- Product:
- Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 1000 (company site)
- What’s Good:
- Feel of the keys, quiet keys, solid mouse
- What’s Bad:
- Unexpected key positions, mouse clicking weirdness
I didn’t think I was a particularly aggressive typist, but I was getting angry stares from my co-workers when I was furiously hammering away at my keyboard. I needed to find a quieter keyboard before I was thrown out onto the street. The keyboard included in the Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 1000 came close to meeting my criteria, but had some critical failings.
I was originally using an old Dell “QuietKey” keyboard, which must have been named ironically. I understand that some of the Dell QuietKeys are indeed quiet. This one was not - the keys were clacky and loud.
My next stop was another old keyboard, the Microsoft Internet Keyboard. This keyboard has a nice soft key feel, but again, it was just too loud.
I finally took a trek out to the FutureShop and tried each of the keyboards they had on display for key-mashing sound levels. The basic Microsoft Internet Keyboard now sells for a remarkable $14.99 (Canadian), but is still as loud as ever.
I came across a slick black Microsoft with a much softer and quieter key set. This was it. Unfortunately, it was part of a “Wireless Optical Desktop” set. I have absolutely no need for a wireless keyboard. My keyboard never moves anywhere, so a cable is not a problem. Still, I was willing to try it out for the sweet softness of the keys. The set also came with a wireless mouse (previously reviewed on its own), which I had no need for, as my trusty old Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer is still kicking. Again, worth it for the feel of this keyboard.
Back at the office, I was all setup (on Linux, no less) after a quick and easy un-pack and plug-in (the wireless base-thingy plugs in via USB). The keys still felt great, and the key-mashing volume was at an acceptable level for my co-workers.
After a few minutes, though, I started to notice the fatal flaws. First, the Insert key was in an unusual location (as the “Shift” option on the Print-Screen key). For most people, this would be fine. Who uses the Insert key anyhow? It turns out I do, a lot. Mostly when writing code (in the VIM text editor).
Then, I stumbled across another keyboard arrangement issue that quickly became irritating. The function keys (F1, F2, etc.) are arranged in four groups of three (F1-F2-F3, F4-F5-F6, F7-F8-F9, F10-F11-F12). Every keyboard I have every used before this had the function keys arranged in three groups of four (F1-F2-F3-F4, F5-F6-F7-F8, F9-F10-F11-F12). This means that to close a window (Alt+F4 in Windows and most Linux desktops) I would look for the last key in the first group. With this new keyboard though, the F4 key was now the first key of the second group. Errors abound!
I’m sure I could have gotten used to these alternative key arrangements in a few days. However, I don’t want to learn a new keyboard layout and then have to un-learn it every time I use another computer (which I do often). So, less than an hour after purchasing it, I have packed up the Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 1000 and I will be returning it for a full refund ($79.99 Canadian, plus tax).
I also had some trouble with the click on the wireless mouse. I might have just been crazy, but occasionally, the click wouldn’t work until the mouse had some (any) movement. This was very frustrating, but other owners of the same mouse report no such problems. Maybe it was just me.
In the end, I scavenged another generic Dell keyboard from an old machine here at the office. It’s quiet, the keys are where I expect them to be, and I’m not out $100.
Comments
NB - August 31, 2005 8:16 pm
Your "three groups of four" and "four groups of three" seem backward to me.
JD - September 1, 2005 3:10 am
I would agree with NB on the grouping statement.
As for your original IntelliMouse working, I envy you a GREAT deal. It was my favorite mouse for many years, but the usb cable shorted out and now it only works intermittently. I'm on the wireless desktop 1000 right now in fact, and the same things drive me nuts too. I also have complaints about the locations of the 'forward' and 'back' buttons on the mouse, buttons I became accustomed to on the original IntelliMouse.
Good review.
Steven Garrity - September 1, 2005 10:21 am
You guys were right about the key-grouping statement - I had it mixed up. It is fixed now. Thanks.
