▶▶▶ Microsoft Wired Keyboard 600 (Black)

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Microsoft Wired Keyboard 600 (Black)

Microsoft Wired Keyboard 600 (Black) Review

I bought this keyboard for some friends who needed a new keyboard to replace a wireless disaster, stock HP keyboard. I was so impressed with the feel, form, overall function of the keyboard that I bought one for myself and one for my niece whose older keyboard was "keyed out." I and the other folks for whom I purchased this model keyboard love the feel and operation. The feel is something like the old IBM Selectric--those who remember the feel of those keys will understand. The keys are exceptionally tactile, soft to the touch, and responsive. The special keys, apart from the standard keyboard keys, are volume up/down/mute, play/pause, and a calculator key that brings a standard calculator atop the screen (this command is not toggled and one must use the Esc key to take it off the screen. It also has green indicators under the Microsoft logo for Caps, Number, and Scroll lock.

The device has height adjustment legs that may be used for a slightly elevated keyboard. Of if you'd rather set a different angle than the one provided by extending the legs, all you need do is add a couple of self-adhesive feet to the back of the keyboard.

All the keys work as they should and are easy on the fingers, hands, and wrists. The observation about the upper arrow key going into the keyboard is a moot point. The contour of the upper arrow key follows the ergonomics of one's finger movement when hitting the key.

The keys simply feel good and have a natural and, here we go, ergonomic feel. The other two parties for whom I bought the same keyboard feel the same as I do and all have said that it is comfortable to use and the best feel of any keyboard they've ever used.

I prefer wired to wireless keyboard because there are no connection or transmission issues, i.e., no delay in response time, no dropped or missed characters, and the Microsoft Wired 600 Keyboard does not require software, it is plug-and-play on PCs. It's too soon to comment on durability, we'll have to see; but if this keyboard stands the test of time, it will be the best computer-peripheral buy for the money. For the record, I am using a Sony desktop (which has an excellent stock aluminum keyboard with raised keys--I just like having a change in keyboard feel and go back and forth between these two devices) PC with VISTA, and the other parties are using an HP desktop and a Toshiba laptop, both with Windows XP operating systems. Microsoft Wired Keyboard 600 (Black)