Microsoft's New Keyboards

On Tuesday, Microsoft announced its new line of keyboards for consumers, and gamers will get some key benefits as well. Each of the three keyboards (two standard straight keyboards and one ergonomic) has two USB ports built into the back of the keyboard itself. So gamers with new USB controllers and mice won't have to dust off the USB ports at the back of their computers except for plugging in the keyboard. For users without USB ports, the keyboards will come with standard connectors as well.

"Our goal is to make it easier for our customers to get full benefit from the software they use every day," said Scot Schulte, keyboard line product manager at Microsoft. "These hot keys make it incredibly easy to get you where you want to go, whether that's a web site, an important document, or your favorite game. Instant accessibility is also the reason we've incorporated USB ports on the keyboards. After all, who wants to climb under their desk to plug in a digital still camera or game device?"

The Natural Keyboard Pro is being shown to PC Expo attendees this week. It offers the feel of the current Natural Keyboard Elite but looks larger and more like Microsoft's original Natural keyboard offering. (Gamers have complained that the natural Elite's directional pad is far too tiny for gaming.)

The boards will also include blue quick-access buttons to standard Windows functions like e-mail, Web browsing, CD audio, DVD movies, and even MP3. The Internet Keyboard offers one button for e-mail, one sleep key, and two customizable buttons. The other two boards, the Natural Keyboard Pro and the Internet Keyboard Pro, will have eight hot keys for even easier access to favorite applications and functions.

The Internet Keyboard (US$29.95) and Natural Keyboard Pro ($79.95) will show up this October, with the Internet Keyboard Pro showing up sometime in early 2000.