Steven Perry - September 2, 2005 11:32 pm
I have a microsoft "natural" keyboard, and it has the same keyboard arrangement changes. I have gotten used to the newly designed home/end/delete arrangement (I was never big on the insert key) but my biggest gripe involves the 'F' keys. Not only have they changed the arrangement of these keys, they have changed their default purpose. For example: F2 is now undo. Sometimes I will move a file, then hit f2 to rename it, and it dissapears! Oh yeah, silly me, that's the undo key, the file is now conveniently back where it was originally. In order to restore the 'F' keys back to their traditional purpose, I have to hit the "F Lock" key, every time I use the computer...
Sadly it's not only Microsoft that has adopted this newfangled key layout. New logitech keyboards (whom I would consider a leading peripheral manufacturer) are also using the modified layout. (I can't confirm the "F Lock" key though.)
Cosmescu Alexandru - September 17, 2005 9:53 am
Hy everyone!Well, I can say that I got used to this type of keyboard (the F keys, the insert, everything) but the problem that I have is about something strange.When playing games, if I long press any key it works for ...let's say 5sec,15sec, 2sec, it depends.And that makes my keyboard unusable because i cannot play.In windows, when typing everything is ok even when long pressing a key...but if I press it too long (10sec), then it stops:( I tryed new drivers...changing the usb slot..but nothing helped.Has anyone some ideas? Thanx.
Stephen - September 18, 2005 6:11 pm
This reminds me of the incredible frustration I had with an IBM keyboard a few years ago. I never did get use to the compact design.
Dave - September 29, 2005 3:38 pm
I have just gone out and got the microsoft wireless optical desktop 1000 and it really is a good quiet type its got alot of good stuff on it for u to mess about with dave from lincoln
font9a - October 4, 2005 7:34 pm
I recommend the Logitech MX 1000 Wireless LaserMouse and Wireless Keyboard. It's as good as it gets.
Joseph - October 11, 2005 6:04 pm
Wow. You had 4 rows of 3 function keys... try re-learning how to type in DVORAK!
For a good keyboard, I'm using the cheap-o $16 logitech keyboard. It was really quiet when I first got it, and now over a year later the keys are starting to click a bit, which is normal. I don't think we'll see a totally silent keyboard until haptic display lcd keyboards come along (dreeeeam)
Palle - October 12, 2005 3:11 am
What annoys me most about the new layout is the monster big delete key. I often hit it erroneously. And the placement of the insert key is particularly disturbing, since I never got used to using Ctrl-X, Ctrl-C, Ctrl-V. I use shift-ins, ctrl-ins and shift-del like in Windows 3.11.
hentaidan - October 12, 2005 9:38 am
Perhaps a virtual keyboard is what you're after. All you hear is the dull tapping of finger on desk... Though to me that is more annoying!
Brendan - October 13, 2005 6:13 am
yea hey guys i just brou8ght the new microsoft wireless keyboard and mouse pack it is the microsoft wireless optical desktop 1000 and i cant pla a game when i love the mouse it does not let me walk of press a key on the keyboard crazy stuff i reacon it is pissing me off alot i ma go9ng 2 kill microsoft :P anyways u guys reacon u can help me
benjamin laga - November 17, 2005 5:16 pm
Dear meat helix apparantly there's no punctuation either on your new microsoft optical desktop 1000 keyboard judging from your writing which is not really easy to read without them :-)
Xan - January 12, 2006 4:39 pm
Just bought the microsoft wireless optical desktop 1000 and it sucks big time! The keyboard gets stuck during games when the forward arrow (for instance) is pressed. The function buttons don't work in some games.
If anyone wants play games buy something else. Buy Logitech, even Genius or A4Tech because they work. Microsoft wireless optical desktop 1000 sucks. Like many other Microsoft products for that matter.
Matt B - January 28, 2006 7:59 am
I have just bought te MS 1000 optical package, The mouse to me feels ace, although I had the same problem with the clicking at first. I re initialised the mouse and the clicking problem dissapeared.
The Keyboard has a nice feel and is soft and quiet. No more banging away at 3am in the morning waking up people that are asleep.
