Just when you thought you were done shopping for now, Incase, the manufacturer of the Microsoft accessory line, revealed a new compact yet expensive keyboard on its website. The ergonomic keyboard offers solid specs, but the high price tag might make some potential buyers think twice about getting it.
It offers “ultra-responsive” scissor keys with 1.3mm travel, allowing you to type without pressing the keys too hard. Incase claims you can sync up to three devices to the Microsoft keyboard with Bluetooth 5.1, but you will need two AAA batteries that Incase claims will last 36 months.
We’ll have to get one in for testing before we can call it one of the best keyboards of the new year, but it’ll bound to be a good option among the best ergonomic keyboards.
The keyboard is compatible with Windows 11 and Windows 10, measures 13 inches by 8.6 inches by 1.2 inches, and is available for $200.
This new keyboard is something we expected since Onward Brands, the entity behind Incase, secured the licensing rights to make Microsoft accessories. Microsoft announced in April that it was shutting down its peripherals business, which includes webcams, keyboards, and other accessories. Microsoft did this to concentrate more on the Surface-branded products.
“The Compact Ergonomic Keyboard was designed to take up the smallest possible amount of space while maintaining typing accuracy, comfort, and a high level of performance,” said Marshall Clark, Onward general manager. “We are extremely proud to debut the most innovative and comfortable keyboard for work, play, and learning.”
After Microsoft discontinued its non-Surface line of mice, keyboards, and other PC accessories in 2023, Incase partnered with the tech giant to bring back its designs while using the same components and supply chain as Microsoft.
Though this Incase ergonomic keyboard is nearly as expensive as the $129.99 Logitech Ergo K860, it’s still much cheaper than higher-end ergonomic options, like the Nuio Flow and ZSA Voyager, both of which cost $365.
Incase says it will release the keyboard in “early 2025.” The company has several other Microsoft-designed accessories planned as well, but it currently only has two mice and a Bluetooth keyboard available for purchase on its website.
If you need help deciding whether this keyboard is right for you, you can always consult our keyboard-buying guide for helpful tips.
Microsoft to spend $80 billion in FY’25 on data centers for AI
Microsoft has earmarked $80 billion in fiscal 2025 to build data centers designed to handle artificial intelligence workloads, according to a company blog post.
Specifically, the tech giant plans to build out AI-enabled data centers “to train AI models and deploy AI and cloud-based applications around the world.” Of that $80 billion allocation, more than half will be spent in the United States, according to Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith. The tech giant’s 2025 fiscal year ends in June.
“As we look into the future, it’s clear that artificial intelligence is poised to become a world-changing GPT. AI promises to drive innovation and boost productivity in every sector of the economy,” Smith wrote. “The United States is poised to stand at the forefront of this new technology wave, especially if it doubles down on its strengths and effectively partners internationally.”
Microsoft and OpenAI were reportedly in talks in April regarding the construction of a data center facility that would contain an AI supercomputer dubbed Stargate. The facility was estimated to cost over $100 billion to build. Notably, later in the year, Microsoft called the startup a “competitor” for the first time in an SEC filing.
AI’s insatiable thirst for electricity is expected to surge in the coming years, potentially leading to power shortages for data centers.
