Gizmodo: Keyboard

Microsoft Releasing SideWinder Keyboard in September?

Jason Chen — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 14:30:00 EDT

Is Microsoft continuing their SideWinder brand revival—started with a mouse—with the release of a keyboard later this year? Perhaps, but this SideWinder X6 seems to be a pretty interesting keyboard in any case. It's got red (perhaps glowing?) keys, a detatchable num-pad, programmable buttons and TWO gigantic knobs on the right. We're thinking those knobs will be programmable as well, perhaps to cycle through your weapons or scroll through your iTunes playlist. We'll just have to wait until September to see whether or not this $79 keyboard really is the SideWinder. [Pcinpact via Engadget]

Logitech Announces Wireless Keyboard for the Wii

Adam Frucci — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:32:58 EDT

If you use your Wii to surf the web because you really miss your WebTV and want to relive the frustrations of using the internet on your television, this new Logitech Cordless Keyboard for Wii was designed with you in mind. It broadcasts using 2.4 GHz wireless technology and works from up to 30 feet away. Designed with the Wii in mind, it comes with dedicated buttons for Zoom In/Out, Forward/Back, Quit and OK. If it was really designed with the Wii in mind, you'd be able to move forward and back by swinging the entire keyboard around, but alas, that feature isn't included. No word on a release date, but it'll set you back $50 when it drops. [Product Page via CrunchGear]

Das Ultimate Keyboard is Too Cool for Key Legends

Kit Eaton — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:54:00 EDT

We all laughed at that key legend-less leather keyboard the other day, didn't we? Metadot, the makers of the new Ultimate Keyboard didn't: it also skips all that troublesome bother of having labeled keys. Presumably it's in the name of coolness, since the whole thing looks pretty slick and has precision-engineered, gold-plated switches that click like the legendary IBM Model M. There's also twin USB ports, obligatory blue LED lights and a 6-foot black cable. And it'll cost you $129. If you're not the expert touch-typing sort, there's the original Professional version, which has labels where they're meant to be. [Product page via Technabob]

DIY Clove 2 Glove Allows You To Type One-Handed, Sans Keyboard

Sean Fallon — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EDT

Oh, how I love complicated DIY projects that impress your geeky friends but make simple tasks more difficult! Case in point, this Clove 2 glove that allows users to type without a keyboard using a convoluted set of hand gestures. The glove communicates with your computer using Bluetooth and custom software that translates your finger movements into keyboard actions. I can see how something like this would be useful in a simpler form, so if you are up to that challenge you can start with the complete set of instructions for building the base Clove 2 glove.

[HackaDay ]

Logic 3 Wireless Wii Keyboard Activates Couch Typing Mode

Jason Chen — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EDT

Why be tethered to your Wii when the rest of your controllers are free to swing about and fly around your living room? Logic 3's 32-key wireless keyboard lets you enter in names, messages and Wii Friend Codes like an expert, not a spastic ten-year-old swatting at invisible flies. It's £13.99 ($27) when it's released July 18 in the UK. [Twenga]

iPhone Gets a MacBook Air Keyboard Mod

Jason Chen — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:40:00 EDT

You may disagree, but we think this MacBook Air keyboard mod for the iPhone looks super neat. The package installs directly from Installer.app and gives your on-screen board the black separated look that the standard MacBook and the MacBook Air both feature. It's just cosmetic, and doesn't affect your typing performance in any way—unless of course you type faster when you see black plastic. It also uninstalls without destroying your phone, which is a plus. Grab it now, but you might have to add this repository (http://planet-iphones.com/repository/) first. [Just Another iPhone Blog via Into Mobile]

The Phantom Lapboard Is Finally Out

Mark Wilson — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:43:00 EDT

We weren't sure that this day would ever come. Even when we spoke with John Landino (Phantom Development Consultant) at CES, he wasn't sure the day would ever come. Today, I got an email from him.

That's right Mark; we have sold a product:) and booked a dollar...what is the world coming to?

It's good to see the $129 Phantom Lapboard finally released, a tale that started back in 2004 finally finished—expect the sky to fill with winged pigs shortly. [Phantom]

Lightning Review: The "Clicky" Das Keyboard Professional

Sean Fallon — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EDT

The Gadget: The redesigned Das Keyboard Professional with gold-plated mechanical key switches, n-key rollover, two USB ports and blue LED accents.

