Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 v3 (Black)
Reviews of Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 v3 (Black)
1.) Well Designed Wireless Desktop
Reviewed by: Seanna
Rating: 
I have been using the wireless Microsoft 3000 series keyboard and 5000 series mouse for a long while so I am very familiar with this product range.
The first improvement I noticed with the 6000 series is that you no longer have the big transceiver which will sometimes move and make it so you end up losing your wireless signal. Microsoft has now integrated the transceiver into a device which is the size of a thumb drive and plugs directly into your USB socket. The result of this (along with the better wireless technology) is hardly any signal loss so you always feel confident that things will happen instantaneously when you press a key or move the mouse.
To install the keyboard and mouse you plug in the transceiver, press the silver button and then the white signal buttons on the bottom of the mouse and keyboard and it will auto detect them. You can also install everything using the software included.
The 6000 keyboard is very sleek in design; it is about an inch thick at most and very lightweight. The main keyboard area is similar to the 3000 but there are a lot more `quick keys' around the outer area. Some of the new ones are `magnify' which lets you enlarge screen detail, `my favorites' which is a way to make your own set of personal keys and `flip 3D' which displays a 3D overlay of all open windows and lets you cycle through them. Another cool addition is the battery status indicator so you know when your batteries are running low. The keyboard itself is very responsive and when you press the keys it feels effortless instead of feeling numb and unresponsive like so many keyboards. The built in ergonomic wrist rest helps it feel a lot more comfortable.
The 6000 mouse is well designed and neatly crafted (even better than already excellent previous models) to fit comfortably in your hand. It is quick, smooth and responsive and the keys click with purpose.
Final conclusion - I really like the whole feel of the 6000 desktop series and Microsoft has taken the design of the keyboard and mouse to another level - highly recommended!
2.) UPDATE _ Tossed my other wireless system in less than 10 minutes!
Reviewed by: javajunki
Rating:
This is my 4th wireless keyboard system...three from Microsoft and one from Logitech. The former was a replacement for one that I absolutely adored but failed after non-stop use for several years...unfortunately, despite looking exactly the same it was immediately apparent the construction had changed so after only a few months, I was glad to see this one pop up on my screen.
The first thing to mention was the SUPER easy installation! The usb transmitter is a vast improvement over the old one which always seems to get in the way. I also like the sleek design of the keyboard although I'm not thrilled about the ultra-low profile of the individual keys - it might come with time. A few other improvements include:
- MUCH quieter. The original wireless keyboard was very quite but the last one clicked away intolerably. This is also a nice quiet keyboard.
- Useful function keys. I rarely used the media keys on the other in part because it took time to remember what was what. These are clearly marked as 'idiot proof' PLUS are actually things I want to do.
- Easy to clean.
This keyboard also managed to keep the positive things from the other including the slight wave design which dramatically reduces finger fatigue - at least in my opinion. Since I type all day long that isn't a small consideration.
Unlike others, I REALLY like this new mouse design! It feels very comfortable and the magnification button is terrific for the type of work I do on a regular basis. The mouse is sensitive straight out of the box BUT originally the scroll seeemed to be 'hanging' here and there. It would move then stop, move then nothing...I moved my monitor out of the way and the problem seemed to be fixed. The monitor was blocking the transmitter....all is well at this point. Outside of that little problem, the mouse is much more responsive esp compared to the last set which was already showing signs of "roughness" in the wheel.
Overall, very pleased! A big improvement over the other wave keyboard (although the original wave was a delight...the last one was terrible). Will be keeping this one and using other as a spare.
UPDATE _ within a few days I dug out my old keyboard with great reluctance. I really liked the new keyboard but the transmission is simply not powerful enough and continued to "freeze", skip or experience other delays. It seemed to grow worse over time so that by the 2nd or 3rd day it was happening several times in a period of just a few hours. It's totally unacceptable to experience repeated delays especially since the transmitter is less than 3 feet away from the keyboard. Unfortunately, I'm unable to change my five star rating but suffice to say - I'm still searching for a great wireless laser desktop.
3.) Very Cool
Reviewed by: P. Novak
Rating:
I must say, I really enjoyed this product. It comes with a mouse, keyboard, cd, documentation, batteries and a USB receiver. Setup was easy, although it is difficult to remove one of the batteries from the mouse. Through XP the software took about 5 minutes to install, and did not require a reboot. The programmable keys were mapped ok, although it did not recognize Firefox (I do not have IE installed) so it defaulted the internet button to Windows Explorer. Surprisingly it did map the play button to iTunes by default. Customizing the buttons was easy, and intuitive.
The keyboard was easy to use, and very comfortable. It is very quiet, and I liked the non-skid rubber on the bottom edge. The mouse was much bigger than I am accustomed to, but it was comfortable. The zoom button on the mouse is a nice touch. The click wheel does not click, which I liked too.
Overall this is an excellent product, and I am looking forward to many years of service from it (fingers crossed).
4.) Great Quality and Functionality
Reviewed by: Gaz Rendar Chicago, IL USA
Rating:
The MS wireless laser desktop 6000 is a great product that should make a lot of customers happy. However, it does have a few slight, nagging problems that, in reality, would lead me to give it a 4.5 star rating. But based on Amazon's rating scale, I rounded up to 5 stars.
This desktop set has a lot going for it. The installation of the software was painless. The wireless connection is simple plug'n'play with the USB dongle--the keyboard and mouse didn't even have to be sync'd up, it worked right out of the box. It's nicely constructed and has a pretty sharp looking design. The keys are ergonomic and comfortable for all-day use. There are plenty of dedicated function keys that are clearly mapped out for things like the calculator and media center commands. In addition, there are programmable keys up at the top of the board that let you assign any program or document to them. You just hit the key and it asks you what you'd like to assign to it. And for the ultimate test, I let a very non-techie friend borrow the keyboard for a week and she had zero problems installing it or assigning programmable functions to it. It's a great desktop combo, and I would give it a full 5 stars if I had never used Logitech's Wave Desktop.
So what are the shortcomings of the microsoft 6000? The first thing that's a dealbreaker is the mouse--for lefties. This is a right handed mouse. The Logitech Wave Desktop has an ambidextrous mouse by comparison.
The other minor problems are indeed, minor and somewhat personally picky. First, the mouse scroll wheel glides freely when used. I prefer a scroll wheel that has a click-step resistance so that I can scroll a specified 3, or 6, or 9 lines at a time. Again, not a big deal, and more of a personal preference. The final thing is the space bar. The space bar is soft and has some "lazy action." It just doesn't bounce up quickly the way I'd like it to when I'm cruising along typing fast. It's functional and very useable, just not a real 5-star perfect.
So, overall, I'm a little torn. I really, really like this keyboard/mouse and would give it 5-stars. But since I've also tried out the Logitech Wave (you can check my Amazon review on that as well), I have to give that a 5-star rating and my full recommendation--especially for lefties. If you prefer a free-scrolling mouse wheel, or a few more easy to use programmable buttons, then go with the MS Desktop 6000.
5.) Works well
Reviewed by: Professional Arizona, USA
Rating:
Just to be sure we are comparing apples to apples, I am using Microsoft Wireless Keyboard 6000 v3.0 and Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 6000 v2.0.
I bought this keyboard after struggling with occasional connectivity loss using the Logitech MX5000. After trying the Microsoft keyboard, I fell in love with the feel of the keys. The keyboard, being the main method with which I enter data, is really important to me.
The installation was very easy. I actually downloaded the latest software from Microsoft, installed it, and then followed the very simple directions to install the keyboard and mouse.
The keyboard works as advertised. I have not experienced any connectivity issues, and my 802.11g router is less than 3 feet away from the keyboard - there has been no interference, key being "stuck", or stuttering.
The volume up and down keys do not seem to work with the keyboard. I tried Google but could not find a solution. Mute button does work.
The mouse is not as good as the Logitech's laser mouse. This is very individual though, so you should get your hands on it first before you buy. I agree with others that the scroll wheel should have some sort of detent instead of simply free-rolling.
Overall I am very happy with this keyboard.
6.) Use This To Turn Your Laptop Into A Desktop or WEBTV!
Reviewed by: SundayAtDusk PlanetEarth
Rating:
Like many people, when I decided to get another computer, I chose a laptop. And like many people, I discovered that while the portability and space saving features of a laptop were nice, I longed to be back on a desktop at times. Everything has its pluses and minuses, I thought. But then I discovered how to turn a laptop into all pluses!
First, I saw an ad for a laptop holder, which started me thinking...that doesn't quite solve the problem. You still had a very small keyboard. Thus, I got this keyboard and mouse set, and that solved the keyboard problem. This 6000 keyboard is BIG and COMFORTABLE. The keys are cushioned...and there are so many keys...I only wished I knew what they all did. And that's my only complaint about this keyboard--no users manual. I can't even find a book on it. I'm sure there is a probably an online user's guide, but I can't stand using those. I long for a nice paper user's manual I can hold in my hands, and consult any time I want.
The 6000 mouse is large, too, with many features. I use it constantly now, but I personally still prefer a less complicated mouse. This mouse, however, would be an excellent choice for someone with vision problems, since it has a wonderful built-in magnifier.
But back to the laptop minuses...I had a desktop keyboard now, but still a small laptop screen...then, someone gave me a 19-inch Sony monitor...and all the minuses disappeared. Now, unless I need to take my laptop somewhere, it just sits to the side on my Kodak printer. When I need to use it, I just flip it open, turn it on, and then move to the left on the desk, and am looking at the internet on a big Sony screen, while typing on the 6000 keyboard, and using the 6000 mouse.
For even more fun, I hooked my laptop up to someone's 46-inch Sony TV, and began to reminisce about my beloved WEBTV Plus...that bit the dust when Cox fixed their digital phone lines in my neighborhood! Once again, I was seeing the internet on a BIG screen. It wasn't really like WEBTV, since there were no WEBTV groups or page builder, but there once again was the comfort of sitting and doing searches online far away from a desk and chair...with a nice wireless keyboard. :)
7.) All other complaints about connectivity should read this!
Reviewed by: John Morales Ashburn, VA
Rating:
This is a great product, once you work around a serious hardware design flaw.
I originally bought this product, and was so p'd off that it would lose keystrokes and connectivity when I was just 2 feet away from the dongle. I started looking into it because I thought, "either I'm doing something wrong or I'm going to file a class action claiming false advertising". Turns out I wasn't doing anything wrong, it's just my setup..
I don't remember where I read it, but it has to do with certain computer chasis and the usb connectors, long story short, on certain computers there is something that adds interference when plugging the dongle directly to the computer.
CONNECT THE DONGLE USING A USB EXTENSION (any length, 6 inch is fine) AND PROBLEM SOLVED!!! 30 FT CONNECTIVITY :)
if you don't have one already..get this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Inch-Fully-Rated-Extension-Cable/dp/B000E5CYW8/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1275183669&sr=1-8
Microsoft really should provide one with the unit.
8.) Solid wireless keyboard combo
Reviewed by: guinzuz Boston, MA United States
Rating:
Pros:
Solid feel, adjustable high positioning, comfortable typing, very accurate mouse, slim design (doesn't take up the whole desk), stylish design, no delay when turning on
Cons:
Occationally hit number keys in the middl9e of a w9rd, the "F-Lock" feature is off by default - it took me almost a week to figure out how to use F5 so I could Refresh. No intutive way to use the keyboard to put the computer to sleep. Mouse clicks are loud.
9.) not so pretty, but works very good !!
Reviewed by: D Chihuahua, Mexico
Rating:
this thing its not pretty, but works very nice, feels very good.
the drivers are very heavy for a Keyboard/mouse. but, i think those works fine.
the mouse wheel, dont like a lot, but you get use to it.
10.) nice keyboard
Reviewed by: sweet
Rating:
This keyboard is a really convenient accessory to have.
I use a Macbook pro which is rather heavy.
..I connect the same to my Sony Bravia and use the TV as a monitor and also to watch movies.
FOr that reason alone I was looking around for a wireless keyboard and mouse.
