The time I spend on my computer daily is probably more than any other activity and I have come to realized the importance of ergonomics. Having a combination of good computer chair, a proper computer table with keyboard tray, and of course an ergonomic keyboard and mouse is very important. I have been using the wired Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 for many years and it allows me to rest my wrists against the plush palm rest in a relaxed, natural angle with this keyboard’s curved key bed, ergonomic arc, and reversed slope. As for the mouse, I use a simple USB Microsoft optical wheel mouse that is also wired.

I have to admit that I didn’t like all the wires going around my table because it looks messy and untidy. So I searched for alternative and found that Microsoft has another model called Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000 which features the same keyboard as the 4000 without the wires and it comes together with a Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 which is very similar to the Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 sold individually. Unfortunately I couldn’t find anyone selling the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000 in Malaysia, so I searched in eBay. Found a seller from UK, paid for it but after 2 months I was refunded because they wasn’t able to send it to Malaysia. Then this time I ordered from US and I just received it after waited for nearly 2 weeks. For your information, there is no custom import tax when you buy computer parts from overseas.


There is no problem with the keyboard because it is the same as the old which I am very comfortable because of the ergonomic design that encourages natural wrist and arm alignment so I can work without discomfort.

As for the mouse, it is something very new to me. Instead of putting your whole hand on top of the mouse, the mouse included in the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000 fits my hand as naturally as a handshake. While it is logical but there is one small problem and that is the mouse being too big/high and I find it hard to accurately move the mouse cursor to where I want to. I guess this is the reason why it is not sold in Malaysia as we Asians have smaller hands.

Another con is it uses 2 double A batteries to power up the mouse and keyboard. I could use rechargeable batteries but it is a hassle to take out, recharge and put it back again. I am sure there will be times when I forget to charge the batteries after using it the whole day. I can’t give away the mouse because I am using the receiver for the keyboard and Microsoft don’t sell the receiver separately.

My verdict on Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000: Love the keyboard but hate the mouse. I wished Microsoft sold the wireless version of Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 separately.

P/S: I am still in the hunt for a good and ergonomic mouse. Modern mouse such as Razer Mamba are far more advanced as it uses rechargeable lithion-ion battery, has dual mode (Wired & Wireless) and more responsive but the price is twice more expensive. Do you think the Razer Mamba is worth buying?