I think those ergonomic keyboard be just gimmick by the manufacturer , but when I need a external keyboard for my laptop , I decide to try one of those . at $ 15 , this keyboard do not cost too much above the regular cheap one , so I guess why not try this comfort keyboard . turn out this keyboard be really comfortable ! I do not realize it until I use this keyboard , but on normal straight keyboard , we wrist be actually force to bend a little bit , and this keyboard eliminate that problem . no more strain after hour of write term papers . there be a short learning curve , perhaps 2-3 day , to get use to the different feel of the key ' layout . this keyboard also increase typing speed , especially if you be a touch typist . the increase be pretty significant , sometimes I have press the next button before I lift my finger off the shift key , so my capitalize word look like this . I be use to the amount of time require to press shift button in normal keyboard , so that take I a while to get use to . some shortcut button on top of the keyboard be pretty useful , and no installation whatsoever be require to enjoy those button . the one that I use the most be back\/forward for browse , and volume up\/down\/mute . there be also a handy calculator button above the number pad on the right , which be also very helpful . overall , for $ 15 , this be a excellent purchase . highly recommend for people who earn they living by typing for hour at a time .