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
    2024-10-20T20:55:31+00:00

    It's insane that they discontinued the sculpt. The separate numpad was a stroke of genius, making it more ergonomic wrt. the mouse.

    This is the only keyboard I have used without getting pain in my wrists and arms.

    I hope MS take to their senses and start producing it again.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-08-29T14:29:01+00:00

    I am on my second desktop set of this and it was originally recommended by a health and safety officer in work. I had very serious shoulder issues prior to this - the number pad on the right of regular keyboards was the culprit. I absolutely love the set, the mouse works great too.

    Very disappointed it was discontinued. I am running Windows 11 but having more and more issues as updates come out and definitely concerned that one day these will stop working with no similar replacements.

    I've had my IT dept get a so called ergonomic keyboard for me - a keyboard split in half with no ability to raise anything, worse that any regular keyboard.

    I really hope someone else will design something as good if MSFT won't bring this back.

    In the meantime, hoping I have years left with my current set!!

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-08-28T16:46:09+00:00

    Check out ebay or facebook marketplace. I've found them.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-08-28T16:14:03+00:00

    Hi Wanda068,

    I am glad I am still able to use the same keyboard at work. I have the same keyboard at home but I need another exact muse in order to keep using the keyboard. It us very frustrating that I am missing the replacement mouse. If you find out where I can get the accessories for that same mouse and such. Please let me know.

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