I just love the convenience of not having to get up and go to my laptop for things like forwarding and volume.
For me personally its a multi media use.
I am sure people will have lots more use for the same.
The ergonomic contours of the keyboard and mouse make it more comfortable on the hands and though I cant make out too much difference, I am sure it is helps to use it when people use it for a long time.
Worth a try.
11.) Works great
Reviewed by: Gluteus Maximus SoCal
Rating:
I am using this keyboard and mouse on a mac mini. Installation was fast and simple. It doesn't match the rest of my ensemble but it does the job. The pair is not as expensive as apple's bluetooth keyboard and mouse. The apple is far more sexier but you have to pay to play. This keyboard/mouse is nice and thin and not to bulky. Batteries last a while. I wish it would have been bluetooth in order to have one more usb port open but a hub takes care of that. Overall great product from microsoft.
12.) Great Value
Reviewed by: T. Fisher
Rating:
I've had a lot of bad wireless keyboard/mouse experiences. This one is great. Nice long range, no drop outs experienced, keyboard has a real nice feel - not the old straight type, but not as exagerated as the real curved ones. I love the magnifying glass feature on the mouse. The price was very reasonable for what you get.
13.) fantastic keyboard
Reviewed by: chocoholic Levittown,PA
Rating:
I was looking for an ergonomic keyboard with a decent mouse that was also wireless. This is very comfortable and the mouse is very responsive. I love the magnify option and it also is very appealinng to look at.
14.) product as advertised - works great
Reviewed by: Alpaca John Ridgefield, WA
Rating:
wireless keyboard and mouse both work great - no problems to report after a month of daily use.
seller proved to be reliable and delivered when promised
15.) Microsoft desktop 6000
Reviewed by: Ryan J. Berglin
Rating:
The product was NIB just as described, works great, and the price was about 1/2 of what I found anywhere else.
16.) Great Product
Reviewed by: William
Rating:
I bought one for work too. I like the quiet soft touch keys. The slight curve eases stress on my wrists. The wireless works great and enjoy the freedom it gives to move the devices anywhere on my desk. I also like the features, especially how the software gives you control over all the different buttons. I recommend this product.
17.) Very reliable and good battery life
Reviewed by: knitting ninja San Jose, CA USA
Rating:
I have been using this keyboard and mouse combo for about six months and it has performed flawlessly. It is replacing another Microsoft wireless combo that lasted for years before the keyboard failed. This keyboard has a nice quiet touch and a comfortable design. There are loads of unique function keys like "print screen" and "calc". It also has a pleasing appearance on my desktop. The mouse is comfortable and has a nice magnification function for one of the side buttons. I have had no problem with the range even though I placed the USB transmitter unit on the back of my PC.
All in all, I really couldn't ask for more from a keyboard and mouse.
18.) The best!
Reviewed by: Rock Fan Alberta
Rating:
This keyboard with the Microsoft laser mouse 7000 is the ultimate combo. I use it to perfection on my Imac when I grew somewhat dissatisfied with the Mighty Mouse and wireless Apple keyboard. Mainly I got sick of the connectivity problems with the Apple combo. If you are using boot camp it can be a pain, but this Microsoft 6000 keyboard works perfectly. I have never had a more comfortable, easy to use, plug and play, high quality, great for gaming combination than the Microsoft wireless keyboard 6000 and the Microsoft wireless laser mouse 7000. I like the Apple keyboards and mice but they are not nearly as good, useable or have the connectivity of the superior Microsoft keyboards/mice.
19.) wireless keyboard & mouse
Reviewed by: Martha
Rating:
I have connected my laptop to my TV monitor and use the keyboard mouse to remote internet access while using the tv for a monitor. Works wonderfully but does tend to go through batteries a lot.
20.) What can I say? I have two, type all day, and love them.
Reviewed by: J. Reilly Albany, NY USA
Rating:
I have one at home and one at the office.
I'm a software developer and type all day.
The keyboard has an awesome feel; better than any other that I've used for my taste.
I haven't had any connectivity problems, though my keboards are pretty close to my PCs.
I don't really use any of the other features of the keyboard; just bought it because I love typing on it.
21.) Works well, very comfortable
Reviewed by: C. Wood Texas
Rating:
Really like the feel of this keyboard. It takes a little adjustment but it types very smoothly. The mouse is a little large for my small hands but no major problems & I can see how the ergonomic design would rest your wrist more. Have to install the included software before it will work but it's very easy. And I paid a lot less for this product than what the local big box store wanted. Would definitely recommend this product.
22.) My new Microsoft Laser Keyboard and Mouse
Reviewed by: William Schultz Fairfield Glade,TN
Rating:
The unit is exactly what my wife and I were looking for. It is easy to use and seems to be well made. Since it is new I can not express anything about the battery life, but the laser mouse without cords is fun to use. There are more features than most will use, but I am glad they are included. The fantastic price we paid at Amazon.com was (49.99 w/super saver shipping) and the service was very good. I would highly recommend the product.
23.) Great upgrade to wireless mouse and keyboard
Reviewed by: fortg Fort Worth, TX
Rating:
If you wondering about whether to spend the money for this combo mouse and keyboard, you won't regret it. It is a serious upgrade from the Logitech wireless mouse and wired keyboard I had before. A range of 30 feet is accurate. I originally purchased one from Costco about a year ago to use with my home laptop and liked it so much I purchased one for my oldest son. I have since purchsed two more from Amazon (Costco doesn't it carry them anymore)--one for my business laptop and one for my wife's desktop. The Amazon price was competitive with Costco with free shipping and no sales tax. My son and I like to play online poker and there is nothing better than being able to sit on our COMFORTABLE sofas using a wall-mounted LCD TV as a monitor, and not have to sit at a desk for 2-3 hours. That puts me about 15 feet away from my laptop and there are no problems at all--no pausing of the cursor, delayed clicking or anything like that. I've checked them both at 30 feet and still no issues. I wouldn't have thought there could be much difference in the feel of the mouse and keyboard, but I was wrong. They are both so comfortable and smooth operating you will really appreciate the difference. The mouse has a great feature that allows you to magnify the computer/TV screen with a thumb click which is great when you're sitting away from your TV and want a close up view of a specific area of your screen. It's like looking through a magnifying glass. I believe it's a 3X magnification (older eyes can appreciate this :-)). The multiple controls and shortcuts on the keyboard are handy and very functional. The keyboard also has a magnifier that can make the entire image on the screen larger or you can make it as small as you want--either way. I HIGHLY recommend this product, and you can't go wrong with the cost from Amazon.
24.) I love this keyboard and mouse!
Reviewed by: just_do_it_28 FL
Rating:
I love the curve of the keyboard, finding it very comfortable and not as severe as other models such as the 4000. The keys have a great feel and are low profile. Very comforable. I have not experience connectivity problems other than when the batteries need to be changed. I feel bad for those who've had a bad experience but my experience has been very positive. I just bought 7 of these for my whole office!
25.) Long wait but worth it
Reviewed by: Norman A. Satcher Sherman, TX
Rating:
After a month long wait for a replacement for the first keybaord that did not work I finally got the replacement. It is everything I hoped it would be. The Microsoft 6000 v3 wireless keyboard and mouse has more features than I have figgured out, but every one that I have is super. The keyboard has very nice keys for any one who does any typing and is very comfortable.
I realize that I got caught up in the Christmas rush in having to wait but I don't feel the Microsoft customer service people put forth much of an effort or could care less. 5 stars for the product, 0 stars for the service.
My dealings with Amazon were 5 star as usual and I understand they had nothing to do with the problems. I will definately buy from Amazon in the future.
Norman A. Satcher
26.) Good Keyboard & Mouse
Reviewed by: Hussam
Rating:
Good keyboard and mouse. Both worked with Linux easily (plug and play), and so far no complaints.
I had better precision with the mouse by using a mousepad. The keyboard does not have indicators to show if the Num Lock, Scroll Lock, Caps Lock, or Function Lock keys are pressed.
27.) N/A
Reviewed by: Ayele Chernet
Rating:
It is a very handy product, well designed and highly functional. Works very well as intended.
28.) No Connection Problem Here - Works from 15 Feet Away
Reviewed by: Michael Sumner Chapel Hill, NC
Rating:
Let me first say that I moved from a Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Elite. The main reason I upgraded to this keyboard was for the more comfortable layout and the media keys, which weren't on my Natural Keyboard Elite.
Comfort: I have not used a keyboard more comfortable that this in quite a long time. The keys are quiet, with just the right amount of soft pressure through the keypresses. My average typing speed has increased from around 85-90 wpm on the Desktop Elite to typically 105 to 110 wpm. The slight curve of the keys is very comfortable, and easier to get used to than say the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite. However, I would rate the Natural Keyboard Elite as slightly more comfortable on my wrists than this keyboard, as it is much more curved.
The mouse is rather comfortable as well, but the mouse wheel is somewhat small, and because of the way the right side of the mouse tapers down to meet the desk, it can be hard to pick up the mouse with one hand. I hadn't noticed how much I pick up the mouse until I got this mouse. Not a deal breaker, and I've gotten used to it, but something to consider.
Construction Quality: For the most part, the keyboard feels very solid. I will say that some of the media keys at the top are a little bit loose and jiggle some when the keyboard is moved. The feet under the keyboard used to raise or lower the keyboard are not usual pop out feet, and instead are separate pieces which lock into the keyboard by inserting a tab and twisting. Unusual to say the least and they feel like with enough usage they might break. Otherwise both the mouse and keyboard feel very solid.
Ease of Use: The first thing I will mention is that F1 - F12 keys are rather small, but have a satisfying push. I'm a programmer, and having to adjust to the new positions of the F keys has been annoying, but this was expected. Also, the mouse can be awkward to pick up because the right side of the mouse is tapered down to the desk. Not a deal breaker, but I must say I never noticed picking up a mouse before this one. The wheel is also somewhat smaller than my last mouse, which makes middle clicking a little more difficult. I've found it easier to middle click if I rest my finger on the spot where the bottom of the mouse wheel meets the mouse body and click there.
Connectivity: Contrary to what many users have said concerning this keyboard and mouse, I have had no connectivity issues. As a test, I took the keyboard and mouse to the other end of my living room, which is about 15 feet long, and both the mouse and keyboard worked fine. Since I've had the product, I've seen zero connectivity issues even though my room is literally swamped with wireless signals. (Router, Wifi from 4 computers, etc.) The mouse also has a spot underneath to carry the receiver, which is a nice plus, but expected on a set like this.
Note On Included Software: I must say, I've been very impressed with Intellitype and Intellipoint. Both pieces of software allow for the media keys and the mouse buttons to be highly customized. You have the option to set a key to open a program (along with command line arguments), send a simple keystroke, or perform a number of windows specific actions. The most impressive, I believe, is the macro editor, which allows for very specific macro programming, including holding keys down while pressing others, inserting special keys, and editing timings down to the millisecond.
Final Thoughts: As a programmer, I've used a lot of keyboard. This has been one of my favorite all around keyboards. The keys feel sturdy, and the media key selection is excellent. The mouse is accurate and easy to use. Most importantly, I've had zero reception issues. However, if you're simply looking for comfort, look at the Microsoft Natural Keyboard Elite. It's cheaper and it is the most comfortable and sturdy keyboard I've ever used. If you're looking for extra keys to map to functions you use all the time (Close a Browser Tab, Skip the current song, show the desktop, etc.), you can't go wrong with this keyboard.
29.) Love it
Reviewed by: Andrew R. Freed Cary, NC United States
Rating:
Very comfortable wireless keyboard and mouse set, works with my PC and my Mac. I enjoyed it so much I bought a second set for the office. Just remember to install the included software so that your function keys work correctly.
30.) I love my new cordless mouse and keyboard!
Reviewed by: pmdoc Reno
Rating:
I love my new cordless mouse and keyboard! It looks, feels, and works great! Absolutely no regrets buying it.
31.) Top Of The Line Keyboard and Mouse Kit Rated Number 1 By Me
Reviewed by: Charles S. Rodgers
Rating:
The keyboard is comfortable to type on and has exceptional good looks. It's well made and I love it. The mouse is very comfortable in my hand and operates very good.
