Microsoft Corp. Keyboards

The Bottom Line: The Microsoft Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000 is a solid keyboard and mouse combination with a bevy of customizable buttons that make it a no-brainer to use with a home theater PC, but the asymmetrical button layout on the keyboard requires time to learn. If you're looking for a more ergonomic desktop set and willing to put in a little work, the Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000 will serve you well.

Specs: External, PC, Mac, AA type, USB, 4 pin USB Type A, Keyboard, Wireless, Mouse

The Bottom Line: With its 30 programmable buttons, the Sidewinder X6 is solid choice for PC gamers who demand total customization. Its removable keypad is also sure to draw in the gamer who wants control over ergonomic preferences.

Specs: 20.2 in x 9.2 in x 1.8 in, 2.9 lbs, External, PC, USB, 4 pin USB Type A, Keyboard, Wired

The Bottom Line: The Xbox 360 Messenger Kit makes for the best text-entry option for chatting and messaging on the Xbox 360.

Specs: Game console, Keyboard, Wired

The Bottom Line: Microsoft's Wireless Media Desktop 1000 will provide you with a perfectly capable wireless mouse and keyboard for a more reasonable price than its competition. We just wish Microsoft would give more thought to the design and overall feel of its hardware.

Specs: External, PC, Mac, USB, 4 pin USB Type A, Keyboard, Wireless, Optical, Black, Mouse

The Bottom Line: Though it may not offer much relief from clinical repetitive stress injuries, the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000 will satisfy users who want a slightly more comfortable keyboard and mouse than the one that came with their computer.

Specs: External, PC, Mac, AA type, USB, 4 pin USB Type A, Keyboard, Wireless, Laser, Mouse

The Bottom Line: Microsoft's Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 brings a lot of features and functions. Its wireless, backlit keyboard is also rechargeable, but we wish it were better designed and about $50 less expensive. We suspect many people will be impressed at the features on the box, but then you'll see the price and move along.

Specs: External, PC, USB, 4 pin USB Type A, Keyboard, Wireless, Laser, Light silver, Mouse

The Bottom Line: Microsoft fits a number of useful features on to the keyboard in its new Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000 set, but we're not sold. We'll give it credit for its easy-to-use media control buttons, but the keyboard lacks too much overall polish compared to competing products to earn a stronger recommendation.

Specs: External, PC, USB, 4 pin USB Type A, Keyboard, Wireless, Laser, Silver, Mouse

The Bottom Line: It's wireless and stylish, and it offers several useful features, but the Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 has a cheap, lightweight feel that hurts this otherwise well-designed keyboard-and-mouse set.

Specs: External, PC, Mac, AA type, USB, 4 pin USB Type A, Keyboard, Wireless, Laser, Mouse

The Bottom Line: Microsoft's ergonomic keyboard is comfortable to use and supplies a few useful extras.

Specs: Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, External, PC, Mac, USB, 4 pin USB Type A, Keyboard, Wired, Black

The Bottom Line: The media buttons on the Microsoft Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media Center Edition make it easy to control MCE from the comfort of your couch, but the mouse could be easier to control.

Specs: PC, AA type, Keyboard, Wireless, Mouse, Remote control