We’re taking another look at the Microsoft curve keyboard and accompanying mouse. The new curve is quite an overhaul over the older model and seems to be targeted more for mass consumption in terms of design. Whereas the old model was a split keyboard, the 6000 takes the curve and applies it to a standard keyboard layout. The result is a keyboard that looks less exotic and has a lower learning curve. Call it a standard keyboard with a bit of a curve to the keys.

In terms of ergonomics, I feel like this keyboard takes a small step backwards over it’s predecessor in order to appeal to a broader audience. To our more conservative readers, this keyboard presents a cheap & easy upgrade in your ergonomics without having to commit to getting used to an wildly different shape/layout. Most of the time when I try a new keyboard shape my typing speed is stunted while I get used to it, but the MS Curve 6000 is so close to a normal keyboard that the affect was very minimal. Being that it’s not a split keyboard and that the keys are flat; it’s less foreign at the cost of being less ergonomic.

Lets talk about the keys. Millions of key presses eventually add up, so the quality of the buttons themselves becomes important. I can’t find a spec for KOH on this guy, but I will say it has a pretty soft touch. What I really like about these keys over your standard keyboard is that the key press is somewhat dampened. Old school 1990’s clicky keyboards had a distinct click sound and they somewhat jarred your finger a little on each key press. With the MS Curve, the kickback is very smooth and minimal by design.. That means less stress on you finger joints and your muscles.

The mouse is quite comfortable, although, slightly larger than your average mouse. The neat part about this mouse is the design of the thumb rest. If you want to you can position you hand so that you don’t even touch the mouse pad, thus controlling it with your hand instead of your wrist. There’s a small extrusion to rest your thumb on. Some ergonomic mice are designed around this principal like the handshoe mouse. You can also place your wrist on the mouse pad and move the mouse with your fingers like most people do. The shape of the mouse works both ways. My generic advise is to change up your input devices or how you use them throughout your day to minimize the repetitiveness. This mouse works out fine in both positions which is uncommon and kinda awesome.

The other features on the mouse are great. The click is exactly what you expect from a typical mouse and the scroll wheel is butter smooth. Some mice have a lot of resistance on the scroll, but this one has almost no drag. While this mouse was designed with ergonomics in mind, it’s not quite at the level of specialization as some of the other mice we talk about on this site. I’d say it’s better than 85% of the standard mice out there.

While I try to keep reviews focused on the RSI aspects, I will say that while the keyboard works great on a Mac, the mouse get’s hung up from time to time. In windows it works flawlessly, so it’s probably just an issue with the Mac driver.

So, in conclusion.. If you’re looking for a cheap wireless keyboard & mouse setup that’s mildly ergonomically minded, you’re looking at a decent product. It’s easy to learn, better than your average peripherals, and it’s mass produced to the point of being very cheap. Amazon’s selling em for $63 a pop. If you have advanced repetitive stress injuries, you should be looking at some of the more specialized keyboards & mice out there. If you don’t have problems yet and want to be preventative or if your discomfort is light, then this is a decent choice for a keyboard. It’s cheap, has an easy learning curve, and it looks pretty normal sitting on your desk.