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geekhack Community => Ergonomics => Topic started by: Findecanor on Sat, 30 July 2011, 15:13:46

Title: Microsoft prototype split keyboard
Post by: Findecanor on Sat, 30 July 2011, 15:13:46

I came a across this picture on the web of a supposed prototype of a Microsoft keyboard.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]22801[/ATTACH]

Notice that the numeric keypad is separate (it is "tenkeyless"), it has a built-in trackball and it has a matrix layout!
Even though, I am not a fan of matrix layouts, I still think that it is a shame that Microsoft never manufactured it ...

Title: Microsoft prototype split keyboard
Post by: Input Nirvana on Sat, 30 July 2011, 21:12:26

Interesting the F-key row is WAAAAYYY up north...

Title: Microsoft prototype split keyboard
Post by: shrap on Sun, 31 July 2011, 19:25:53

I would probably buy quite a few, they would be rubber dome but only $50.

It seems their Natural line hasn't been drastically improved since the original, which is a shame. I've always had a soft spot for their hardware, since I grew up using their Natural Keyboard and Intellimouse 3.0. And their discontinued Trackball Explorer has its worshippers.

Title: Microsoft prototype split keyboard
Post by: The Solutor on Sun, 31 July 2011, 19:41:30

The numpad idea was used on X6

Title: Microsoft prototype split keyboard
Post by: dzd on Wed, 22 February 2012, 13:25:59

Wow - I would want to try this too!

Title: Microsoft prototype split keyboard
Post by: Snarfangel on Wed, 22 February 2012, 13:36:15

I would buy one of these. It would be doubly awesome with buckling springs! :typing:

Title: Microsoft prototype split keyboard
Post by: sordna on Thu, 23 February 2012, 16:06:48

Anybody here work for Microsoft? They could pester them about it. Hmm, where's that sidewinder X4 guy?