Microsoft Internet Keyboard

One of the reasons is that it has good keys. They aren't real stiff and give a good feel then pressed, giving good "tactile feedback" that a key has definetly been pressed. Not like an old mechanical keyboard or anything, but better than most. One thing I hate about quiet or soft-key keyboards is that sometimes you aren't sure if your key press registered corretly. With this board, it feels much more positive, which allows me to type faster.

The extra key issue, which at first was annoying and seemed to just take up space, has proved to be actually useful. I still never use the browsing keys, which is where I assume the "Internet" in "Internet Keyboard" came from, but the calculator and My Computer buttons have become second nature to me already. I always find myself slapping at the space where there calculator button should be when I am at a different computer and just expect it to be there, I use it so much. And you don't even need any extra software to get it to work, WinXP automatically recognizes it and all the buttons work right out of the box.

Lastly, the wrist rest, something I never thought would make a difference, does force you to keep your wrists in proper position at least. While it doesn't eliminate fatigue, it does help. Another feature I never would have chosen to look for in a keyboard, but it's nice to have it there now that I do have it.

I'm not usually a Microsoft kind of guy, but even I have to admit, they do make good hardware. This keyboard is a safe, above average buy.


Disappointed with the Keyboard   January 1, 2003
7 out of 11 found this review helpful

I chose this keyboard because of the reputed Microsoft brand name, expecting a high quality
product. But I have been rather frustrated and disappointed with this keyboard as it is poorly made.

The keys are unstable and they feel "wobbly", "squishy" and "flimsy". You can take any key and
with very little force make it wave left and right and back and forth directions. In the vertical (z)
direction, the keys are not as crisp--the tactile feedback is inadequate to feel if you have actually
pressed the key or not slowing you down and adding to the errors due to missed key-strokes. Or end up accidentally pressing a key from the mere resting of the fingers on the keyboard, something a touch-typist would do to "position" his fingers.

The wobbly keys are causing typing errors. Because when we type (touch typing), our fingers "fan
out" somewhat from our palm to cover the span of the keyboard and they press on the keys at a
slight angle. This angled force with its horizontal component on a wobbly key makes it move
horizontally, causing the ginger (I mean finger, see!) to slip, so the finger can sldip (slip) from f to g
or from s to d often turning finger into ginger and slip into dlip.

On the plus side, the key sizes, interspaces and their locations are all "standard" and are all placed
where they should be. The extra internet keys and the calculator and sleep keys might be a plus to some, though I
never used them. The extra thickness and width of the keyboard put in in part to give it "curves" only increase its size and bulk.

In summary, I am disappointed at a substandard product that from a reputable company as Microsoft and
I would like my money back from Microsoft.


Microsoft A NAME TO TRUST!!   October 5, 2002
4 out of 8 found this review helpful

I had to replace my very overworked keyboard, I went looking at ALL THE DIFFERENT MODELS.. I found this item, Looked it over. It has SOME PROGRAMMABLE KEYS.. The Warranty is three years!!!

The price is a great MOTIVATER, But the ease in the way this board moves!!. I had a board formerly that I had to bang on, this on has a wonderful spring back to each key.

Also on the front forward of select keys the SHORTCUTS ARE MARKED!! I do not know about any of you, BUT FOR ME I will take all the help I can get in maximizing my computer Knowledge!!

I say BUY IT, TRY IT LOVE IT!!

A Blond


Choose or loose!   October 28, 2004
A. Gyurisin (Wet, Wild, Wonderful Virginia)
4 out of 6 found this review helpful

After three years of using the same keyboard without cleaning it I came to a simple conclusion. I either had to remove all the keys and find out what I had for snack three years ago, or simply go back online and find another keyboard and have HAZMAT remove the old one from my house. Since I wasn't sure where my tax dollars are going these days, I decided to go with the second option. So, with HAZMAT on the road, I ordered this fine piece of machinery from Amazon with price and reliability in mind.

Let me just say that I have been impressed. The wrist rest itself is worth the buy for comfort alone. They keys are quick and it has been easy to adjust from the old keyboard. To simply put it, this is a cheap, simple keyboard for those that are not looking for elaborate side items for their computer. It has all the needed buttons and (don't worry I counted) all the numbers and letters from my old keyboard. Microsoft has not tried to cheat me out of my hard earned money ... yet.

Overall, I am impressed. This was the easiest keyboard purchase I have made in a long time and the fact that this review is being written by the keyboard that I just purchased should be its own testimonial. I suggest this piece of equipment to anyone that needs to revamp or clean. This is the perfect solution.

I have to go, HAZMAT is ringing my door!!

Grade: ***** out of *****


Great keyboard   March 6, 2004
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I have had this keyboard for over a year and a half and have had zero problems with it. There is no problem with the keys that I have noticed. I have used this keyboard to write reports, compose correspondence, and play games. I would gladly buy another, especially for the price.