2019 Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard Mac

2020-4-2  The Magic Keyboard is a wireless, rechargeable keyboard that comes included with most Mac computers. However, those of us who are on old Macs or want a new keyboard, the small Magic keyboard might. 2018-3-14  I have been using the surface ergonomic keyboard with my Mac for a while now and love the keyboard, however the one issue I'm having is when I start up my mac - which is connected to a docking station with external monitors etc. the MacBook won't recognize the surface keyboard on the login screen so I have to either use a different keyboard. 2020-2-13  October 14, 2019. Protect Yourself From Tech Support Scams. My connected Microsoft keyboard on both a Mac & Windows platform is suddenly typing incorrect letters. It was unusual as I've never had any issues with that Ergonomic keyboard and I really look after my stuff. That MS keyboard was over 10 years old and working perfectly until. Very close to the feel of a traditional Mac keyboard (a tiny bit louder on keystrokes, but enough to be distracting - windows keyboards are much louder than this little guy). I looked a long time for a wireless MAC compatible keyboard and I am so glad I settled on this one.

  1. 2019 Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard Mac Download
  2. Ergo Keyboard
  3. Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard White
  4. 2019 Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard Mac Download
  5. Keyboard Driver
  6. Microsoft 4000
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This term collection covers how to refer to keyboard shortcuts and the names of specific keys.

For information about describing customers' interactions with UI, see Procedures and instructions.

Keyboard actions and access

TermUsage
keyboard shortcut, accelerator key, fast key, hot key, quick key, speed keyIn general, use keyboard shortcut to describe a combination of keystrokes used to perform a task.
Example
Alt+Ctrl+S
Don't use accelerator key, fast key, hot key, quick key, or speed key.
access keyDon't use in content for a general audience. Use keyboard shortcut instead.
In content for developers or content about customizing the UI, it's OK to distinguish between an access key and a shortcut key. An access key is a letter or number that users select to access UI controls that have text labels. For example, the F in Alt+F. A shortcut key is a key or key combination that users select to perform a common action. For example, Ctrl+V. If you use these terms, explain the difference.
Key TipIn general, don't use in content for a general audience. Use keyboard shortcut instead.
In content teaching basic skills or content for a technical audience, it's OK to use Key Tip to refer to the letter or number that appears in the ribbon when the Alt key is pressed.
key combinationDon't use in content for a general audience. Use keyboard shortcut instead.
In content for a technical audience, it's OK to distinguish between a key combination (two or more keys selected simultaneously) and a key sequence (two or more keys selected sequentially). If you use these terms, explain the difference.
key sequenceDon't use in content for a general audience. Use keyboard shortcut instead.
In content for a technical audience, it's OK to distinguish between a key sequence (two or more keys selected sequentially) and a key combination (two or more keys selected simultaneously). If you use these terms, explain the difference.
keypadUse numeric keypad on the first mention. Don't use keypad by itself unless the context has been established and there's no possibility the customer will confuse the keypad with the keyboard. When in doubt, continue to use numeric keypad.
In general, don't distinguish between the keyboard and the numeric keypad. When the customer can select two keys that look the same, direct the customer to the correct key.
Example
Select the Minus sign on the numeric keypad, not the Hyphen key on the keyboard.
keystroke, keypressDon't use keypress. Use keystroke instead.
select, press, depress, hit, strike, useUse select to describe pressing a key on a physical or on-screen keyboard. Don't use press, depress, hit, or strike.
Don't use depressed to describe an indented toolbar button unless you have no other choice.
Use use when select might be confusing, such as when referring to the arrow keys or function keys and select might make customers think that they need to select all the arrow keys simultaneously.
Example
Use the arrow keys to move around the text.
Use use when multiple platform or peripheral choices initiate the same action or actions within a program.
Example
Use the controls on your keyboard or controller to run through the obstacle course.
Be specific when teaching beginning skills.
Example
To run through the obstacle course, select the Spacebar on the keyboard or pull the right trigger on the Xbox controller.
Consider using a table to present instructions that have more than two alternatives.
Use select and hold only if a delay is built into the software or hardware interaction. Don't use select and hold when referring to a mouse button unless you're teaching beginning skills.
See alsoDescribing interactions with UI, Mouse and mouse interaction term collection
shortcut keyDon't use in content for a general audience. Use keyboard shortcut instead.
In content for developers or content about customizing the UI, it's OK to distinguish between an access key and a shortcut key. An access key is a letter or number that users select to access UI controls that have text labels. For example, the F in Alt+F. A shortcut key is a key or key combination that users select to perform a common action. For example, Ctrl+V. If you use these terms, explain the difference.