The Price: $129.99 ($99 Pre-order)

The Verdict: You may recall earlier versions of the Das Keyboard as a wacky typing aid with blank keys. Well, the third installment of the series is on its way, and this time the focus is on comfort, not gimmicks. As with the earlier versions, if you like an IBM Model M keyboard typing experience, you will love the Das Keyboard Professional. In other words, this keyboard provides a satisfying "click" sound with each keystroke and it has a very positive tactile feel. To be quite honest, it was one of the most comfortable keyboards I have ever typed on.

The Das Keyboard Professional also has a high-quality feel to it—like it is sturdy and well-made. Plus, the addition of n-key roll over (12 simultaneous key presses) and the two USB ports on the side will undoubtedly prove useful for gamers and serious typists. As for the blue LEDs, they are a nice touch I suppose, but they are more of an afterthought than anything else. In fact, my test unit did not even include them.

On the flipside, we are talking about a $129.99 corded keyboard with no multimedia functions here—which is a tad expensive for a keyboard with what some may consider limited functionality (not to mention the fact that clicky keyboards are not for everyone). Still, I view the Das Keyboard Professional like a pair of expensive jeans that look like any other pair of jeans, but you wear them everyday because they fit you perfectly. If you are looking for a sturdy, comfortable keyboard that is big on accuracy, it may be worth the extra money. And if you hurry, the $99 pre-order price is not entirely unreasonable (a blank version is also available). [Das Keyboard]

Leather Keyboard from Japanese Artist, Only For Expert Touch-Typers

Kit Eaton — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 05:44:00 EDT

Remember the beautiful gold and flowers keyboards from a few months back? This new keyboard from Japanese artist Kazuharu Sakura should probably go in the same "typing nightmare" category. Because it's handmade, and leather is a pretty unusual thing to have your keys made from... but they're missing something important. Legends. So, if you're into conversation-piece leather-gimp peripherals, and you know your way around a keyboard better than you know how to aim safely for the toilet in the dark, then this might be the one for you. There's no info, though, on how much this piece of luxury may cost—I imagine quite a lot. [Akihabaranews]

"No-Key" Glass Touch-Keyboard is Antithesis of Steampunk

Kit Eaton — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 05:10:00 EDT

This concept from designer Kong Fanwen lies somewhere between minimalist Apple keyboards, and projecting laser touch ones. The No-Key is very simple: just a light source, a camera and an etched sheet of glass, showing the key positions. You just type, the cam sees your contact with the glass and sends appropriate commands to your PC. It really is the antithesis of the clunky, complex steampunked one we showed the other day. And one image suggests it'd be waterproof, so... blogging from the bath? I want one please! [Yanko Design]

Datamancer Steampunk Keyboard Reviewed (Verdict: Very IBM Clacky)

Jason Chen — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:10:00 EDT

Uber steampunk connoisseur, DRM hater, typist, new father and NY Times Bestselling author Cory Doctorow just received his handmade steampunk keyboard from Datamancer and he loves it. He compares it to a "well-oiled manual" and those IBM clacky keyboards that half of you crazy old bastards seem to really enjoy using to wake up your wives. It's very heavy, very metallic, and if that seems like something you're into, it costs anywhere between $1000 and $1500. Living the steampunk life, Sir Doctorow! [Datamancer]

Kinesis Freestyle is First Ergonomic Snap-In-Two Keyboard for Macs

Kit Eaton — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EDT

Sure, ergonomic designs are sometimes more whacky rather than useful, but I reckon the Kinesis Freestyle Solo falls into the latter category. Apparently it's the first Mac keyboard that allows you to fully separate it into halves. Why'd you want to do that? To adjust the keys into a wrist-friendly, RSI-reducing position, that's why. There're two accessories— the Incline lets you adjust the angle into a tented shape, and the VIP adds in palm supports and more angular adjustments. It's also got a bunch of hotkeys, and double-wide command keys for easier typing. Available now for $99, $40 each for the add-ons. [Press release]

'Really Cool' Keyboard Is Silent, Waterproof For Underwater Spy-Typing Adventures

Jason Chen — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 14:40:00 EDT

This "Really Cool" keyboard mixes two things we really love about keyboards: the ability to type quietly and the ability to withstand a glass of milk being poured on it. It's completely sealed in a silicone outer shell with "no" moving parts, which explains its waterproof-ness. If our experience with silicone keyboards is worth anything, these things are pretty hard to type on, making this a silent, waterproof and awkward keyboard. [Man Machine via DVICE]

