Gizmodo: Keyboards

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 ]

Keyboard Haptics Mod Turns Shrill PC Speaker Into Soothing Vibration

John Mahoney — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Modder and frequent terminal user Matt was getting mighty tired of his piercing PC speaker going off with every typo, so he rigged up a nifty DIY haptics setup using a Microsoft keyboard and an old cellphone vibrator triggered by the scroll lock LED. Unless you're playing Oregon Trail in your elementary school's computer lab 15 years ago, you probably haven't heard your PC speaker in a long while, but if you're frequently using the terminal (especially under Linux) for command line tasks, this is the mod for you. [CiboMahto via MAKE]

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]

Numeric Keypad Chairs Provide Computational Comfort

Adrian Covert — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 15:30:00 EDT

These numeric keypad chairs are pretty amazing in a nerd chic sort of way. If you tried cramming these into your 700-square-foot bachelor pad, you'd look like the biggest tool alive. But in a place with a million square feet and that white, minimalist vibe, they'd be pretty amazing. These appear to be concepts, but the obscure Japanese site they came from makes it hard to tell. [PantoGraph via misterstarfish via Technabob]

Question of the Day: What Type of Keyboard Is the Best to Use?

Sean Fallon — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EDT

After reading some of your comments in my review of the Das Keyboard Professional, it got me thinking about the countless keyboard variations out there and the differences between the QWERTY and Dvorak layouts. So the question today is simple—what type of keyboard is the best to use?

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]

Art Lebedev's Optimus Popularis Keyboard Gets Its First 3D Mockup

Sean Fallon — Fri, 30 May 2008 16:21:00 EDT

We learned that Art Lebedev was planning a new, smaller and "cheaper" addition to the Optimus keyboard lineup with the "Popularis" a while back—but the mockup was basic to say the least. While no new information has been released, we do have a brand new, detailed, 3D mockup to drool over. [LiveJournal]

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]

Art Lebedev Plans "Popularis" Optimus Keyboard Priced Under $1000

Sean Fallon — Tue, 20 May 2008 16:28:00 EDT

Art Lebedev has unveiled plans for a new addition to the Optimus keyboard family with a keyboard dubbed the "Optimus Popularis." Details are scarce as the device is only a mock-up at this point—but we do know that it will be shorter than the Maximus, and it it will not use OLED screens to save cash. Instead it will be based on a "totally different principle" (ooh, mystery principle!). Naturally, no release date has been unveiled, but look for it to retail under $1000. [LiveJournal]

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

Razer vs. SteelSeries PC Gaming Gear Battlemodo: Which One Made Me a Better Gamer?

matt buchanan — Tue, 06 May 2008 21:00:00 EDT

Not to be a prick, but I'm a better gamer than probably 80 percent of you. At any given first-person shooter, I will probably kill you more than you kill me, and by a decent margin. The point is, I'm good—but I'm no pro. I've actually always been skeptical about "pro" gaming gear, and the sliver of an edge you might gain by paying a lot more. I put complete setups from both SteelSeries and Razer—using my beloved, well-worn five-year-old Logitech gear as a control—through a rigorous multi-day Battlemodo to definitively answer a single, fundamental question: Will pro gaming gear make me a better gamer?

The Gear
From Razer, I got the Lachesis mouse, Lycosa keyboard, Piranha headset and Destructor pad. That's $80 each for components plus a $40 mouse pad, totalling $280.

From SteelSeries, it's the Ikari Laser ($90), 7G keyboard ($150), Siberia Neckband headset ($100) and QcK+pad ($15). Do the math and it adds up to $355.

My old, battle-tested equipment, all Logitech: MX500, Media Elite keyboard, whatever free Logitech headset came with Unreal Tournament 2004 and a free Vista mousepad. Street (or garage sale) value of about $45.

Quick and Dirty Conclusions
It takes more than 20 minutes to get used to a new keyboard and mouse. So I spent a couple days with each set to get comfortable before actual testing with what I've been at almost exclusively on PC as of late: Team Fortress 2. I didn't want readjusting to a game like Battlefield 2142 added to the list of possible variables.

Because of my style of play (mostly heavy/sniper, offensive support), the best indicator of whether or not my game improved is still kill-to-death ratio, even though TF2 is an objective-oriented game. I've taken the results for 15 rounds of gameplay for each set of gear, then averaged them out to a single K-D ratio for each, and accounting for dominations (killing same guy three times).

