Microsoft PC peripherals are now collector’s items

After decades of shipping Microsoft-branded peripherals like the Microsoft Modern Keyboard, Microsoft is calling it quits. Instead, Microsoft will shift its emphasis to Surface-branded peripherals—which include some similar peripherals, sold under the Surface brand. But not all.

“Going forward, we are focusing on our Windows PC accessories portfolio under the Surface brand,” says Dan Laycock, senior communications manager at Microsoft, in a statement given to The Verge. “We will continue to offer a range of Surface branded PC accessories—including mice, keyboards, pens, docks, adaptive accessories, and more. Existing Microsoft-branded PC accessories like mice, keyboards, and webcams will continue to be sold in existing markets at existing sell-in prices while supplies last.”

It’s not clear, however, how closely Microsoft’s Surface peripherals lineup will overlap with its existing peripherals, raising the question of whether Microsoft is actually partially withdrawing from the market, or if the logo will simply change on the box. Microsoft’s Surface Ergonomic Keyboard looks virtually identical to the Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard, though one is covered in Alcantara fabric and the other is plastic. The Surface Arc Mouse looks pretty much the same as the Microsoft Arc Mouse, too, though in different colors. But others, like the Microsoft Designer Keyboard, don’t have any Surface equivalents.

:story: PCWorld