This product was purchased through Amazon.com. I love to shop with Amazon.com as my partner. I feel safe and secure. I use the internet for almost all my purchases and I go though Amazon.com when possible..
32.) Outstanding Ergonomics But Spotty Connectivity
Reviewed by: A Music Fan San Jose, CA
Rating: 
This is my third wireless keyboard/mouse combo (I have one from Dell and one from Logitech as well). I have highlighted some things that I particularly liked about it along with some of its drawbacks.
[Update: I've downgraded my rating to 3 stars because the keyboard amd mouse started having connectivity problems.]
Pros
----
- Decent Wireless Range
The effective wireless range for both the keyboard and mouse is about 15 ft. Beyond that, the response from the keyboard and mouse becomes sporadic. Still, it's a decent range and will suit the needs of most people.
- Ergonomic Mouse
I love how the shape of the mouse allows me to "hug" it with my entire hand, and it fits very snugly and comfortably. Its ergonomic shape, coupled with the support I get from my wrist rest, really helps to alleviate strain on my wrist. As far as ergonomics is concerned, I'm surprised that I actually find myself liking it a fair bit more than my Logitech MX Revolution.
- Ergonomic Keyboard
The slight curvature of the rows of keys for the QWERTY part of the keyboard helps to accommodate the natural position of your wrist. This is my first Microsoft "Natural" keyboard and I must say it has completely dispelled my skepticism of Microsoft's so-called "Natural" keyboard design. I find that it does work as claimed in helping to properly align your wrist so you can work more comfortably.
- Ultra Quiet Keyboard
Wow... I'm very impressed by how quiet the keyboard is no matter how fast I type or how hard I press the keys; there's none of the familiar "clacking" sound that comes from typing on a normal keyboard.
- Pleasant Tactile Response From The Keyboard
I also love how the keys on the keyboard have an almost laptop keyboard feel to it. The keys are firm, not jiggly, and they have a very pleasant tactile response.
- Accurate Mouse Tracking
The tracking on the mouse is responsive and precise. Because it uses laser tracking, it works on pretty much any surface - light, dark, shiny, dull, smooth, rugged - you name it. It took on surfaces that my optical mice have trouble tracking - with no problems.
- Mouse Customizability
All buttons can be completely customized. These include the left and right buttons, the wheel click, and the two buttons on the side traditionally set to forward and backward.
Cons
----
- Lagging Quirk
Periodically, there a slight lag in response from the keyboard for about a second or two, before it "catches up" with the typing - not terribly bothersome, but definitely noticeable.
- [Update: Every so often, the keyboard loses connectivity momentarily. At first, it was an occasional glitch, which was bearable, but as time went by it became more and more frequent, and now it's just plain unbearable.]
- [Update: The keyboard also seems to have developed the problem of repeating certain keystrokkes - justt likkke that. I find myself having to backspace to correct the glitch every few minutes - very annoying!]
- Mouse Has Too Much Friction with Surfaces
There is more friction between the mouse and surfaces for my liking. I guess I'm spoiled by the way my Logitech mouse glides on most surfaces - thanks to the coating of Teflon on the bottom of its contact points. Having a mouse that glides effortlessly really makes for a much more pleasant mousing experience.
- Lack of a "Click-to-Click" Wheel
This is a biggie for me - I am thoroughly used to a mouse wheel that gives you tactile feedback of a "notch"/click as you turn it, so I'm very disappointed to find out that the wheel of this mouse turns almost frictionlessly. It's a problem because most people have their mouse optimally set to scroll 3 lines at each click/notch (the default setting), so it requires some effort to precisely control the click-less/notch-less turning of the wheel for scrolling a page up or down to the desired position.
- Mouse Customizability
The left and right tilting motion of the mouse is strictly reserved for left and right scrolling, and is thus not customizable. So far, I've found one particular application (Opera) the side-to-side scrolling doesn't work on.
Conclusion
----------
What impressed me most about both the keyboard and mouse is how much they help in alleviating wrist strain to help me work more comfortably. I give it high marks for ergonomics, which is a pretty compelling incentive for me to switch to it from my Logitech keyboard/mouse combo. However, it has some quirks, and there are a couple of drawbacks to the mouse, the most significant of which is the lack of a "click-to-click" wheel - something I find very hard to get past. There you have it; the above are some considerations you might want to take into account before deciding whether the Microsoft Natural Keyboard/Mouse Combo is right for you.
[Update: I see at least a couple of reviewers have, like me, come back to downgrade their rating and update their reviews after they, too, started having connectivity problems with the keyboard/mouse. I was initially stoked about the ergonomics this package has to offer and was prepared to accept a couple of minor quirks. However, the glitches became more than just "noticeable"; they became unbearable as connectivity problems became more and more frequent. I'm switching back to my Logitech, which gives me rock solid reliability.]
33.) No complaints here
Reviewed by: flyjar
Rating:
I was waiting for verion 3 to come out, looking for the 2.4GHz and 30 foot range, and small transceiver. The mouse is really sensitive, more so then my optical mouse, so it took some getting used to. The keyboard seems to cut out a little but it could be from all the other 2.4GHhz devices I have running at the same time. I'm about 10 feet from the transceiver. The comfort curve is quite nice, not quite as nice as the natural, but it better than the standard. This is my first keyboard with extra function keys (media player, volume control, zoom, customizable, etc.), and I must say they are quite nice. I do wish they kept the F1, F2, etc. keys grouped in 4's like most keyboards, hitting F5 to refesh is a little difficult, I have to look more for it. I might have to pick up another one of these to have at work.
34.) Excellent Product
Reviewed by: MM Tiburon, CA
Rating:
Two shortcomings. 1. Doesn't have a "sleep" key. 2. Would like full size F1-F12 keys. Other than these two small deficiencies I would have rated it 5 stars. Very comfortale and good tactile response. Love the magnifier built into the mouse.
35.) An Easy Fix for Poor Connectivity Issues
Reviewed by: chopsticks user Fresno, CA
Rating:
Pros:
-Ergonomic Mouse and Keyboard
-Long Battery Life
-Soft keys
-Stylish
-Programmable/Customizable Keys
Cons:
-Connectivity Issues
-Mouse takes awhile to get use to
-Some keys are smaller than I liked (e.g. "Backspace", "Esc", and "Pause")
Other Thoughts:
I initially plugged the transmitter into the back of my computer tower. The keyboard and mouse worked fine when I was just using them for surfing the Net or using a word processor. However, once I loaded a game (Dawn of War: Dark Crusade), there was a very annoying delay from the mouse and keyboard. It made the game unplayable. I figured the transmitter was not picking the signal properly because of its location. I thought about placing the transmitter in the front end of my tower, but it looked intrusive (hey, I'm an aesthetics type of guy). Thankfully, I had an USB extension cable. I plugged the transmitter into that and was able to place it closer to my mouse and keyboard out of sight. Whoa-la, connectivity issue fixed.
So in summary, if you are experiencing connectivity issues, just relocate the transmitter closer to the keyboard/mouse, either by putting it in the front USB port of your computer, or use an USB extension cable.
36.) Right handed mouse
Reviewed by: JohnK Oriental, NC, US
Rating:
The keyboard is fine. But the mouse is strictly right handed and for years I have used a left handed mouse. The mouse that came with the keyboard is useless for me.
37.) Great wireless. Excellent keyboard. Awful mouse.
Reviewed by: Eric S. Olstad New Jersey, USA
Rating:
I have owned quite a few keyboards and mice in my time. By far my favorite peripheral makers are Logitech and Microsoft. Before getting to experience this product, my latest and greatest keyboard was the Logitech Wave and my latest and greatest mouse was the Logitech G7 Wireless. I also use Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 keyboards on other computers.
Let me start off with the good parts about this product. The Wireless Desktop 6000 uses one USB receiver for both the keyboard and mouse. Now, I have had trouble in the past (and others have reported this trouble as well) with Logitech's wireless G7 mouse receiver. It doesn't do well with 2.4Ghz signals. You receive a lot of interference from WiFi and the mouse jitters around pretty badly (despite Logitech not admitting to this problem). With Microsoft's receiver, I noticed a little bit of that at first, but it quickly corrected itself almost as if it detected the interference and selected a new channel automatically. I'm pretty impressed. The wireless Xbox 360 controllers are also pretty resistant to interference, so it must be similar technology. That alone is what brought this product from a 3 star product to a 4 star product.
Also what makes this a great product is the keyboard. It's almost as if Microsoft throws the mouse in for free because the mouse really is a piece of garbage (aside from its interference resistance) -- more on that later. Having been a fan of the corded Comfort Curve 2000 keyboard with it's similar ergonomic curved design, I can say that the Wireless Desktop 6000 keyboard is a nice improvement. They keys are softer, but still firm. Underneath, it comes with 2 nubs that you can attach to slots at 4 corners of the keyboard. This allows you to position the keyboard at an incline or a decline or flat depending on your preference. And of course you have all of your media keys and shortcut keys galore. They keyboard is also a sleek design.
Now for the mouse. Oh the mouse. What a disaster it is. It's uncomfortable, the thumb buttons are almost hidden in the design (you can barely feel them), the click is loud and hard, and the darn thing is not rechargeable. One nice thing is that the mouse wheel moves smoothly and can scroll left and right. Another is that it seems to do really well on power. Other than that, I would definitely prefer my Logitech G7 wireless laser mouse over this one any day despite its interference issues. The G7 is a class above because it's gaming-grade, so it's not really fair to compare the two.
Per the battery... Microsoft seemed to do a really nice job with both the mouse and the keyboard. They are efficient and provide warning lights when the batteries get low. I would recommend keeping rechargeables on hand because alkalines are expensive and wasteful.
As far as range goes. This product seems to do fairly well within a range of say 7ft from the receiver. Like I said, the receiver is really what makes this product so great.
So, when it comes down to it. I would prefer the keyboard-only package of this product and pick up a better mouse -- even a better Microsoft mouse that uses the excellent wireless technology.
Oh, and when it comes to Logitech Wave keyboard vs Microsoft Wireless Keyboard 6000, it's a very close call for the Wave since it doesn't require batteries. But this is really an excellent keyboard. I'm very impressed.
UPDATE: I have more to say about the keyboard now that I've had a longer chance to get used to it. I still think it is a great keyboard, but the buttons at the top starting with the function keys (Esc, F1-F12) and the shortcut keys are pretty bad. I am used to being able to throw my hand over toward the ESC key and being able to find it relatively easily. This is not so with the Wireless Keyboard 6000. The ESC key is hard to find. I may never get used to it.
In addition, the function keys, F1-F12, are dual purposed. They serve as copy-and-paste type shortcut keys as well, and their default is to use those shortcuts rather than defaulting to F1-F12. This is easily changed in the IntelliType software, but it may cause some issues for you at first.
And finally the shortcut keys like Volume and Play are organized very poorly. It's not easy to find the volume buttons for example because they're kind of mixed in with the rest, when clearly they should be given a more obvious look (like the Logitech Wave does).
38.) Nice combo
Reviewed by: Tom United States
Rating:
Using this first with Windows XP 32bit and then Vista Home Premium 64 bit works very well with both for me.
I decided to try this keyboard/mouse set first without installing any of the supplied software to see how it did... I found no problems and both the keyboard and mouse were found by both OS and they went right to work.
It found and put to use any special key that applied to XP and Vista without the need to configure anything.
There are of course many extra features that the software will give you like being able to program the function of various keys and mouse buttons, but nice to know you don't HAVE to install more software if you don't want to.
Keyboard has a nice feel and touch, puts my old one to shame.. Keys are nice and large with more of a surface for your fingers to rest on. Key presses are quiet and smooth and have yet to mis-type other than my own careless speed typing goofs.