Giant Walk-on Keyboard For Typing, not Making Tunes Big-Style

Kit Eaton — Thu, 29 May 2008 07:16:00 EDT

Maurin Donneaud has created this giant walk-on rug computer keyboard, going for stomp-sensitive design rather than touch. It's a home-made affair, with foam separating the conducting-fabric contacts inside until you press down, and is powered by an Arduino board. So, while it won't let you bash out tunes like Tom Hanks in Big it will let you stamp out emails to your pals— all that leaping around would probably be fairly good exercise. At last: a way to keep your fave Giz Editors in good shape. [Hacakaday]

I-O Data's Mini Bluetooth Keyboard is Cute, Looks Familiar

Kit Eaton — Wed, 28 May 2008 06:20:00 EDT

Sure, Bluetooth keyboards that help with text-entry to your cellphone or PDA aren't new. But this one from I-O Data has three things going for it: it's petite, it doesn't fold with over-complicated mechanisms and it's very cute. Dare I say it's taken a few style pointers from a bigger, shinier Bluetooth cousin? Yes, I think I may. No info on pricing or availability. [Akihabaranews]

Lightning Review: Gamercize GZ PC-Sport Power Stepper For Office Workouts

Sean Fallon — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:20:00 EDT

The Gadget: The GZ PC-Sport Power Stepper from Gamercize claims to give desktop and laptop users a workout by hijacking their keyboard or mouse when they slack off on their workouts.
The Price: $199 for the GZ PC-Sport + Power Stepper / around $140 for the GZ PC-Sport alone.

The Verdict: As a personal trainer myself, I welcome any device that will motivate people to work out on their own—especially when outside of the gym. However, far too many of the gadgets that exist for this purpose are gimmicky and serve only to clutter up a garage after a few weeks of use. Unfortunately, I have to group the Gamercize GZ PC-Sport Power Stepper into this category.

Just to be clear, let me start off by saying that the device does what it is supposed to do. If you exercise, you can use the peripheral device hooked up to the machine. If you slack off, it will hijack the device until you get back on track. That having been said, I was a bit miffed about the machine's reliance on batteries. Both the power stepper display and the controller require them (one AA and three AAAs respectively). If the batteries die, it will probably be a while before they are replaced—and that could be the perfect window for unmotivated users to stop their workouts.

Another problem is that steppers of this type don't exactly provide an intense full-body workout (users can choose to hook the device up to an existing stepper with a 3.5mm jack connector). Sure, there are five different intensity levels to choose from and it will burn some calories, but the bottom line is this: If you are going to town on this thing at the office, your co-workers are going to plot against you inside five minutes. As you can hear in the video, the sounds of the power stepper would eventually drive anyone around you into a murderous rage. Even if you only used the device in private, trying to type on a keyboard or use a mouse while stepping can get annoying real fast. It's like trying to thrash on a drum kit and sing at the same time. It's just plain unnatural.

Finally, you are going to need a big desk and some short legs if you want to use the GZ PC-Sport Power Stepper correctly. I'm tall and my legs were up in my chest during the workouts—and adjusting the height of the steps on the machine only serves to reduce your range of motion which, in turn, reduces the effectiveness of the machine. Again, just about any type of workout is better than nothing, but you could get more out of your $200 by getting a gym membership and using your lunch hour for a quick 30-minute workout. [Gamercize]

iKey Membrane Keyboard Built For Dirty Work

Elaine Chow — Sun, 18 May 2008 10:00:00 EDT

For those of us who need to do computer work in dirty and harrowing situations, iKey has a new industrial keyboard that's "built to withstand the harshest of environments." The Membrane Keyboard has no crevices, to prevent gross gunky buildup, and a waterproof, washable surface.

