I've been using Microsoft's new Sculpt Comfort keyboard for a few days now, and so far it hasn't revolutionized my typing. But that's just what it promises — to change one of the fundamental parts of modern keyboards: the backspace key.
The Microsoft Sculpt Comfort keyboard ($59.95, available 'soon') splits the space bar in two different size parts: a larger key that works normally, and a slightly smaller portion that can be configured to behave as Backspace. (Yes, the regular Backspace key still works the same). You have to enable the feature; out of the box, both keys work as the space bar.
Jan 24, 2018 Simple mouse that is functional but still looks good. Very comfortable in the hand. Powered by batteries. A convenient Windows button on the side to open the start menu. I've used this mouse with both Mac and PC. Download Microsoft Keyboard and Mouse Center software so that you can easily remap the buttons. Dec 30, 2016 Setting Up Microsoft Surface Ergonomic Keyboard on Mac (El Capitan) Problem. OSX (at least El Capitan) doesn’t recognize the Microsoft Surface Ergonomic Keyboard as a keyboard out of the box. It pairs, and you can type, but you can’t remap the command keys. Sep 19, 2012 Microsoft's Sculpt Comfort keyboard has a new way to use Backspace, but will it catch on? Microsoft Sculpt Comfort Keyboard Re-Invents Backspace. Mac users shouldn't fear the Sculpt.
Although the Sculpt asks you to change your core typing habits, its rationale actually makes a lot of sense. Microsoft found that 90% of people hit the space bar with their right thumb (guilty as charged). Backspace also happens to be the third most-pressed key on the keyboard, the first two being Space and the 'E' key.
That said, Backspace was never a feature on the original QWERTY keyboard. It was tacked on much later, and rarely used on mechanical typewriters since it required using manual correction tape. Now that computers have made corrections effortless, touch typists' right pinky fingers are being unnecessarily stressed, and typing in general has been slowed down due to this inefficiency.
SEE ALSO: Check Out Microsoft’s Brilliant Keyboard for Windows 8 Tablets [VIDEO]
At least that's the theory. Personally, I've never felt that burdened by needing to use my right pinky to delete my typing mistakes (and I make a lot). But I was still excited to try out Microsoft's Sculpt for both the new key configuration and the curved ergonomic design.
The Feel
Both take getting some getting used to. The Sculpt feels a little curvier than, say, Logitech's K350, which is one of my favorite designs. The keys have just slightly more resistance than you expect as well. There's a removable wrist guard, which I found annoying, so I ditched it. They keyboard has nice rubberized 'feet' so it stays in place firmly, but I would have preferred some risers in back.
But the extra Backspace key is where the action is. As a touch typist, I found quickly that getting used to typing a different key position for anything — let alone something as fundamental as Backspace — is terribly difficult. If you're going to be serious about using the Sculpt as your full-time keyboard, you'll need to practice, practice, practice to train your left thumb to hit the new key.
I also discovered that, while I don't use my left thumb to hit the space bar when I'm typing with two hands, for those times when I'm going one-handed (typically with half a sandwich in my right), ol' lefty is all I've got. That leads to some accidental deletions — and irritation.
On the plus side, I was happy to find that not only did the Sculpt work flawlessly with my Mac, but so did its extra Backspace key. That's pretty cool for a Microsoft product that hasn't even been released yet, though it probably speaks more to the built-in compatibility in Apple OS X than Microsoft's engineering. In any case, Mac users shouldn't fear the Sculpt.
Is There a Market?
People with multiple machines should, though, and there's the rub. The Sculpt's Backspace detour is actually a great idea, but it's coming at the wrong time. In an era where most people have both home and work computers, probably an older personal machine, and a couple of keyboard accessories, repositioning the Backspace key is a daunting mission. It needs to be an all-or nothing affair, or it's simply not worth the hassle.
Microsoft Sculpt Keyboard Configure For Mac Windows 10
Still, the Sculpt Comfort is a fine wireless keyboard even without its signature trick. And for a small sect of touch typists, it'll surely create a passionate following. Can it re-invent typing in the long term? That's no small task (just ask the guys who designed Google's Chromebooks), but all revolutions need to start somewhere.
How do you like Microsoft's repositioning of the Backspace key? Share your impressions in the comments.
While MacBook’s chiclet keyboard is probably one of, if not the best keyboard in the ultrabook category, sometimes you might want to use a full-sized keyboard complete with a numeric keypad. After all, it is the ideal setup if you’re typing for long periods of time. If you have an old USB keyboard lying around and gathering dust from your previously discarded desktop, you can actually use it with your Macbook. Just about any type or brand of keyboard will work with your Mac. You don’t have to buy Apple’s expensive keyboard. This post will show you how to configure your USB keyboard so that it works seamlessly with your MacBook.
Microsoft Keyboard For Mac
Once you plug in your keyboard to the USB port, this popup will show.
Click “Continue.” Your Mac will then map out the rest of your keyboard by asking you to hit the keys beside the “Shift” keys.
The last popup will ask you to select your preferred type of keyboard.
Microsoft Keyboard Drivers For Mac
This is not the end of the setup, however. There is one more thing you need to configure. If you skip this step, you will have problems using the shortcut keys that you’ve been accustomed to such as “Command + C,” “Command + V” and “Command + X”.
After you’ve chosen the type of keyboard and clicked “Done,” perform these steps:
1. If you’ve closed System Preferences after the last prompt, go back to System Preferences and choose Keyboard.
2. Open “Modifier Keys…” on the bottom right corner. The modifier keys in Mac are the Shift, Control, Option (Alt), Command, and Caps Lock keys.
3. Choose USB Keyboard on the drop-down.
Here you can quickly assign “Command” for the “Control” key. This ensures that the Command shortcuts will work every time. You can leave the rest as it is if you simply use the common Command options. Or you can set more modifier keys depending on the combination of shortcut keys you’re using. Hit “OK” to save your new settings.
After this, you’re all set. Except for the slight difference in the position of keys, your external USB keyboard is going to feel like your regular MacBook keyboard. For instance, if you usually take a screenshot you press “Command + Shift + 3”, now it’s “Control + Shift + 3”.
You can detach your USB keyboard at any time and still have all the settings saved. You’ll only be prompted to configure your keyboard’s settings once you attach a new one.
Using a cheap, external USB keyboard for your MacBook is extremely convenient and more ergonomic. It can make you feel like you’re using a desktop.
To further simulate the feeling of using a desktop, you can elevate your MacBook by placing it on a height-adjustable laptop stand. This way, instead of straining your neck as you look down on a smaller screen, your eyes land directly at the address bar. Add a USB mouse and your MacBook’s transformation to a desktop is complete. When you leave home and need to bring your MacBook in a coffee shop, for instance, you can quickly remove the USB keyboard and mouse.