If you use Microsoft products, it can be argued that you’re a sucker for pain. There are many times that I have had the distinct feeling that Microsoft treats me and every other user as beta testers for its many products (don’t get me started about Vista!)

Some time back, I reviewed a Microsoft wireless keyboard and mouse combination set (the Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 v3). It started and just about ended like the movie Fatal Attraction: first, great ergonomics; soft, but useable keys, etc. then a nightmare. Both the keyboard and mouse would suddenly stop working, stuttering back to life after a frustrating few seconds. And on and on it went to the extent that it is now collecting dust in a far corner of my office. An utterly useless piece of technology and the tragedy is I really needed it to work since my desktop was packed to the gills and I couldn’t afford any more real estate.

So it was with not a little trepidation that I decided to test the Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000 bundle. One of the things I’d noticed from the 6000 was that after installing the Microsoft driver software that enabled the fancy keys to work was when the hair-tearing drops in operations started. I’m not 100% certain this was the case but why mess with fate? This time, I decided not to use the drivers on the included CD–I didn’t need one-button access to a file browser for example–and lo, things worked out of the box after connecting everything up.

Right after I inserted the USB device, both the mouse and keyboard started working save for a few moments while my Vista OS PC recognized the keyboard and mouse. No more wires! However, before I started celebrating, I wanted to make sure it wasn’t a fluke so I let it go for two weeks. I’m happy to report that in that time, there’s been not the one hiccup so now I can concentrate on how it works.

Unlike the 6000, this is not an ergonomic keyboard but the usability is still good. The keys are slightly spongy but firm enough. Gone is the clickety-clack keyboard sounds and the mouse, while a bit bulky for me, is responsive and easy-to-use.

The “special” keys are arranged in a row across the top of the keyboard although I don’t use them that often since they require the special driver software. Even then, a few of them work without the drivers such as the browser button. The ESC key is hard to reach because the F1 key overshadows it which means that I have to lift my hand over in order to use it, along with all the other special keys along that topmost row. Not a great annoyance, but definitely a workflow interrupter. The surface of the keyboard’s palm rest is composed of a comfortable almost leather-feeling material. Underneath the keyboard are feet that ensure a tight grip on the desk.

In all, this is a very nice combo set and I am so pleased those annoying stuttering issues are gone that I’m going to give it a healthy 4 stars out of 5.
Rating: 4 / 5

Having only used this wireless set for a few minutes, I can already recommend it to just about anyone.

I currently own a Logitech wireless Wave keyboard and, though I prefer that one over this Microsoft one, this one comes in close second.

The keys aren’t as contoured as as one might think; that is, they’re almost as flat as a standard keyboard’s, but they are set in a wave pattern (as one can tell by the stock photograph). The keys themselves are extremely quiet, almost to the point that they’re silent, and the palm rest is very comfortable. I actually prefer this palm rest over my other one, the one found on the Logitech wave.

The mouse that comes with it is a nice, beefy one. A great large desktop mice, it’s got a hearty click to it–the kind of “click” I like to hear–and the scrolling is adjusted beautifully. Very light without the batteries, but build just as good as the keyboard. The only thing I think I don’t like about the mouse is the “forward” button. On my other, preferable mouse, the back and forward browsing buttons are on the same side, the left side of the mouse, allowing for effortless clicking. But on this mouse the buttons are on opposite sides. You’d have to uncomfortably extend the right finger to hit the button, or else keep it there indefinitely.

All in all, this is a great keyboard and mouse set. Works well right out the box with Windows machines, ergonomically and functionally. I tried many of the shortcuts found on the keyboard, and they worked just fine without having to install any software.
Rating: 5 / 5

Not being a techie, this review will be based on the experiences of an average Joe or Jane trying this keyboard on for size.

Pros:

1. Excellent packaging. Easy to open, and is packed in a compact and attractive box. Would make a great gift.

2. Nice comfortable palm rest and key positioning. The removable feet required a bit of reading of the instructions to set up, but this was relatively easily accomplished. Note: Be careful you don’t throw out the feet with the packaging.

3. Easy set up. Up and running in minutes.

4. Works with batteries, so no need to store and locate a charger when the mouse runs out of steam. (As compared to the Logitech model)

5. Handy buttons for MS Office, such as cut, copy, paste, undo, bold, italic and underline (et al) right on the keyboard. (as dual key functions)

6. Media keys and volume controls on keyboard, also low battery indicator light.

7. Compact footprint, so it can fit most workstations.

Cons:

1. Can you say “dust magnet”? This thing picks up dust and fingerprints like crazy, especially on the shiny bits.

2. Lack of detailed instructions for the keyboard and mouse. It comes with adequate set-up instructions, but expects you to know what to do after that. I’d have appreciated some included info on the keyboard functions.

3. No lights for Caps lock and Num lock

4. Mouse has no on/off switch (that I can find), so when I turned it over and put in the batteries (2 x AA included) I nearly blinded myself with the blue laser. Note: It turns off when the receiver is stored in the base.

5. Mouse is obese. Hard for small hands to deal with, and not ergonomic.

Note:

I don’t have Windows 7 as yet, but it’s nice to know that whenever I get it, the keyboard has special “hot keys” to allow easy access to programmes.

Overall, a good keyboard/mouse combination for the price, with more positive features than negative if you’re an average computer user. I can’t speak for Gamers or Techies, but I like it.

Amanda Richards, January 3, 2010

Rating: 4 / 5

Microsoft succeeded with its comfort Curve 2000; a cabled , stable, and very flat Keyboard which is a breeze to use, and with almost any of the Nano series Mouses from Logitech, they are a great combination.After seeing the Logitech MK700 Keyboard, and then using it, I did not think that MS could come up with a Keyboard that topped the Curve 2000 and the Logitech MK700.

I saw the COMFORT KEYBOARD 5000 MODEL 1394 ( PLUS MOUSE) and thought WOW (but wow was I wrong. Well, This keyboard is a dedicated Windows 7 Keyboard, with all but 5 of the extra keys focused purely on the Windows 7 use. Wether its for XP pro, Windows 7 32 bit, or the more messy 64 bit, this keyboard jettisons most of the keyboard shortcuts, and focuses purely on everything Windows 7, or I should say TRIES to.Its an unpleasant experience.You need to find ways around almost every thing you knew. The Mouse is dreadful; it uses something called “BlueTrack Technology” which is based on the LED light. If the transmission of the signal from the keyboard works the same way then that would explain a lot.

I must note that the look of the Keyboard is very nice, but if MS had let someone from Logitech finish the design of the keyboard, and then trash the useless Bluetrack idea, then maybe this would work. I love the look of this device, but why does MS have to have such a hit and miss history with its hardware. ( no wonder there are warning labels on these units).
Rating: 1 / 5

The wireless mouse and key board works seamlessly and is a great improvement over previous wireless versions offered by Microsoft.
Rating: 5 / 5