Microsoft Wireless Desktop 2000

Microsoft's new keyboard and mouse pack boasts one feature that seems to be all the rage at the moment: data encryption. In other words, data communicated between the keyboard and the computer is encrypted, and so can't be intercepted by naughty pirates who are determined to poach your most closely guarded secrets. At least, that's what the manufacturer would have us believe ...

This new security feature is sure to appeal to both business users and home users who are keen to keep things like important passwords and bank details fully confidential. Note, however, that this keyboard will only protect you to a certain extent (see inset) and you'll still need effective anti-virus and anti-spyware programs to keep you safe.

The data encryption function is a welcome addition in any case, even if the extent of usefulness is debatable. So apart from that, what are the keyboard and mouse like to use? Unfortunately, we were a little disappointed.

The Keyboard

The row of buttons along the top of the keyboard has a glossy finish, with super-shiny keys that are particularly prone to picking up fingerprints and grime. The wrist-rest and other keys (apart from multimedia hotkeys) have a matte finish, but we did find them a bit noisy. In fact, all of the keys make loud clunking noises—something that's usually seen in entry-level keyboards rather than in high-end models.

Like most keyboards that are primarily designed for office computing, the Wireless Desktop 2000 can still be used for gaming but it's not as fast and flexible as specifically designed gaming models like the Logitech G19 or Microsoft Sidewinder X6. These are designed to handle faster keying for action-packed gaming. The Wireless Desktop 2000 keyboard handles a maximum of 30 commands per second (gaming keyboards can typically manage over 120) and the first key takes priority when you try to use  key combinations—for example, pressing Q + Z in a game would give the commands QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ instead of QZQZQZQZQZ.

The keyboard is powered by two standard alkaline batteries (included) but Microsoft hasn't announced a battery life. Obviously, we prefer peripherals that run on rechargeable batteries or—better still—a battery and a removable cable (like the Logitech K800, one of our favourite keyboards of the moment).

Although this keyboard is very similar to the Wireless Comfort Desktop 5000, is has a different key layout, fewer multimedia keys and it can't be tilted backwards (it only has little legs at the back of the keyboard for tilting it forwards). However, we're glad to see that you can still set up macros to allocate the commands of your choice to certain keys.

The Mouse

The mouse can be used by both left- and right-handers. It's also nice and high, and its arched back fits perfectly in the hand and keeps your palm raised up to minimise aches and pains. The overall design is pleasantly subtle too.

One downside that's sure to put off hardcore web surfers is that there are no buttons on the sides of the mouse. Plus, the BlueTrack sensor is relatively mediocre and can't keep up with movements faster than 1.8 mps (you'd need at least 3 mps for a gaming mouse). Plus, as there are no 'steps' on the click-round wheel (it only free-wheels), gamers may want to look elsewhere. In fact, as you've probably already understood, there are better kits out there for serious gamers.