Where to trial a (Microsoft Sculpt) keyboard

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Eurochild

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#205459 14-Nov-2016 11:10

I was thinking of treating myself to a keyboard upgrade and I've heard good things about this MS Sculpt model.

https://www.microsoft.com/accessories/en-us/products/keyboards/sculpt-ergonomic-desktop/l5v-00001

So my question is, where in Auckland is a shop that will let you try one out. My usual stop PB Tech won't open the box and I've tried a couple of other places without luck.

(n.b. would rather not do the "buy and return" approach)

Cheers

Craig

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trig42

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#1670602 14-Nov-2016 11:39

I've used that set.

The mouse took a bit of getting used to, but it is now my preferred mouse.

The keyboard also took a bit of getting used to (mainly around the B,N,M keys and the 'split' in the keyboard). It is like a laptop keyboard (maybe even less travel). I got used to it, and it was quite comfortable to type on once used to it. The seperate number pad annoyed me, it would always have moved when I went to use it (why couldn't they just attach it to the keyboard??)

I do not use that KB anymore, it crapped out, twice. Certain keys stopped going, or I was getting phantom presses (like shift or CTRL locked down). It was a work supplied one, for trial, and I did not recommend it. the first time it crapped out, they replaced it, the second, I just chucked it out (both times they stopped, they stopped with the same issues). Like the mouse though.

martyyn

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#1670604 14-Nov-2016 11:47

I've got one as well.

I've used 'split' keyboards for years but I needed this one because I have minimal space for a full keyboard and mouse, so having the number pad removed is perfect. The keys have less travel (if that's what its called) and they are a little 'plasticy' but overall I like it. The only issue I have is the positioning of the home, end, page up/down and insert keys. After a year or so I still haven't gotten used to that.

The mouse is fantastic though, it's a great shape and very comfortable for me.

For $99 you can't go wrong just buying it, using it and selling it if you don't like it IMO.

networkn

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#1670648 14-Nov-2016 12:21

martyyn:

I've got one as well.

I've used 'split' keyboards for years but I needed this one because I have minimal space for a full keyboard and mouse, so having the number pad removed is perfect. The keys have less travel (if that's what its called) and they are a little 'plasticy' but overall I like it. The only issue I have is the positioning of the home, end, page up/down and insert keys. After a year or so I still haven't gotten used to that.

The mouse is fantastic though, it's a great shape and very comfortable for me.

For $99 you can't go wrong just buying it, using it and selling it if you don't like it IMO.

Exactly this!

Eurochild

24 posts

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#1670695 14-Nov-2016 13:19

Thanks all for the feedback. Didn't quite answer the question but perhaps you're right I should just take the plunge.

(Now if anyone knows where the model linked to above is actually on sale for $99 onshore ...)

Cheers

Craig

martyyn

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#1670699 14-Nov-2016 13:28

Eurochild: Thanks all for the feedback. Didn't quite answer the question but perhaps you're right I should just take the plunge.

I couldn't find anywhere to try one either, so I just bit the bullet. I haven't regretted it at all.

Klathman

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#1670777 14-Nov-2016 14:14

I have one and love it. My hands get really sore when I travel and am forced back to the laptop keyboard.

It will definitely take quite a while to get used to though so I wonder whether trying it in a shop will really help much. It took me a couple of months to stop knocking the mouse off the desk as it's just that little bit higher to get my hand over. I've used split keyboards before so that wasn't as much of an adjustment.

If you need an ergonomic keyboard then it's great. If not then there are bound to be better quality ones out there.

networkn

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#1670779 14-Nov-2016 14:17

Klathman:

I have one and love it. My hands get really sore when I travel and am forced back to the laptop keyboard.

It will definitely take quite a while to get used to though so I wonder whether trying it in a shop will really help much. It took me a couple of months to stop knocking the mouse off the desk as it's just that little bit higher to get my hand over. I've used split keyboards before so that wasn't as much of an adjustment.

If you need an ergonomic keyboard then it's great. If not then there are bound to be better quality ones out there.

We sell these and my wife has one. Everyone takes some time to adjust, esp to the mouse, but almost all love it (We took one back from a customer and sold it the very next day).

Sideface

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#1670851 14-Nov-2016 16:04

Bought one - gave it away to my son after two days of frustration.

The mouse is brilliant, but the keyboard is strictly for touch typists - totally unsuited to a "hunt and peck" typist such as myself.

If I could buy the mouse separately and at a reasonable price, I would buy one.