SteelSeries: 2.6, with 5 dominations
Logitech: 2.42, with 2 dominations
Razer: 1.98, with 2 dominations

What It All Means
Objectively, SteelSeries made me a better gamer. Why? Because comfort level is the bottom line when it comes to gaming (or any) gear you grip or pound everyday, more so than any stupid spec or number proving how awesome a piece of equipment is. Ergonomically, the SteelSeries stuff just felt right, even after using it a short while.

Fans of Logitech's MX500 (me!) or G5 series mice will dig the SteelSeries Ikari mouse, since it's almost the exact same, but with an extra nub for your ring finger, plus it fixes the crappy scroll wheel issue that plagues the G5 and G7. The Razer Lachesis mouse is ambidextrous, and it just never felt right. (I'm not a claw gripper, though.) I kept accidentally hitting the buttons on the right side of the mouse, causing it to reboot to change profiles, which got me killed more than once. The braided cable on the Ikari, like on Logitech's G5 mouse, was a construction plus over Lycosa's thin rubber cord, though they both feel solid. I don't think either is worth the price ($90 for a mouse is insane), though—my MX500 is still just fine.

Keyboard-wise, Razer's Lycosa actually has a better layout (big backspace, small enter) than SteelSeries' 7G. It's also the much sexier of the two. But I'm not too big on its squishy laptop-style keys for gaming, and the keys' rubber coating started out as a plus and grew into a minus as it made my fingers feel weird and sorta chapped after extended sessions. SteelSeries compromises between big clacky keys and soft touch by registering the key press at the halfway point—they're tall keys—so you can go light or really slam them. I wish it had the subtle backlighting like the Lycosa , and maybe some more macro options. But the build quality of the 7G is absolutely bunker-worthy—it's incredibly heavy. I could club a family of baby seals to death with it and go back to gaming (after wiping the blood off). Yeah, it's $150, but it feels like it's going to stick around to the next ice age, so you're actually paying for solid equipment, gaming BS aside. The Lycosa feels more fragile—not crappy, but just above average.

Headsets have the same build matchup—the SteelSeries is heavier and more sturdy—but this time the cheaper Razer Piranha comes out ahead in audio quality (no surprise, actually). Positional audio was much truer, especially rear to front (a necessity to avoid getting backstabbed by a bastard Spy). Besides, as SteelSeries readily admitted to me, the Siberias suck for music.

Mousing surfaces? Whatever. Beyond the basics of non-reflectivity, it's total hype.

Conclusion
SteelSeries made me a better gamer, but the label "gaming gear" is BS. Buy what feels comfortable, because that's what you'll game better with. If you're a fan of Razer ergonomic styles (I wasn't overly) then it might be worth the extra price, but on the construction merits alone, it doesn't necessarily stack up. The SteelSeries stuff felt more substantial and like the build quality was slightly more commensurate with the higher price point (though I still think the 7G should go for like $100, not $150). Most scientific statement I can make: I was most comfortable with SteelSeries and my old gear, so I did better with them. [SteelSeries, Razer]

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]

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]

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]

Japanese-Style Keyboards Look Almost Too Good for Typing

Kit Eaton — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:03:13 EDT

These traditional Japanese-style keyboards are a class apart from the grey or white boringness of the average keyboard. As well as looking different, and neat these devices are even handmade for that extra "creative" touch. The gold one's damn attractive and would look cool on many a desk: but not the green "kara kusa" one... that just looks like a typing nightmare. That attractiveness costs, mind you, as they're available for $154.90. Except the gold "Zip-Ang" one, which is a whopping $214.21. [Akihabaranews]

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]

Next Gen Optimus Maximus Details: Sub-$800, One-Screen and Raised Keys

Wilson Rothman — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:15:44 EDT

Apparently, when Jesus called Art.Lebedev's Optimus Tactus keyboard "Optimus Retardus" for its lack of physical keys, the design team listened. Or not. Either way, Lebedev's latest plan is to indeed make a visual keyboard with just one full-color screen as opposed to many tiny ones. But it will overlay physical transparent keys (like on the Upravlator). In the end, you'd actually have a hard time noticing that each key isn't its own display. The goal is to get this thing into production by year's end, and to sell it for under $800—a bargain by Art.Lebedev standards. Later, the dudes will move to E-Ink or e-paper for lighter, wireless keyboards. [Optimus Project]

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]

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]

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]

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.