When I first saw the mouse in person I though "no way" ,but what a pleasant surprise,I like the way the mouse fits within my hand, my palm rests on the back side of it and my fingers and thumb fit right into the smooth curved areas made for them, I can press either right or left side with my finger tips OR clear back on my finger if I wish. Two extra buttons can be pushed when you raise your thumb on the side
Cursor movement is very accurate and takes less movement of the mouse to get clear across the screen. Of course, all can be adjusted within the software if you like it set otherwise.
I was a bit worried about the USB receiver being 2.4Ghz and plugged in at the back of the PC with my more powerful 2.4 Ghz router setting only a foot away ,so have the dongle plugged into a USB extension cord so it is brought out front of hardware on the desk.
They say the battery life (2AA in each unit) is 6 months, will have to wait and see, but that's pretty good if it's a fact. Will then replace with 2700 NIMH next and should get a years use out of them between charges. This is providing keyboard & mouse work with the reduced voltage of rechargeable cells. 1.5v VS 1.2V Most things have a wide voltage tolerance and can handle the swap.
Update 7/20/2010
Battery usage is very low, original supplied disposable AA cells lasted about 6 months, and now both keyboard and mouse have gone almost a year before needing a recharge of the replacement 2700 Nimh cells.
Keyboard was still working great, Laser 6000 v2.0 mouse lost it's mind and scrolls anywhere it want's to, full up, full down, twitch all between. Thought it might be dirty but cleaned without change, changed batteries, adjusted and then uninstalled the MS iPoint software but nothing helped.
Swapped in a replacement MS wireless Desktop Media 1000 keyboard/mouse I had here and all started working again.
Called MS about warranty replacement for the mouse and was told they would ship one out as soon as they could. No problems or hassles, just gave the PID number and they checked the records.
39.) Fantastic Keyboard, and the mouse doesn't suck
Reviewed by: Lincoln J. Mennuti New York, NY United States
Rating:
Here we go...
* Special note, I'm unimpressed with the mouse and won't be listing it in any of the Pros nor Cons (more on this at the conclusion).
^+++ The Keyboard Pros +++^
+ Very comfortable, ergonomic key layout
+ "Flip 3D" button (Graphical view of all open windows for easy switching)
+ Comes with a pair of detachable riser pegs, so you can decide whether to use the keyboard in a rear-raised or front-raised config.
+ The keys have a soft touch, they're quiet and have a soft touch with very short travel
+ Comes with a tiny USB WiFi adapter
+ Very sleek black and gunmetal colors and a semi transparent plastic trim running along the outline of the keyboard
+ Comes with 18 Pre-configured buttons and 5 "My Favorites" buttons that can be easily programmed to open a web page, file or folder.
+ All the 18 pre-configured buttons can also be manually re-programmed (quite easily as well)
+ Keyboard uses 2 AA batteries and the mouse also uses 2 AA batteries, which are included
^--- The Keyboard Cons ---^
- The F-keys row (including the 'Esc' key), aren't your normal attached row of keys. On this keyboard they're about half the height of the regular keys and spaced a bit non-traditionally. Since I'm not much of a F-key use anyway, this is actually a non-issue.
*** Conclusion ***
Being that this is a "set", I can only give it 4 stars because I wasn't anywhere near as impressed with the mouse as I am with the keyboard. Ergonomically, the mouse does have a nice feel but it's got just the basic left/right buttons and 2 thumb buttons. Nowadays I want options and features. I use a Logitech MX 1100 mouse and I'll have to admit it has spoiled me rotten, so my views are tainted when it comes to mice.
The keyboard on the other hand, I absolutely love. I setup the riser pegs to use the keyboard in a front-raised config (so that my wrists are bent in a way so that my fingers are curved down to the keys) and I find this setup to be perfect for me.
I do a lot of typing; Forums, emails, reviews, etc... I've got large hands (I wear XL gloves) and can type at about 80wpm. I can't use standard keyboards for long (my wrists start to hurt quickly) and even though there's ergonomic keyboards out there, a lot of them aren't all that ergonomic.
This keyboard has an excellent feel, the keys are laid-out well, there's loads of extra programmable buttons and its' got great looks.
- If a lot of your computer time is typing and you your mouse needs/wants aren't tantamount, this set is an excellent choice
- If a quality mouse with useful functionality is important, I'd suggest getting just this Microsoft 6000 Keyboard and one of the Logitech MX Family of mice (I use the MX 1100 and highly recommend it)
40.) A solid entry-level wireless desktop
Reviewed by: Dr. Bojan Tunguz Greencastle, IN USA
Rating:
This is an excellent introductory wireless system. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of some higher end models, but it serves its purpose well. The keyboard and the mouse are made out of quality materials, and they don't feel cheap like some lower-end mouse and keyboard systems. The installation process for the driver software went smoothly, and I was able to install it on three different operating systems: Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac OS X. The keyboard integrates particularly well with Vista, and for that installation there was no need to restart the computer. The USB detector that comes with the system was able to recognize the keyboard and mouse quickly and there was no need for tricky detection process, which is another plus. Overall, this is a pretty good keyboard and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in entry-level wireless desktop.
Pros:
* Elegant and visually appealing design
* Easy setup
* Great integration with Windows, especially Vista. The Aero is finally becoming really easy to use.
Cons:
* The keyboard is pretty shallow and despite the design doesn't feel too ergonomic
* They keys are very soft and don't provide too much of a feedback
* The mouse is designed with a placement groove/surface for each one of the fingers. However, I don't have a particularly large hand and I still find that placing all of my fingers on the keyboard a bit uncomfortable.
41.) Wanted to love this great set, but just couldn't do it...
Reviewed by: Sparky Jones Seattle, WA
Rating:
I ordered this with a little hesitation since I do not like the feel of the extreme ergonomic keyboards where the keys are tilted almost 45 degrees. This keyboard, however, does not have such dramatic angles. They are only slightly angled and I found myself typing with ease within minutes.
The mouse, on the other hand, I did not like. I felt it was too 'flat' and did not have much of a 'hump' in the center where you can rest the center of your hand. It had an odd feel to it... it's hard to describe. I put it up next to my Logitech mouse and it was the same height. However, the angle goes down quickly to the right, giving it an odd feel.
The battery life appears to be great and they both appear to be well made. I did notice a slight lag in the keyboard response when typing. I think that is true with most wireless input devices though. As far as the mouse, I would suggest you stop by your local electronics store and lay hands on it to see if you like the feel. If so, then come back and order it here where it is usually cheaper.
42.) Problems solved
Reviewed by: Author of 101 Myths of the Bible NYC
Rating:
The initial keyboard that came with this product wouldn't enter various letters, including capitals. I had to send it back. The product was replaced without question (from [...], who even paid for the return postage) and I installed the new set. I plugged the USB transmitter into the back of the computer and noticed a number of irritating problems, short term freezes and delays in enetering text and mouse freezes and quirky moves. I was quite angry and was thinking about returning it again. First, however, I decided to search the net to see if other people were having similar problems and whether there was a solution.
The cause of the problem appeared to be blockage of the signal. The USB transmitter was located behind the computer and the signal had to pass through both the computer and the monitor to reach the keyboard and mouse. I unplugged the transmitter and plugged it into a USB hub which was below and in front of the monitor. Everything started working fine and I am now quite pleased. I should add, though, that I am not a very fast typist and I don't know what sort of results a fast typist might get.
I like the magnifier feature on the mouse but I find the button a little clumsy to use. I like the mouse's display of the flip screen feature too, but it doesn't always pop up. That may be my fault in how I press the wheel down, or it might be a flaw in design.
43.) Where is Amazon's Standard?
Reviewed by: H. Weng San Jose, CA
Rating:
I received this item in a re-sealed box. The mouse included is a V2 edition. Is this package really shipped by Amazon? Should Amazon specify the product as an open box or re-...???
Where is Amazon's STANDARD???
Amazon also sent me an email to review this product that was cancelled by the other seller. I mistakenly posted a review against that seller. Customer service: wake up!!!
44.) Not perfect, but my favorite so far
Reviewed by: S. Schneider
Rating:
This keyboard is that in-between fit I was looking for. A little more girth than a notebook style keyboard, but much slimmer and faster than a regular one. The mouse is comfortable for larger-handed folks, and since it's wireless it helps keep my desk clear.
I've read some reviews that mention a weak receiver signal, and while I don't use the set off my desk, I can tell you that there ARE times where the keyboard will simply stop sending keystrokes to the computer for a few seconds. This doesn't happen on a fresh set of batteries though, so it's a not a major annoyance.
I also replaced the keyboard because the enter key had a loud plastic "click" to it. The replacement had a better enter key, but a noisy backspace. I solved that problem with a small folded piece of paper inserted into the clip that the key hooks on to.
I've owned Microsoft keyboard/mouse products in the past, and I have to take a star for what I think is lesser-than-normal build quality. That said, I'm still using the keyboard a couple of months later when it would be easy to switch out, so it's perfectly fine overall. The best choice for this key style and feel.
PS. I should also mention that, as usual, the Amazon service was excellent.
45.) Comfortable and Queit
Reviewed by: Product Manager Santa Barbara, CA USA
Rating:
I go through a lot of keyboards. Between home and work, I've probably owned a dozen in the last 4 years. That said, when I found this set I bought it for work (based on reviews of quiet, comfortable, etc). I've been using it for the last few months, and just bought a second one for home. The batteries last a really long time (despite all day, every day use). The key spacing is good, too. I used to use the split keyboards, but found that they require me to put my keyboard lower than I actually like.
Once or twice I've had to re-connect the wireless, based on either interference or it just losing connectivity. In an office that's not terribly surprising (there are probably six wireless keyboard/mice in range), but at home I've only had to do it once.
Didn't bother installing the drivers, everything works out of the box with Windows 7 (and worked fine in Vista, when I ran it).
46.) So far, so good
Reviewed by: enaid fargo, nd
Rating:
I definitely kept the previous reviewer's comments about connectivity issues in mind when I decided to purchase this keyboard, but so far I haven't had any problems. It should be noted that my keyboard is less than a foot away from the tower and the USB port. My only complaint so far is that the 10-keypad seems a little small. My hands are on the small side of average, but I still find that the keys are smaller or maybe just closer together than the ones on my last keyboard. I love the quiet keys feature, and I'm sure my co-workers appreciate it, too. I recommend this keyboard.
47.) Wireless Convenience
Reviewed by: redpen
Rating:
The Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 v3 was a breeze to set up and use. The convenience of wireless results in much more flexibility in how I can now use my desk - which was much more restricted before. My only criticism about the wireless mouse is that it does not move as smoothly or as accurately as my plug-in mouse did. The keyboard definitely reduces hand strain - but I do wish that the function keys above were slightly larger - for people with large hands it could be an issue. The trade-off is the greater flexibility. All in all - it is a very satisfactory set.
48.) Love the look and feel but connection seems flaky
Reviewed by: The Grumpy Hacker Milwaukee - Top 5000 Reviewer!
Rating:
I bought this to replace my HP Wireless Comfort Keyboard and Mouse which I regretted buying, they were so bad. By contrast this Microsoft keyboard is SO comfortable and pleasant to use I actually look forward to typing on it! The ergonomic mouse takes some getting used to, however, and the scroll wheel doesn't "click" as you turn it like most mice do, which can be good and bad. Unfortunately my biggest complaint about this kit is the same complaint I have about every wireless keyboard I've used: the connectivity. At random times, the key presses don't register or they're delayed. It's annoying. It's 2010 for crying out loud--everybody should be using a wireless keyboard by now and they should just work, like wireless mice have been for the past couple years or more.
49.) good keyboard
Reviewed by: Beatlelover midwest
Rating:
I loved the product until recently when I started having problems with some of the mouse features, I think it is a conflict with a program I am running or updates from Microsoft, it was frustrating to use the mouse, it locked up, scroll would not work, a friend worked with it for about 4 hours and got things back in order.... I love the internet features of the keyboard, wireless works great!
I would buy this keyboard again....
50.) Great Keyboard
Reviewed by: Photo Bug Portland Maine
Rating:
Great Keyboard at more than 60% off from regular retail stores out there. Wireless is great, good range, silent keys.
