Marco Arment

Likely good news for Microsoft-keyboard fans: Incase is taking over the business instead of letting MS kill it. https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/5/24026323/microsoft-incase-partnership-keyboards-accessories-partnership

“A new ergonomic keyboard that’s very exciting” is apparently on the way, too.

It's even a good sign that this image depicting my favorite (badly Photoshopped) Sculpt Ergo keyboard was apparently supplied by Incase, suggesting that they'll be making more of them as well.

Microsoft’s keyboards and mice will live on under a unique new partnership

Microsoft is partnering with Incase to keep its PC accessories alive. Incase has stepped in to keep manufacturing mice, keyboards, and more.

The Verge
Jan 5, 2024 at 1:23pmIvory for Mac
Show threadScott O’ReillyJan 5, 2024
@marcoarment Amazing! I just bought a used one off eBay, and haven’t been able to work up the courage to scrub someone else’s hand grease off it.
Show threadRob AttrellJan 5, 2024
@marcoarment this is very exciting news indeed! I didn’t care at all about keyboard until I found that one and now all I want is more like it. Separate numpad, ergonomic layout, reverse tilt, it’s hard to find any of these features in a mainstream keyboard, much less all of them.
Show threadJames EvansJan 5, 2024
@marcoarment if they could be persuaded to pick up Logitech’s TrackMan Marble, it would get the year off to a great start
Show threadJon SchwennJan 5, 2024
@marcoarment very interesting. I love my incase products but they’ve gone through phases of trying new product lines and then phasing them out. They had dipped their toes into the headphones market which were ok for the price. I love and regularly use a duffel bag and luggage that have long since been discontinued.
Show threadMax Leibman has moved!Jan 5, 2024

@marcoarment I’m glad to see these got picked up. I don’t use the Ergo products, but I know people swear by them. I DO use a bunch of Microsoft accessories, some Surface branded, some not (I just counted and there are FOUR Microsoft mice in the house right now, half Surface and half just Microsoft).

I wonder what will happen to items like the Arc mouse and Modern mouse that have both Surface and generically Microsoft variants?

Show threadMax Leibman has moved!Jan 5, 2024

@marcoarment I also like this passage:

“‘There’s a big space for Incase to develop hybrid products that fit between mobile and desktop,’ says Tebele. Microsoft experimented with its Wedge Touch mouse and mobile keyboard, but it never really went much further.”

Maybe that means Incase could license and resurrect my beloved Microsoft Universal Foldable Keyboard?

Show threadChris HasenpflugJan 5, 2024
@marcoarment I have two sculpt ergo’s in storage. I ended up switching to a wired keyboard I personally like more. May be willing to part with if anyone is in need
Show threadChris WeirupJan 6, 2024
@chrishas35 If you still have them, I'm willing to take one off your hands. I'm out of backups after I lost the USB receiver on one. I can PM you if the offer is still good. Thanks!
Show threadLuis VillaJan 5, 2024
@marcoarment YES OMG OMG THANK YOU
Show threadCarlos PereiraJan 5, 2024
@marcoarment awesome! I hope they make a version that is specifically designed to work better with the Mac/iPad.
Show threadArno HautalaJan 5, 2024
@marcoarment Could be bad (good?) news for @siracusa too. Are they also getting into the “Chicken hat” business?
Show threadGabe HannanJan 5, 2024
@marcoarment I had considered trying one of these similar looking keyboards when my current Sculpt dies, but I’ll probably go with Incase if they revive the sculpt. https://perixx.com/products/11660
PERIDUO-606 - Wireless 2.4GHz Ergonomic Set: Split Compact Keyboard and Vertical Mouse

Show threadEric WortmanJan 5, 2024
@marcoarment Thank goodness. I’m getting closer to needing a new one.
Show threadTeflonTroutJan 5, 2024
@marcoarment I LOVE the Ergo 3000s I scavenged off a dusty shelf at work, best keyboard I've ever used
Show threadPierre SpringJan 5, 2024

@marcoarment but will it come with a Copilot key?

https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/4/24023809/microsoft-copilot-key-keyboard-windows-laptops-pcs

Microsoft’s new Copilot key is the first big change to Windows keyboards in 30 years

Microsoft is bringing a Copilot key to new Windows-powered laptops and PCs. It’s the first big change to the Windows keyboard layout in nearly 30 years.

The Verge
Show threadRosemary OrchardJan 5, 2024
@marcoarment That's good to hear! I know a lot of folks love those keyboards and while I couldn't get on with it or its successor, my mum loves the hand me down I provided her with!!
Show threadMichael SliwinskiJan 5, 2024

@marcoarment I recommend the new Logitech Ergo. It’s pretty good.

https://michael.team/ergo/

Logitech ERGO K860 keyboard review with a custom-made LEGO stand for Apple Trackpad

I’ve always liked ergonomic keyboards. I’ve been an early user of the first model of Microsoft’s “Natural Keyboard” in my Windows years and later also had the Sculpt Ergonomic keyboard but it stopped working after only 2 years and wasn’t well suited for the Mac. So I just kept using my solar-powered K760 Logitech keyboard which I bought in… December of 2012 - over 10 years ago! However, I missed the “natural/ergonomic” keyboard layout and decided to try the Logitech ERGO K860 and as I kept using it I also decided to “integrate it” with the Apple Trackpad in my home office. Here’s my review:

Michael.team
Show threadWojtyrJan 5, 2024

@michael I enjoyed typing on this #keyboard

…except it caused me arm pain after a few months - I was using it with a mouse on the right side and the numpad forced a wired positioned of my right arm.

I sold it and use #Logitech MX Keys Mini

P.S. I love your LEGO-hack!

Show threadJonathan DechkoJan 5, 2024

@michael @marcoarment That’s what I use.

I’m torn on the num pad, though. I use it *a lot* for work, but I know the ergonomics aren’t as good as a separate one.

Show threadFreediverXJan 5, 2024
@marcoarment
Do they come with the complimentary chicken hat?
Show threadKarl Voit  Jan 6, 2024

@marcoarment #Microsoft #keyboards (as with most hardware I got from Microsoft) seems to be a great keyboard.

However, it's far from being an ergonomic keyboard.

I wrote a German article on ergonomic keyboards from my perspective: https://karl-voit.at/2023/03/10/ergonomische-Tastaturen/

Most important properties that are missing here: ortholinear layout, wells, distance between left and right hand side.

HTH

Wie wirklich ergonomische Tastaturen aussehen

Wie wirklich ergonomische Tastaturen aussehen

public voit - Web-page of Karl Voit
Show threadLeighton SmithJan 7, 2024
@marcoarment loved this board. But have since moved on to mechanical boards in Alice layout
Show threadTony MottazJan 7, 2024
@marcoarment this is even more exciting when you consider that Incase might not jam in that AI key