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]

Foxconn and United Keys Bring OLED Keyboards This Summer on the Cheap

Jason Chen — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:00:48 EST

The only complaint we have with the Optimus Maximus display-changing OLED keyboard is its price, which is why this news of United Keys and Foxconn teaming up to build their own keyboards is exciting.

Foxconn, if you remember, manufactures many of Apple's iPods while at the same time breaking Chinese labor laws—which to us screams low, low prices. The team-up will bear fruit "as early as summer," bringing keyboards with OLED keys like the one pictured. It's still unclear which name brand company will be contracting Foxconn and United Keys for their technology, but our guess is that all the major keyboard manufacturers (Microsoft, Logitech, Apple and Razor) will get in on their party. Well, maybe not Apple. Either way, expect a keyboard that's slightly less than $1500.

Justify Your Gadget: Optimus Maximus Keyboard

Mark Wilson — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 13:12:47 EST

Kotaku readers will already recognize our Justify series, but we give people 15 seconds to pitch us their product or answer a question. If they make it, great. If they miss it...you don't want to know.

For our inaugural Justify Your Gadget, we talked to Art.Lebedev's very own Art Lebedev. So can he justify all the Optimus Maximus Keyboard's delays? And can he do it in 15 seconds?

Hands On With Optimus Maximus Keyboard

Jason Chen — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 19:24:18 EST

We've had video and pictures of the Optimus Maximus keyboard, but now we've got the first hands on with the mythical layout-changing input device. Is it as good as all the hype's built it up to be? No. It's better.

The units we got to play with were both fully working—one of which was hooked up to a Mac and the other was running in demo mode. Here's what we think:

• Each key's display is very bright and very crisp.
• The keys aren't too clacky and aren't too soft. A good and happy medium between the old ass IBM clackers and the scissor-style laptop keys.
• Unless you wash your hands regularly (which apparently trade-show attendees do not) the keyboard gets greasy. Very greasy. I need some anti-herpes wipe.
• The shift and caps lock keys were working, and they change the entire layout to CAPS (just as you'd expect). We've got video of this later, but it's very crisp and makes it extremely easy to tell whether or not YOU"VE GOT THE SHIFT KEY HELD DOWN.
• It's extremely customizable. We didn't get to see it here, but you can use the utility to change the background, foreground, and make the whole keyboard rainbow-colored if you so wish.
• It's super responsive hitting the keys as well—absolutely no difference between this and a regular keyboard.
• It feels very solidly made, more so than many other keyboards.
• Taking keys out is fairly easy, and it pops right back into place.

Is it worth $1500? We weren't sure before, but after getting hands-on time with it we're definitely leaning toward a maybe. And if they can lower the price by 50%, then it's a yes. It's one of those things that we'll save up money for and buy after a drunken night out.

We also got to meet Art Lebedev, the guy responsible for the Optimus and many other designs, and we can totally tell that he's on the level and a great guy to boot. In case any of you still thought the Optimus Maximus was vaporware, it's not.

Logitech Cordless Bluetooth Desktop MX5500 Arrives (Again)

Wilson Rothman — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST

We teased you with this last fall, but now the folks at Logitech say that this $170 Bluetooth 2.0 desktop is officially official and hitting stores late this month, as you can see from the press release after the jump. Refresher course:
• Can be used as Bluetooth hub but isn't exactly dongle free, since it comes pre-paired with its own "mini-receiver"
• Dynamic LCD screen shows time and date, calc, temp, incoming e-mails, media metadata and more
• One-touch access to Vista features
• MX Revolution laser mouse included

New Logitech Premium Bluetooth Keyboard-and-Mouse Combination Features Flagship MX Revolution Mouse Cordless Desktop MX 5500 Revolution Includes Dynamic Display, Bluetooth 2.0 EDR