51.) Okay Keyboard, Decent Mouse, Nothing Amazing
Reviewed by: diljs
Rating: 
I've used quite a few keyboard and mouse sets in my time, so I know what I like in a wireless set.
1. Decent range and a solid connection
2. Quiet keyboard with a decent amount of shortcut keys
3. Well tracking mouse that doesn't make my hand hurt after several hours of use
4. No irritating required software
While this set did well on #2 and #3, it failed #1 and #4. I'll start with the positives.
The Good
-2.4ghz signal means a great range but no intense battery drain like bluetooth keyboards tend to have. You could use this in an HTPC setup with the computer 15-20 feet away and be fine as long as it stays connected (see "the ugly").
-Nice quiet keyboard with a good tactile feel. A must for any keyboard.
-Great mouse tracking. The mouse worked well on any surface a laser mouse could be used on, and laser is of course vastly superior to optical.
-Great mouse shape and feel. The mouse looks a little strange at first, but feels awesome once you start using it. One of the best ergonomically shaped mice available.
-Small receiver. The receiver isn't a huge block you have to set somewhere, just a small usb dongle you plug into any USB port you prefer.
The Bad
-Curved keyboard. It's not as intense as the Microsoft Natural series, but the keys aren't in a straight line. While these are a little bit better on your wrists, the problem is you tend to get so dependent the shape that any other keyboard or a laptop feels weird. I have to be able to use any computer at any moment, and I can't be so addicted to a curved keyboard that I can't use any generic flat one.
-Decent shortcuts on the keyboard - the drawback is you have to use their software.
The Ugly
-Required software. I hate having to add software to use a mouse or keyboard. Microsoft's was a bloaty mass of frustration. Worse, as another reviewer mentioned, the set actually works BETTER without the software, but you lose support for the keyboard shortcuts.
-Connection issues. The connection tends to flake out and lose signal from time to time. A wireless keyboard and mouse without a rock solid connection is like a car without wheels.
In conclusion, while the mouse and keyboard were designed fairly well, the shortcomings of questionable signal and poorly designed software killed it for me. It's not a horrible set, but not the best either.
52.) Look for another product.
Reviewed by: J. Daniel North Central Florida
Rating:
I have these items, even though I didn't buy them through amazon. I love the ergonomic shape and feel of the keyboard and the fact that the keys don't "click" and they are relatively quiet. Two things I don't like are a) the mouse is very heavy and hard to maneuver. It is comfortable to the feel of the grip, just way to heavy. b) the connectivity of the keyboard and mouse does not always register the first try.
53.) A lot of extremes
Reviewed by: nhf Charlottesville, VA United States
Rating:
While not crazy (to say the least) about most Microsoft software, I always liked their hardware products.
This keyboard/mouse combination is pulling me in both directions...
PRO:
- Keyboard extremely comfortable and responsive.
- Lots of configurable keys (if you like them)
- Despite the strange shape, the mouse is comfortable to use and responsive. Also has 2 extra configurable thumb buttons (if you like extra buttons)
CONS
- No status lights (is my CAPS LOCK on?)
- Function keys are minuscule, not grouped (in most keyboards, they are grouped by 3 or 4, making it easy to find F6, for example) and labeled with the (unhelpful) "alternative" function (e.g. F2 is undo). The F-number is almost unreadable above the keys
- Connectivity problems
The good news is that there is a solution for problem 3 and a (crude) workaround for 2. There must be a solution for 1, but I still could not find it.
Solutions:
1) It is probably very easy to write a small program that would read the keyboard status and display it on a tiny floating window that you would "park" somewhere. There MUST be one somewhere, I just didn't Google it long enough...
2) Very crude and ugly, but it helps: I wrote the F-numbers with a permanent marker above the keys. My keyboard is much uglier than it used to be, but I now only lose a second trying to find F6 (the middle function key and thus the hardest to find)
3) Put the "dongle" (aka USB wireless receiver) close to the mouse. I bought a USB "extension cord", plugged one side to the computer and the dongle to the other and haven't had a problem since (2 months without problems; before that, the mouse and keyboard would "hang" every 10 minutes or less)
If you don't use the lights, don't care about function keys (or use F-lock off, by default) and keep the receiver close to the keyboard and mouse, this set is wonderful. Otherwise, apply the solutions suggested above and it is a very good one.
54.) Not great, certainly not worth list price
Reviewed by: Chris Hann Alameda, CA United States
Rating:
But... well no. Not worth what Amazon charges either.
The keyboard isn't bad, I have a few issues changing over from my old one, just slightly out of register, but since I touched typed all this I don't think it is far off. The action is a little lifeless, but I can live with that. I don't care about the position of the function keys since I don't use them much and although I don't expect to be using this for gaming I am pleased to have the cursor keys in a conventional relationship to the insert/delete block.
But the mouse! Horrible. Nasty horrid mouse. It jerks across the screen and takes ages to wake up. Yes, it's supposed to be energy saving, but it sleeps so easily and takes so long to wake!
So I have gone back to my well worn Logitech mouse. So well worn I can't even tell you what it is. Sometimes windows is slow to bring up Bluetooth devices from sleep, like minutes, once in a while I even need to run Linux to fix up the hardware so Windows can use it again, but even with all that the Logitech is still better than the Microsoft offering.
After half an hour I removed the batteries from the 6000v2.0 mouse and went back to the old Logitech. Still not certain on the keyboard, but with a nad mouse it isn't worth the cost.
55.) Connectivity Problems
Reviewed by: AuburnTygr Brent, AL USA
Rating:
Keyboard was very simple to install and was recognized by my computer without any problems. After about 30 days of use the mouse began loosing connection with the wireless receiver. I purchased a usb cord which placed the receiver within inches of the mouse and I still loose connection at least twice each time I use the computer. Unplugging and plugging the receiver will reconnect but it's a pain to have to do this everytime the computer is in use.
The ergonomic design (slightly curved keyboard) took some getting used to but is comfortable to use. Several of the keys now stick and repeat.
I gave three stars for ease of connection and nice ergonomic design but I didn't throw away my old keyboard and will most likely go back to using it.
56.) Above Average
Reviewed by: Alan M. Westerlin Ontario, CA United States
Rating:
This appears to be v3.0 in the picture and that's what I have so i will give you the good and the not so good.
First the good. Arrived quickly and in great shape. I'm using Vista Ultimate 64 bit on a custom built computer. I had read "horror" stories about range issues, so I read the directions carefully. Used the included cd. Installed very quickly. Installed the provided batteries, inserted the "transceiver" into the front USB 2.0 port and everything worked. No addtional updates, no buttons to connect, they both just worked. This is the way things should be. The key boards "special" buttons do what they're supposed to. It is a good overall layout. I never use the function keys so whatever they were used for in the past is of no loss to me. The keyboard does take a day to get used to if you have never used a curved type keyboard, however this should not hold you back. It really does work well. I was worried about the design of the mouse. I have always used a standard mouse. This version really is natural to use and takes only a few uses to relize the benefits. You use your palm to move the mouse more than finger tips. Much less stress on your hand over a day's use.
The not so good. The keyboard will rarely need a second push of a key to realize that you
57.) Solid combo with a few minor quirks
Reviewed by: J. Harley Willow Grove, Pennsylvania United States
Rating:
I like this set so far. Wireless range seems ok to me. Everything in my setup is within a few feet of each other, so your mileage may vary. I did lose connectivity to the mouse once. Reseating the transceiver did the trick. I'm not sure if it was an issue with my PC or the mouse itself, but it hasn't repeated. I have a wireless G router approximately five feet away and have not noticed any interference between the two. Performance wise, the mouse seems pretty reliable and accurate. There is no stutter or lag. I don't notice a significant improvement in this particular laser mouse over normal optical mice. Then again, I'm not a big gamer or graphic artist, so I don't need the absolute pinpoint precision. The additional buttons and scroll wheel on the mouse work well, although I have a tendency to accidentally click the side mouse buttons with my thumb. Despite the occasional errant button click, I do like the ergonomic design of the mouse and my hand seems to rest comfortably around it. You do not need to install the included intellipoint/type software for basic use of the set, however it is required if you want to use some of the more advanced mapping options. I use XP Pro, so I can't comment on some of the new features for Vista such as the flip 3D. Keyboard responsiveness is good. The keys are shallower (more like laptop keys) and have a less-tactile feel than normal keys. I prefer firmer keys although I don't find the soft keys particularly distracting. I didn't experience any issues with latency or missed characters. I do agree with others about the design of the escape key. It's smaller, placed farther away than normal, and just not as intuitive to locate when your happily typing away as opposed to two-finger pecking. I'm also not a fan of Microsoft's curved keyboard because it's just not as natural feeling (to me) as standard keyboards. I seldom use keyboard hardware shortcut buttons because I prefer using Windows keyboard combo shortcuts (like alt+tab), the run box, and the quick launch bar. I like the fact that they labeled some of the frequently used Windows shortcuts (such as ctrl+C (cut), ctrl+V (paste), and ctrl+S (save)) on the keys to make them easier for users who may not be familiar with them. There are also plenty of programmable shortcut buttons on the keyboard and controls for frequently used features such as multimedia and web browsing. For users who took the long route over learning the many Windows keyboard shortcuts, this keyboard can save them from a lot of time-consuming digging through menus. I also give Microsoft points for styling an attractive keyboard. The translucent edges give it a modern feel. Microsoft usually goes for frumpy design (remember the original brown brick Zune?), however, they got this one right. Although I'm not crazy about the placement of the escape and function keys, I still think it is a very nicely designed keyboard. It's also lightweight and compact despite all the features.
Overall, this set contains a wealth of features that can make computing quicker and easier, although there are a few design quirks, such as the escape key, that may annoy some power users. It is an attractive combo that (so far) seems to offer solid performance.
58.) Poor Connectivity good ergonomics
Reviewed by: SoundMan USA
Rating:
I purchased this keyboard and Mouse few months ago.
I have a previous version 2.0 which works great. So I decide to get this newer 3.0 version since 2.0 is being discontinued.
Keyboard
Pros: Very ergonomic great feel to it - soft quite keyboard, very easy on the hand/fingers.
Dedicated short cut and favourite keys very useful.
Cons:
Connectivity very spotty, my keyboard is right above my computer on my desk. very frustrating to type. Have to move the keyboard around to find a good spot.
Mouse:
Pros: good scroll wheel - fast scrolling, short cut key I use them for cut and past function
COns: very heavy - does not move very well on any surface / jerky movement of cursor. I have a wired mouse hooked up and now use both mouse simultanously (the version 2.0 mouse was much better I still use it on my other computer.) I would give this just ONE star
59.) Great product!! Too bad for the battery usage....
Reviewed by: S. Hora
Rating:
Pros:
Great product. Amazong connectivity. Well built.
Cons:
Battery on the keyboard ran out in 3 weeks. The lack of full size function keys can be irritating. Especially the ESC key.
60.) Updated: Keyboard fine but mouse is a disaster
Reviewed by: kellybethga Dunwoody, GA
Rating:
I'm replacing my Logitech S520 keyboard + mouse combo, which worked fine for about a year until the keyboard started skipping the space key more and more often till I couldn't use the keyboard anymore. Logitech, unfortunately, hasn't been rock solid for me. In fact, I've had to retire 2 Logitech wireless keyboards and 3 Logitech wireless mice (I'm not hard on these devices. No spills or hard usage). I was hesitant to buy Microsoft based on bad reviews.
So I bought this MS combo because it was on sale for 1/2 price.
My biggest problem so far, after only 2 days' use, is that the receiver and the mouse didn't communicate well enough from my cpu under my giant wooden antique teacher's desk and the mouse on the desktop. Right now I have the receiver connected to the computer via USB extension cable and the mouse seems to be working fine.
If this keeps working well, I think I can learn to use the 2 thumb buttons for browser back & forward. I do like the tactile feel of the keyboard. Both the palmrest and the mouse fit my small hands pretty well. The mouse glides nicely.
The SA at the store pointed out that with the small receiver I can use the keyboard/mouse with my laptop when I'm on the move. Not a bad idea, but Microsoft really should've provided the USB extension cable for your desktop.
