Here's a sneak preview:
ID:2104
 Jul 14 2005, 9:40 pm
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While researching ways to improve my typing experience, I stumbled upon what has to be the coolest keyboard EVER.
Here's a sneak preview: | |
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Jul 14 2005, 10:41 pm
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Airjoe
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Thats freakin awesome.
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Yes, that keyboard is really neat!
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Well, even though that picture appears to be a Photoshop creation, I'd imagine the same thing could be done pretty easily in the real world (and most likely has, by a few thousand people)...
Either buy a second keyboard, and make the alterations directly to it, or (and this is the cool one), get one of those plastic dust covers to fit over your existing keyboard, apply some stickers (or paint it by hand if you're able), and presto, you can switch your keyboard from regular to gaming mode as needed... And with the stickers (or perhaps plastic or card stock inserts), you can rearrange the keys if you re-map your controls (or per game)... Either way, that is a really sweet idea... | |
Whoever made that keyboard is going to be rich!
That's just plain awesome! Think about spilling your soda on that keyboard, though :P | |
I think it's actually a real item, not Photoshopped. Though I suppose it could be a hoax, but if so it's a pretty elaborate one.
Yeah, I thought of using a transparent dust cover, but those things are annoying; they make you press harder on the keys and generally make the keyboard feel "soft". I like my keyboard to click up and down quickly. Think about spilling your soda on that keyboard, though :P Ahahaha. Ouch. | |
Well, my appraisal of the keyboard in question came only from the picture you directly posted... I didn't go to the link...
It seemed Photoshopped to me because of it's uniformity, mostly... Many of the keys look exactly the same, pixel for pixel... While keyboard keys are fairly uniform, an actual picture of a "flesh and blood" keyboard would contain a LOT more variation than that image shows... It looks like a copy/paste job of a stock key graphic (with some edits thrown in afterwards)... Also, the lighting is just not right (I can't really be more specific, I just know that it isn't real-world correct; it's almost too perfect, I suppose) Upon looking at the site, it appears that I am only partially right... The image shown in your post is most definitely a created image... Whether or not it originated as an actual photograph of a tangible object isn't really important to this conclusion when it is seen next to the other three examples... They're all the same exact image, with digitally edited key markings... They are not successive shots of this awesome keyboard with electronically changed key displays... If they were individually taken photos of this keyboard in action, again, there would be a LOT more variation between them... There is none (absolutely none, pixel for pixel) aside from the edited key markings... The object itself, however, would seem to be real, or an extremely good 3D model (I'm actually leaning towards this one)... If anything, though, I'd say it's far from being a hoax... The rest of the site convinces me that these guys are a genuine design firm, with actual, tangible creations... I just don't think this one's off the "drawing board" yet (especially since it was just posted yesterday)... Perhaps they have a working prototype (the images showing the program-icon keys look very real to me, but could still be a really nice piece of 3D art), or at least a mock-up that lights up (but can't change yet)... But my money still says that those images are all digital creations (for the time being)... Backing up to the obviously edited example shots, it raises the question, "if they had a working model, why not just show it instead of making some mock-up artwork?" Which is almost the nail in the coffin for this one being an entirely digital entity... There's no real reason for them to NOT show actual real life photos of the key variations, unless the thing doesn't exist in real life... But regardless, I'm sure we'll be seeing this one (or another comparable) in the not-so-distant future... The technology certainly exists... | |
Looking at it again, you're right. It's almost certainly a 3D model. It has that plasticky-look that is only achievable with simulated plastic, not real plastic. =P
Still, it appears that they are going to make it, and there's definitely a market. =) I imagine it would be rather expensive, though... all those little LCD screens...! | |
I saw that like, yesterday. I think I found it myself, but someone might have linked me. It's cool because it customises it's buttons according to the program.
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And it's cheaper, too! Supposedly cheaper than normal keyboards...I think. =/
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A digital keyboard, thats cool, I want one now!
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There's absolutely no way that thing could be cheaper than a normal keyboard... Each key is apparently topped by a tiny LED screen... Materials costs alone are enough to make it much more expensive... Internal design and construction are alos much more complicated, as each key would have to be hardwired in...
Not to mention that they have to write up a specialized keyboard driver that can do the changing of the key screens, by monitoring your active programs and such... When / if this type of thing comes out, it'll cost loads more than your average $15 keyboard... Man, I sound like I'm raining on everyone's parade in this thread...lol There's another really neat alternative keyboard (out already, actually) that uses a projector to project an LED keyboard layout on any flat surface (no physical keyboard, just a red light picture of one projected onto the desk, wall, etc), and light sensors to tell where your fingers hit it, to press the virtual keys... That system can also be changed through software to multiple variations of layouts, buttons shown, etc... Plus, it frees up the space where your keyboard usually sits! | |
I know, for a fact, that these are possible, and in uses in a simular form right now. I work at a local grocrey store, and we use keyboards that work like that (not pc keyboards, but regester). They are only 2 tone though, not full color like those apear to be.
It uses almost no energy from what I can tell, and knowing FoodLion, they can't have cost to much. I would love one of these though, don't get me wrong there. That would be so kick ass. I would buy one, no doubt about it. They said the price would be less than most cell phones. | |
Since Elation didn't do it yet, I have to. I'm sorry. :p
CAN IT PLAY DOOM 3? | |