Microsoft has no business being in the accessories business. After all, Logitech, Belkin and a thousand third-tier mainland brands already offer every conceivable personal computer accessory. And besides, Microsoft is not a hardware company.
But hardware is something the company has become very good at.
With its new range of keyboards and mice, Microsoft has ventured into the wireless world. The change makes sense. As a package, both mouse and keyboard can share the same wireless receiver, so why buy a mouse from one vendor and a keyboard from another?
They are both plastic input devices, and essentially part of the same input system.
Aside from the wireless features, there is little new about the latest range. The new mice have a similar, comfortable shape and optical features. Most significant is the added Tilt Wheel technology, or sideways scrolling to the scroll wheels, which Microsoft feels is a revolutionary change, but I would suggest is just a handy upgrade. What I did not like about the new mice, however, is the stickiness of the scroll wheels. Being accustomed to wheels that click, the new style felt sluggish and took too much effort to move. No doubt this is something that one would grow accustomed to.
The Natural Keyboard is a darker shade, and the keys are clear black, like the old Apple keyboard. The action is silent and solid, and for my money, this is the nicest keyboard I have used. The Natural Keyboard is sold in a bundle with the IntelliMouse Explorer, as the Optical Desktop Pro.
The Desktop Elite keyboard does add something new. Firstly, Microsoft has gone for a padded, leather-look wrist rest, but more importantly, there is now a left hand cursor control with the Tilt Wheel technology - something that is of little use to me, but could be handy in gaming, and will be a welcome addition for lefties.