Microsoft’s mice, keyboards, and webcams are being discontinued in favor of Surface accessories

I really hope they simply change the brand name on their existing models and don't discontinue production. I have been using the Wireless Comfort Desktop 5050 keyboard and mouse set on various computers here for many years because I really like them. I have 4 sets in use here right now. I don't know who the OEM maker is, but they are very well made. The oldest is about 8 years old and still going strong - though the labeling on a few keys have worn off.

While the keyboard is flat, the keys are placed in curved rows. So I guess you could say they are semi-ergonomic keyboards. This has proven to be great "for me" because it allows my hands and wrists to approach the keyboard at a natural angle (that is, straight) from my shoulders - instead of having to bend my wrist at awkward/painful angles. I used to have wrist pain in both wrists, until I switched to these keyboards. Also, the key switches are firm but not too firm and provide a nice, reassuring click.

And the mouse is ambidextrous/universal which I like because while right handed, I use my mouse in my left hand. Most mice are "contoured" and made for the right hand. And again, the switches are great and the optical tracking has been flawless on my keyboard tray - without needing a pad - again, something I really like.

Hard core gamers may not be happy - but most are not with wireless keyboards anyway.

Being a set, they use only one dongle thus just one USB port. Another plus.

The keyboard and mice each use 2 x AA batteries instead of having an integrated rechargeable battery. Some may not like that but I tend to get about 6 months at 3 to 4 hours a day of use so not really an issue. And you can always use rechargeable AA if you want.

Anyway, I got off track. My hope is they just change the brand name from Microsoft to Surface and keep the same devices available.

Whoa! I see Amazon has the set on sale right now for $45. I might buy a couple just to have on hand.

 

I used to use Microsoft mice. They would last about a year before the buttons would wear out. Just in time for the new model. The last one I bought I had for about a day before the scroll wheel broke. I now have multiple Logitech mice that are several years old. They're not perfect by any means but they don't wear out in a year or less. Microsoft hardware has always been overpriced for the quality. I won't miss them.

 

Thanks, this is good to know. The Micro Center "near" me also features Microsoft hardware products and they're prominently displayed. You can't help but notice them if you're shopping for those kinds of things.

I have a Logi mouse going on two years now and it works like new. Don't think I'll switch brands anytime soon.

 

I have a MX Master (original release V1) that is 7 years old and a G5 that is 15. The right click on the G5 sticks a little but it still works, I use it every day.

 

I always use a infrared wireless mouse. No issues. Only the occasional battery replacement Period.

 

No mouses for me. I use Logitech track balls -- because they have..... -- uh -- because they don't need space for moving around.