Microsoft Natural MultiMedia Keyboard

Rating:
Summary: A great piece of equipment
Review: I love this keyboard. One of the main reasons why I bought it it's because its split in the middle, allowing the user to be able to type and rest the elbows on the chair, like I do.
I think the added keys are great and time saving. These keys include my documents, my pictures, my music, mute, play, stop, vol +, -, fwd, rew, media (to open the media player), mail, web/home (to open browser), messenger, calculator, log off & sleep.
I'll say that I use most of these keys on a daily basis, the one I use the least is the log off key & the calculator, but I do appreciate they are there.
This keyboard also has an "f lock" key, where the "f" keys can do a double function depending on which program they are being used.
Most of the times I work with this key "on", locking my "f" keys and leaving them in the standard mode. I am very used to pressing F5 to refresh a web page, or F6 to type in the address bar, F3 to do a search, etc.
When the "f lock" is not activated, the "f" keys can use the purpose of undo, redo, new, open, close, reply, fwd, send, spell, save & print. Most of these commands can be used with outlook or word or pretty much any program that has any of these commands.
Now the bad things.
The keyboard is a bit tall. Putting on the stands can sometimes be a little too uncomfortable, as it is already elevated. Also if you decide to put on the keyboard stands, you may have trouble sliding it in the keyboard drawer in your desk. So I got used to not having them on. Another thing is that you have to know how to type correctly..."tip-toeing", or so I call it, with the usual typing finger on the keyboard will not get the user very far. You have to lay your hands on it and learn where the fingers go before you can take full advantage.
This is in no way a discouragement for a user who does not know how to type without looking at the keys, but it's kind of a warning.
Also, you have to turn on the "f lock" key every time you start windows, or you won't be able to use the "f" keys natural functions.
Do this: If you decide to buy it, first try it out. Do what I did. I went to my local store and tried typing in my name and a few other things on this keyboard while being on display just to see how it felt to work. Then I started typing random sentences. It felt natural. So I took it.
In overall, my personal experience is great. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone.

Rating:
Summary: Not perfect, but it'll get the job done
Review: i spend my entire workday in front of my computer so naturally i needed something more comfortable than the stock keyboard that was given to me by my empolyer. i use a natural pro at home and am very happy with it. the natural multimedia has a similar look, but feels very different. the keystroke is a lot smoother, almost feels spongy. the extra multimedia buttons on the top... i don't use them. oh yeah, and the keyboard is noticibly heavier and takes up more space than a stock keyboard...

there are two main things that really annoy me: the function keys (F1-F12) have been replaced by M$ with shortcuts for things like help, undo, redo, open, close, reply, fwd, send, spell, save, print. you can still use the F-keys, but you have to press the FLock button first. annoying. also, there is an oversized delete button -- it sits where the insert button and a normal sized delete button sit.

Rating:
Summary: A must have!
Review: I was a little weary of getting this keyboard especially that I never used one split down the middle. I wanted something easy to use and high in quality because I just bought my new computer and I wanted it to look good. I find this keyboard easier to use and much more comfortable. I like typing fast and my wrists ache when I typed on the traditional kind of keyboards. The extra keys are great to I can instantly go to my documents or save or send email by clicking the button. This keyboard has made it a lot easier on my wrists and now find it easier to learn how to type. The Microsoft Natural MultiMedia Keyboard is the way to go. The comfort is there as well as the simplicity to learning it quickly.

Rating:
Summary: Much different feel than previous MS Naturals
Review: I'm a long term user of Microsoft Natural keyboards and am a programmer who types all day (and night). I needed a new one and found a deal on this version (it was cheaper than a new Natural Pro, I guess because it's not USB), but was glad that I tried it out in a store first. They've completely change the feel of the keys; they're soft and spongy, rather than crisp like the previous models (Natural Pro and Natural Elite). Some people might prefer this, but I definitely didn't and am going to stick with a Natural Pro.

Rating:
Summary: Sent it back
Review: I've been using a Microsoft Natural Pro keyboard for a couple years, and absolutely loved it. However, when it broke, I discovered that I couldn't buy another. I was told this was the next best thing.

First, remember that this is NOT a USB interface. So I needed a converter to hook it into my Mac. Then, I realized that there are no USB ports on the back of this keyboard. Another downside. So I ended up sending it back and will likely get the Elite and try it out.

