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Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 4000 (3.0) Silver PS2/USB Mac/Win

Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 4000 (3.0) Silver PS2/USB Mac/Win

Bottom line: The Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 4000 Silver PS2/USB Mac/Win: Tilt Wheel scrolls sideways through wide spreadsheets and timelines without a horizontal bar; main trade-off: listed compatibility stops at Windows XP Pro, XP Home, and 2000 Professional.

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Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Tilt Wheel scrolls sideways through wide spreadsheets and timelines without a horizontal bar
  • ✓ Alerts you on-screen when it detects RF interference or a low battery, before input drops
  • ✓ Many users report roughly six months of battery life per set
  • ✓ Arched keyboard shape from Microsoft's ergonomics team supports a neutral hand position
  • ✓ Ships with both PS/2 and USB connectivity, so it drops into pre-USB retro builds

Cons

  • ✗ Listed compatibility stops at Windows XP Pro, XP Home, and 2000 Professional
  • ✗ Pre-2.4GHz-era RF receiver is more interference-prone than current wireless standards
  • ✗ No Microsoft driver support path for current Windows releases
  • ✗ Silver plastic finish from this era yellows on many surviving units

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 4000 Silver PS2/USB Mac/Win using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the keyboards & mice category. Compare with similarly-priced alternatives in the keyboards & mice category before committing. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for keyboards & mice of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Key Features

  • Tilt Wheel Technology
  • Smart technology reduces the likelihood of interruption by notifying you when it detects interference or low battery
  • Many users experience a half year of battery life
  • Designed by Microsoft ergonomics experts, the arched shape provides support for your hand in a natural, comfortable position
  • Compatible with Windows XP Professional Edition, XP Home Edition, or 2000 Professional

Full Specifications

BrandMicrosoft
ColorSilver & Black
ConnectivityWireless, USB
CompatibilityMac
Connection TypeWireless
Special FeatureErgonomic
Compatible DevicesPersonal Computer
Connectivity TechnologyUsb

Ready to buy?

Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 4000 (3.0) Silver PS2/USB Mac/Win is vintage hardware; the used and vintage market on eBay carries most of the live inventory. Prices and condition vary by seller and move in real time, so we link the live listing rather than quote a cached price. It also has an Amazon listing — check it for current price and availability. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

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