Microsoft Sculpt Keyboard discontinuation (and Surface Ergonomic Keyboard)

Question

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

Answer 1

Incase is going to be manufacturing the sculpt keyboard! They are doing designed by Microsoft products.

You can view them at Productivity Accessories – Incase.com & Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard - Incase.com

Support is available at Customer Support – Incase.com

Answer 2

Hello Marrion... unless I am not seeing the Surfact Ergo keyboard correctly, it doesn't tilt forward like the Scupt... which was the main feature and attraction of the Sculpt. I've used keyboards since the '70s; the Sculpt has been the only keyboard that successfully addressed and greatly reduced/prevented wrist fatigue and soreness. A split keyboard, too, is helpful, and nice... but pales in comparison to the beneftis afforded by Scupt's tilt-forward position.

Thank you...

George K.

Laguna Beach CA

Answer 3

Hi Beth Karpf,

Thank you for reaching out to us regarding your concern about the discontinuation of the Microsoft Sculpt Keyboard. I understand that you are looking for a keyboard that is similar to the Sculpt but without the built-in number pad to avoid shoulder and back strain.

The Surface Ergonomic Keyboard is the closest alternative to the Sculpt keyboard. Although it has a built-in number pad, it still has a similar ergonomic design that can help reduce wrist strain. However, I understand that this may not be the ideal solution for you. For the request to have another model similar to the Sculpt, I recommend submitting feedback on this through our Feedback Hub to inform our engineers and developers about this request. See this page for reference: Send feedback to Microsoft with the Feedback Hub app - Microsoft Support

Regarding your question about driver or software updates for the Sculpt Keyboard, I would like to inform you that Microsoft will continue to support the keyboard with driver and software updates as needed. However, since the keyboard is being discontinued, there may be a limited number of updates available in the future.

If you are still interested in purchasing the Sculpt Keyboard, you may still be able to find it from third-party sellers or on online marketplaces. However, please note that Microsoft cannot guarantee the quality or authenticity of products sold by third-party sellers.

I hope this information helps. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask.

Kind regards,
Marrion

Answer 4

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?

Answer 5

Hi Beth Karpf,

Thank you for the response. For the notification on when will the updates be discontinued, I'm sorry but we do not have details on it yet. For this feedback though on the discontinuation of the Microsoft Sculpt Keyboard, we'll take note of this and forward this to the appropriate channel but for now, that is all we could share on this concern.

Kind regards,
Marrion