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Back in early August of this year, Microsoft unveiled the Wireless Comfort 5050 keyboard and mouse combo for Windows 10 desktops. This model is an update to the Wireless Comfort 5000 series, and touts new Windows 10 specific improvements as well as Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) technology for enterprise security.
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The keyboard features the comfort curve design from Microsoft, giving you a natural wrist posture and making it easy to type. The palm rest is built in and you are unable to remove it or adjust it. In the pictures below, it appears as if the palm rests are made out of a rubber material, but rather it’s a hard textured plastic. It’s still quite comfortable when resting your palm on it.
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The keyboard features AES technology, which helps protect your information by encrypting your keystrokes. With this technology, no key information is shared over the air, because the keyboard is permanently paired with its received prior to you purchasing it. Why is security a big deal with keyboards? Well, Microsoft puts it best:
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“Wireless keyboards transmit information over the air, which creates an often overlooked point of vulnerability. Without proper security measures in place, a cyber-thief could intercept your keystrokes and gain access to you passwords, credit card numbers, and other vital information.”
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[pullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Dedicated Windows 10 Task View key on the keyboard[/pullquote]
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One of the cool features of the keyboard is the customizable Windows 10 shortcut keys so you can easily access your favorite programs and do common tasks with ease. Located at the top of the keyboard, there are numbered keys which you can program. There’s also a dedicated Task View key located by the ALT key, allowing you to quickly switch through your different desktops on Windows 10. Very neat.
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The volume up/down/mute buttons are also located on the keyboard (top right of the keyboard) as well as various other Windows 10 keys like Mail, Music, Photos, etc.
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The keys themselves are comfortable to the touch and have an elegant feel to them. My fingers or hands did not cramp up or feel fatigued after using the keyboard for a few hours.
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The mouse utilize BlueTrack technology to offer precise tracking on any surface, making it better than optical or laser. The mouse is comfortable to use, and features the traditional left and right click buttons, as well as a scroll wheel. There are also buttons on both sides of the mouse.
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Setting up the device is very easy. Simply plug in the small USB transceiver to your PC and you are set. There are four AA batteries — two for the mouse and two for the keyboard. There are also little legs for the keyboard, allowing you to adjust the keyboard up just a tad bit from the rear or the front if you so choose.
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“Dress up your desktop with this beautifully modern keyboard and mouse set. With a tasteful mix of glossy and textured black surfaces, this desktop set will have you appreciating its good looks every day. The ergonomist-approved curved keyboard encourages you to use a more natural posture that aligns your arms, wrists, and hands for greater comfort. With a reliable wireless connection, you can eliminate clutter and work from anywhere in the room—up to 30 feet away. Customize Taskbar Favorites on the keyboard and the buttons on the mouse for quick access to the programs, files, media, and webpages that you use most often. Plus, enjoy Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) technology, which is designed to help protect your information by encrypting your keystrokes. Give yourself the freedom to move around with a wireless keyboard that lets you work without worrying about tangled wires.”
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Overall, I am happy with this keyboard and mouse setup and definitely recommend purchasing it. The device will be available soon for $69. Take a look at the keyboard and mouse below.
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