When comparing Qisan Gaming Keyboard vs Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000, the Slant community recommends Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 for most people. In the question“What are the best computer keyboards under $100?” Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 is ranked 3rd while Qisan Gaming Keyboard is ranked 9th. The most important reason people chose Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 is:
The 4000 keyboard is designed to be more comfortable to type on than regular rectangular keyboards. Its key rows curve to match the human hands’ angled resting position, eliminating the wrist strain that happens with regular keyboards. This is an important factor in reducing the risk of injury.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Minimal design looks futuristic
This keyboard has no casing surrounding the keys, which make them look like they are floating. It's a very compact keyboard and doesn't take up anymore space than it needs to, and it nails the minimalistic approach.
Pro Compact design is great for traveling and comfort
Unless you often use the number pad, it's actually better to not have one. It puts your mouse about 3 inches closer to the keyboard which is a more natural position for your shoulder, making it more ergonomic to use for long periods of time (especially when gaming). Because it's shorter, it's also easier to fit into a backpack or bag to bring to or from work/LAN parties/home etc.
Pro Mechanical switches for fast, accurate typing
The Zorro switches used offer a tactile bump as well as a satisfying click which signifies when the key has been pressed (activation point is about halfway down the keystroke). These work similar to the extremely popular Cherry MX blue switches.
The feedback (both physical and audio) lets you know when the key has been pressed far enough, which lets you type faster as you don't have to press the key down fully. It also lets you know if you mistakenly hit a key, as you'll hear one too many clicks and can correct the typo before typing more.
Pro Ergonomic and comfortable
The 4000 keyboard is designed to be more comfortable to type on than regular rectangular keyboards. Its key rows curve to match the human hands’ angled resting position, eliminating the wrist strain that happens with regular keyboards. This is an important factor in reducing the risk of injury.
Pro Great value for money
With a retail price of $39.04, this keyboard is considerably more affordable than most ergonomic keyboards on the market. It doesn’t have the same caliber as more premium keyboards, but it’s a top option for those on a budget who are looking for a good ergonomic option.
Pro Can be used with a negative tilt
While the 4000 keyboard can be raised at the back like conventional keyboards, it also comes with a detachable platform that raises the front of the keyboard. This creates a negative tilt more natural to the arm-hand alignment.
Pro Ergonomic wrist support
Foam cushions support one’s wrists while typing, preventing “hanging hands,” which can cause fatigue over extended periods.
Pro Great for people with big hands
Due to its size, this keyboard is great for those who have big hands.
Pro Several additional, personalizable keys
This keyboard has hotkeys for things like media control, zoom or launching applications. The function keys also have secondary functions, activated by an F-lock key. Some of them are customizable via a companion app (for Windows and macOS) that ships with the keyboard.
Pro Key swapping for macOS
On macOS, users have the option of swapping the Windows and Alt keys, so they match the Option and Command key order found on standard Apple keyboards, even if no alternate keycaps or stickers are provided for use with this OS.
Pro Standard ancillary key layout
The number pad, the arrow keys, Insert, Home etc. are all in their standard positions which is not common on Ergonomic keyboards.
Cons
Con Data entry is harder without a number-pad
Anybody who uses Excel or other spreadsheet programs for even personal use will really appreciate having a dedicated number-pad. This keyboard doesn't have a variant that includes a number-pad.
Con Imitation key switches have poor quality control
Chinese knock-off switches quality varies a lot between manufacturers - some knock-offs provide a similar switch to Cherry's MX line of switches, while others have many issues. The switches used in this board are Zorro, and there is almost no information online about them. Based on Amazon reviews, it seems like these switches aren't as high quality as Cherry MX switches and the stems are a bit wobbly. Your mileage may vary.
Con The space bar is hard to press
While it's new, the space bar needs quite some force to be pressed down.
Con No mechanical switches
The 4000 keyboard uses the same traditional rubber dome switches found on common keyboards, unlike the mechanical switches found on many other good programming keyboards. Rubber dome switches are inconsistent and always need to be bottomed out with each key press. They are also not especially durable, lasting about a quarter of the time their mechanical counterparts last. It should be noted this switch option is one of the main reasons why this keyboard is so affordable.
Con Key printing gets erased after a short time
After 2 or 3 months of use, the most used keys loose their printed symbols.
Con Not very portable
With external dimensions of 19.8’’ x 10.3’’ x 3.26’’ (503 mm x 262 mm x 82.8 mm) and weighing 2.9 pounds (1.3 kg), this keyboard is not easy to carry around.
Con Noisy
Despite not using mechanical switches, the 4000 keyboard is quite noisy, so it’s not the best pick for those looking for a silent option.
Con Key layout is hard to reconfigure
It's hard to reconfigure the 4000's default key layout. Some users would like to have the option of moving a few keys around, which is very difficult with this keyboard.
Con No USB ports
Can't connect any external devices, since there aren't any USB ports.
Con Almost all the keys are hard to press
The keys can feel too rigid due to the force needed to press them down. This hinders the typing process, making it less fluid.
Con Most of the extra functionality keys are not supported on macOS
This keyboard has a lot of extra functionality keys useful for daily tasks, like media controls or back/forward keys. Unfortunately, most of them are not supported on macOS, even after driver installation.
Con Only solves some RSI problems
While this does help with many RSI problems, it still has the ergonomic disadvantages of a standard keyboard layout.
Con No right hand Windows key
There is no right hand Windows key.