Microsoft Wired Keyboard 500

This is a somewhat compact design, such that it only has one start button key, perhaps to mimic the layout of Mac keyboards. That said, all in all, this is a very good keyboard, provided you can manage without the second start key. All this means is that you won't be doing the one-handed desktop lock to which I was, previously, accustomed. Otherwise, this unit's performance is outstanding. Unfortunately, however, the special shortcut keys seem to be of little value to me, since it may be my KVM setup that is preventing them from working. I thought it might be the versions of Windows I have, but none of them work in my setup and at least one other buyer has said that it worked perfectly for them on both Windows XP and Windows 7, as well as a buyer who also said it worked for XP, and I have Windows XP, VIsta, 7, and 8, no less. But, if you have a PS/2+USB KVM, you, too, may find that they don't work. Keeping it PS/2 to PS/2 may solve that issue, but my KVM and systems capabilities require that I input PS/2 into the KVM and then USB out to the computers, or not all of the systems will function. No problem, I don't usually use those keys anyway, but they're included. Had I a USB-only KVM, you would not be reading this review. Still, a very good product for the price.

I purchased a Microsoft Wired PS/2 Keyboard from Amazon.com one month ago, to replace two previous keyboards (another brand) which were unsatisfactory due to fading or chipping of the letters from the most frequently used keys. I presumed that a "name brand" (Microsoft) keyboard would be of superior quality, giving me longer service. I was wrong. My previous "generic brand" keyboards lasted 6 to 8 months each, before certain frequently used letters disappeared from the keys. My Microsoft PS/2 keyboard had been in service just one month, and 5 or 6 frequently used letters are already faded to the extent that they are likely to disappear completely in another month. I am extremely disappointed in the quality of the Microsoft keyboard I recently purchased from Amazon.com.

I have used most of Microsoft's keyboards. With a typing speed of 180wpm (Mavis Beacon) and a computer related job - keyboards are my life. I got this new keyboard with my new Dell system at work last week. At first I thought these keyboards would be pretty crappy because of their $14 price tag. The first thing you notice when you type on these keyboards is how quiet they sound... Well, that goes away with a few hours of use (for me anyways). After a few days of use the keys really loosen up and become pretty loud so if you are looking for a quiet keyboard, this isn't it. However, the smoothness of the keys allows for some pretty fast typing. I bought one for home and have been using this keyboard as my main keyboard for a few days because I liked it so much. It is pretty compact, doesn't require any drivers for the special keys to work, I like the build and ease of key presses. I'm surprised how long and how fast I can type without the "wearing" out feel I got with other normal keyboards. This keyboard will remain my "main" keyboard for many months at work and at home. Compared to the Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 - this keyboard is much more quiet and takes much less desk space. There is also more keypress length (whereas the Comfort Curve 2000 has a notebook feel). This keyboard is significantly lighter as well but it has well built/placed rubber grips so it does not slide on the desk no matter how hard/fast you type. I'd definitely recommend this keyboard for anyone looking for a well built cheap keyboard.

I got this for my 94 year old dad, as he was having trouble with his original keyboard that was 10 years old. He hooked this up easily without a problem, and though he had trouble at first with the key strike setting....once that was set properly, the keyboard works like a charm. Great product, easy to set up, HIGHLY RECOMMEND! And, btw, SUPER QUICK shipping to an alternate address, with no problems!

Spent a year or so with this keyboard now and its faults finally came up and annoyed me enough to get a new keyboard. The layout is nice and it's cheap and it works, but its price does show through in some aspects. For one, it has a pretty bad "multiple keypress" problem, where key presses stop registering if you're holding too many keys at once. This can be a problem in games when you're often holding down movement keys. Another is that some keys will start to "stick" over time and typing will begin to feel like it takes a lot more effort. The Ctrl and Delete keys in particular. It just becomes annoying to type with.

I think it was just the keyboard that I received, but my spacebar would get stuck all the time. If I pressed the spacebar, the computer would register multiple spaces. I am pretty sure this is not a software/driver issue, I even downloaded the microsoft drivers and tried different keyboards, it only happens with this one. And overall, the construction and materials used is much inferior to the logitech that I'm using now. I used to be a fan of microsoft mice in the past and thought I'd give this a try, I don't think I will be buying another Microsoft peripheral again.

Five stars for this one! It types quiet and has reliable accuracy due to the PS/2 wired connection. Really... if you have a desktop computer, is there a need for a wireless keyboard? I felt like I had enough wireless gadgets without needing to throw in another one to the mix. It would be just one more thing that would need a battery and has the potential for causing interference. Not with this keyboard! No battery, no interference and no communication errors with your computer! I bought this because I was trying to access my BIOS on my Dell Dimension 8300 from 2004. My other PS/2 connection keyboard stopped working due to a drink spill and my new Logitech illuminated USB connection keyboard would not access my BIOS with the F2 key or even function at all before Windows XP Home Edition started. This keyboard accesses my BIOS perfectly and is a welcomed addition to my system! The hot keys are helpful also and a nice addition. Highly recommended! The only feature it is missing in my opinion is it being illuminated... can't always have everything.

The thing was for a serial port not a USB port and new computers don't have serial ports. A bust. I have an old computer upstairs which I'll hook it up to so it won't be a total waste.