to do Win+D (minimize all active windows), Win+E (explorer), or Win+R (run, execute command)...these are the three controls that actually make the horrible windows window manager "explorer.exe" usable.
Goddamn, this looked like a sweet keyboard, but wtf...do they assume people don't know the windows key commands or what?
Over the years I've moved from a Model-M to the Omnikey Ultra to the more laptop-like Logitech Ultra-X slim. I was really in the mood to give this keyboard a shot, but with the lack of a numeric keypad and those weird touch-sensitive keys, I don't think I'm going to bother. Shame...
"The Windows key's moved. After 10+ years of getting used to the Windows key being next to the CTRL and ALT keys, they've gone and moved them to a big fan circle down in the middle of the keyboard, below the space bar."
Dumbest thing EVER!!! And at least if they placed it in a better position, or replaced it with something useful.
And no offense, but the pics are horrible. We're going for art here, or info? WTF?
(hm... long day at the office...)
Those pictures are nice from an artistic standpoint, but pretty much horrible from a standpoint of actually getting a sense of what the keyboard looks like. Poor show, old chap. Poor show.
For those that are interested, this is Microsoft's product page on the topic. The Start button has been placed in such a way to all but guarantee that your fingers will need to be at least twice as long as they are now to do all the Win+ combinations that you've grown accustomed to over the years.
Thanks Microsoft!
Sounds like they took a great concept and f'd it up at the last minute... just like the iPhone. I guess Apple and MS aren't that different after all.
When does this go on sale? I've been waiting FOREVER for this keyboard (since the first pictures of this broke on the internet).
I'd love to get my hands on one of these, and as you said, keep my logitech mouse perhaps depending on how terrible I find the include MS mouse.
Thanks for the quick review, now I just need to get me one of these.
I take my previous comment back, I see that it's "coming soon" on Amazon, but my question is what happen to the Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000? ...I am guessing the 7000 replaced it right?
Ok, sorry for the repeat comments. I wish I could just edit my previous comment, but I found some info.
Here is the MS page for the Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/product...
This is the page for the Wireless Entertain Desktop 7000
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/product...
So maybe they are still different?
"Like all Microsoft mice, the scroll wheel has no grip..."
the Wireless Intellimouse Explorer does have it.
The Model M is the only keyboard I'll ever need. When they become too rare to find on eBay, and niche manufacturers like this go out of business, I'll probably stop using computers.
Okay, that's a lie. But I won't like it.
Sorry, that second link was the wrong site. I meant this site.
I have three Microsoft Natural keyboards and am always looking for more. Their first ergonomic model, before MS F'd the cursor key locations with the Natural Elite. Adesso makes similar keyboards for the Mac but with a squishier feel.
I'm convinced the only reason the Windows key appeared was to screw over all the manufacturers of ergonomic keyboards. They started to do well when the RSI/carpal tunnel scare hit, then suddenly you needed a new key for Windows 95 compatibility.
If they simply must screw with key placement, one would think they would create something truly useful like a combined CTRL-ALT-DEL key. They could call it the "we suck" key.
Looks like a keyboard meant to sit in the lap while using a HTPC, and not for office work. Hence the name. I think it will do it's intended job well...
What I want to know is the distance this thing can operate from the receiver.
Microsoft loves to tout all things media center--then they make wireless devices that can't work beyond a six foot distance.
Hey microsoft--if I'm going to use your wireless keyboard in my livingroom, I'm gonna wanna type from my couch, nes pas? Gimme 10-15 feet or don't bother with your media center hype.
The Windows Key was moved to improve functionality with Windows Vista. Not to annoy everyone. The idea is that you press the windows key and then type whatever it is you want, then Vista will search it in the Instant Windows Search.
These comments here lead me to believe that people need to stop ridiculing something as soon as it becomes apparent. It's called judging a book by it's cover. Maybe if something is out of place, trust it's for a reason. And once you've been enlightened, you can form your opinions. Your worse than a teenager in their self-opinionated stage of puberty.
I don't care if this thing Tranformers® into a jet...I'm not buying another gazillion dollar keyboard until someone moves the friggin CapsLock key AWAY from the shift and tab keys. How hard is that - REALLY how hard is that?
Rift - It's bluetooth so it depends on what class transmitter is in it. Class 1 have a 300 foot range and Class 2 devices have a 30 foot range. I'm betting its a class 2 devices which would be give you perfect coverage in a normal living room.
