We had the chance to sit down with Christy Hughes, Mouse Product Marketing Manager at Microsoft Hardware to discuss the future of Microsoft Hardware, Mice, Keyboards, and more. Here is an excerpt:

ActiveWin.com: What is the current position of the Microsoft Natural Keyboard design? Is there still significant demand? What determines if a keyboard will be made in the natural design as well as the standard one?

Christy Hughes: Ever since we introduced the Natural Keyboard in 1994, there has been significant demand for Microsoft's split keyboards.  Previously, split keyboards were extremely expensive, often costing more than $300, and hard to find.  In 2003, nine years later, our latest research data tells us that one out of every 10 keyboards sold is a split keyboard design.   Additionally, we've found that users of these keyboards are extremely loyal - once they use a split keyboard design, they are unlikely to switch back to a flat keyboard. 

When introducing new products, we want to ensure that consumers have a variety of options to choose from in terms of flat and split keyboard designs.  That is why we have a wired split keyboard - Natural MultiMedia Keyboard - as well as a wireless desktop that includes a split keyboard - Wireless Optical Desktop Pro.