Additional Resources Accessories | Product Summary |
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The Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop from Microsoft combines the wireless Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard with a low profile numeric keypad and the Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse, all connecting through a single wireless 2.4 GHz mini receiver. The wireless keyboard features Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) technology, designed to help protect information by encrypting keystrokes. Each keyboard set is permanently paired with its receiver at the factory. Note: This means that if the receiver is lost or damaged, there is no way to replace it - the keyboard, mouse and numeric keypad will no longer function.
The Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard is equipped with low-travel scissor switches that have a higher "return to neutral" or "bounce-back" rate than most laptop style keyboards, providing clear tactile feedback. The response is evenly consistent across all keys with the exception of the F-Key "button keys" (see below). The keycaps feature a slightly concave surface to aid in finger positioning as well as a subtle crowning that provides more distinction between keys than many current scissor switch keyboards. However, the varying size of the keys, a feature which serves no ergonomic purpose, may prove frustrating to those accustomed to a standard layout. In addition, the F-Key "buttons" have a lower profile, are only about 40% the height of a standard keycap, and use a high-force membrane switch. Although these keys do support secondary functions such as multimedia, the secondary functions can only be accessed by switching between Standard mode and Alternate function mode. This is accomplished by a slide switch in the upper right corner of the keyboard. The absence of a FN key means that the quick access to secondary functions that is available on most keyboards is not an option.
The Sculpt Ergonomic keyboard ships with an optional magnetically-attached riser that can be used to elevate the front of the keyboard to create an ergonomic negative slope that can aid in reducing wrist extension. However, because this elevates the keyboard typists need to ensure that they are able to adjust the keyboard position to an appropriate height or they may actually be moving to a "less" ergonomic position when attaching the riser.
The included Sculpt Mouse, for right-handed use only, includes a Windows button for quick access to the Start Screen, and its four-way scroll wheel allows for easy navigating up, down, left, or right. The rounded design angles the hand outward to reduce pronation of the forearm with the body of the mouse serving as a support for the fingers to naturally curl over. The BlueTrack sensor technology works on virtually any surface, making it the ideal device for traveling. A slot in the underside of the mouse provides storage for the mini receiver that provides the wireless connection for all three devices.
This package also includes a convenient low profile numeric keypad, under 0.5" in height, and that can be positioned anywhere as desired. The convenient "calculator" button facilitates quick switching between data entry and the onscreen Windows calculator.
Note: Those who find glare and reflection less than desirable or who do not like fingerprints may not appreciate the housings, all of which have a high gloss or sheen. | Ergonomic Benefits |
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Reduces Risk to the Elbow and Forearm - The fully pronated "palms down" position adopted by the majority of typists puts a considerable strain on the tissues of the elbow and forearm. The result can be fatigue, inflammation and long-term injury. The slightly angled Gull Wing orientation of the keys on the Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard can help reduce this strain by rotating the forearm back towards a more natural posture. The included Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse also angles the right hand away from the traditional palm-down position during mousing, offering similar benefits as the keyboard. Learn More About Pronation.
Reduces Risk of Wrist Injury - Typing on a conventional keyboard requires experienced typists to bend the wrists outward towards the little finger in order to keep the fingers in the correct position on the home row. This posture, known as "ulnar deviation", puts considerable strain on the joint and tissues of the wrist. The nominal fixed "splay" on the Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard can somewhat reduce this strain by aligning the keys to better match the natural posture of the body and decrease the degree of deviation. Learn More About Ulnar Deviation.
Can Reduce Wrist Extension - The incorporated palm rest can assist in reducing the risk of Wrist Extension by keeping the wrists from dropping down to the desk or keyboard tray surface. The "lift" accessory can address this even further by creating a "negative inclination" that actively directs the wrists towards a more neutral alignment. However care needs to be taken to ensure that other issues are not created (see Usage Tips for more detail regarding this). Learn More About Wrist Extension.
Can Assist in Reducing Over-Reach - The Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard offers a reduced footprint that permits mouse placement much closer on the right side. The included Numeric Keypad can be positioned as needed, to the left, right, or simply set aside when not being used. Learn More About the Comfort Zone.
| Features |
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- Preset Fixed "Splay": The keys are arranged with a limited preset degree of splay to help reduce ulnar deviation.
- Partially "Tented" Gull Wing Design: The keycaps transition from a slight incline on the innermost column down to 0° of tent on the outermost column of keys.
