One of the latest products coming from Microsoft hardware is designed to provide value and simple functionality to the desktop - in other words, a trusty workhorse. The Microsoft Comfort Curve keyboard includes features to make it a workhorse - easy to use, long lasting, sturdy yet simple and, of course, a comfortable feel. Does this keyboard live up to its promises? Read on to find out.

• New! Sleek, compact design with low-profile keys saves desk space and looks good in any home or office.
• Curved keyboard design delivers more comfort in an easy-to-use keyboard layout. When tested against other top-selling flat keyboards, Microsoft found that people prefer this keyboard layout by a ratio of 3-to-1.1 With a slight 6-degree curve, it encourages a more natural position while remaining approachable.
• Water-resistant design withstands those accidental spills, which it channels out the bottom.
• Easy setup and use right out of the box without any software necessary for full functionality of all the features
• Convenient Hot Keys including Mail, Search and Web/Home allow you to quickly launch your favorite programs with the touch of a button
• One-touch control of music, video and more with the Media Center. Now you can play your favorite songs and access other common media controls with the touch of a button.
• Back and Forward keys on the top portion of the keyboard make it easy to navigate between windows

Setup & Installation 

Mouse & Keyboard Setup: The installation is quite simple, just plug it in! The keyboard is USB and Microsoft touts that no software is necessary for the Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 keyboard, but you always have the option to do so if you choose, though the CD is not included (below).
 

Microsoft IntelliType Pro Software

 If you would like to adjust your keyboard settings, i.e. reprogram its hotkeys, then you’ll want to install Microsoft IntelliType Pro 5.3 software. Installation of the IntelliType Pro 5.3 software (although not needed) is a breeze. Just pop in the CD included or download the software (about 8 MB). To customize your keys, select either “Keyboard” from the Control Panel or “Microsoft Keyboard” from the Program menu. On the Key Settings tab, you’ll see a list of thirty hot key defaults, which you can reprogram if you like. Another nice feature is you can print out a list of the key assignments, which is good for those who like to reprogram a significant amount of keys. From here you can edit your key assignments from a list of fifty-five available commands. Options include disabling, programming to open a webpage or file, and reprogramming to fit Microsoft’s available commands. Some keys, however, such as the Caps Lock, you can only disable the key, not reprogram it.

To customize your keys, select either “Keyboard” from the Control Panel or “Microsoft Keyboard” from the Program menu. On the Key Settings tab, you’ll see a list of thirty hot key defaults, which you can reprogram if you like. Another nice feature is you can print out a list of the key assignments, which is good for those who like to reprogram a significant amount of keys. From here you can edit your key assignments from a list of fifty-five available commands. Options include disabling, programming to open a webpage or file, and reprogramming to fit Microsoft’s available commands. Some keys, however, such as the Caps Lock, you can only disable the key, not reprogram it.

Keyboard Design

The keyboard has a standard length of just over 18 inches and width of just over 8.5. The keyboard is very slim at 1.5 inches high, although still very sturdy. The design is black matte. The buttons have a very slim/sleek design. Starting from the left, there are the designated function buttons on the top part: back, forward (web buttons), volume +/-. mute, play/pause, web/home, search, and mail. These buttons are black with silver accents.  Next there are the remaining standard keys i.e. calculator, num luck, cap locks, on the far right. All keys can be reassigned however by using IntelliType Pro software. The QWERTY keyboard design has been set to a curve by ergonomist to help place your your hands more naturally and provide a more comfortable feel for longer use. For accidental spills, Microsoft set an area to channel out liquids at the bottom. We'll take their word for it - so we did not test this feature.  

Final Comments

The fact this product is priced $5 less than the Microsoft's 2005 entry level mouse is astonishing, given the value we feel one will receive from the product. The product has long-lasting features, simple design, and is comfortable to use - what more could we ask from a $25 keyboard?  If you are in the mood for a good deal - we recommend the Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000.