I'll be back to update this review later, with hopefully a good experience.
UPDATED: For whatever reason, the mouse refuses to work well on my main PC, even with the receiver within 3 inches of the mouse. The keyboard works fine, and for the price I paid, the keyboard is worth it. The mouse, however, is the most aggravating thing ever. I uninstalled my Logitech software and the MS SetPoint software, went to MS web site and downloaded newest SetPoint software for Windows 7 64-bit (just in case I had the wrong or older version). It just doesn't work. The MS support site also suggests trying the hardware on another computer to see if you have a hardware problem - the mouse seemed ok on my laptop - but what good does that do you when you can't change the configuration of, say, your router? Or if you're sharing a printer wirelessly over your home network and you can't move it? Using the 2.4GHz frequency was a mistake on Microsoft's part, especially when you can't change which channel you're using. If you need a wireless keyboard or don't have interference from other devices, this may work for you.
61.) Try it before you buy it...
Reviewed by: jason_j_a Orlando, FL United States
Rating: 
I'm a software engineer so I use a keyboard and mouse all day and I probably use keys that the typical user doesn't. I'd have to say over all that I don't intend to replace my current keyboard and mouse with this setup. I can tolerate the ergonomics of the keyboard and I like that it's quiet; however the space bar make an annoying click that the other keys don't. I absolutely hate what they did to the function keys and the escape key. Instead of being normal keys, they've turned them into small soft like buttons as if they are not important. If you develop software then you probably use the function keys all the time in Visual Studio or the debugger or IDE you use. Trying to find the function keys without looking at the keyboard is impossible. I also don't like the plastic frame that goes around the entire keyboard, it looks like I forgot to take the keyboard out of it's plastic shipping container or something. I'm using it for writing this review and I'm constantly getting double keys inserted, which I'm certain is due to the keyboard. If you don't tilt the keyboard up using the included "peg" feet then the back of the keyboard tilts up when you put you palms on the palm rest. I will say that the palm rest is a nice rubberize plastic material.
Now lets move to the mouse. While the keyboard is silent, the mouse is ridiculously loud when you click the right or left button. People in the cubicles around you will know about every click you do. Yet the mouse wheel has no click or any sort of tactical feedback (I hate a free spinning mouse wheel). The shape is okay, but it's unacceptable for gaming and I prefer the normal mouse shape to this right-hand only contraption. I'd also prefer that the mouse had a rechargeable battery with a charging station like my old Logitech wireless desktop has. I'd have to say that my Logitech wireless desktop from 5 years ago is a better product all around then this.
Keyboards and mice are very subjective things to review so I'd highly recommend that you try this setup out at a local store before committing. The key layout is different and the keyboard and mouse just seem like they were designed by two different teams. If you're big on ergonomics and don't know what the function keys are for, then you might like this keyboard/mouse. If you're a gamer or a developer than I'm going to guess that you won't be happy with it. In the end I'll be sticking with my Logitech G15 keyboard, it's not perfect either but it's light years beyond this MS keyboard setup.
62.) Poor range/connectivity is a deal breaker for a wireless setup
Reviewed by: NeoteriX Boston, MA
Rating:
I bought this wireless keyboard and mouse combo for a home theatre pc setup, so a reasonable range is important -- I need to be able to control the computer from my couch. Unfortunately, the range is dismal at best. With the USB receiver behind my computer, I need to be within 5-7 feet of the TV. Otherwise, the control is glitchy and inconsistent.
This is a deal breaker for me, which is a shame, because it's a very nice looking keyboard.
63.) Third time was not a charm
Reviewed by: Joshua Richardson California
Rating:
I purchased 2 of these keyboard/mouse combos the day after Thanksgiving 2008 because they were a loss-leader deal at Staples and only cost me $25 each. I should have kept the money. The keyboard and the mouse are both great-looking and they would be fantastic if not the the fundamental problem of connectivity. Both items will suddenly cease working for seconds on end. That doesn't sound bad except you have to constantly be checking to make sure that the keyboard didn't miss any letters while you were typing and your are constantly trying to get the cursor where you want it while waiting for the connectivity to kick back in.
I tried to troubleshoot the problem extensively. I switched the USB slot that the transmitting device was in. I replaced batteries. I reinstalled drivers. I pushed the reset button. I took all signal-broadcasting equipment out of the room, including my cell phone, our wireless phone and our wi-fi access point. Even with no other equipment broadcasting it continued to lose connectivity regularly.
I finally called Microsoft and they ran me through similar troubleshooting and then sent me 2 brand new combos. (Actually, they sent 1 brand new one even though the shipping label said 2 were enclosed so I had to call them back and convince them that they didn't actually send me 2.) So I plugged in the 3rd one this morning and it is having the exact same problems that the prior 2 had. It is not a problem with a particular batch of product, it is an overall design or manufacturing problem. I would highly recommend that you NOT buy this product.
I do, however, have to say that Microsoft's tech support people were VERY nice and they unhesitatingly mailed me new combos. I had to call them 5 times and only one of the people was unhelpful, but I think he was rather new because he didn't seem to know what step to do next.
64.) Software Developer says Not so good. Weak Signal.
Reviewed by: Jeffrey Cobb Daytona Beach, FL
Rating:
I have an older version of this keyboard and found it time to upgrade. I had such good luck with the Microsoft Wireless Keyboard I wanted the same thing only newer. The keyboard easy to use, comfortable and a breeze to install (Win7). The one and only problem I have with the keyboard is it has a WEAK signal or the software has a bug. What happens is I will be typing and it will not show up on the screen..then after a few seconds it will start responding. My keyboard is only 12 inches or less from the dongal connected directly to a NEW quad core AMD X4 950. I have tried every solution at microsoft's web site and have not had any luck.
65.) Good keyboard. Lousy mouse
Reviewed by: Catfish Kozmo Arlington, TX
Rating:
This has to be one of the more odd pairings. You've got a nice looking keyboard. Nice looking mouse. But while the keyboard shines, the mouse falters.
Starting with installation, the software is a breeze to install. The keyboard and mouse run off two AA batteries each. So the individual units are not rechargeable but you could buy rechargeable AA batteries if you wanted to. Time from out of the box to use is very short. The USB receiver was recognized by my Windows XP SP3 laptop without a problem.
The keyboard has a nice keyboard rest and is adjustable for height. And you can adjust either the front or back tilt as you see fit which is not always on some keyboards. This is a modified ergonomic keyboard as well so if you're not used to that or not a great typist, you might have a little bit of adjustment. Function keys are well away from the macro keys on top of the keyboard as well. I have used another Microsoft keyboard in the past where the function keys and macro keys were too close. While trying to reach F1 on that keyboard, I would often hit another key. Not so here. The keys have a soft click to them and it is quite easy to use.
The mouse is a whole other matter. I actually found that I hate this mouse. The mouse is somehow designed to have only your index finger and middle finger sit on top with your ring finger and pinkie hanging off to the side. This makes your grip on the mouse feel somewhat fragile and I found that my hand kept falling off to the side. And when you're trying to move a mouse and dragging your hand, it's a pain. Basically, this is not a good design for a mouse. Only other interesting thing about this mouse is that the USB receiver is designed to snap into the bottom of the mouse. This would be a good feature when traveling if you like the mouse...
I wouldn't really recommend this desktop set just because the mouse is just so poorly designed. Maybe there's someone out there that likes the feel of the mouse. I've been using a mouse since back to the early 90's. This has to be one of the ones I just didn't like right from the start. I'd recommend trying this in Best Buy, etc to ensure that you like the mouse before buying. Or try something else.
66.) Great keyboard and mouse, terrible connectivity problem
Reviewed by: Kathy R Columbiana, OH USA
Rating:
I immediately loved this keyboard and mouse combo, but after only a few hours use wanted to beat them with a sledge hammer. The keyboard design is terrific and comfortable to use, and I really like the mouse. I had no trouble with the slanted design or the free-spinning wheel. The major problem with this set is that the keyboard and mouse freeze up, sometimes for more than 30 seconds at a time. I didn't have trouble with double letters as one of the reviewers did, but I'm doing a lot of typing and the keyboard delays were just too, too frustrating. I would buy this exact keyboard if it came wired. I do not recommend buying this product unless you really love swearing at your computer.
67.) Mouse Connectivity Response Sucks
Reviewed by: JoelG Freelance Writer California, USA
Rating:
Pros: Keyword is great ergonomic design, and if I could work WITHOUT having to use the maddening inefficient mouse that is dead half the time, I would rate combo 5 STARS.
Cons: To quote Neil Young song title, mouse is PIECE OF CRAP. Needs a good class action lawyer to step in and get us a fix. A real shame, because mouse fits hand well (i.e. ergonomic) and magnification feature is great. Why Microsoft slipped with connectivity, as other reviewers noted, is beyond me and turns what should be a productivity enhancing product into one where I waste all my time trying to get the mouse to move rather than doing real computing work.
SUMMARY: Great keyboard ergonomic design. Even great mouse ergonomic design. But mouse connectivity is so sporadic that computer operation becomes a dreaded frustration for activities as simple as navigating Amazon web site and toggling between windows or browser tabs. As a result I use Amazon less than before. Ironic, eh?
68.) Product Quality is NOT Covered by Microsoft Waranty
Reviewed by: Kldirish New England
Rating:
I also own this product - although not purchased through Amazon initially. I should consider myself fortunate that I have not had any of the issues others have written about here (dropped connections, repeating or not responsive keys, etc). Like some I just want/need a keyboard for daily routine use; I am not a gamer nor a programer. I rarely rely on the function and/or shortcut keys. I DO however use the keyboard. Within the first 90 days the letters on the most frequently used keys began to fade, by 120 days - just 4 months - some were gone completely. Its now been about 6 months and over 70% of the keys have NO visable lettering left. Now I can get by without the visuals for the most part but my husband - NOT. He can't use it at all - least not without having to correct every character he trys to write!
1st warranty call to Microsoft resulted in the following, this is not covered by warranty as it is considered "normal wear & tear" (in 3 months??). After considerable debate they agreed to make a special exception in my case & send out a replacement after I faxed in copy of receipt etc. Waited 30 days - nothing. 2nd Warranty call - don't have any record of the fax - yes the fax number was correct. Don't know why I was told it would be replaced - they don't replace under warranty for MORMAL wear & tear!! Total garbage!! The only saving grace ... I got it at significant savings, on a GREAT sale for abt. $30. Had I paid the typical retail price I would still be after Microsoft - considering the price paid it is not worth the frustration or aggravation. Its back to Logitech - at least they ALWAYS honor their warranties, AND although their keys also fade ... its normally after a few YEARS of use not MONTHS!!
69.) Poor feel and a bad mouse
Reviewed by: Craig Blackstone
Rating:
I guess I'm used to keyboards with "normal key placement" so this type of layout with varying key widths causes constant errors. The mouse replaced 2 good MS mice that had a lot of use but this one is awful - they moved the position of the "back" button to the side so I have to almost lift the mouse to hit it.
The escape key is recessed and not in the upper far left so it's hard to hit it. Unusable to me.
70.) Not too happy
Reviewed by: Sandra Tiner stockton,mo
Rating:
This wireless key board and mouse do not work that well. The usb drive will not work well together. I wish i had the old wireless resever that i had before,i got this one,i loved that set.
71.) Complete garbage.
Reviewed by: Mach1n3 Little rock AR
Rating:
Purchased this when my gaming mouse went bad. I figure, WTH, if im gonna replace the mouse, might as well go completely wireless. I was torn between this one, and the Logitech equivelant, which was 20 dollars more. Being a father and a husband, I decide to impress the wife a bit and go for the cheaper one, and cheap is what I got. Seeing as I was no longer a heavy duty gamer anymore, I didnt feel the need to get the most B.A. mouse/keyboard anymore, I should have trusted my gut and spent the extra 20 dollars. While the layout of they keyboard is nice, it leaves alot to be desired. Spotty connectivity, skips entire words or even sentences if you are not looking at the screen. The buttons that are programmable are hit or miss at best, you can set them up all you want, but if the keyboard is PMSing, its gonna drop you like a bad habit. Ergonomically, the keyboard is comfortable, and functional, til you want it to do something out of the ordinary.
