Incase finally re-releases the much missed Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard.
Incase has finally re-launched the Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard, over a year since Microsoft announced their sudden departure from the hardware accessory line. The Keyboard, well loved for it's split design, long battery life, and modern, stylish aesthetic, is back, exactly the same as we left it.
The only difference between the Incase and Microsoft versions is the branding. Gone is the familiar Microsoft logo, replaced by the brand of its new masters.
As it is a direct continuation, all of the benefits, and its annoyances, still remain. The design remains beautiful, with its curved gap between the two halves, and retains its long battery life, dependent on easily replaceable AAA batteries. The number pad is still separate from the keyboard, making it easier to reach for the mouse for right handed people.
For its downsides, the function keys still occasionally get stuck, making the keyboard unresponsive until you unstick it. It still relies on a single factory paired USB dongle, which if lost, renders the entire keyboard (and mouse) unusable.
Like its Microsoft version, the keyboard still comes in two options: the Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard, priced at USD 120 and coming with the number pad as well, and the Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop, priced at USD 180 with the ergonomic mouse included. I would personally go for the keyboard on its own, and use the extra money to purchase a Logitech Vertical MX, which has a higher angle and is more comfortable to use. For smaller hands, the Logitech Lift Vertical offers the same benefits.
Now we continue the wait for the Compact Ergonomic Keyboard, a new keyboard that Microsoft designed but didn't release. In my review, it looks like the newcomer will have shorter key travel, and there won't be a negative riser, which is unfortunate if the case.
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