Microsoft Sculpt Keyboard discontinuation (and Surface Ergonomic Keyboard)

Anonymous
2023-08-23T04:17:58+00:00

I just saw a thread about Microsoft discontinuing the Sculpt keyboard. Here's the thread: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/forum/all/surface-sculpt-ergonomic/f7913699-9c0a-4c6f-8296-7ff746fa4e0b?rtAction=1692762183207

The Microsoft moderator (Marrion) said that there is a "Surface" keyboard (the Surface Ergonomic keyboard) that is similar to the Sculpt. But, that doesn't solve the problem because the Surface keyboard is different from teh Sculpt in one VERY IMPORTANT respect --

The Surface keyboard has the number pad built into the keyboard, which makes the keyboard very wide and forces the user to place their mouse very far to the right of the keyboard. That mouse placement then creates shoulder pain and other bad posture effects. I had the previous Microsoft "natural" keyboard for a long time (that keyboard was very wide with the built in number pad just like the Surface keyboard) - it was very good for wrist position, but caused me a lot of problems because my mouse had to be so far away from the keyboard where I had to keep my arm stretched out to reach it - thus the shoulder and back and other issues it caused.

But then I got the Sculpt keyboard which does not have a number pad built in (the number pad is a separate piece and you don't need to use it). The Sculp is more of a standard sized keyboard and you can put the mouse much closer. Bingo - my shoulder and back strain went away,

So, I hope that Microsoft will keep the Sculpt keyboard with the smaller footprint (no built-in number pad). I don't care what brand name you put on it, and I'd be ok with some price increase if necessary, but PLEASE do not discontinue the Sculpt design. (My current Sculpt board is working fine, but if I ever need to replace it -- no keyboard lasts forever -- I want another one just like it!)

Also, I would like to know if Microsoft will continue to support the Sculpt Keyboard with driver or software updates as needed (is something like that needed for a keyboard?)

Thanks,

Beth

Surface | Accessories | Surface mice and keyboards

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-08-26T20:00:05+00:00

    This is kind of a dupe:
    Perixx PERIDUO-606A, 3-in-1 Wireless Compact Ergonomic Keyboard 

    Issue is they are not Windows 11 compatible.

    ugh!

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-08-26T16:27:42+00:00

    Is there any news on a replacement? This is the best keyboard available, I use the number pad with my left hand leaving my right available for the mouse. I have not been able to locate a better ergo keyboard so hoping this will be back! As someone else said, "Pretty please!!?"

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-08-24T02:36:45+00:00

    Hello,

    My name is Lisa and I use your keyboard at work. I find that having the ten-key pad separated from the rest of the keyboard has minimized the issues that I used to have with my shoulders and wrist. I also bought one for my home to use with my school work. I have the same keyboard but the issue is that because you discontinued everything involved with my particular keyboard I have run into problems with replacing my mouse which is the same model as the keyboard I own at work and home. The other recommended keyboards make my wrists and shoulders hurt(I have tried a couple). I like how the discontinued Microsoft sculpted keyboard is angled. and make it easier to type effectively. Eight years ago, my work desk was ergonomically assessed, and my assessor highly recommended the discontinued Microsoft sculpted keyboard. I wish that you had not discontinued that particular keyboard and the accessories that came with it. Now I have to type on my portable keyboard which is an issue because the buttons are too close together and small.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-08-16T01:29:44+00:00

    Please bring this back, it was the best option for my clients and as an Occupational Therapist there is nothing anywhere near as good on the market. I use one myself also and I cant go back to other keyboards

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