Microsoft quietly revealed a new Surface Ergonomic Keyboard at its Surface Studio and Windows 10 Creators Update event – it just forgot to tell us about it.
Ahead of the big MacBook Pro launch, Microsoft threw down the gauntlet to rival Apple when it revealed the next major update to its Windows 10 operating system and a snazzy new AIO in the Surface Studio.
Most notably, the Surface Studio comes with a new hockey puck-like accessory, the Microsoft Dial, but another new peripheral also debuted in New York – the Surface Ergonomic Keyboard.
Representing an upgrade on the existing Surface Keyboard, the Ergonomic Keyboard features a halved design, with even the space bar split down the middle.
It’s intended to offer the user a more comfortable typing experience and reduce the strain on your hands and wrists during marathon sessions.
While it’s not the first time we’ve seen such a keyboard layout, it’s certainly one of the more radical ergonomic designs out there judging by the first batch of press shots.
The Alcantara fabric-covered palm rest – Italian Alcantara fabric, no less – looks like another nice touch, and the keyboard offers Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity as you’d expect.
Of course, as we learned at Microsoft’s October 26 event, while the company continues to churn out lovely looking products, they rarely come cheap, and the Surface Ergonomic Keyboard is no different.
Apparently optimised for the Surface Pro 4, Surface Studio and Surface Book, it’s set to retail for $130 in the US, so expect it to cost around £119 when it finally lands in the UK.
It’s already available to pre-order in the States, but region-specific release dates haven’t been confirmed as far as we’re aware. We’ll be sure to report back when they are.
Related: Microsoft October event highlights
Watch Now: Surface Studio: First Look
What do you think of Microsoft’s new keyboard? Let us know in the comments below.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.