Microsoft unveils a Windows 8 focused keyboard, the Sculpt Comfort

HARDWARE FIRM Microsoft has announced an addition to its line of keyboards designed to take advantage of Windows 8, the oddly named Sculpt Comfort.

At the Windows Experience Blog, Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc said he is using the keyboard at home with his all-in-one (AIO) PC.

The keyboard features "hot keys" for the Search, Share, and Device and Settings charms. It also has four additional hot keys for flipping between, switching or snapping applications, or bringing up the applications bar in Windows 8.

"This keyboard perfectly supports that with its advanced ergonomics. It features Microsoft's Contour Curve design - a six degree bend in the keyboard layout and a dome-shaped arc that allows you to be comfortable while typing and keeps your wrists at a neutral position," LeBlanc enthused.

"It also has a removable palm rest if you prefer a more compact look and feel to the keyboard."

According to LeBlanc, Microsoft's Sculpt Comfort Keyboard is also the first to feature a split backspace and spacebar combination key. This design element eliminates what he calls "the awkward pinky reach" to the standard backspace key while keeping the user's wrists in a comfortable position.

"This design decision was made based on research that showed 90 percent of typists use only their right thumb to press the spacebar," LeBlanc said. "This leaves a ton of unused keyboard real estate on the left-side of the spacebar."

Leblanc added that the width of the spacebar is also increased to make it easier to strike while typing.

Microsoft said the Sculpt Comfort Keyboard will be available "soon" at the online Microsoft Store and other participating retailers in the UK for £59.99. µ