Key names

  • In general, use sentence capitalization for key names.
    Examples
    the Shift key
    the Page up key

  • Capitalize letter keys in general references.
    Example
    the K key

  • Lowercase and bold a letter key when instructing customers to enter the letter (unless you're instructing them to enter a capital letter).
    Example
    enter k

  • On the first mention, you can use the definite article the and the word key with the key name if necessary for clarity.
    Example
    Select the F1 key.

  • On subsequent mentions, refer to the key by its name only.
    Example
    Select F1.

Ifyou need guidance for a key name that isn't on this list, use sentencecapitalization and spell it as it appears on the keyboard.

TermUsage
AltCapitalize. Use to refer to the Alt key.
Application keyCapitalize. Use the Application key to refer to the key that opens a shortcut menu containing commands related to a selection.
arrow keys, direction keys, directional keys, movement keysArrow keys are labeled only with an arrow. Refer to similar keys on the numeric keypad as the arrow keys on the numeric keypad.
Use sentence capitalization to refer to a specific arrow key: the Left arrow key, the Right arrow key, the Up arrow key, or the Down arrow key. It’s OK to use arrow key as a general term for any single arrow key. Include the and key in references to a specific arrow key except in key combinations or key sequences.
Don’t use direction keys, directional keys, or movement keys.
Use specific names to refer to other navigational keys, such as Page up, Page down, Home, and End.
asterisk (*), starUse asterisk to refer to the * symbol.
An asterisk is used to indicate multiplication in a programming language or as a wildcard character representing one or more characters.
It’s OK to use star to refer to the key on a phone keypad.
at sign (@)Pronounced at. In most cases, don’t spell out.
BackCapitalize. Use to refer to the Back key, which performs the same action as the Back button in a browser.
BackspaceCapitalize. Use to refer to the Backspace key.
backtabDon’t use to refer to the Shift+Tab keyboard shortcut.
Break capsUse sentence capitalization. Use to refer to the Break caps key.
Caps lockUse sentence capitalization. Use to refer to the Caps lock key.
comma (,)Spell out comma when referring to a key or the punctuation mark.
Capitalize Comma when instructing a reader to select the key. Include the symbol in parentheses when needed for clarity.
CommandCapitalize. Use to refer to the Command key on the Mac keyboard. Use the bitmap to show this key if possible. It isn't named on the keyboard.
ControlCapitalize. Use to refer to the Control key on the Mac keyboard.
CtrlCapitalize. Use to refer to the Ctrl key. Don’t use for the Mac keyboard.
DelCapitalize. Use to refer to the Del key. On the Mac keyboard only, use to refer to the forward delete key.
DeleteCapitalize. Use to refer to the back delete key on the Mac keyboard.
EndCapitalize. Use to refer to the End key.
EnterCapitalize. Use to refer to the Enter key. On the Mac, use only when functionality requires it.
EscAlways use Esc, not Escape.
F1–F12Capitalize the F. Don't add a space between the F and the number.
ForwardCapitalize. Use to refer to the Forward key, which performs the same action as the Forward button in a browser.
HelpUse the Help key only to refer to the key on the Mac keyboard.
HELP keyUse the HELP key to avoid confusion with the Help button. Always include the and key.
HomeCapitalize. Use to refer to the Home key.
hyphen (-)Spell out hyphen when referring to a key. Capitalize Hyphen when instructing a reader to select the key. Include the symbol in parentheses when needed for clarity.
InsertCapitalize. Use to refer to the Insert key.
Lock clearCapitalize. Use to refer to the Lock clear key.
minus sign (–)Spell out minus sign when referring to a key. Use sentence capitalization (Minus sign) when instructing a reader to select the key. Include the symbol in parentheses when needed for clarity.
Num lock optionUse sentence capitalization. Use to refer to the Num lock option key on the Mac keyboard.
number sign (#), pound key, hashtagUse # key to describe the key.
It's OK to use pound key (#), including the symbol in parentheses, to refer to the keypad on a telephone. It's OK to use hashtag (#) to describe the use of the # key to identify a metadata term in social media.
numeric keypad, keypad, numerical keypad, numeric keyboardUse numeric keypad on first mention. Don't use keypad by itself unless there's no possibility of confusion with the keyboard. Don't use numerical keypad or numeric keyboard.
In general, don't distinguish between the keyboard and the numeric keypad. If a customer can select two keys that look the same, specify the correct key.
Example
Select the Minus sign on the numeric keypad.
on-screen keyboard, keyboard display, soft keyboard, virtual keyboard, visual keyboardUse to describe the keyboard representation on the screen that the customer touches to enter characters.
Hyphenate on-screen keyboard. Don't use virtual keyboard, soft keyboard, visual keyboard, or keyboard display.
Page down, Page upUse sentence capitalization. Use to refer to the Page up key and the Page down key.
PauseCapitalize. Use to refer to the Pause key.
period (.)Spell out period when referring to a key. Capitalize Period when instructing a reader to select the key. Include the symbol in parentheses when needed for clarity.
plus sign (+)Spell out plus sign when referring to a key. Use sentence capitalization (Plus sign) when instructing a reader to select the key. Include the symbol in parentheses when needed for clarity.
Print screenUse sentence capitalization. Use to refer to the Print screen key.
ResetCapitalize. Use to refer to the Reset key.
ReturnCapitalize. Use to refer to the Return key on the Mac keyboard.
Scroll lockUse sentence capitalization. Use to refer to the Scroll lock key.
SelectCapitalize. Use to refer to the Select key.
ShiftCapitalize. Use to refer to the Shift key.
SpacebarCapitalize. Use to refer to the Spacebar. Always precede with the except in procedures, key combinations, and key sequences.
TabCapitalize. Use to refer to the Tab key. Always use the and key except in key combinations and key sequences.
Windows logo keyCapitalize Windows. Use to refer to the Windows logo key.

