The "Key" To Great Typing

The Microsoft Digital Media Pro Keyboard was purchased to replace a Logitech keyboard that was used for about 3 years. Comparing the two keyboards, I can honestly state that the Microsoft keyboard far surpasses the Logitech in functionality, ease of use, appearance, features and looks.

This keyboard has stepped key rows and supports "touch typing". It is a variation of the 104 key type board and has a removable palm rest and 23 special buttons and keys and also an additional 105th key that provides extra functions to the F1 through F12 keys.

In addition to the F Lock key, the top row of keys include Esc, Help, Undo, Redo, New, Open, Close, Reply, Fwd, Send, Spell, Save, Print, PrtScn, ScrLk and Pause. The F Lock key provides the ability to ascribe a second set of functions to the F1 through F12 keys.

In addition there is a zoom lever on the far left (which does not work very well, but does work), 3 volume control buttons above that...+, -, and off. Above and to the right of these buttons are media control keys to Play/Pause, Stop, Reverse and Forward media applications. To the right of these buttons are 5 programmable silver buttons, 1 to 5, to provide single click access to favorite websites and also a "Favorites" button that details what these settings are. Including the pre-set keys described below, there are 11 potential keys to program in the basic programming functions.

To the right of these are 2 sets of 3 buttons each, the first includes My Documents, My Pictures and My Music which accesses these folders quickly, and also the second set which includes Mail, Web/Home, and Messenger for immediate access to these functions. To the right and slightly below these buttons are 3 more...Calculator, Log Off and Sleep. Directly below these and the F Lock key is the second set of number keys including PageUp, Page Down, Del, etc. which is standard on almost every keyboard.

Except for the Zoom key, I find all the other functions on this keyboard to work very well. Programming the Hot Keys was easy and they work quickly and quietly. The touch of this keyboard is firm and smooth with a soft click sound. Typing is comfortable and flawless. I have Windows XP Pro installed and installation of this product was smooth & without complications. I have heard that there are some problems reported by people with Vista installed, so I would caution to research well before installing on a machine with Vista.

I paid approx. $35. for this keyboard from Dell, but you may be able to find it cheaper or on sale at other online sites. I am very happy with it and feel that it is more functional and easier to program than my former Logitech.