Microsoft Sculpt and Natural 4000 alternatives: how to choose a replacement ergonomic keyboard

Microsoft stopped making its own keyboards and mice in 2023. The Sculpt Ergonomic design has since returned under licence from another manufacturer, but many people who relied on a Sculpt or a Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 are still looking for a replacement that fits their desk, their hands and their keyboard layout. This guide explains what made those two keyboards comfortable and how to find the same qualities in a keyboard you can buy today.

What you are actually trying to replace

The Sculpt and the Natural 4000 are both split keyboards, but they are quite different to type on. Start by working out which of these features you depend on.

If you used a Sculpt

Sculpt users usually want three things: a compact keyboard that keeps the mouse close, flat quiet keys, and a number pad they can move out of the way.

• Closest match to the Sculpt desktop set: the PERIDUO-606IIA is a compact split keyboard with a separate numeric keypad and a vertical mouse. All three share one USB receiver. It has a cushioned wrist rest, low-profile scissor keys and tilt feet at both the front and the rear.
• Keyboard and mouse without the keypad: the PERIDUO-606II is the same keyboard and mouse as a two-piece set.
• Keyboard only, for several devices: the PERIBOARD-818 connects to up to four devices (two by Bluetooth, one by 2.4 GHz receiver, one by USB-C cable). It has the same cushioned wrist rest, scissor keys and front and rear tilt feet, and it recharges over USB-C.

PERIDUO-606IIA PERIDUO-606II PERIBOARD-818

All three work with Mac as well as Windows.

If you used a Natural Ergonomic 4000

Natural 4000 users usually want a full-size keyboard with the number pad attached, a large palm rest and keys with real travel.

• Wired, like the 4000: the PERIBOARD-512 is a full-size split keyboard with an integrated palm rest, long-travel tactile keys and a USB cable. It is also offered with a Spanish layout.
• The same shape without the cable: the PERIBOARD-612 works over a 2.4 GHz receiver or Bluetooth and supports both Windows and Mac, with spare keycaps for each.
• With a vertical mouse: the PERIDUO-512 (wired) and PERIDUO-614 (wireless, rechargeable, cushioned wrist rest) pair a full-size split keyboard with a vertical mouse.

PERIBOARD-512 PERIBOARD-612 PERIDUO-512 PERIDUO-614

If you want to move up to mechanical keys

Neither Microsoft keyboard was mechanical. If you type all day and want more precise feedback, a low-profile mechanical split keyboard keeps the familiar shape:

• PERIBOARD-535 II: wired, full size, with a choice of clicky, tactile or linear low-profile switches.
• PERIBOARD-735: the wireless version, with Bluetooth, a 2.4 GHz receiver and USB-C.
• PERIBOARD-835 II: adds RGB backlighting and macros.

PERIBOARD-535 II PERIBOARD-735 PERIBOARD-835 II

Layouts

Every keyboard on this page is sold in the US (ANSI) layout. The PERIBOARD-512 and PERIBOARD-612 are also offered with a Spanish layout; choose it on the product page, which shows what is in stock.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Microsoft Sculpt keyboard discontinued?

Microsoft ended production of its own-brand keyboards and mice in 2023. The Sculpt design was later licensed to another company, which sells it under its own brand. Availability depends on country and layout.

How long does it take to get used to a different split keyboard?

If you already type on a split keyboard, the adjustment is mostly about key feel and the position of a few keys. Most people settle in within one to two weeks.

Is there a split ergonomic keyboard with a Spanish layout?

Yes. The PERIBOARD-512 and PERIBOARD-612 are offered with a Spanish layout as well as the US layout. Stock varies, so check the product page.

Do these keyboards work with a Mac?

The PERIDUO-606II, PERIDUO-606IIA and PERIBOARD-818 are compatible with Mac. The PERIBOARD-612 supports Mac and Windows shortcuts and includes replacement keycaps for both. The PERIBOARD-735 works with Windows, macOS and Linux.