The keyboard includes raised, mechanical snap-dome keys under a hardcoated polyester film that's more rugged than conventional silicone rubber keypads. It also has an integrated Synaptics touchpad, like the ones found on laptops, which can substitute for a mouse. The device is especially built to withstand the humidity and dust of industrial settings, such as a work shop or food processing company (or certain blogging locations).

iKey's keyboard comes in either a conventional desktop design or a panel mount model that can be put in a stainless steel case. The company sells it quote-by-quote, so no pricing info was available. A backlit version will be out later this year. [Softpedia

SteelSeries 7G Pro Gaming Keyboard Built Like a Tank, Costs Almost as Much

matt buchanan — Mon, 05 May 2008 12:20:00 EDT

Pro gaming gear maker SteelSeries was better known in a former life as Icemat, but they're moving forward under the steelier moniker to break into the mainstream US gaming market. Today they're launching their 7G pro gaming keyboard. It promises to "eliminate 'anti-ghosting'" by supporting as many simultaneous key presses as there are keys—so you can bunny hop while crouching, spraying and checking the score—as well as a serious lifespan: 50 million keystrokes. We've actually got one, and yeah, the thing is built like a tank—or at least weighs as much as one. Stay tuned, we'll let you know if it's worth the military weapon-grade $150 pricetag.

May 05, 2008 09:00
SteelSeries Introduces the 7G Professional Gaming Keyboard

Mechanical keyboard increases responsiveness by more than 90 percent and is more than 10 times more durable than typical keyboards; Eliminates anti-ghosting

CHICAGO —(Business Wire)— May. 5, 2008 The leading manufacturer of innovative professional gaming gear, SteelSeries, today announced the U.S. release of its new gaming keyboard, the SteelSeries 7G. The keyboard, designed with 18-karat gold-plated mechanical switches, sets new industry standards for advanced key combinations and Actions-Per-Minute (APM). This translates into quicker reaction times and stronger results.

Eliminates Anti-Ghosting

The SteelSeries 7G keyboard sets a new industry standard for gaming keyboards by allowing users to perform at new levels with advanced key combinations. Utilizing a powerful PS/2 buffer-system created specifically for gaming, the SteelSeries 7G keyboard eliminates "anti-ghosting" by supporting as many simultaneous key press commands as there are keys on the keyboard. What this does, for example, is allow users in a first person shooter game to walk, crouch, aim, fire and check the scoreboard simultaneously. Traditional keyboards do not allow this much functionality all at once.

The keyboard was built specifically to offer gaming-grade response times as well as an unmatched durability with a switch lifetime of 50 million operations, which is 10 or more times the lifespan of a typical "membrane" keyboard which has a maximum of 1-5 million total keystrokes in a lifetime.

"Professional gamers demand top quality equipment that provides durability and quicker response times," said Bruce Hawver, CEO of SteelSeries. "The time that we've invested into working with literally hundreds of gamers to design the SteelSeries 7G keyboard has resulted in a device that will truly change the way you play, limiting gamers only by their skill level - not their equipment."

The SteelSeries 7G keyboard is equipped with audio ports for headphone-out and microphone-in and includes a two port USB hub. With both PS/2 and USB connectors, the keyboard features the compact SteelSeries Media Controls, an essential gaming element that allows the user quick access to volume, muting and other audio controls.

Recognizing the importance of high-performance PC gaming equipment, professional Counter-Strike player, Franz "mouz/gore" Burghardt, said that, "SteelSeries creates top quality gaming gear that helps players perform at their best. The 7G has taken gaming keyboards to a whole new level by eliminating anti-ghosting and increasing the response time, which is so important for first-person shooter games. It's a tool I can rely on even on a professional level." Franz Burghardt and his teammates from mousesports recently won the ESL Masters championship at CeBIT in Germany, beating the best teams in the world and winning $50,000 USD.

The mechanical tactile system is ergonomically designed to ensure ease-of-use, and the no-click switches and iron-infused plastic make the SteelSeries 7G keyboard both comfortable and durable for professional or competitive gamers.

The new SteelSeries 7G keyboard, with an MSRP of $149.99 USD, is available for purchase at Dell.com, AlienWare.com, NewEgg.com, Amazon.com and on the SteelSeries Web site at http://www.SteelSeries.com.

About SteelSeries

SteelSeries is a leading manufacturer of gaming peripherals and accessories, including headsets, keyboards, mice, software and gaming surfaces, selling in more than 75 countries. SteelSeries has been on the forefront of professional gaming gear since its inception in 2001, thanks to continued innovation and product development in cooperation with leading professional gamers. All SteelSeries products are developed in co-operation with professional gamers to ensure optimum performance and durability. SteelSeries supports the growth of competitive gaming and electronic sports through professional team sponsorships and community support all over the world. For more information, please visit http://www.SteelSeries.com.