Special character names

Becausespecial character names could be confused with an action (such as+) or be difficult to see, always spell out the following specialcharacter names: Plus sign, Minus sign, Hyphen, Period, and Comma.

To avoid confusion, it's OK to add the character in parentheses after spelling out the name.
Example
Plus sign (+)

Use discretion. This might not be necessary for commonly used characters, such as the period (.).

To show a key combination that includes punctuation requiring use of the Shift key, such as the question mark, use Shift and the name or symbol of the shifted key. Using the name of the unshifted key, such as 4 rather than $, could be confusing or even wrong. For example, the ? and / characters aren't shifted keys on every keyboard. Always spell out Plus sign, Minus sign, Hyphen, Period, and Comma.

Examples
Ctrl+Shift+?
Ctrl+Shift+*
Ctrl+Shift+Comma

See alsoSpecial character term collection

Since 1994, Microsoft has been at the forefront of what it dubbed 'natural' keyboards, now often referred to as ergonomic keyboards. This series of keyboards are designed to more accurately represent how are arms and hands are meant to lay rather than when they're crunched, wrist-to-wrist when using a laptop.

The new Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard looks to be the successor to the 2005 Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 (not to be confused with the more recent Sculpt Ergonomic and Surface Ergonomic releases).

As a long-time user of the 4000, Sculpt, and Surface Ergonomic keyboards, I have some thoughts about this new one.

Improved typing today

Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard (2019)

Bottom line: Microsoft's latest ergonomic keyboard costs less but delivers even more value. With new dedicated keys for emojis, Microsoft Office, and the new snipping tool, plus an improved typing experience, this is the most comfortable ergo keyboard around. Too bad there are no backlit keys.

Pros:

  • Larger keys, more consistent travel.
  • Improved layout and modern design.
  • Affordable.
  • Plug and play.

2019 Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard Mac Download

Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard design and emoji

The Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard is a comparatively light keyboard, weighing just 35.98 oz, including the cable (1,020 g). It's made from all plastic and has a hollow feel to it. While light, though, it won't slide around your desk due to the rubber feet.

A single USB Type-A 2.0 plug is needed to power the keyboard, so it is not wireless. Disappointingly, the keyboard is also not backlit. That choice was likely to keep costs down, but it would have been amazing to have an option to purchase a more expensive version with backlit keys. It's worth pointing out, too, that this is a skinny cable. I'm not worried about it breaking or fraying, but I do appreciate how little room it occupies, letting you have a more minimalist look.