I still think that the control key should be located immediately to the left of the 'a' key. Thankfully, you can remap your keyboard to accomplish this. Next thing I do it remap the Windows keys to alt keys (alt alt keys?). I use keyboard shortcuts all the time, and the Windows key doesn't add anything meaningful in my experience.
Looks great but, the mouse sucks!
This keyboard needs to come with a wireless track ball wheel mouse or have a touch pad built into the keyboard other wise why bother
I figured it out, the 8000, which is coming out in February for an extra $100 will have the proximity detection. It will dim the backlight when you walk away from the keyboard. That is the only difference as far as I see. Hardly worth an extra $100 if you ask me.
Hey look what I found for $300...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MAFPVW/ref=pd_luc_023...
Yeah, it's the 8000
$150 more ...$300 for a keyboard, that is almost funny.
Can the keyboard be plugged-in, or is it only wireless? (I'm concerned about keystroke sniffing by a neighbor)
I just went and looked again at the Logitech® diNovo Edge™ and damn, no number pad there either ! Damn ! I've been looking at it for a while and can't believe I didn't notice that. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot ?
We just got the Wireless Laser Desktop
6000 where I work (Sam's Club) and it
still has the Windows keys in the usual
places. Has a few interesting/marginally
useful features. The "Battery Status
Indicator" might be helpful. Plus it's
only $77.86. I hope this thing sells
better than the 4000, I could build a
house out of the ones gathering dust on
the shelves.
Giz,
Go here to learn about the keyboard you are using. http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/product...
What kind of crap review is that? What a friggin' suck up! How can you still "LOVE THE KEYBOARD" when it has so many flaws that are deal breakers for almost everyone (no touch-typing due to touch-sensitive keys / non-standard [weird!] key placement / too-small navigation keys / etc. and NO NUMERIC KEYPAD)??
Eventually you have to stop taking pretty pictures and use the damn thing. Geeesh.
Crap, an escape key that's even harder to get to? Microsoft must use emacs! They're anti-vi for making a very important key really hard to use...
i'm with FLskydiver all the way. crappy keyboard, crappy 'review'.
typical m$... take something that woks great, like a keyboard and make it more complex, screw with std. key placement, add a bunch of buttons and call it ultimate:)
I must be in the minority here -- I think it's great that they put the Windows key under the space bar. I've been looking around for a keyboard with exactly that feature. -But- I'd be using it as an external keyboard for the MacBook Pro.
I've been wanting a keyboard with a key directly under the space bar, that can be mapped to Command. If you're a touch typer with your hands on asdf and jkl;, hitting the Command key is an unnatural tucking-in of your thumb. With a key right under the space bar, the strain is reduced to a much more natural motion.
The way I see it, if you're a touch-typer, with your fingers resting on asdf and jkl;, it's your left pinky and left thumb that will be hitting modifier keys. They should be placed at points on the keyboard that are the least travel distance from the resting positions (A and space). For me, that would be Ctrl in place of Caps Lock and Command (Alt or Win) just under the space bar.
While they're at it, I'd add two keys under the space bar, each key half-space bar-width. I'd map the left key to Command and the right one to underscore. As a programmer, I type underscore as often as I do space!
I actually like the placement of the windows key... I generally use left thumb for alt/win/command modifiers and having it below the space bar makes for much less hand contortion for standard hotkey useage.
I have a Logitech Denovo keyboard with a separate numeric key-pad. I never really noticed how little I use it until it was physically separated from my keyboard and I don't really miss it. This looks like a very good replacement but I think I will wait for the 8000 model. It solves a lot of other issues for me with the backlighting.
I tested this combo over a one month period, quite intensively.
The keyboard looks nice. That's it, as far as I'm concerned. The 7000 model keyboard has an annoying delay from stand-by when typing the first characters and often takes several key presses to activate.
The function keys are touch-sensitive (no mechanical movement) and I found them annoying after a while.
Also the bluetooth connection often didn't work and I had to run through the connection setup about 3 or 4 times a week to get the keyboard to function.
There are several functions on the keyboard that it's unlikely you will use.
The accompanying 8000 model mouse had problems in Vista where it would be difficult to position the cursor accurately and no amount of setting changes helped. I notice other users have reported similar issues on other Internet sites and forums.
I exchanged these items for a 2000 model keyboard and basic optical mouse (both wired) and the improvement was a delight !
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