[SteelSeries]

Yamaha Keyboard-Notebook Combo Concept For On-the-Go Ivory-Ticklers

AddyDugdale — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 06:30:00 EDT

The image associated with this post is best viewed using a browser.Milan's Salone di Mobile always has a bunch of concept gadgets designed by tech companies, and this is one of Yamaha's efforts. It's a keyboard-in-a-folder, and is the perfect tool for busy musicians and composers. Travellers stuck in the same train carriage as someone carrying this should thank their lucky stars that Yamaha didn't make a version for drummers. [Yamaha Global Gateway via Yanko]

Phantom Lapboard Reviewed (Verdict: Holy Bees They've Shipped It And It's Only Half Bad)

Jason Chen — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 17:30:00 EDT

Will Smith over at Maximum PC just reviewed the Phantom Lapboard—that keyboard from the Phantom console guys which we first held for ourselves back at E3 2004. Surprise! They think the keyboard "rocks". Their official position is that the pivoting scheme is comfortable and works great for righties and lefties. The only problem is their mouse. It sucks. Not only does it have signal dropouts, the left click button is "wimpy". Probably not worth your $130 until they can work out the mousing problems. [Maximum PC]

Optimus Maximus Keyboard Now for the (Expensive) Taking on ThinkGeek

AddyDugdale — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 06:00:00 EDT

ThinkGeek is shipping Art Lebedev's Optimus Maximus keyboard at last. Price is $1,589.99. [ThinkGeek]

The Graffiti Keyboard is an Absolute Catastrophe

Sean Fallon — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EDT

Using an old keyboard as his palette and a mixture of markers, pens and knick-knacks lying around the house as his mediums, Flickr user Divine Harvester managed to create something that can only be described as "keyboard vomit." The K3YB04RD, as it has been dubbed, may not be the prettiest peripheral out there, but it certainly has to be in the running for the most personalized. [Flickr via Make via about:blank]

Ten Things You Need to Know About the Optimus Maximus Keyboard Hardware

Jason Chen — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EDT

It's been three months since we first got a true hands on with the Optimus Maximus OLED keyboard at CES, and we've had plenty of time to experience this innovative gadget by blogging with it full time over the course of three weeks. And by logging hours and hours with the keyboard—much like you would if you purchased one—we've come up with ten things you need to know about the Optimus Maximus keyboard's hardware.

1. It's not meant for a lot of typing. There's no way you're buying this $1500 keyboard for typing. If you wanted the best typing experience, there's plenty of boards from Microsoft or Logitech or Apple that are better suited (and protect your wrists better). No, you want this because of the shortcuts it'll let you see and the customization it'll let you perform. The individual keys are loud and clacky, which is not great for people who prefer scissor switch or membrane type keyboards. There is a decent amount of feedback when you press a key, however, and it springs back nicely. It's just not a keyboard you'd pick out to type 100+ WPM with.

No, if you do a lot of typing, you want to have two keyboards. One for typing, and the Optimus off to the side for button presses and shortcuts and gaming and the stuff that the Maximus was made for.

2. It works. Each key has a display on it, each display is bright like you'd expect, and each display is customizable. Not only can you pick what's displayed on each key (the whole point of this thing), you can customize what each key does when you press it. As of now, you can execute an AppleScript, Shell Command, trigger Expose, and open a file.

3. You can make the keys display ANYTHING. As long as you have an image, you can customize the display to show anything you want. Static images are fine, but if you wanted to, the keyboard can even support GIFs or MOVs. Play back a movie on your keyboard!

4. It's heavy and big and wide. This is not a small keyboard. This is probably the heaviest, biggest, and sturdiest keyboard we have ever used. If you heard an intruder in your house and you wanted to decide between a bat and the Maximus, it'd be a tough decision. Then again, unless that was a signed commemorative bat, you should probably leave your $1500 keyboard be.

5. It's not wireless. Sorry folks, this thing is wired. Not only is it wired to your computer, there's an AC adapter wire as well. Double wired, you might say.

6. The OLED display doesn't fill up the entire key. Those early renders of the Optimus keyboard aren't accurate. There's a small display embedded in every key, but they're all the same size. It takes up a good 85% of a normal key, but when you get to Shift, Enter, or Space, it's noticeably smaller. Not a huge deal, but if you were hoping to get a huge stat readout of your computer on the Space key, you're out of luck.