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Eurochild

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#1674800 21-Nov-2016 10:11

Well, I can now answer my own question - I was at PB Tech Penrose on Saturday and they had a demo unit out. They didn't previously and I don't know that it's still there even now, but it was on Saturday.

Anyway, it seemed OK to type on so I've bought one and giving it a try. Not completely sold on it but will see how we go.

Early thoughts;

++ overall feel (and look) of the keyboard seems great. I haven't tried a split keyboard for any length of time but I reckon I could get used to this

+ the separate numeric keypad seems a good option. I'll probably use it at work where sometimes I have to bash in numbers

- the mouse is intriguing but I like my Anywhere MX 2 so don't think I'll be using it.

- the home/end/cursor etc block has an odd layout

- the keyboard takes normal AAAs and doesn't have a cord option

- the Fn keys are small, buttony, and there is a switch between Fn & special purpose (volume etc). Esc is also a little small.

-- the system uses a USB dongle to connect. The dongle is quite big compared to a Logitech etc. Because there is only one dongle I can't give away / onsell etc the mouse.

Cheers

Craig

wazzageek

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#1962509 22-Feb-2018 21:34

Hi All,

Just as an update, I have two sets of the Microsoft Sculpt comfort keyboards - one at home, one at work.

I've had "lagging" problems both at times with the mouse and occasionally with the keyboard presses.

When I switched to using a Logitech unifying mouse at home, I discovered that the sculpt mouse and number pad would work, but the main keyboard simply would not.

In desperation, googling turned out a random mention in a webpage about using a USB extension cable in conjunction with the receiver and that this solved a comms issue with the keyboard.

On a hunch - I've setup both home and work with the Microsoft receiver plugged into a USB extension cable (which is then plugged directly into the computer).

I've run this setup for the last week and have found that this setup has eliminated all of the effects of lag. Note that I do not know if this is because the receiver is now closer to the keyboard mouse (at home I'd be surprised as the receiver is in close to the same location as it used to be) or whether it's somehow using the extension cable as a aerial.

Hopefully this helps anyone out having issues with the Microsoft Sculpt Keyboard and Mouse set.

Cheers!

Eurochild

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#1962553 22-Feb-2018 22:22

Hi @wazzageek
Interesting, I’ve had a small number of times recently when the key presses are only intermittently acted on. Thought it was dead batteries but it seems to be shuffling things around on my desk that sorts out the problem. I too have a Logitech receiver plugged in also. So I think it’s some line of sight or interference thing.
I presume you’re talking about this link https://superuser.com/questions/700932/microsoft-sculpt-keyboard-malfunctioning-system-conflict

If I keep getting this issue might give this a try.

Overall though very happy with the keyboard.

Cheers
Craig

wazzageek

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#1962576 22-Feb-2018 22:40

Eurochild: Hi @wazzageek
Interesting, I’ve had a small number of times recently when the key presses are only intermittently acted on. Thought it was dead batteries but it seems to be shuffling things around on my desk that sorts out the problem. I too have a Logitech receiver plugged in also. So I think it’s some line of sight or interference thing.
I presume you’re talking about this link https://superuser.com/questions/700932/microsoft-sculpt-keyboard-malfunctioning-system-conflict

If I keep getting this issue might give this a try.

Overall though very happy with the keyboard.

That looks very much like the post I saw. The difference being that I am using a 1m extension cable instead of a 10cm cable.

Out of curiosity, I've moved the actual receiver further away from my desktop, to see if I experience the lag. Will report back in the next few days.

wazzageek

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#1970923 7-Mar-2018 22:22

It's probably been more than a few days now ... but I can confirm that I haven't had any of the issues with lag or unresponsiveness since I've used the "USB extension" cables. Hope that helps someone out there!

Batman

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#1971001 8-Mar-2018 06:55

I don't know your needs but i have found mechanical keyboards to be the best for typing.

Involuntary autocorrect in operation on mobile device. Apologies in advance.

Eurochild

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#2870390 17-Feb-2022 15:09

Old thread but one subtle gotcha with this is that sometimes keys can get slightly jammed down, for example keys in the function key row can get snagged down, particularly if you store your keyboard on its side etc for example if hotdesking.

This can lead to to the keyboard being unresponsive or acting very weirdly so if you're having problems this is one to check.

Really like this keyboard, going on 6 years from my original post and happily using the original one at work and another one at home. And the mouse for each uselessly stored away :-)