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One ergonomic feature that is, as far as I am aware, unique to Microsoft, is that the 7000 keyboard comes with two separate rubber feet. These can slot into any of four holes at the bottom of the keyboard (two front, two back), letting you lift the back of the keyboard (as most keyboard legs do), or less usually the front (sloping the back of the keyboard down), making for a counterintuitive but strangely comfortable experience.

Surprisingly for such a high-end Microsoft product, especially for something that is essentially a revision of an earlier model, is that without those feet (using the keyboard in ‘flat-profile') there is a balancing issue: a tendency for the top-left corner to come up when putting any pressure on the wrist-rest. However, while it's annoying and occasionally distracting, it's not a deal-breaker.


Another oddity is that Microsoft has two separate applications for its mouse and keyboard that need to be individually started, unlike Logitech which offers full control from its single SetPoint panel. And while the Redmond company's keyboard app will let you assign different functions to the shortcut and media keys, it is nowhere near as flexible as its competitor's offering.


Perhaps the biggest challenge facing the Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 is Logitech's Cordless Desktop MX5500 Revolution, which can be had for only £20 more. If your budget cannot stretch the extra twenty, then the 7000 is unlikely to disappoint, as overall, it really is a lovely set. It's just that the MX5500 offers more: its keyboard features a versatile LCD screen, and the MX Revolution mouse has the intelligent MicroGear Precision free-scrolling wheel we all love, with more attractive and flexible software backing the set up. The main things Microsoft has going for its contender, in addition to being cheaper, are the replaceable mouse battery, flexible keyboard positioning and (presumably) superior angled key-layout.

Verdict

Standing on its own, the black and chrome Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 is a very desirable piece of kit, and design-wise makes the perfect partner for those considering Samsung's T-range monitors with its transparent outer surround.

Once you get used to the ergonomic layout the keyboard is eminently comfortable, and offers more adjustability than most. However, apart from using a replaceable AAA battery, the mouse is mostly inferior to the excellent Revolution model included in Logitech's competing Cordless Desktop MX5500 Revolution. Which set you go for is a question of taste and budget, but when you're already spending this much on a desktop set, the extra £20 for the Logitech seems worthwhile.

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