7. It comes in four models. Because the keys are interchangeable, you can actually buy them one at a time, or only have some of the keys be OLED display enabled. There's four versions now, one with only the space bar active ($462), one with the 10 side function keys active ($599), one with the 47 regular QWERTY keys active ($999), and one with all 113 keys active ($1564). It's up to you which one you like, but you should at the very least get the 10 active key set.

8. It's not plug and play. When you plug in the Maximus, all you get is a standard keyboard. To get fancy actions, images, or animations going, you're going to have to program them in yourself. Not a huge deal for the hardcore users, but be aware that you'll have to spend a few hours getting used to the system, setting things up, and digging up images to go with whatever actions you want to perform.

9. It's heavily customizable—or at least it will be. Despite the previous target date of April for the final version of the software, it's only at version 0.591 now. There are instances of announced features on their Optimus Blog that haven't made it into the beta versions yet. This means a lot of features—like being able to simulate any series of keys when you hit a button—are still missing. Not to mention that the software currently has a memory leak and balloons up if left alone for more than a day. Quitting and restarting fixes it.

10. You probably shouldn't buy it yet. Even though Art Lebedev is currently taking orders for the keyboard, you should wait until the final release of the software is out. At the very least, wait for them to reach 1.0 and add in all the basic functionality they've been promising. This shouldn't take more than a few months. After that, if you're worried about how expensive the Maximus is, you can wait for the price to drop. Chances are that it won't drop too dramatically, but $1564 is a high price to pay for a normal user.

However, if you're in production or art and really need this for your work, you can go ahead and grab it now. $1500 is easily expensable, and if it helps your productivity by even a small percent, it's totally worth it. [Optimus]

Note: When the software version hits 1.0, we'll do another software oriented look at this keyboard.

Lightning Review: Kensington Ci70 Keyboard With Built-in Mini USB Cable

Jason Chen — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:45:00 EDT

The Gadget: Kensington Ci70 compact keyboard with two USB ports and one mini USB cable for easy docking and syncing.

The Price: $49.99

The Verdict: The Ci70 is a good typer, but you'll want this for the mini USB convenience. If you're a person that often syncs your digital cameras, smartphones or portable hard drives to your PC, you probably have a lot of mini USB cables. The Ci70 lets you ditch all those cables and just use one embedded into a slideable, hidden compartment that you can never lose. Ultra convenient.

The keys feel very much like the Kensington Slim Type Keyboard, but this time has both the Windows key and the Apple Command key on one unit instead of making two separate models for each type of machine. It's also fairly quiet and has laptop-ish (scissor switch) keys.

The only complaint we have are because of its slightly condensed size (Kensington says it's 35% "smaller"), which, like the Kensington Slim Types, place the Home/Page Up/Page Down/End keys vertically to the right of the Enter key. The same scrunched design also make the arrow keys smaller than usual and harder to hit. Other than these fairly minor issues, it's a pleasure to type on and almost ranks as high as Apple's aluminum keyboards in our book.

At $49.99, the Ci70 is a great keyboard for people who are looking for a quiet, soft typing experience and the convenience of not having to dig around for a mini USB cable. [Kensington]

Kensington Ci70 Keyboard Has USB/Mini USB Ports and Laptop-Styled Keys

Jason Chen — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:40:00 EDT

We love Kensington's low-profile keyboards with the laptop style keys, which is why this Ci70 keyboard looks so appetizing. It's got two USB ports, nothing special, but a mini USB connector that actually hides underneath a cover on top. So to recap, two USB ports, one mini USB cord, really low/quiet style Kensington keys, 35% smaller than other "standard multimedia keyboards" and a price of $49.99. Works with both PCs and Macs thanks to it having both a Windows key and a Mac Command key. [Kensington]

Kids Are Tearing Apart The OLPC Laptop's Keyboard Rather Easily

Jason Chen — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 18:20:00 EDT

You'd think a laptop from the One Laptop Per Child project would, I don't know, account for the fact that it's being used by a child? A child that likes to tear crap apart? Stuff like keyboards? No? Which is why people are seeing keyboards being ripped up rubber piece by rubber piece. A few of the commenters in the forums (no doubt just regular folks buying them for their kids) say that their units were developing rips within days. If this is happening in the relatively safe conditions in the US, how are these laptops going to fare in the harsh conditions they were supposedly designed for? [Laptop.org]

