However, I have not given this keyboard 5 stars for two reasons:
1 - The media functions do not always work, especially if you are connected to the internet and have media player minimised to the toolbar.
2 - All of the F-keys are set to do something else as standard. If you are an advanced computer user, and used to using keyboard shortcuts such as F2 for "rename" - this keyboard will really annoy you. Although it is possible to disable this feature, you have to do it every time you boot up the computer. This is especially annoying for gaming, where you might have the F keys set to Quicksave/load etc. While you can choose from a list of functions that these keys may perform, the designers neglected to include "do what F2 normally does"

But if you are not used to the standard keyboard shortcuts, you will find this keyboard very easy to use.


Microsoft Multimedia Keyboard - Black   August 6, 2004
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This keyboard is quite simply excellent. I have been previously using the microsoft internet keyboard but i fancied having some of the extra features on the multimedia keyboard but i was a bit concerned how the keyboard would feel; as the internet keyboard felt great to type with. Do NOT worry as it feels equally as good and the keys are very legible (another of my concerns).

One more thing, the delete key is a bit weird, it is bigger than the standard one as microsoft have moved the insert key making it far easier to use!

Overall a great buy and well worth the extra 5.


Great Keyboard   August 2, 2004
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

After getting a new computer and realizing that the keyboard with that is nice, clean and is quiet when typing - I thought to myself "I need a new keyboard" [for other computer].

I was looking for something that was made by a great company and would forfill my needs of being quiet (at the same time not spongey).

The keyboard that suited my needs is this keyboard. I'm typing on it at the moment and its great to type on.

The keys are quiet it has great extra buttons.

i.e. My Documents, My Pictures, My Music, Media (with volume, stop, play etc.), Mail, Web, Messenger, Calculator, Log Off and Sleep [I'm running Win2000 on this machine so the sleep button does not work]

The only difference on the main keyboard is that the F keys have an extra function. i.e. there s New / Open / Close buttons. To get the F keys to work, you have to press the F-Lock key.

Its a great keyboard and would recommend it to anyone.


An excellent product   June 1, 2004
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

I purchased this keyboard since upgrading to a black Dell monitor so it would match ;-)

Pros -
-The keyboard is very stylish with smooth midnight black finish.
-If your using Windows you can take advantage of multimedia launch buttons to access programs like MSN Messenger, mail, or calculator with just one press.
-Comes complete with wrist rest and adjustable legs to allows for a comfortable typing posistion.

Cons -
- No USB connector, the keyboard uses PS/2 while doesnt affect its operation is now an old standard.
- The F keys are disabled by default, you must turn them on using the Flock key if you wish to use them.

Overall I would recommend this product for people looking for a more stylish keyboard for their home/office and do a medium/large amount of typing.


Microsoft Multimedia Keyboard   May 24, 2004
 5 out of 9 found this review helpful

Why have Microsoft decided that after many years of keyboards having a standard layout, that they should mix everything up. The quality feels good, but the keyboard is completely useless to me now as I cannot bear to use it.

1. The F keys are disabled as default (F-Lock key turns them on), and to make matters worse, they have grouped them in 3's rather than 4's. If your fingers are used to using the proper layout, you will end up hitting F3 instead of F4 ALL THE TIME.

2. INSERT HOME PAGEUP - Block have all been moved around and if like me you used to use CTRL-INSERT etc, you will hate it.

If you have never used a keyboard before, you will probably like it, but otherwise, stay away.

To make matters worse, microsoft no longer seem to make a USB keyboard with the proper layout.