The mouse is where my biggest complaints come in. Bear in mind both of these components are less than 2 feet away from the USB plugin on my tower. I thought there was something wrong with my rig when the mouse would just freeze in place for minutes on end. Nope, I found out after a short and frustrating game of Left 4 Dead. Right when the game started, my mouse acted up again. Everyone else was running around gleefully shooting the faces off of Zombies and here I was standing still, looking like an idiot. 45 seconds later (any gamer knows that 45 seconds in a game like L4D is suicide if standing still), I get moving, I am now with my people decimating the undead, then right when one of the kids playing alerts the horde (moron), I get one shot off then frozen. Here I am getting beaten to a pulp, unable to defend myself, then I can shoot again when im on the ground, I get 4 shots off then dead. And that isnt even a big deal, same things happen typing documents, be it online or off, clicking things sometimes just dosent work. Playing an FPS or other game that sometimes requires you to lift your mouse, well its uncomfortable and awkward, the edge is a sharp plastic, while its not enough to cut a calloused fingered person, its enough to get your attention, there is not enough to grip on it. Im going back to logitech, I suggest to anyone else to do the same. Thanks for reading.
72.) Apple products are better
Reviewed by: Cardinal Charlie St. Louis
Rating:
I got these to try out with my Mac. They work fine, but everything is just so cheap! I guess I'm spoiled by Apple products. I got these for free as part of the Amazon Vine program, so you should take that into account here. I probably would give them more of a chance to impress me if I had paid for them.
73.) Range of 5 feet... not 30 like advertised!
Reviewed by: Earthling Chicago, Illinois
Rating: 
Purchased this keyboard because I needed a keyboard for my media/tv pc. I use this computer for TV but also for every day computing. I use it from my coffee table which is about 5 to 7 feet from my tv(depending if the keyboard is on the table or my lap). This keyboard/mouse is advertised as working from 30 feet. That is completely bs. With the USB plugged into the back of my computer, it wouldn't even work from 5 feet! When I changed the USB receiver to the front of the PC, it started working ok from 5 feet. I get missed key strokes often, however, and quite often the mouse goes out and in. Not for long, but the mouse will just stop for like half a second, then go again like normal. This happens at least a couple times a minute. Same with the keyboard. Sometimes when typing nothing will register for a second. You may be typing a sentence and if you are a fast typer like me the sentence will be missing a word or two. But like the mouse it just reconnects after a second or two.
I went with this keyboard because I figured with the Microsoft name and a 30foot rated length of signal it would suite my needs fine. What I got was a very nice looking and feeling(I do like the feel and quiteness of the keys) piece of junk. For $70 a keyboard/mouse should run smooth. There is no way I would ever try to use this keyboard for writing anything of length. In fact this review is getting annoying to keep writing as I am using the Microsoft keyboard now and my keys keep getting missed.
To anyone out there looking for a long range, good signal keyboard/mouse. DO NOT BUY THIS ONE!
74.) Avoid this product!
Reviewed by: John Hampton, VA United States
Rating:
I just bought v3 and returned it 2 hours later. Microsoft claims a range of up to 30 ft yet the keyboard kept losing connectivity and dropping characters at only 6 feet. If you are buying a keyboard for range, do not buy this one. You will be disappointed.
75.) The Microsoft Wireless KB/Mouse Combo 6000 v3.0
Reviewed by: The Clak Man Mountain Home, AR
Rating:
I have purchased this Microsoft Wireless Keyboard IntelliType 6.3
6000 v3.0 just three weeks ago, put new batteries in both KB and mouse and installed disk. The major problem I am having is that I constantly lose connection between KB and PC. I will be typing then there will be a delay for my typed keys to show up. I had trouble typing this comment. It happens every 1 - 2 minutes! The delay is @ 20 - 30 seconds till it starts typing my keys again. But a minute or two later it happens again. It is driving my nuts!! I just want to throw the KB into the lake! I am reading other reviews and they are saying the same thing! DO NOT BUY THIS COMBO...it is junk!!
76.) What is _wrong_ at Microsoft?
Reviewed by: J. Clarke
Rating:
Works fine for an hour or so then loses connectivity for 30 seconds to a minute at a pop five or six times in rapid succession. It's not a usable tool for anything--for writing it interrupts my flow of thought, for working the media center the show I want to record may be half over before the keyboard responds well enough to start the recording, for games I get killed because the keyboard disconnects at inopportune moments.
The mouse isn't particularly nice either--it is imprecise and the sensor is not under the center of mass so it only works well on flat surfaces, not the arm of my couch on which the cheap wired mouse that came with my machine works fine.
This would be a lousy piece of hardware for 20 bucks, for the price that is charged it is absolute junk.
Given Microsoft's resources I would expect them to have done a more thorough job of testing.
77.) [Was 3.5 stars, now 1] Excellent ergonomics, some problems
Reviewed by: Fred ID, USA
Rating:
Interesting, no, that I'm using the keyboard and mouse package right now to write this review? I wonder if I started typing out words it doesn't like whether they would somehow revolt, start sending "nice" instead of "terrible"?
So I've been using the mouse and keyboard for about three days now and while the experience has been mostly positive, there have been a few problems. The installation was a breeze into Vista. I didn't need any drivers and within 10 minutes, I was using both the mouse and keyboard without a problem. I did need the IntelliPoint software installed so that I could program both the mouse and keyboard.
The ergonomics of the keyboard are pretty good. It comes with two little "feet" that you can insert under special slots under the keyboard to raise either the front or the back to your liking. Or leave them off all together. I experimented with all three and found that inserting the feet under the front ends give me a better typing experience.
Programming the keyboard's several "special" keys was rather straightforward and there are quite a number of those. Keys exist for one-click printing, email program execution, open different folders (the user's Documents and Pictures, for example) and the list goes on. I don't really know how much I'll use these but they are quite convenient and like I said, setting the programming up is quite simple.
It has long been my contention that the best keyboards I have ever used with the Sun Microsystems keyboards that came with the old UltraSPARC machines and I've since judged any keyboard by that standard. The keys on the SPARC were spongy yet firmly resistant so that typing a key wasn't a chore. The keyboard in this package is close, very close. I like the softness of each key as it is pressed, which softness leads to a quiet environment. Nothing breaks my concentration than the clickety-clack of keyboard keys, especially with a fast typist. Definite big points on this.
At first I thought the mouse would be "interesting" to use seeing its shape. That was the least of my problems as it turned out. The ergonomics of the mouse took some getting used to, to be honest, but within a few hours, it became second nature. The mouse is right handed only with groves for the other, non-clicking, fingers to rest.
On the left ridge of the mouse are two buttons mapped to backwards and magnify (the magnify threw me off the first time I used it, but a nice feature is that a help screen immediately pops up explaining the magnification process and most importantly, how to get out of it--I wish they'd simply mapped it by default to "forwards" as I'm used to, however). In Vista, Flip 3D with the mouse wheel enables you to flip through the applications. Nice, but useless for me.
One thing I did find slightly irritating was that the mouse wheel had no clicking! It makes it difficult to accurately choose when and where to stop scrolling and while the (good) point has been made that no clicking makes it easier on the hands and fingers for long documents, I much rather a clicking for better control. The mouse is definitely comfortable in the hand and works well for extended computer use. Accuracy is good in general.
I ran into one issue that I'm not sure about: mouse and keyboard flakiness. The claim is that with the 2.4GHz "dongle" inserted into one of the computer's USB ports, you can use the mouse and keyboard within a 30-foot range. When I'm playing on my flight simulator program, I have to move the mouse and keyboard about four feet away but I start experiencing dropped keys and the mouse starts catching and jerking as I move it around. Very annoying.
I wondered if it had anything to do with the fact I don't have a mouse pad and use the wooden tabletop instead. It worked for my other Dell mouse which used a red laser--I don't see any lights on the underside of the mouse, by the way. I chose not to investigate further as I don't want my eyes lasered out! That said, I don't see why the keyboard started dropping keys when I moved it only about a foot or two from its normal location.
Anyway, I plan to get a mouse pad to see if it makes using the mouse better but I don't know what I'm going to do about the keyboard's errors. Perhaps I'll try and move the USB dongle from the bad of the computer where it's located now to the one of the front USB ports to move it closer to the keyboard and mouse.
If it weren't for these bouncy, jerky, dropped keys problem, it would be a five-star review. As it is, I'm afraid I'm going to give it a three-and-a-half stars because of the annoyance factor--a four-star if I'm being honest, but it's my review and I'm slightly put out. Just saying.
*Update: I just found out the reason why my mouse jerks and hangs. Incredibly, installing and using the IntelliPoint software with the mouse causes problems and the fix? Well, the fix is to uninstall both the mouse drivers and the IntelliPoint software and then, get this: go into your registry and obliterate any traces of the mouse by deleting a million and one reg keys. Ah, that's the Microsoft I know and love. Demoting to 3 stars from 3.5!
*Update 2: The keyboard is now having the same problems with dropped keys and such. Will it never end? I'm going back to using my wired keyboard and mouse.
*Update 3 (August 13,2009): I have simply given up on using this keyboard and mouse combination completely. I had tried using it on a new laptop I received at work. This worked for a little while until the problems began and accelerated quickly into the absolutely-unusable category. There have been times I wanted to throw them against my cubicle wall because they both stop responding (and always at the most inopportune times!). This is, bar none, one of the worst I've ever used. Anyone want to join me for an "office space" type beat-down?
78.) Not for Left Handers
Reviewed by: Nathyn
Rating:
I wish somewhere in the product description it said that left handers will find using the mouse darn near impossible. The "ergonomic" mouse is designed for right handers and using it left handed is horribly uncomfortable. I'd never have bought this item if I'd known that was the case.
79.) Save your money and your SANITY
Reviewed by: ap
Rating:
Purchased the wireless keyboard/mouse about a year ago. I really have no complaints concerning the keyboard, but keep in mind, it is always (about) 3 feet from the little USB transceiver. I moved the transceiver from the back of my tower to the front to ensure a decent connection. I can type upwards of 45 wpm without issue. Yet, I agree with other people who have said that it's important to be able to use the keyboard at a decent distance (that's the whole point of a wireless keyboard).
THE MOUSE IS A PIECE OF GARBAGE.
The wireless mouse seemed to work fine for a couple months, but then... it just started DEVOURING batteries at a rate of about once per month, then once per week, then twice per week. It has now come to the point where I cannot use the computer for more than 10 minutes without the 'battery low' message appearing AND completely hijacking your system as it cycles through screens and windows. I think the batteries are fine - it's just the connection or mouse itself is problematic.
DO NOT RECOMMEND.
80.) software developer review
Reviewed by: john b. michigan
Rating:
Do Not Buy This Combo! I'm on my computer about 12 hours a day. While the keyboard is fair, who really needs a wireless keyboard, anyway? The keyboard is relatively quiet and the curvature seems to work, once you get used to it.
THE MOUSE IS THE PROBLEM!!! I don't think microsoft could have made a louder clicking moue if they tried. Perhaps their requirement was to simulate a chicken's neck breaking, because that's what it sounds like with each click. And, not only is a loud "CLICK," but it takes a decent amount of pressure. How could anyone as sophisticated as microsoft introduce this? Don't they conduct any product research???
81.) Premium Price, Awful Performance
Reviewed by: wjcunning
Rating:
I am intentionally not editing the repeated and/or deleted/stray keystrokes in this review to demonstrate just how fouled up this keyboard is.
The Microsoft Wireless Keyboard 6000 is my third wireless keyboard (the others eventually wore out), and it is BY FAR the worst wireless keyboard I haave ever used.
It tends to randomly generate extra keystrokes, sometimes just ignoring keystrokes completely, and also lags by several seconds in response to typing speeds of 20 wpm or less.