Though I was annoyed with the F key arrangement, and the insert key arrangement which I use occasionally to edit my texts quicker.
But for $69.99 AUD, I dont think I have gone wrong. Most other keyboards in the same price range had the same setup with the keys.
I love the calculator button on the keyboard, as I use a calculator often..
My score 8.5 out of 10.
Joseph - March 15, 2006 8:53 am
Dear Sir:
I am having trouble with my key board. It will not print or move when i hit the keys What is the problems I have change batteries more then once. I checked my wiring too also booted the pc several times. help me please
Thank u Joseph
Asperger
mrm - May 11, 2006 9:32 pm
I recently reinstalled Windows XP + SP2 and my keyboard has been acting rather strange (I am also using Microsoft Wireless Desktop 1000). The multimedia buttons (volume up, play, pause, next track etc) don't seem to work... I haven't had this problem before.
Anyone else experienced this or has any idea?
OoOoOoO - July 22, 2006 6:56 pm
Keyboard: It is the better of the two things, it works about 90% of the time and wen it doesnt work the button just dont work...which can really piss u off. As i am typing this, the backspace just didnt really feel like working.
Mouse: Wen i buy another mouse i am going to throw this one out the window, it works about 45% of time. Wen u click it on something it might not work and is very g*y. But wen it is working its nice, kinda loud but i dont care. Kinda heavy but u get used to it, and if i could go back i woulda bought a logitech or something.
Nick - August 1, 2006 4:24 pm
I am using the microsoft wireless desktop 1000 too. and, I dont really ahve any of the problems yall are having... except the part when you said: "I also had some trouble with the click on the wireless mouse. I might have just been crazy, but occasionally, the click wouldn’t work until the mouse had some (any) movement. This was very frustrating, but other owners of the same mouse report no such problems. Maybe it was just me." Sometimes my mouse doesn't click either. But, then I figured out that it was because it was out of range. (I use my wireless desktop for at night when I lay on my bed and surf the web. I also have an ATI TV Wonder Pro, so I use the mouse as a remote control.) Was something in between the reciever and the keyboard/mouse? My computer makes interferrence sometimes, until I repositioned my keyboard/mouse.
zaeem - August 23, 2006 8:01 am
I've ordered one of these and im collecting it tonight, i really hope i dont have the same problems as you guys, i do a lot of coding and e-mail writting. I've always wished could use my pc from my bed though, and this is really gonna help, just gonna set the internet explorer or mozilla text size to larger and ill be surfing away, hopefully. Ill post a review tonight,
this is costing me £19.33 only on a web exclusive deal.
Johan - September 6, 2006 8:23 am
***CELL PHONE ISSUE***
This is really a piece of crap!
When I am not on the phone the keyboard and mouse works just fine, at least most of the time. Sometimes the mouse seems to miss clicks, but it is not too big an issue.
However, what really terrible is the keyboard is not compatible with my cell phone (Sony Ericsson K600i). When I am on the phone, the mouse and keyboard input is blocked and just rarely being accepted. This is tremendously annoying, since in my office we are only using cell phone + head set. I really have to replace this keyboard immediately, *anything* will be better than this.
Strange thing, however, is that I did not have that issue initially. And replacing the batteries did not seem to help. Talking about batteries: even when using high quality batteries the mouse is allready complaining about low battery level after one day of use!!! However, I don't bother about that, seems like that battery level warning has no relation whatsoever to the real battery level.
Also, you are all right that the keyboard layout stinks. Especially the Insert key, which I use rather frequently.
On a scale from 1-10 I cannot give this desktop more than 0. It simply aint working, it's miserability is out of the scale!!!
Chris - January 11, 2007 10:40 pm
Yes, it's totally cheap and it work like shit.
Since we have installed it, Screensaver won't turn on anymore. I've been calling Microsoft to report this bug (because they don't accept bug reports by email, they prefer you to wait on the line). One hour so far, i'm still on the phone...
Other stuff are working perfectly. But i must agree with others about the key disposition (f1-f2-f3, f4-f5-f6... the huge delete key, etc), it's quite annoying.