The most significant change with this 2019 model is the addition of a few more relevant dedicated keys. There are new keys for the Windows 10 emoji picker, Microsoft Office, and the new snipping tool. Other dedicated keys include one for calculator, task view, locking the PC, and Windows search.

Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center app lets you configure the keyboard even more. Microsoft word print in black and white mac commercial 2019.

The top middle row houses the expected media keys, including mute, volume controls, play and pause, skip, and forward tracks. The media-player button defaults to opening Groove, but users can program that button (and others incuding emoji key) using the optional Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center application. There are three numbered keys on the top left that can be assigned a macro or to open any app you want.

Like other Microsoft ergo keyboards (except for the Surface Ergonomic), this one includes a wrist riser that can better help angle your wrists upward. On previous keyboards, Microsoft used magnets to attach that riser, but now there is just a plug that snaps into the bottom. While this doesn't matter in day-to-day usage, I like the magnets better.

Dedicated keys (left to right) for calculator, screen snip, task view, and screen lock.

The material used for the wrist rest is interesting. It's not the leather found on the Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000, nor the Alcantara (which gets very dirty) on the Surface Ergonomic keyboard. Instead, it resembles that of the Sculpt Ergonomic. It's a soft, nylon-esque material that is darker than the Sculpt and presumably will get less dirty and hold up longer. It feels excellent and makes typing that much more comfortable due to the quarter-inch padding underneath.

Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard typing

Typing on the Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard is excellent, but some context is needed as Microsoft has various keyboards, all with different key designs. The travel on these keys is much deeper than the Surface Ergonomic and even Sculpt Ergonomic. Instead, it matches the Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 more closely.

2019 Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard Mac

However, the keys on the Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard are significantly larger (especially the arrow keys) than the Natural's, resulting in fewer missed keystrokes for a more consistent experience. But while the travel distance is similar (depth), the newer keyboard has a much better bounce-back, alleviating some effort when typing. While the Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 is excellent to type on, the keys are also a bit mushy. That is not the case here.

Likewise, the Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 has a notoriously loud spacebar key that felt a bit too difficult to depress. That is fixed here with the spacebar feeling like the other keys and not requiring much effort at all.

Finally, the 'wave' design is more accentuated on the new Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard than on any release so far. This change likely reveals a more precise manufacturing and the latest science on the matter. (Microsoft famously studies this topic extensively in its Human Factors Group.)

So should you buy the new Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard?

Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard with the optional wrist riser installed.

If you are still holding onto your Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000, the Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard (2019) is a natural upgrade. The pedigree is similar, but it's clear Microsoft has dramatically improved and updated some of the core features of this series. Typing is more comfortable, and the keyboard looks more modern with a cleaner, more straightforward design.

The new keys for emojis, Office, and snipping tool are excellent and charming touches. Emojis may seem goofy (depending on your age), but they are trendy, and that is only increasing as the workforce gets younger. And if you don't use them, no big deal.

Ergo Keyboard

If you're coming from the Sculpt or Surface ergonomic keyboards, this one will feel different. That's because the key travel is much deeper than those, which some users prefer. This keyboard is also wired, making it much more reliable than wireless models. And you don't have to replace or charge batteries. The Sculpt keyboard used a wireless dongle, which works well, but you still need to keep spare batteries handy. The Surface Ergonomic is Bluetooth, which can suffer from interference and occasionally fail.

For those who never tried an ergonomic keyboard, the new Microsoft Ergonomic may be worth a shot. At just $60, the price is one of the lowest of this series, making it quite accessible. There is a learning curve, though, and it will take wat least a few days of practice to get used to the design. However, as people in comments here will attest, once you go ergonomic, it's tough to go back.

For me, I'm glad Microsoft made this keyboard. My only real complaint is the lack of backlit keys, but due to the benefits of typing on this improved design, it's a tradeoff I'm willing to accept.

Typing right

Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard (2019)

The most comfortable way to type

Microsoft's Ergonomic Keyboard for 2019 is an excellent follow-up to the legendary Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. With larger keys, better key actuation, fixed spacebar, and now dedicated keys for the Windows 10 emoji picker, Office, and Windows snipping tool, it's also the most useful. That $60 price is quite fair, though for a wired keyboard we would have preferred backlighting.

Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard White

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2019 Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard Mac Download

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