Thursday, October 2, 2008

LATEST GADGETS:Top 10 Weirdest Keyboards

Das Keyboard (2005) ... with "100 per cent blank keys", this keyboard is strictly for touch-typing experts, or those looking to become one! The "mesmerising" Das Keyboard claims to make typing fun - when typing, the tactile and audio clicks "create positive reinforcing feedback". It also allows up to 12 keys to be pressed simultaneously / daskeyboard.com


World of Warcraft Keyset (2005) ... designed specifically for World of Warcraft fans to get the most out of their gaming experience, this keyboard features all default game commands. It is placed on top of the ZBoard, a platform designed for fold-up customised keyboards. The WoW keyset has colour-coded keys and one-touch macros for frequent commands like /roll. There are also keys created for Raiding and Player vs. Player gameplay. WoW fans, welcome to heaven! / ideazon.com
Dvorak Keyboard (1936) ... the dream of a simplified keyboard became a reality toward the end of the 20th century with the Dvorak Keyboard design, otherwise known as the Simplified Keyboard. Invented to counter inefficiency and fatigue, Dvorak is an option in the control panel on most computers, and users can purchase Dvorak layout covers (pictured) to place over their QWERTY keyboards. Many users found Dvorak more comfortable and efficient, however it has failed to oust QWERTY as the preferred typing method / KBCovers.com

Dust-off's Keyboard Quiver (2007) ... are you longing to become the biggest nerd in your neighbourhood? This product could be just the thing to set you apart from the average geeks. Billed as "an essential part of any LAN gamer's arsenal", the Keyboard Quiver is essentially a bag that allows "active gamers" to carry all their gear with them - keyboard, mouse, mp3 player, headphone, headset, mobile, drinks, and more. The company came up with the design after watching gaming event participants struggle to carry around all their equipment / falconsafety.com
ElekTex Smart Fabric Wireless Keyboard (2006) ... ever wished for a super-soft keyboard that you could carry around with ease? Then look no further than ElekTex's keyboard made from "smart fabrics". This wireless keyboard is designed for browsing the internet from handheld devices such as smartphones and PDAs. Lightweight and ultra-portable, the keyboard has a familiar QWERTY layout. There is no tactile feedback from keys, however a user's smartphone can be set up to play a beep for each keypress. And the best thing about it? When you're done, you can simply roll it up and put it in your pocket / elektex.com
Xbox 360 Wireless Controller (2007) ... this wireless "thumb keyboard" designed for the Xbox 360 doesn't look all that comfy. The keyboard plugs into the headset jack on the bottom of the controller, and comes with its own headset. A major point of difference is the addition of Windows Live Messenger functionality. It lets Messenger users on PCs chat with their friends who are on Xbox 360s, and 360 owners will also be able to see if any of their Messenger contacts have Xbox Live gamertags / Supplied
Warrior Xxtreme Gaming Keyboard (2007) ... this bizarre-looking device was the world's first hybrid 2-in-1 PC gamepad that allowed one-handed gameplay. It has a "dual circular layout" with several keys on the sides of the keyboard and a "blue moon" backlight. The second keypad is designed for massively multiplayer games or chatting with mates. The idea is that the wacky double-circle design will reduce the distance between keys for gamers / WolfKing.com
Hacoa's DIY Keyboard (2007) ... like to make things from scratch? This keyboard could be a great project for you. Hacoa's DIY Keyboard requires users to cut the keys from a plank of wood and assemble them however desired. The kits include a USB keyboard base, connectors to attach the finished keys to the keyboard base, and various tools - even a saw! It's an expensive project though, at a hefty $US300 ($359) / hacoa.com
I-Tech's Laser Keyboard (2006) ... this futuristic-looking "virtual keyboard" is designed for use with mobile devices. It projects an image of keys onto a flat surface using two lasers - one laser projects the image, while the other records your finger movements over the keys. It sends data to a nearby device using Bluetooth, so you don't have to fiddle with a mobile phone keypad. I-Tech's keyboard is so unique that it even made a cameo in the TV show CSI: Miami / Katrina Tepper

Cre8txt (2007) ... attention Generation Y - your texting slang can now be converted into real-speak! The cre8txt keyboard resembles a mobile keypad and translates the SMS lingo using predictive text in any Windows application. It's claimed this device helps people finish their sentences. There is even a portable USB memory stick version, allowing users to take the software and their personalised wordbank to any Windows computer. To promote team work, many of these 10cm by 5cm devices can be plugged in to a computer at a time / cre8txt.com

1 comments:

Nelly said...

Wow! How cool! I love seeing such things and technology is amazing.
"met' you through blog catalog
Nelly