- Removable Riser (attaches below the palm supports): Elevates the front edge of the keyboard to create "negative inclination". (see notes in Usage Tips)
NOTE: The palm support itself is NOT removable. - Fixed Palm Support: The Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard incorporates a fairly deep lightly padded and gently contoured permanent palm support that is approximately 3.25" deep at the center. The palm support offers a comfortable place to rest the heels of the hands when not typing, reducing the potential for Wrist Extension and pressure against the carpal tunnel.
- Vertically Oriented Double Height "Delete" Key: The Delete key on the Microsoft Sculpt Keyboard is a vertically oriented double height key, directly adjacent to the "Backspace" and "\" keys, making for easier and quicker access.
- Web, Search, Email, Favourite Programs, and Media Controls: The top of the keyboard includes half-height one-touch "buttons"* to give quick access to common functions. The default function for these buttons are the F-Key Actions but this can be switched by a slide switch in the upper right corner of the keyboard. Note that switching between the F-Key functions and the secondary functions requires movement of the slider switch each time the function needs to be changed. The lack of a quick-access "FN" key may prove to be frustrating for some individuals.
* The Half-Height "Buttons" are not actually keyboard keys. Not only are they only about 2/5 the height of a standard keycap, making targeting more difficult, they are also "lower" than the standard keys, and have a fairly high resistance with a very short travel, resulting in a completely different feel and action of a "button" press. - Calculator, PrtScn, ScLK and Pause Buttons: These functions remain accessible at all times, regardless of the "FN" switch setting.
- Stand-Alone Numeric Keypad: A low profile full-function numeric keypad is included for those who need a compact keyboard but still have times where intense numeric entry is required. The keypad connects via the same wireless receiver as both the keyboard and mouse.
- Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse: The Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop kit also includes the Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse for right-handed individuals. You can find more details regarding this mouse and its features here.
- Encryption Standard (AES) Technology: Secure communication is ensured with 128-Bit Encryption.
Note: Each Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop combo is permanently paired to the receiver at the factory. Loss of or damage to the mini-receiver will leave the Keyboard, Mouse and Numeric Keypad unusable as the receivers are non-replaceable.
| Images (Click on any thumbnail to view larger image) |
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Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop
| Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop - Size Specs
| Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop - Keyboard
| Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop - Keyboard Size Profiles
| Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop - Numeric Keypad
| Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop - Keyboard Top View
| Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop - Mouse
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| Technical Specifications |
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| Usage Tips |
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- A common complaint about the now-discontinued Microsoft Natural Ergo Keyboard 4000 was that activation of the spacebar could be somewhat stiff or "sticky". The Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard features a split spacebar, both of which activate smoothly and require no more force than any of the other keys.
- The detachable "lift" that is included with this keyboard creates a negative slope that is generally considered a desirable feature. However this can be a potential concern because it elevates the front edge of the keyboard. Because the front of the keyboard is now elevated the edge of the keyboard palm rest may come in contact with your wrists, creating a potential pinch point. The only ways to address this are by either elevating your chair to compensate for this increase in height (which may request additional adjustments to the workstation) or by lowering your keyboard tray (if used) to where it is sitting just above your lap. However, this does not address that fact that a height differential will now exist between your keyboard and mouse, a factor that should be considered when deciding whether this is a suitable keyboard. Installing the lift accessory will now have you reaching "up and down" as well as potentially too far to the right whenever transitioning between mouse and keyboard.
- The 3.25" depth of the permanently affixed palm rest can potentially move this keyboard too far away from those of smaller build, forcing them to "reach forward" to access the keys. This can put unnecessary strain on the shoulders as the arms are no longer able to hang in a neutral position with the elbows below the shoulders. If you find that your elbows are positioned ahead of your keyboard the first thing you should do is to ensure that your keyboard and your body are positioned at appropriate heights (see above). If you still find yourself reaching forward it may be that your forearms are not long enough to comfortably reach across the palm support. In that case you may wish to find a suitable keyboard solution that requires less forward reach.
- Place your numeric keypad where it requires the least reach. If you wish to use it on the right side, remember to set it aside when you are not actively using it and move the mouse closer to the keyboard to reduce your reach.
- DO NOT LOSE YOUR MINI-RECEIVER - If you lose or damage this receiver your keyboard, mouse and numeric keypad will all no longer function as they are permanently paired to the receiver at the factory. It is NOT replaceable.
| Models |
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| Model # | Description |
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L5V-00002 | Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop, US English layout, black, Wireless USB | L5V-00003 | Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop, French Canadian layout, black, Wireless USB |
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