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
    2024-12-23T14:49:39+00:00

    Thank you for this recommendation since my Sculpt has sadly gone kaput. I searched the HP960/965 that have the separate number pad (which I love) but ended up with the Perixx PERIDUO-606A, 3-in-1 Wireless Compact Ergonomic Keyboard that included the mouse.

    So far I am finding the keyboard a bit cramped (I have M-L hands) but like the number pad more than the Sculpt's. I will keep working at it and hope it is just a simple matter of time and modifying my reach (I keep hitting the up arrow instead of my RH shift key 🙄)

    That said, if the Sculpt were to return today I would buy it (or 4 so my husband and I have a backup each!)

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-12-19T00:28:16+00:00

    They still present the same issue that causes neck and shoulder pain that having a number pad attached to the keyboard does. The great part about the sculpt was the keyboard was balanced and no extra reaching was necessary.

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-12-04T17:08:07+00:00

    I am totally up for a go fund me to build a new one and market to former lovers of this keyboard. Need drivers compatible with new OSs. I am still typing from my laptop keyboard because I cannot find a replacement.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-11-02T17:42:44+00:00

    See one, buy one. When this announcement came out, I was lucky enough to see it and snapped up two on Amazon at regular retail price before it disappeared. Now people are selling them new for $200+.

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