Review: Microsoft Digital Media Keyboard 3000

The Digital Media Keyboard 3000 is a little daunting at first sight, simply because of the sheer number of keys on the keyboard.

In addition to the usual letters, numbers and so on, including a numeric keypad, there are no fewer than 34 customisable keys.

It's a slim and light keyboard and as such, the keys are a little shallow. That makes it slightly unsuitable for those who wish to do large amounts of typing.

It's not enormously uncomfortable, but there are deeper keyboards out there, and designs that will better suit committed typists.

The supplied software is used to control the functions of the keyboard, and both it and the hardware installed without a problem.

In a nice touch, the front sides of the keys feature small text explaining what they do if pressed in conjunction with other keys. That's useful if you often find yourself stuck for a keyboard shortcut.

The custom keys can be mapped using several preset configurations, or users are free to set their own, which can be used for specific applications as well. Although there are the usual media control keys (playback, and so on) that appear on many keyboards, we're not sure how much that distinguishes this as a 'media' keyboard. Still, if you ever find yourself thinking: "I wish I had a key for that", this is the answer.

Available for as little as £20 online, the Digital Media Keyboard 3000 may not be the best choice for those who spend hours a day typing away. But for more general users, as well as gamers, it's an excellent good-value choice.