Exclusive: Incase announces new Keyboard that Microsoft designed (but never released)

When Microsoft announced that it was discontinuing its line of peripherals last year, fans of the products were understandably upset. But there was a ray of hope when accessory brand Incase revealed it had bought the manufacturing rights from Microsoft, and would take over production of the discontinued products under the Incase name. 

Fast-forward a year, and it's finally here: Incase just announced the release of its Compact Ergonomic Keyboard: a resurrected but previously unreleased Microsoft design with a split keyboard layout, multi-device connectivity, and of course, a Copilot key. 

"Microsoft spent years developing this keyboard," Charlie Tebele, CEO of Incase's parent company, told me in an interview. "They spent time and money developing it, and it was going to be their latest announcement to the line." 

But it was not to be, with Microsoft's decision to exit the peripherals market coming before the keyboard could be released to consumers. The company's pivot to focusing on accessories solely for the Surface line meant that designs for keyboards, mice, and other accessories in the development pipeline were never realized. That is, until Incase bought the manufacturing rights to the products. 

Also: Fan of Microsoft's Windows PC accessories? They've been resurrected by another brand

"They're the same exact products, we just purchased the manufacturing components and licensing," Tebele explained. Indicating that there could be three or four more products by the end of the year from Microsoft's designs. 

Incase was previously known for its portfolio of accessories designed for Apple products, so how did it come to start selling Microsoft's catalog of discontinued peripherals? "We were already in partnership with [Microsoft], designing products for the Surface, when the conversation evolved into stepping in to take over," Tebele explained. "Right when we engaged with them, we bought the rights to this keyboard."

Incase's "Designed by Microsoft" collection released two mice last month: the Modern Mobile Mouse and Mobile Mouse 1850, which are reanimated versions of Microsoft's models. The Compact Ergonomic Keyboard marks the latest addition to the line, and is similar to the Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard already on the market.

So what kind of specs does Incase's Compact Ergonomic Keyboard have? It's similar to Microsoft's Sculpt Keyboard, but doesn't have the notch in the middle, instead bringing a more fluid, compact form factor. The contoured layout is designed to reflect the hands' natural positioning, and features a shorter key travel distance (1.3mm) and cushioned wrist rest (that no, does not detach). 

Compatible with Windows 10 and 11, it's also quite a bit more accessible, retailing for around $120. The keyboard is completely wireless, and can connect to up to three devices with Bluetooth 5.1. Interestingly, it's also battery powered, using two AAAs that Incase says will last for up to 36 months. There are no ports or connections on the device otherwise. 

Also: Microsoft-branded accessories - like the Sculpt keyboard - are coming back

Wireless computing accessories -- particularly those with ergonomic designs -- continue to deconstruct the traditional laptop experience as remote work remains the norm. I tested a handful of such devices last year, including Nuio's Flow Keyboard, a high-concept product that takes the split keyboard concept to the extreme, but it's cool to see accessibly priced, well-designed products like Incase's Microsoft re-brands find new life. 

Incase has big plans for broadening its portfolio further, as well. Tebele mentioned another brand: Nvidia, in the discussion of future product launches. "These are the three most important companies, and we're going to be developing products around them."

Also: The 5 best ergonomic keyboards of 2024

We'll have to wait and see what additional collaborations bring, but for now, I'll be watching the Designed by Microsoft lineup expand this year, with an eye toward the accessible, ergonomic products that fans of the Microsoft products appreciated in the first place. 

Incase's Compact Ergonomic Keyboard will be available early in 2025 for a retail price of $120. The website features the complete collection of available Microsoft designs, but select products will also be available at Best Buy soon as well.