LAS VEGAS — CES — Jan. 5, 2008 — Logitech (SWX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI), creator of the first keyboard-and-mouse desktop set, today introduced the Logitech® Cordless Desktop® MX™ 5500 Revolution to help people navigate through today's complex digital environments with ease. The premium keyboard-and-mouse combination features the award-winning Logitech® MX™ Revolution cordless laser mouse, a dynamic keyboard display and Bluetooth® wireless technology.
"With the proliferation of digital content, people increasingly need better ways to find and control their digital files with speed and accuracy," said Denis Pavillard, vice president of product marketing for Logitech's keyboards and desktops. "Announced last year, the MX Revolution mouse set a new standard for scrolling and computer navigation. By pairing the award-winning mouse with a premium keyboard and Bluetooth wireless technology, the Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500 Revolution gives people the ability to quickly and intelligently navigate the vast amount of information stored on their PCs and on the Internet."
The Logitech MX Revolution Mouse - Award-Winning Technology
Winner of several industry awards, including the 2007 CES Technology & Innovation Award, the rechargeable Logitech MX Revolution mouse has transformed many people's expectations about mouse navigation. With its industry-first MicroGear™ Precision Scroll Wheel, the MX Revolution mouse offers people two exceptional modes of navigation. They can fly effortlessly through long documents and Web pages, spinning the scroll wheel freely to move through up to 10,000 lines of a spreadsheet in seven seconds. Or, they can set the scroll wheel to click-to-click mode, which allows precision movement through lists, slides or photos. For more efficient searching, the MX Revolution provides One-Touch™ Search, which allows people to obtain Internet search results for any word or phrase on a Web page or in a document. Finally, the thumb wheel can be set to launch the Windows Vista® Flip 3D feature or to zoom in and out of documents and photos. And the rapid-charging stand eliminates the inconvenience of replacing batteries.
Dynamic Keyboard Display Provides Access to Key Information
With the dynamic keyboard display, people can enjoy instant access and control of important information. The 2.95-by-.79 inch (7.5-by-2 cm), built-in LCD screen shows people the time and date, calculator, temperature, Web site favorites, a keystroke counter, e-mail updates and media information, such as band and song titles.
Bluetooth Technology Enables Fast Setup, Extended Wireless Connectivity
The Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500 Revolution features Bluetooth 2.0 Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) wireless technology, which provides an easier setup experience, as well as a more robust and reliable connection than with previous generations of Bluetooth technology. And, Bluetooth wireless technology allows people to use the MX 5500 Revolution desktop at a distance of up to 30 feet (10 meters) from their PC.
Because the keyboard, mouse and receiver are pre-paired during manufacturing, people need only plug in the mini-receiver to a computer's USB port to connect the keyboard and mouse to the PC. The MX 5500 desktop's receiver can also be used as a Bluetooth hub, enabling other Bluetooth devices, such as a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone or a PDA, to connect to a computer through the hub. A computer must have a compatible Bluetooth stack installed for this mode to be functional.
Enhanced for Windows Vista - Hotkeys
A perfect complement to the Windows Vista operating system, the Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500 Revolution also offers quick, one-touch access to key Windows Vista features, including Windows Media® Center, Photo Gallery, Windows Sidebar and gadgets, Flip 3D, and zoom. (Logitech SetPoint™ software installation required for some features.)
Pricing and Availability
The Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500 Revolution desktop is expected to be available in the U.S. in late January and in Europe in late February for a suggested retail price of $169.99 (U.S.).

Rumor Smashed: Optimus Keyboard Not Delayed, Was Always Shipping in February [Updated]

Jason Chen — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 14:20:33 EST

We're not sure where Impress.jp got their info that the Optimus Keyboard was delayed until late February '08, because from all the info we've got from Art.Lebedev in the past few months (here and here) says that's the targeted ship date.

The ship date used to be December all the way back in May, so either Impress is late with the postponement part of their story, or they're a bit off. Either way, if you've preordered the keyboard, Art.Lebedev will actually ship you a keyboard in December, but you won't be able to use the firmware because that won't be ready until February. [Impress]

Update: Optimus themselves have updated the situation, saying that standard shipments are still on track for February, but if you want a unit they will deliver it soon (but with only PC software, Mac software won't be ready until late January). Nothing's really changed, but they did explain that the slowness in development was caused by a Philips coprocessor that was so new that they had to work with draft documentation.

Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Keyboards Cracked for Coworker Espionage

Matt Buchanan — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 17:00:11 EST

The crackers at Dreamlab have busted open the wireless encryption on Microsoft's Optical Desktops 1000 and 2000, as well as any others using the same simplistic scheme: There's only about 256 possible encryption keys, making it like pie to crack after sniffing a few tens of keystrokes. So easy, in their demo they nail three keyboards at once.

