When I was first diagnosed with having RSI (Repetitive Stress Injury) back in the mid-1990s, I knew that I would have to search to find compatible and usable ergonomic input devices for my computer in order to be able to continue my career as a database and systems administrator. While my superior purchased many different keyboards for me to try out, the one that I found that has helped me the most throughout all of these years is the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro.

Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro

The Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro is a high quality ergonomic keyboard. It contains all of the standard keys of a regular keyboard plus Windows short cut keys. The Keyboard is setup in a curved fashion with a hard plastic support at the bottom to allow an effective wrist rest. While this may sound uncomfortable, I assure you that it is not, and because it is a part of the keyboard itself there’s no chance for your wrists to slip while typing.

My first experiences with the Microsoft Natural Keyboard were quite interesting indeed. If you have been using a regular keyboard for quite some time, you may have to have a slight “training” period for adjustment. My most trying part of this relearning was to realize that the F6 key was on a different side of the keyboard where I had to learn to use another hand to hit the key. With time though, my speed and efficiency allowed me to return to my normal typing speed.

Installation

Installation of the Microsoft Natural Keyboard is quite easy. I have used this type of keyboard on a wide variety of computers running Windows 95/98 and using a serial or parallel port. In all instances from a Pentium 75 to the current Pentium 533 that I own, every part of the installation has been seamless.

The keyboard comes with a CDROM for installation purposes, but I lost this shortly after I moved several times after purchasing this device. However, I have found that with just regular installation of hardware through Windows 98 this device is easily configurable and presents no problems.

Using this keyboard with a serial port (with adapter) did present a minor problem at times with the adapter itself becoming dislodged with one of my computers. However, this was a rather minor nuisance and after replacing the adapter I had no other problems.

Reliability

Since 1995, I have owned four of these keyboards installed on various computers at home and at work. In all but one instance, each of these keyboards has lasted a minimum of 3 to 5 years. In the instance where I had to replace one of my Microsoft Natural Keyboards, the keyboard itself had been dropped about 40 times on a hard tile floor where one of the keys finally broke. However, I have another keyboard that is installed on my computer at home that has been in use since 1997, and the one here at my job has been in use since 1999 without any problem despite extreme use.

Purchasing In Bulk – The Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro: 5 Pack

For businesses, purchasing individual items at regular prices can cost much more than purchasing in bulk. This is why purchasing a multi-pack of items is more economical, and the main reason why I believe that purchasing a Multi-pack of the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro is a good deal.

Even though many people may want to have the features of the Microsoft Internet Natural Keyboard with the Internet shortcut keys, many businesses do not have Internet access for their employees and these would be wasted features that would not be cost effective.

Considering that I have three computers in my workstation right now and another two that I use on a continuing basis, purchasing a 5 pack of the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro rather than to purchase them one at a time. This would have saved them a bit of money that could have been used for other purposes.

Recommendation

Naturally as an individual, you’re probably not likely to have to purchase a set of 5 keyboards at one time – and especially not five Microsoft Natural Keyboards since they are long-lasting products. So purchasing an individual keyboard would work best for you.

However, if you are a business customer with saving money on your mind, then purchasing a 5 pack of the Microsoft Natural Pro just makes good sense. By purchasing this product you insure your end users with a proven product that is high quality and that will assist your employees with preventing carpal tunnel or repetitive stress injury.

Each Keyboard kit contains the following:
Keyboard
keyboard adapter - external
Software and Utilities

Specifications
Hot Keys/Functional Buttons Qty / Hot Keys OS Supported 19 / Microsoft Windows 95/98
Key/Button Function Programmable
Keyboard Layout QWERTY
Keys Qty 123

Interface(s) Required
Port(s) / Connector(s) Required 1 x keyboard generic / 6 PIN mini-DIN (PS/2 Style) female ¦ 1 x serial USB / 4 PIN USB Type A male

Software / System Requirements
Min Operating System Microsoft Windows 95/98, Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 SP3, Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP3
Min Processor Type Intel 486 or higher
Min RAM Size / Min Hard Drive Space 16 MB / 35 MB
Peripheral / Interface Devices CD-ROM
Software included Drivers & Utilities

Warranty
Service / Support Details 90 days from first call x technical support toll-free phone consulting

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): Contract