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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
    2023-11-05T23:06:17+00:00

    Marrion,

    You still did not answer the question, "Why was the Sculpt Keyboard discontinued?"As an ergonomist working for several LARGE entities, I have been recommending that keyboard for close to 10 years. It fits an important role for many keyboard users who do not use the 10 key pad on a regular basis.

    I will return to recommending the Gold Touch Keyboard that does not have the same comfort and touch to the keyboard but that is my best options. The other comments before me covered many of my concerns.

    You people are nuts for dumping this product.

    cordially,

    Bob N. PT

    60+ people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2023-11-26T20:22:30+00:00

    I, too, am very disappointed by Microsoft discontinuing the Sculpt. I've probably purchased 5 of them for myself. That doesn't say good things for the keyboard's longevity, but says a lot about how it fits my needs relative to the competition. Please, bring it back.

    30+ people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2023-11-16T16:54:48+00:00

    The Microsoft Sculpt is the best ergonomic keyboard created. It is light, and definitely complements those of us who have been typing for decades and places little effort on your fingers and wrist when you have symptoms of carpal tunnel . I am hoping it returns to production, but it is definitely a plus for individuals who do a lot of typing. I have been looking at various vendors to see if any of them might have some left in stock, but I have been unsuccessful.

    Microsoft should consider bringing these back because nothing else compares.

    Wanda

    Huge Fan of this Keyboard and mouse combination

    20+ people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2023-11-12T00:48:33+00:00

    It’s crazy that MSFT decided to do away with the sculpt keyboard. It was hands down the best design in the market. Of course this was a business decision and consumer choice never made to the list. My keyboard just stopped working after 1 year and now I am at a loss on what to pick up with my carpel tunnel. I saw the surface keyboard and basically it comes nowhere close to the sculpt specially with its big size and no incline. Thanks MSFT for the trouble

    20+ people found this answer helpful.
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