Microsoft Hardware announced the newest member of its ergonomic lineup, the Windows 8-enabled Sculpt Comfort Keyboard. The keyboard includes a number of ergonomic features including a contoured layout, a detachable padded palm rest, and a split backspace-spacebar key.

Internal research at Microsoft shows that more than 90 percent of people hit the spacebar with their right thumb, leaving the left side virtually untouched.



At the same time, the backspace key is the third-most used on the keyboard trailing only the spacebar itself and the letter 'e.' These statistics led Microsoft to split the spacebar and add optional backspace functionality into the left-hand side.

Microsoft also increased the actual size of the space bar, making it easier to strike, since it?s the most frequently used key; included a palm lift to straighten and support wrists; and added Windows 8 hot keys so users can quickly search, share, access device settings and more with the tap of a finger.

The Sculpt Comfort Keyboard will be available soon at the online Microsoft Store and other participating retailers for $59.95 (U.S.).