The transceiver unit resembles a thumb drive. The transceiver appears to be highly sensitive to placement. I keep the transceiver and keyboard about 9 feet apart and in line of sight of each other, but still experience an exreeemely high error rate.
This keyboard has caused me no end of trouble....it is not depeeendable enough to do anything important ...for goodness sakes, never usee this keyboard for any federal or state websites where reliable typing is required.
I find myseelf having to stand up and walk over to move the transceiver several times a day to reorient the antenna, but honestly nothing seems to make this keyboard perform in anything close to an acceptable manner.
Yes, I know, the "e" key is repeating right now, but in a few minutes other keys will exhibit the same behavior, or stop working altogether.
I cannot recommend anything but avoiding this keyboard/mouse combination at all costs. While the mouse is ergonomically nice, and the keyboard is quiet, the communication link is so awful that the entire setup is basicall useless.
This will be it's last use before heading to the trash. Shame, it ooks and feels so nice.
82.) Nice keyboard - If only it worked properly
Reviewed by: J. Janosko USA
Rating:
I really like the layout of this keyboard and the feel of the keys. The installation went without a hitch and everything seemed fine until I started typing. All too often the curser would freeze for a moment and the keyboard would miss keystrokes. I tried re-installing the software and updating the drivers but it never got any better. I never had the keyboard more than a couple feet from the computer and I tried the USB ports in the back and the front but it never improved. I don't know what was wrong with the keyboard - the mouse worked fine. Anyway I sent it back. I'm not willing to try another one - too bad because I really liked the feel and layout.
83.) Frustrated and annoyed
Reviewed by: socal2 san clemente, ca USA
Rating:
Last week I purchased the Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000. I knew going in that there were negative reviews about the keys sticking and mouse hesitations. Since I am reasonably savvy around tech stuff, I thought I could work around or fix the problems. Wrong. Wrong.
Problem 1. the mouse freezes. The cursor will not move not for seconds, but minutes.
Problem 2. The input from the key strokes are delayed on the screen for several seconds. Serious typing cannot be achieved with screen delays like this.
I researched the problems. I synchronized the receiver with the mouse. I changed ports. Nothing solved the problem. I have been using computers for over 20 years. This is the most frustrating and annoying problem I have ever had with computer related hardware. Microsoft should be ashamed of selling an inferior product like this. This hardware should be recalled, the problems fixed and put back on the sell shelf. The least they could do is identify the problem, then include fix directions in the package.
84.) not the mouse you want to use everyday
Reviewed by: SQL PROGRAMMER LA CA
Rating:
the whole set is great. However, the mouse isn't something you want to use everyday for long period of time.
I spend 10 hrs on the computer everyday and this mouse is killing my thumb. It's not curve the way your thumb naturally does. after a day of using the mouse and keyboard, you will feel the pain.
MS keyboard are good period. it's just his mouse isn't a good one.
85.) Microsoft Wireless Laser 6000 v3.0
Reviewed by: Gretsch CG Vancouver, BC
Rating:
I have had the Microsoft Wireless Keyboard 6000 v3.0 and Mouse for two weeks now and am having an impossible task trying to get it to work. Searching other 'tech' sites, I am having the same problem as many other users - none of the keys which are activated by the 'Shift Key' on a regular 101/102 key keyboard can be accessed. To be more specific.....
1. You cannot readily change from small case to upper case. To type an upper case letter, here is the sequence - press CAPS LOCK; type letter; press CAPS LOCK again to return to lower case. Just a little irritating to say the least.
2. To type an exclamation mark; a dollar sign; percentage; ampersand; asterisk, forget it. It's not possible.
3. To type a question mark; plus sign; double quotation marks 'curly' brackets, forget them too as they are activated by pressing the 'Shift Key' which does not respond.
4. The 'Up, Down, Left, Right' cursor keys only work one space at a time. Same with the 'Delete' and 'Backspace' keys
5. The 'Ctrl/Alt/Delete' combination doesn't respond either.
There is an update available to the accompanying software CD supplied by Microsoft which does not have any effect on the problem. The sofware drivers used are current.
While the above might cause the user to conclude that the keyboard was malfunctioning, this does not seem to be the case as this problem has appeared in various forms on other tech sites. Probably the most amazing article that touches on these idiosyncrasies is an article produced by MICROSOFT SUPPORT and titled 'WINDOWS VISTA MAY NOT USE THE CORRECT KEYBOARD LAYOUT WHEN YOU CONNECT A USB KEYBOARD TO THE COMPUTER.'
Considering that almost all the current Microsoft Wireless Keyboards connect via a USB that statement borders the amazing. The complete article can read at [...] and I urge everyone who is considering this keyboard to read it.
I should add that I am not one of many who constantly find fault with Microsoft. This is not my first `Wireless 6000' keyboard. I originally purchased and used an earlier version of this keyboard for over a year and loved it.
86.) Keyboard presses random buttons
Reviewed by: Jonathan C. Niznak
Rating:
Terrible product, or at least mine was. Every time the Keyboard was turned on, it would bring up hundreds or "help" pages of whatever program I was in until I pulled the batteries again. Reinstalled software multiple times and had no luck. Plus, the USB transceiver is very cheap and while pulling it out of the computer split in half, and now doesn't work at all. I have it for 10 days. Find another product.
87.) junk from microsoft
Reviewed by: kit larsen
Rating:
junk....first thing you do is throw away the batteries that come with it.....no matter what i did, keyboard, hisitates, doesnt work at all, or will delay type.....mouse is jumpy and hesitates as well....moved sender to front of computer...inches from mouse and keyboard....some improvement but still drive you nuts....gave up in frustration and put old keyboard and mouse back in......
88.) One major flaw
Reviewed by: N. Yu United States
Rating:
I bought my unit from Staples but I would like to share my experience with everyone. The mouse started to randomly scroll after almost a year of home use. Technical support had me uninstall and reinstall drivers but it did not fix the issue. Microsoft then replaced the defective product. After a couple of months, the replacement unit is showing issues where either the mouse or keyboard is forcing list boxes and radio buttons to scroll down endlessly. These issues has caused me to give up on Microsoft hardware products.
89.) Why pay less when you can have a crappy product for more?
Reviewed by: Andrei Alexandrescu Seattle, WA USA
Rating:
Hopefully this will help other people make an informed choice. Let me start with a little background - if you're like me, you think of keyboards and mice as simple disposable products. Not being an avid gamer or a precision designer, I don't have special requirements from a keyboard/mouse combo beyond "it should do what it's supposed to do". And with a keyboard and a mouse I don't want to do any more than tap tap whirr whirr click click.
I am going through my second instance of the thing. I returned the first thinking I got a defective item of an otherwise fine product. Now, unless I'm unlucky enough to go through /two/ defective items, this is a rather crappy keyboard/mouse combo.
To start with the basics, on both keyboards I used, the keys F and G only work when pressed perpendicularly; otherwise they simply can't be pressed. This is quite annoying. I hadn't realized how often my fingers just press under an angle inclined towards myself. All other keys on this keyboard are fine under my usual attack angle, so it's jarring that every once in a while I need to hit the F/G key in a different manner to have it work.
A highly annoying issue is the wireless range. The 30 feet claim in the brochure is ridiculous and if I had the time I'd take these guys to the Better Business Bureau. I stuck the USB receiver to the front of my desktop machine, which is right under my desk. There is less that 3 ft of distance from the receiver to the kb and mouse, and all the signal has to go through is my knees and 0.5 inch of wooden desk. There are problems. The mouse is essentially unusable at that distance - it's spotty and jerky. The keyboard also is hardly usable, it will sometimes miss keypresses or sometimes duplicate them. I need to hold the keyboard in my lap and the mouse on the desk right above the receiver to make them work properly. That makes the range under 2 feet. And that applies to both instances I tried.
As you can see from the product photos, the functional keys are smaller than the others, which makes them slightly more difficult to use. The more annoying thing is the "F-Lock" button (right in between F12 and PrtScn) which, guess what, hijacks all functional keys and gives them some predefined (and highly useless for all I can tell) functions. For example, Alt-F4 won't close a window anymore because F4 is not F4 anymore. Worse, that F-lock is on by default (at least that misfunctionality kicks in without me ever pressing the F-lock button) so it took me a while to figure why the entire row of function keys won't work. Two minor annoyances are that the mouse roll has little friction and that the mouse is right-handed. I think I can get used to all of the above. The lack of Caps LED indicators may annoy some, but I actually don't mind that as it saves on battery life.
On the plus side, installation is instant under both Windows and Ubuntu. There are no drivers needed, and Ubuntu recognizes and is able to assign useful functions to most, if not all, extra keys in the top row. I will note that the design observes the equal annoyance opportunity principle - the F-lock button renders all functional keys unusable under Windows and Ubuntu alike.
Overall, the product is probably on a par with considerably cheaper similar combos, so I'd recommend anyone wanting to pay an extra buck for better quality to pay it somewhere else.
90.) NO
Reviewed by: JC Houston
Rating:
Don't do it. Range is horrible. At 2ft. it doesn't even work correctly.
91.) Looses Conectivity!!! BE WARNED!!!
Reviewed by: H. Chau Irvine, CA
Rating:
I placed the USB transceiver less than 2 feet away from the mouse and keyboard. I replaced the batteries every month. Even with close range and new batteries, the mouse and keyboard intermittently looses connectivity. My new Panasonic cordless phone operates at 1.9GHz. My 2 years old Dlink wireless router operates and 2.4GHz. I and my neighbors do not have any other wireless devices with low frequency range to interfere with this product.
92.) Awful, awful keyboard
Reviewed by: alphaequals
Rating:
This keyboard was so bad, I had to throw it out. Here's why:
First, I had had nothing but connectivity issues from day one. The keyboard would randomly lose connectivity for like 20 seconds and the come back. Sometimes it would simply miss characters typed. Sometimes it will miss characters AND have a delayed reaction to other characters typed. It was completely unpredictable, completely out of my control. Completely maddening. The worst part is, once it started up, there was nothing you could do to fix it. It was just like having a computer that decides to slow down all of a sudden...you just have to painfully wait for it to get over it.
Second, it's supposed to be ergonomic, but it really isn't compared to the other MS comfort curve keyboard. I went back to my older versions of this keyboard and it was so much more comfortable. The keys just have so much less resistance. Also, the Function Keys (F1, F2, etc) are actually keys, rather than tiny, hard to press push buttons.
In general, I would warn off any would be buyer of this keyboard, but also of Microsoft keyboard in general. I have had many Microsoft ergonomic keyboards (about 1/year for the last 8 years) and they have all been of terrible build quality. First of all, they break quite reliably after about 1 year (this keyboard was a warranty replacement for one where the left shift key just stopped working). Second of all, this isn't my first MS wireless keyboard to have connectivity issues. I used to have the model with a wireless receiver that had a cord so you could put it on your desk (Wireless Optical Desktop 2000). That one would also randomly drop off from time to time, although I must admit it was a far less frequent affair than the current nightmare.
I think I have finally learned my lesson. Although they are supposedly ergonomic and are a brand name product this is the last MS keyboard/mouse I will ever buy.
Features of Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 v3 (Black)
Desktop Comfort and Style with Portable Mouse Convenience
1.) Flip 3D Experience this dynamic Windows Vista feature by pressing a key or the mouse scroll wheel to display a 3D overlay of all open windows, and cycle through them.;
2.) Translucent Border and Polished Racetrack Detail Brings the subtle elegance of Windows Aero to your desktop.;
3.) Comfort Curve with Ultra-Thin Quiet Touch Keys Your hands sit more naturally on the quiet, responsive keys for comfort and productivity.;
4.) "My Favorites" Keys Customize these 5 touch-sensitive keys to instantly bring up the folders, fi les, and Web pages you use most.;
5.) Mobile Laser Mouse - with Magnifier, 4-Way Scrolling, Extended Battery Life, and 2.4 GHz Wireless;
Package Height x Length x Width: 20.2 in. x 20.2 in. x 9.5 in.
Package Weight: 3.55 lbs.
Accessories for Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 v3 (Black)
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