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Ergo 4000, by Microsoft – World’s Best Keyboard Ever

This page contains general information about this particular keyboard. See /is/macos/keyboards/ for more including configuration of keyboard shortcuts.

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 – the world’s best keyboard ever (J&P).

Discontinued since many years (when extended this topic in April 2022) but can still be found at Amazon, Though not cheap – supply and demand … the wired Ergo 4000 variant at some US$ 390 and the wireless Ergo 7000 package at US$ 769 (Apr 2022).

 

The Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 is a wired USB keyboard introduced in September 2005 and discontinued in 2019, designed with a split ergonomic layout to promote natural wrist alignment and reduce strain. 

It features a 14-degree gable, curved key bed, and an integrated cushioned palm rest to encourage a comfortable typing posture, along with a removable front stand for adjustable negative tilt.  The keyboard includes 104 keys (Retail) or 109 buttons (Business), multimedia controls, a Zoom Slider, and five programmable “My Favorites” keys. 

While originally priced at $64.95 (approx.  $107 in 2025), the keyboard is now sold as refurbished or used, with current listings ranging from $139.99 to higher prices due to collector demand. 

Compatibility Windows (XP through 10), Mac OS (10.2x–10.4x)

Pros and Cons

  • Positives: Integrated palm rest, adjustable tilt, 3-year warranty, and plenty of programmable keys for productivity. 

  • Negatives: Space bar is often reported as noisy and hard to depress, and the minimal split may not prevent Carpal Tunnel for all users. 

  • Current Status: No longer manufactured; users often seek refurbished units from third-party sellers. 

 

 

Category of Keys Count Comments
Standard keys 47 Alphabetical, numeric, special characters (!@#…)
Above -“-; Func keys, F1..F12+ F Lock 13 F-keys ON: F1, F2, … F12
F-keys OFF: Help, Undo, …Print
Right of -“-: PrtScn, ScrLk, Pause/Break 3
Left side: Esc, Tab, Caps Lock, Shift, Ctrl, Win, Alt 7 modifier keys
Right side: Backspace, Enter, Shift, Alt, Menu, Ctrl 6 modifier keys
Center: Insert, Home, Page Up, Delete, End, Page Down 6 Insert or type-over; navigation keys
Nav keys: Up, Down, Left, Right 4 More navigation keys
Numeric kbd section 17 for faster numeric entries, calculations, calculator app use
Above -“- (=, (, ), arrow) 4 -“-
At top of kbd:
3 app keys: Web/Home, Search, Mail,
5+1 Fav: 5 Fav Keys + My Favorites key,
3 Sound: Sound On/Off, Sound Decrease, Sound Increase,
1 Media: Play/Stop
1 Calculator key		 14 See /is/macos/keyboards/for configuration of keyboard shortcuts.
Bottom of kb: Backward, Forward 2 See /is/macos/keyboards/for configuration of keyboard shortcuts.
Sum, total no of keys 123
PLUS, one Zoom slider, up, own

 

Special Key Handler

‘Top 1’ – Top left

  1. ‘Web/Home’
  2. ‘Search’
  3. ‘Mail’

‘Top 2’ – The 5 Favorites keys plus My Favorites ‘admin’ key

  1. ‘Favorite 1’
  2. ‘Favorite 2’
  3. ‘Favorite 3’
  4. ‘Favorite 4’
  5. ‘Favorite 5’
  6. ‘My Favorites’

‘Top 3’ – Media

  1. Mute
  2. Volume Down
  3. Volume Up
  4. Play/Pause

‘Top 4’

  1. ‘Calculator’

Second Row, Group 1

  1. Esc

Second Row, Group 2, Function keys

  1. ‘Help’
  2. ‘Undo’
  3. ‘Redo’
  4. ‘New’
  5. ‘Open’
  6. ‘Close’
  7. ‘Reply’
  8. ‘Fwd’
  9. ‘Send’
  10. ‘Spell’
  11. ‘Save’
  12. ‘Print’
  13. ‘F Lock’

Second Row, Group 3,###

  1. ‘PrtScr’, ‘SysRq’
  2. ‘ScrLk’
  3. ‘Pause’, ‘Break’

 

Bottom of keyboard, below space, a bit forgotten

  1. ‘Backward’
  2. ‘Forward’