I agree with Jag comment about the fact it's cheap, but as cheap as it is: It should work. Not 50%, not 80%, but 100%. If it's not working, then just don't put it on the market.
What would you say if you had half of your car not working properly? "Oh, it's just a Hyundai, you had to expect this kind of problems". Sorry, but brakes are brakes, they should work on every car that you buy.
Anyway... still on the phone. I had to write my frustration somewhere.
bob - January 23, 2007 9:54 am
I have had a wireless optical mouse 2.0 for a couple of years with no issues, that I purchased based on recommendation for working well left handed. So when I needed a keyboard/mouse for my notebook, I looked in the same class. Went and tried to reduce cables and got a Microsoft Optical Desktop Receiver 3.0a. It worked fine at one location for over a year. But then switched jobs and computers. But after a few weeks the computer would complain about low battery. Strange before batteries really did last for months. OK, put in new batteries - maybe these were bad. But days later I needed to replace them, maybe a bad batch, so stomped down to the store. And now it is hours. Called Microsoft spent the hours to get it replaced, and it worked fine for weeks, now it complains in minutes, by the end of the day it is down to seconds that it tells me I need new batteries. Of course I can reuse these 'bad' batteries in the discman for hours of playing with now problem - hmmmmmm.
Chris - February 25, 2007 4:54 pm
Wow, I thought it was just me imagining weird things about the Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 2.0, that came with the keyboard set. Very frequently, the left click does not work. If I slam the mouse on the desk, that seems to solve it, for the next click! Maybe it needs movement, as written in a previous posting.
As you can imagine, it is major frustration when the click does not work.
I fully agree with others about the bizare keyboard layout. I still can not get used to the odd placement of the Insert key and I do not understand the reason for the huge Delete key, which is all too easy to press by mistake.
When the keyboard and mouse work, life is good though I still hate the keyboard layout. I've gotten so fed up with the mouse that -- after reading other peopele's postings -- I will dig into the wallet to replace the set and put the mouse under my truck's tire and see what it thinks of that. And the next set will NOT be Micrsoft. And this happened on my old PC and now (using the same mouse) on a new Dell desktop running XP Pro.
Arrch.
Deserthawk - April 21, 2007 1:25 pm
After having read all the comments, here is mine:
I bought this set about a week ago. I like the quieter keyboard and don't mind the layout, since I don't use the insert key or most other buttons other than the standard keys, and am apparently too coordinated to hit the delete key by mistake as some of you do. I have, however, had the same problem with the mouse sometimes not reacting when I click it. I have a (clouded) glass desk with a keyboard drawer. and find this problem only seems to exist when the mouse is on the drawer. When I place the mouse on the top of the desk, admittedly a more uncomfortable position, it works flawlessly, so it must be sensitive to interference. Since I will only end up paying $25 (U.S.) for it after a $10 rebate, it's hard to complain.
Myself - October 16, 2007 6:32 am
Unfortunatelly, i had bought this crap and now have the problems described above. The receiver often dissconnects, especially when playing games, so it's very frustating that the keyboard gets stuck with repeating a key for several seconds. Or the mouse freezes. Anyone had these problems solved, other that throwing it off the window?
Anna - March 20, 2008 8:26 am
Hi I bought this keyboard and mouse. I have had none of the problems you all talk about.
However does anyone know how to turn off the real time data input. Every time I try and type '
This is a test 08:39:26 Real time
as you can see it inserts real time and i need this to stop.
Any help would be much apprecaited.
Thanks
Ofer Gal - July 4, 2008 4:52 pm
Any one found a solution to make the screen saver work with this keyboard?
Mike - July 12, 2008 6:57 pm
The only problem I have not been able to overcome (yet) is that when I have to change the batteries, the one that slides most of the way inside the case seems wedged in tight! I need a screwdriver to get it back out. I think removing the bottom of the keyboard and filing on the plastic parts that hold the battery in, seems like the only way to fix it. I will post another comment if I am successful.
Blessings to all!