Last year, when Microsoft announced it would discontinue its line of peripherals, the tech community was understandably dismayed. However, a glimmer of hope emerged when accessory brand Incase announced it had acquired the manufacturing rights to these discontinued products, ready to breathe new life into them under its own name.

Now, the wait is over: Incase has officially unveiled the Compact Ergonomic Keyboard, a highly anticipated yet previously unreleased design from Microsoft. This innovative keyboard features a split layout, multi-device connectivity, and a unique Copilot key, aligning with modern users' increasing demand for versatility and productivity.

In a recent interview, Charlie Tebele, CEO of Incase's parent company, shared, "Microsoft invested significant resources into the development of this keyboard. It was intended to be a centerpiece of their updated accessory line."

Alas, Microsoft’s pivot to focus solely on Surface line accessories meant that this cutting-edge design, along with several other keyboard and mouse concepts, were tragically shelved—until Incase stepped in to revive them.

"The keyboard we’re releasing is identical to Microsoft's original design; we simply acquired the manufacturing rights and component licensing," Tebele explained. He hinted at the exciting potential for more Microsoft-designed products to follow this year, possibly expanding the Incase lineup by three or four new items.

Incase previously built its brand on creating accessories for Apple products, but this partnership with Microsoft marks a strategic expansion. "We were already collaborating with Microsoft on Surface accessories when the opportunity arose to take over the production of their discontinued peripherals," Tebele elaborated. "As negotiations progressed, we secured the rights specifically for this keyboard."

Just last month, Incase introduced two previously underrated mice: the Modern Mobile Mouse and Mobile Mouse 1850, both revamped iterations of Microsoft’s former models. The Compact Ergonomic Keyboard joins this resurgence, closely resembling their existing Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard but with a more fluid, compact design.

What makes Incase's Compact Ergonomic Keyboard stand out? While similar to the Sculpt model, it features a seamless profile without the pronounced notch and offers a layout that promotes natural hand positioning. It has a shorter key travel distance of just 1.3mm and includes a cushioned wrist rest that remains permanently attached.

Compatible with Windows 10 and 11, this keyboard is attractively priced at around $120, making it more accessible to a wider audience. It boasts a fully wireless design, connecting to up to three devices via Bluetooth 5.1, and is powered by two AAAs that can last up to an astounding 36 months. Interestingly, it has no additional ports or connections.

As remote work continues to dominate our lives, wireless and ergonomic accessories are reshaping the traditional computing environment. I’ve experimented with several innovative keyboards over the past year, including Nuio's high-concept Flow Keyboard, which pushed the boundaries of split keyboard design. However, seeing well-priced, thoughtfully designed products like Incase's resurrection of Microsoft items exemplifies a significant trend towards ergonomic accessibility.

Looking ahead, Incase has big ambitions to expand its product offerings. Tebele even mentioned future collaborations with other tech titans, such as Nvidia, leaving us speculating on what groundbreaking innovations lie ahead.

For now, fans of Microsoft’s keyboards can rejoice in the return of classic designs reimagined for today’s needs. Stay tuned for upcoming products in the Designed by Microsoft lineup, as the fascinating evolution of ergonomic technology continues!