Cybernet ZPC-GX31, a PC in a Keyboard-Sized Case

Kit Eaton — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:41:47 EDT

Ok, we understand that a small form-factor PC like Cybernet's ZPC GX31 would really suit some user's needs: on a cramped shop counter-top perhaps. We even kinda admire that this gizmo squeezes in a full PC (up to Core 2 Quad CPU, Intel graphics, optical drive, HDD, up to 4GB RAM) and standard I/O ports into a "zero footprint" box that's like a chunky keyboard. Hell, it even has a touchpad and memory card slots. But we wonder: surely the world has moved on from Commodore 64-like design? Yuck, yuckity yuck. If it actually floats your boat, it's fully customizable and costs from $699 to $1099. [Cybernetman via Chipchick]

Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 and Digital Media Keyboard 3000, WOW!

Benny Goldman — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 09:40:46 EDT

Microsoft continues to step up their design game with two keyboards to follow last month's good-looking mice. The Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 bundle includes a 2.4GHz wireless keyboard and the previously available 7000 wireless laser mouse. The keyboard was designed for Vista and features an Aero-inspired translucent border, three assignable favorite keys, and the Comfort Curve design.

The Digital Media Keyboard 3000 is the more basic offering of the two. The corded keyboard offers five favorite keys and quick access to features such as Flip 3D and Windows Media Player.

The 7000 bundle will retail for $130—the keyboard is not sold separately—when it is available in April. The 3000 sells for $30, and is available in June. Not bad Microsoft, not bad at all. [Microsoft]

Art Lebedev Designing Wireless Optimus Mini 3 3.0

Jason Chen — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:57:10 EDT

Art Lebedev and his Lebedevites are hard at work designing a follow-up to the Optimus Mini 3, a smaller, three-buttoned version of the Maximus keyboard we saw at CES. Here's what they're thinking: wireless, possibly Bluetooth, maybe AC-powered. People use this to control PowerPoint presentations (good idea, you can see what's coming up before others do) and would like to have it not tethered to the computer. No actual renders of prototypes yet, but Art says they're coming soon. [Optimus Blog]

Brando's Wireless Keyboard has Built-In Touch Pad

Haroon Malik — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 19:30:00 EDT

So, you're lying about on your sofa, while using your PC to watch a movie; what would be really nice is a wireless keyboard with a built-in touch pad to control playback. Well, thanks to Brando, you can now have it all. The Wireless USB Keyboard with Touch Pad leaves nothing to the imagination, and it comes fully equipped with 11 hot keys, including buttons for quick access to your browser, email, as well as a host of in-built media controls. To save on battery power, you can also set it up to function via USB when your within PC-reaching distance. Brando's wireless input wonder retails at $57 and is compatible with Windows XP, ME, 2000 and Vista. Note: This much convenience may lead to obesity. [Brando via GeekAlerts]

Touchscreen Blackberry Patent Suggests RIM has SideKick-Envy

Kit Eaton — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:36:18 EST

A new patent filing by RIM for a "hybrid portrait-landscape handheld device with trackball navigation and Qwerty hide-away keyboard" suggests that future Blackberrys may remind us pretty strongly of a SideKick Slide, or perhaps an HTC Tilt without the tilt. We're guessing that the trackball is a version of their pearl controller, though the patent also makes reference to touchscreen technology. Looking at another image in the filing, you might also wonder if an accelerometer is included for iPhone-style screen orientation.

Of course, RIM has fired out lots of other patents in the past which we've yet to see in reality. So if you're a Blackberry fan who'd love a bigger slide-out keyboard, don't get too excited by this — we suspect you won't be seeing a real product anytime soon. [Reghardware]

Question of the Day: Which is Worse to Spill on Your Keyboard?

Sean Fallon — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 20:15:44 EST

You are working feverishly and there is no time to eat—so you bring your food and drink over to your workspace and try to multi-task. Not surprisingly, you manage to spill your beverage all over the keyboard like an idiot. Many of us have been there. So, the question is, which is worse to spill on your keyboard?