For typing, however, the Microsoft Natural keyboards can't be beat--it only took me a few days on one to get my typing speed back up to normal, and after a month or so, I was FAR faster on the Microsoft Natural keyboards than on any standard keyboard. The configuration is wonderful, and the slope in the middle of the keyboard enables me to type for much longer periods without soreness. I'm on a computer 8-10 hours a day, and would never want to be without one of these keyboards.

I just wish I had the Pro model back!

Rating:
Summary: Sent it back
Review: I've been using a Microsoft Natural Pro keyboard for a couple years, and absolutely loved it. However, when it broke, I discovered that I couldn't buy another. I was told this was the next best thing.

First, remember that this is NOT a USB interface. So I needed a converter to hook it into my Mac. Then, I realized that there are no USB ports on the back of this keyboard. Another downside. So I ended up sending it back and will likely get the Elite and try it out.

For typing, however, the Microsoft Natural keyboards can't be beat--it only took me a few days on one to get my typing speed back up to normal, and after a month or so, I was FAR faster on the Microsoft Natural keyboards than on any standard keyboard. The configuration is wonderful, and the slope in the middle of the keyboard enables me to type for much longer periods without soreness. I'm on a computer 8-10 hours a day, and would never want to be without one of these keyboards.

I just wish I had the Pro model back!

Rating:
Summary: It all depends on your preference
Review: I've been using the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite ergonomic keyboard for a few years now and love it but when I decided to get an ergonomic keyboard for a second computer I decided to try something new. In comparision, I agree with a previous reviewer in that this keyboard does feel stiffer than the Elite. It all depends on whether you like soft keys or slightly stiffer ones. I prefer the softer keys myself because it's easier on my wrist muscles after hours of typing. When I say stiffer keys, I don't mean terribly stiff but you will notice a difference if you use both keyboards daily like I do. It just makes sense that the softer keyboard would put less strain on your wrist muscles, since it's less of an effort to press it.

The other differences between the two keyboards is that the Elite has smaller keys for the Home, End, arrows, etc buttons whereas this one has basically the standard size, and the Elite also doesn't have the multimedia buttons. The arrows are also rearranged on the Elite but that doesn't bother me because I don't use them much, nor do I use the multimedia buttons much either.

If you get a chance, I would recommend trying them both out first before buying. Both keyboards have about the same ergonomic shape so it comes down to whether you like how it feels when typing, if you need the multimedia functions, or don't like the Elite arrow layout. I gave this keyboard 3 stars because I can type longer on the Elite before feeling pain, which for me is the most important factor in buying an ergonomic keyboard.

Rating:
Summary: Logitech vs Microsoft
Review: I¡¯ve purchased many of the Logitech natural wireless keyboards and one of the Microsoft version (I leave a keyboard in each country I work). Microsoft keyboard (without ¡®programming¡¯) seems to work better with my software (i.e. controls volume well and can skip to next song on my musicmatch radio). I prefer the feel of Logitech keys. I will continue to use and enjoy the Microsoft product, but my next wireless natural keyboard will be Logitech.

Rating:
Summary: Nice features and quality
Review: In a time with more importance on computers, I decided to finally change over to the redesigned natural keyboard to help prevent any carpaltunnel. Unlike any previous reviewers have said, this board is not made cheaply. The keys are very quiet, and have a good overall build. My only complaint is the middle of the board is extremely tall when the back supports are up. Because this board is so tall, I have to lower it to be able to put my keyboard slide back in, so for that reason, I have given it a 4 out of 5.

Rating:
Summary: Great keyboard.
Review: Ive read a few reviews here and think they are a little biased. Mainly because they are users of regular keyboards thinking they can just type normally on a natural immediately with the same results.

It takes a few hours to get used to it the natural design, and once you do, you feel a lot more comfortable, and can type at a much faster rate.

This is my 3rd ms natural keyboard - the previous two going with one other pc and me spilling hot soup over the original - which kind of ticked me off ;)

They are the best keyboards I have ever used, and yes, I am also a heavy gamer, and can use the keyboard the same in just about all games I play (cs, ra3, opflash, IL2, falcon 4 etc).

And if your looking for a natural keyboard, of what I know, these are the most comfortable and contoured boards around. I reccomend these pants down :) And the extra multimedia and shortcut keys on this board are great once u get used to them.