Type in a natural way with the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse

A split keyboard is one of the best ways to work in a relaxed position

There are many keyboards from several manufacturers that appeal to a large section of computer users. For example, gaming keyboards have additional keys for macro combinations and often have lighting effects. Portable keyboards are excellent for pairing with a laptop or tablet when working outside the office. However, most keyboards aren’t designed solely for typing, which can be a challenge if that’s your full-time job.

That’s where Microsoft’s Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse bundle comes in. The keyboard’s keys are split into two sections at a slight angle, letting you rest your fingers on them more naturally. 

Testing the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse 

The only effective way to test any keyboard or mouse is to connect them to a computer and spend hours clicking, scrolling, and pushing buttons over the course of several days. However, it is crucial to compare specialty gadgets to their traditional counterparts, considering the differences in feel, operational ease and value.

The BestReviews Testing Lab strives to investigate every claim the brand/manufacturer makes about the product. For this article, the tester used their knowledge of using wireless keyboards and mice for over a decade to investigate whether a split keyboard is worth the layout change.

What is the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse?

As the name implies, the Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard is designed by Microsoft to make typing and general office work easier. The sleek wireless keyboard has a split-key layout, where you place your hands on the keys at a relaxed angle. It comes with a separate numerical pad.

The wireless Sculpt Ergonomic mouse has a prominent thumb scoop for better grip and handling. Like the accompanying keyboard, the angle and height are designed for a relaxed, more natural feeling. The mouse also features a dedicated Windows button for quick access to the Start menu.

Inline Link: See how it compares to other products in its space — check out our reviews for the best ergonomic keyboards.

Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse price and where to buy

The keyboard and mouse combo is available at BestBuy for $129.99. On its own, the Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse is available on Amazon for $39.99.

How to use the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse

The Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse are wireless devices that connect to a compatible computer through a Bluetooth USB module. The computer automatically recognizes the gadgets as additional peripherals and installs any software. Once that’s all done, the mouse and keyboard are ready for use. 

Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse benefits

In addition to having relatively quiet keys, the tester was also impressed with how sturdy they were. The travel time is comparable to other rubber-dome keyboards, but the separation between the keyboard and the numerical pad gives it a compact edge. For someone who seldom uses the number pad unless they are doing math, it’s like having a dedicated calculator for your computer.

Speaking of separation, the gap between the two key sections is narrower than other split-key devices, making typing more fluid — which is always a good thing. There is also a raised, mound-like design between the left-hand keys and the right ones, which takes the strain off the wrists when you find the proper spot. However, ergonomic keyboards need to offer a little bit more flexibility, and longer buttons on the right-hand side would help a lot. 

The tester felt that the Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse was well-designed and easy to use. He encountered no problems connecting it to a computer through the Bluetooth dongle. The design is a bit more dome-like than other gadgets and might take some getting used to. But once you get the hang of it, scrolling, pointing, and clicking are a breeze.

Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse drawbacks

Using a dongle to connect the mouse, keyboard and numerical pad to a computer makes sense, but that alienates Mac users who might not have a compatible USB port. The tester thought it would go a long way for Microsoft to release a Bluetooth-only version of the Sculpt Ergonomic products, as that also opens the market to Mac users.

Another issue that could catch users off-guard is the battery. While still wireless, some gaming keyboards have built-in batteries you can charge through a USB cable. The Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard, however, doesn’t have this ability, and there is no exact way of telling when the AA batteries are about to run flat.

While not necessarily a drawback, first-time users might initially struggle with the seemingly strange key layout. The tester notes that when typing with an unfamiliar keyboard such as this one, it’s easy for typos to creep in as your muscle memory doesn’t quite fit. However, people learning to type may appreciate having something more ergonomic from the get-go.

Should you get the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse?

The Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard and Mouse is an excellent bundle if you are in the market for a more ergonomic work setup. However, if you lose the dongle that keeps everything connected, you might be in trouble, as many users have complained online about how difficult it is to get a new one.

But that aside, the products live up to the brand's claims of preventing wrist injuries from repetitive keystrokes and mouse movements. Your hands' positioning feels more natural, making it an excellent choice for anybody at risk of joint injuries.