If you don't wanna deal with the hack-speak, the bottom line is that a remotely enterprising and nosy co-worker could whip up a wireless keylogger to spy on the whole office. Then again, what office springs for wireless keyboards for everybody? [Remote-Exploit.org via Hackaday]

Wolfking Warrior Xxtreme Hockey Pucks Gamepad Out Now

Matt Buchanan — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 17:00:43 EST

Dell's exclusively got the Wolfking Warrior Xxtreme gamepad right now for $80. That much extreme for only 80 bucks might be a Dealzmodo. [Dell Gaming via Electronista]

Wolfking Dual Hockey Puck Gaming Keyboard Gets a Name, and It's Hardcore: Warrior Xxtreme

Matt Buchanan — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 20:00:18 EST

Wolfking's unnamed turntable gaming keybard, so kindly leaked by the FCC, actually has a name, and it's pretty extreme: Wolfking Warrior Xxtreme. Billed as "the world's first hybrid 2-in-1 PC game pad keyboard," you can see the thing's sexier than the FCC pics let on, which are the gadget equivalent of driver's license headshots.

Of course, aesthetics and functionality aren't equivalent, and looking prettier probably isn't going to sew up the reader divide on how useful this thing will be. No official price or street date yet, but some Googlage pegs it as around $60. [CES]

Video: Optimus Maximus Changing Layouts

Sean Fallon — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 20:00:02 EST

At times it may seem like the Optimus Maximus Keyboard is some sort of mythical creature that is only seen in photographs, but this video illustrating layout changes proves that it does exist, somewhere. Whether or not we will actually see it in the wild one of these days (in the arms of Bigfoot no doubt) remains to be seen. [Livejournal]

Cre8txt Keyboard Lets You Practice Texting

Jason Chen — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:30:56 EST

We usually try to look for the good in everything, but this cre8txt keyboard looks to us like a pretty bad idea. It's essentially a keyboard that lets you type like you do on a cellphone, but on a computer. You can plug it into any PC, Mac, Xbox 360 or PS3 and type away, pretending that you're actually texting your BFF Jill instead of trying to compose a 30,000 word essay. We suppose it might be useful as a one-handed keyboard for, we don't know, presentations? Or some other activity you do that occupies one hand? [Cre8txt via Shiny Shiny]

Keyboard Made With Hundreds of Postage Stamps

Sean Fallon — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:45:17 EST

Stamp collecting or "philately" (as nerds in the know insist on calling it) has never really been all that interesting to me. In fact, I always considered it to be extremely boring. But one look at this beautiful stamp keyboard has changed my mind. There are actually 10 of these keyboards in existence, with each one featuring the stamps of a single nation—often focusing on a royal coronation or a particular sport. Unfortunately, most of these keyboards have been given to the designer's friends and family as gifts. So if you want to get your hands on one, you had best find out who "Andy" is and start kissing his butt. An additional picture is available after the break.

[Steampunk Workshop via Make]

Optimus Keyboard Goes Sub-$500 and Sub-$1000, But Gimped at Launch

Jason Chen — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:50:30 EST

The Optimus keyboard team brings good news and bad news today, with word that they're going to have sub-$500 and sub-$1000 models (not just one $1564 keyboard), but the software will not be ready for launch. That's not to say that you'll buy a $500 keyboard that you can't use; it's just "functionally limited," and will get firmware updates every month or so until it gets up to the point where you're getting all the features you were promised. Apparently the keyboard is so popular that the first pre-order lot is completely sold out. However, the first pre-order lot was only 200 units, so it's not that great of an achievement. If that's you, you'll get your keyboard in the latter half of February '08. [Optimus Blog]

Roadies Grateful for Infinite Response VAX-77 Folding Keyboard

hook — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 18:00:00 EDT

Infinite Response has taken a stab at making keyboards a bit easier to lug around with the VAX-77, which can be folded in half and will even fit in a plane's overhead compartment. The retro keys are available in five totally rad colors, including "blood red," "screaming yellow," "emerald green," "basic black" and "ocean blue." Serious pianists may be bummed to find out that the keyboard only has 77 keys, hence the name, but then again, what serious pianist would play this thing? If only the bending technology had been around when synthesizers were actually cool. No word yet on pricing or availability. [Infinite Response via Crave]