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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
    2023-08-23T20:00:39+00:00

    Hi Marrion -

    I went to the Feedback Hub but it seems to be about Windows (therefore, about software) - I don't think my comments could go to anyone dealing with hardware accessories. If you can forward my comment on to the right people, that would be great.

    Is there any way to get notification of when Microsoft discontinues updates for this product?

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-01-06T03:56:37+00:00

    Looks like we may all be saved by a licensing deal between Microsoft and Onward:

    https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/01/discontinued-and-unreleased-microsoft-peripherals-revived-by-licensing-deal/

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2023-12-21T01:10:32+00:00

    I'm an ergonomist for the federal government and am shocked. This Sculpt keyboard was the best in-between keyboard for most of our personnel. We made sure this was available as a stock item in our warehouse. That is how perfect this choice was for our personnel. Now what? We've been spoiled. Please bring it back!!!!!!

    We have people who fully type by touch and those who are typing by touch and sight to varying degrees. Only those who fully type by touch can use a split keyboard. Because of this, some could use the split keyboard like Goldtouch and Kenesis, but we have to go shopping for the keypad. We bought 1000s of those Sculpt sets. Who made this foolish decision to stop making these without more information? Many products market themselves as ergonomic and don't suit. I used to have pain under my right shoulder blade. It's been a long time since that problem plagued me. Why? The Sculpt. And using the mouse in neutral posture. Why? the keypad was separate allowing the mouse to come closer.

    Another good product pulled from the market? Why?

    Don't stop making these :-)

    Would it help if I said pretty please? PLEASE!!!!!

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-12-14T17:31:43+00:00

    I'd also like to add in that I love the Sculpt keyboard and I hope it will become available again, its the best!

    9 people found this answer helpful.
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