Microsoft Wired Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000, Retail
Bottom line: The Microsoft Wired Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 ($399.95 on Amazon as of 2026-10-21 00:15 UTC): Split key layout keeps wrists and forearms at natural angles; main trade-off: split layout has a retraining period if you touch-type on a flat board.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Split key layout keeps wrists and forearms at natural angles
- ✓ Full-width cushioned palm rest supports long typing sessions
- ✓ Palm lift tilts the front edge up for a neutral wrist position
- ✓ Zoom Slider gives one-finger zoom on pages and images
- ✓ 5 programmable My Favorites keys plus dedicated media controls
Cons
- ✗ Split layout has a retraining period if you touch-type on a flat board
- ✗ Wired-only design tethers you to a USB port, no wireless option
- ✗ Large footprint with palm rest eats significant desk depth
- ✗ Membrane key feel, not the mechanical switches many typists prefer
Manufacturer description
The Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 is built around a split key layout that lets your hands, wrists, and forearms sit at their natural angles instead of twisting inward over a flat board. Its curved key field brings keys closer to your fingertips, while the palm lift tilts the front edge upward to hold your wrists in a more relaxed, neutral position. A cushioned palm rest runs the full width of the keyboard so your hands have somewhere to land during long typing sessions. Beyond the ergonomics, this Microsoft keyboard adds controls you actually reach for. The Zoom Slider sits…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Microsoft Wired Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the PC & gaming hardware category. Microsoft's PC & gaming hardware lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. 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 PC & gaming hardware 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 wired or wireless?
It is wired. This is the retail wired version, so it connects by cable and needs no batteries or wireless receiver.
How long does it take to get used to the split design?
Expect an adjustment period. The split halves and curved key layout reposition your hands, so touch-typists coming from a flat keyboard usually need some time before speed returns to normal.
What do the My Favorites keys do?
There are 5 customizable My Favorites keys that you assign to the folders, files, and web pages you open most, giving one-press access to them.
Does it have media controls?
Yes. It includes media keys for music and video playback control, plus a Zoom Slider for zooming in on web pages and images.
Key Features
- Split ergonomic design encourages natural hand, wrist, and forearm positions
- Cushioned palm rest provides support and promotes a neutral wrist position
- Palm lift promotes a relaxed, natural angle for your wrist
- Media keys for music and video control
Full Specifications
| UPC | 672118843833 731631157640 803982747198 060090915042 611101297109 820294274952 642008412548 749850994083 809385157527 741329056438 172302695601 211131834956 041114204069 042132692470 808111646427 172302697292 085783540974 012302907369 763615808545 012302517698 809185308068 778888156224 163120777686 999994107904 132017583259 971472864011 069060136272 999900891248 737989665646 085783541650 141291049184 882224015462 840356820231 778329858687 887590191871 031112759036 085783541766 031112684468 717689063874 102930733185 008822240154 163120777648 168141471414 791109156148 085783541605 777786303143 168141471698 085783541599 085783541414 791109156155 112840371100 720825503134 031112187709 |
|---|---|
| ASIN | B000A6PPOK |
| Brand | Microsoft |
| Color | Black |
| Style | Retail |
| Theme | ergonomic |
| Model Name | B2M-00012 |
| Style Name | Retail |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Is Electric | Yes |
| Switch Type | Tactile/Mechanical |
| Manufacturer | Microsoft |
| Model Number | B2M-00012 |
| Power Source | AC |
| Built-In Media | Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000, Start Up Guide |
| Item Type Name | Microsoft B2M-00012 Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000, Black |
| Number of Keys | 104 |
| Button Quantity | 104 |
| Keyboard Layout | QWERTY |
| Special Feature | Alcohol-Free |
Ready to buy?
Microsoft Wired Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000, Retail is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-21. Price and availability subject to change.
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