We don’t usually review computer peripherals such as printers and keyboards on TechCentral. But Microsoft’s Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop — expect to pay about R1 299 — is so compelling, I thought we’d break with tradition.
Which is odd, because for the first day or two using the Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop’s keyboard, I was ready to throw it back in the box and go back to a regular keyboard.
But I’m glad I persisted. Within a week, not only had I mastered the ergonomic design — which can make it difficult to hit the right keys when touch typing when first moving from a flat Qwerty keyboard — but I now can’t imagine going back to a regular desktop keyboard. Within a few short weeks, I was touch typing faster on the new keyboard than I was on my trusty old Logitech.
The keyboard’s ergonomic design provides better wrist support. The design is called “manta ray”, and has a large split in the middle of keyboard with the keys on curves sweeping downward on both sides.
It’s certainly comfortable to use, with a large rest area for the wrists made of a soft, synthetic material. For journalists and programmers — who spend their lives typing away — it may help keep the dreaded carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries away. And because it’s so comfortable, I found myself spending longer, more productive time in front of my word processor.
Microsoft claims to have spent decades perfecting its ergonomic keyboard designs to minimise the health impact of long periods spent in front of the computer. And it’s hard to fault the Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop’s keyboard. The keys are the ideal right size and offer just enough resistance to allow you to type quickly for long periods without hurting your fingertips.
On the downside, the function keys and the Esc key are tiny. If you spend a lot of time using function-key shortcuts, this keyboard is probably not for you.
The number pad is separate from the main keyboard, too. This could appeal to people who work a lot in spreadsheets and those who don’t really need a number pad on the main keyboard, but its small size means it can easily get lost on a cluttered desk.
Another controversial aspect of the Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop is the mouse. Bulbous in design, it doesn’t look comfortable. But looks can be deceiving. While I still prefer Logitech’s excellent Performance MX mouse, the Microsoft one is surprisingly comfortable in the hand, despite its odd shape.
The mouse has a dedicated Windows button for bringing up the Start menu (or the Start screen in Windows 8/8.1). My only gripe is the button immediately below it, which acts as a back button in a Web browser, for example. It’s too easy to press accidentally with one’s thumb.
Left-handed people will unfortunately, have to steer clear of the Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop as the mouse is designed only for the right-handed among us.
In short, then, if you’re not left-handed (or don’t mind using a different mouse), don’t believe tiny function keys are a problem, don’t mind mastering a steep learning curve and can live with a separate number pad, Microsoft’s Ergonomic Desktop is just brilliant.
It’s comfortable, may save you from injuries, and even increase your productivity. For those who spend most of their time in front of a computer screen, I’d highly recommend it. I, for one, won’t be going back. — © 2015 NewsCentral Media
