Funky computer keyboards
by Rob Mason ~ January 9th, 2008 Filed under: Fun, Useful stuff.
I love it when people take current thinking and re-think it to address other problems. I also look cool gadgets…I’m geeky like that. Enter Art Lebedev Studio with the Optimus Tactus concept and the Optimus Maximus (sound like Transformers to me).
Optimus Tactus keyboard
Only at concept stage so far, but the concept sounds great. Essentially the keyboard has no physical keys, purely a touch-sensitive pad where the keys would traditionally sit, much like any touch screen. So no physical items that can collect dust and other particles and therefore break or jam.
Tactus in standards QWERTY mode.
The real beauty of the design however is the ability for the user to fully customise what keys appear and where. Sounds strange, but think about it. If you’re English working in Russia and you need to switch between UK typing format and a Cryllic format, you can do so at the flick of a switch. Don’t like the standard QWERTY keyboard layout? No problems. Just get rid of the pesky keys that you don’t like or use (Scroll Lock anyone?) and replace it with something more useful, like a power key to launch your favourite web browser.
Tactus in video mode
Optimus Maximus keyboard
The Maximus is more traditional keyboard, but again allowing the user to customise the layout for their own ends. Not only is the gimmick useful, they’ve put some thought into practical, everyday usage by adding 2 USB ports and a slot for a storage card.
Both of these are great re-thinking of traditional items and shows that mundane items needn’t be mundane. Bit pricey though!
Thanks to Smashing Magazine for, yet another great, link.