Optimus Maximus Keyboard Now Shipping (At Last!)

matt buchanan — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:00:16 EST

It's a day some of us never thought would come. Art Lebedev's Optimus Maximus OLED keyboard is finally shipping to everyone who pre-ordered it. Icing on the OLED cake, the Configuator software is available now, too. If you bought one w/ passive keys, you've still got another month though. [Optimus Project]

Thanko's Silent Keyboard Can Now Be Used With 2 PCs at Once

Sean Fallon — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:20:13 EST

It appears that Thanko has upgraded their Silent Keyboard making it possible to use it with two PCs at once. A toggle switch over the arrow keys allows users to switch between computers, and its relatively low noise output (45dB compared to 60dB for a regular keyboard) make it an interesting choice for power users—especially ones that just blew their wad on a second PC. The Silent Keyboard 2.0 will only set you back $51. [GeekStuff4U via Crave]

Microsoft's Ergonomic Laser Keyboard 7000 Leaked Via FCC

Jason Chen — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 18:30:41 EST

Microsoft likes doing things in pairs, which is why they're on the verge of releasing this Wireless Laser Keyboard 7000 to go along with the Wireless Laser Mouse 7000 they announced a few weeks ago. It's pretty similar to other Microsoft ergonomic keyboards, except there's a neat glass frame around the edge of the entire board, along with a dedicated Flip 3D key (next to the ALT key to the right of the Space). If this feels as good as MS's older ergo-keyboards, we're in for three. [I Started Something]

KITT Uses Apple Slim Wireless Keyboard, for Some Reason

Jesus Diaz — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:20:13 EST

We already pointed it out when we first looked at its interior, but now it's confirmed: KITT's iPhone-inspired dashboard also includes the slim Apple Wireless Keyboard. Why a keyboard when you have all that touchscreen and voice recognition goodness? We don't know. Probably to use Command + Alt + Esc to force quit LeatherPants.app in case KITT's Finder stalls. [Thanks Fabian]

iAno iPhone App Gives Your iPhone C-Minor Key

Haroon Malik — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 17:30:00 EST

Between iAno - the newly released iPhone app that turns your cellphone into a piano - and the earlier released PocketGuitar, which does much of the same but with a guitar, it is only a matter of time before we see the first iPhone band. That will be awesomely groundbreaking, and what we ask is that you send us the video. We'll post it, we promise*. Back to the present, iAno installs on Jailbroken iPhones and offers a fully functioning multitouch piano, as you can see in the great video above. A four-octave keyboard is represented in iAno, and the arrow keys at the top are used to navigate around. The software was put together by a developer going by the name of Mr Aardvark, and he managed to pack in polyphonic sound that allow five key presses to be heard simultaneously. Sweet.

Mr Aardvark also plans on updating iAno with a complete 88-key keyboard, switchable sample sets, recording and playback, as well as support for loading .MID tracks. Well, what are you waiting for? Get composing.

*If it isn't a steaming turdfest, and it involves a great tune selection, e.g. Bohemian Rhapsody. This isn't legal advice—I'm not even an attorney. [Technabob]

Question of the Day: What Type of Keyboards Do You Like?

Jason Chen — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 17:15:26 EST

It seems that computer users are divided up into one of several keyboard camps. The most vocal camp is the really loud and clacky IBM Model M crew who manage to find every single post about keyboards and say "JUST GET A MODEL M OMG!!!". Then there are the laptop style scissor-key camp who enjoy slight feedback, but not too much. Of course the ergonomic split-key camp and the Microsoft/Logitech keyboards need to be counted as well. What do you like? For the record, the Optimus is fairly soft, but with a good amount of resistance.

Life-Sized Chocolate Keyboard is, Sadly, Just a Concept

AddyDugdale — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 05:39:14 EST

Dear Gizmd readers, I wud lke t tell yu what I think f this chclate keybard but it's a bit difficult as I have eaten the... the... the furth vwel. Lve Addy. [Idealist via Gizmodo Japan through Google Translate]

Optimus Maximus Keyboard on eBay Already

Jason Chen — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 14:55:06 EST

We got our hands-on with the Optimus Maximus OLED keyboard back at CES, but now you can get your own on eBay. What? Apparently some guy received one of the earlier shipments of the keyboard (the one with unfinished software support) and is now hocking it. It's unclear which model this one is (we think it's the $1500 one, though you should email the seller to be sure), but if you can manage to get it for less than cost, this is a cheap way to grab an Optimus for yourself. [eBay]