What do computers and pianos have in common? Well, if we ignore the fact that both are used by humans, both of them have keyboards. However, there is a subtle difference between the piano's keyboard and that of the computer. The former does not use electricity and the later does, however, the subtle difference that we are talking about has nothing to do with electricity.
Have you ever noticed that there are no markings on a piano's keyboard? Yet, this does not represent even a slightest problem for a piano player. On the opposite, the computer keyboards that we use every day have markings on the keys. It turns out that while for beginners a keyboard with marking is easier to use, the only keyboard that can deliver extreme speed of typing is a blank keyboard with no markings on it.
If an idea of a totally blank keyboard has ever come to your mind, then you are not alone. Das Keyboard is 100% blank. Not only that, the new version of the keyboard comes with mechanical key switches. Das Keyboard uses gold plated key switches and is rated up to 50 Million key strokes where as regular keyboards barely reach 10 to 15 Million strokes.
If you don't mind to pay $79.95 for a keyboard, then Das Keyboard is for you.
Happy Typing!
Das Ist 100% Blank Keyboard
Professional Gaming Keyboard and Mouse from BTC
Behavior Tech Computer Corp. (BTC for short) is a leading keyboard and mouse manufacturer in Taiwan. The company was established in 1982 and has been providing high quality keyboards since then.
This month BTC introduced 9051H Cheetah Professional Gaming Keyboard and Mouse kit with high-tech gaming hardware specially designed for PC gamers.
It's amazing but even such simple devices as keyboards have become extremely complex. The Cheetah Gaming Keyboard features 17 individual keys specifically for gaming input commands. The unique gaming keys are ergonomically designed and laid out on a gaming wheel for adjustable gaming positions.
But the customization capabilites of the BTC's keyboard don't end here. You can store two sets of customized commands in A and B memory modes. Thus, you can have different customization for different games. Moreover, you can have two different sets within the same game.
The mouse runs at 2000 DPI, though you can easily and quickly shift to lower "gears" and have it on 800 and 1300 DPI. Interestingly, the scroll wheel changes colors (red, green, blue) depending on the resolution chosen. Well, technically, 2000 DPI does not put BTC's mouse on top of the competition, but is a pretty decent DPI.
Unfortunately, the manufacturer has no disclosed any pricing details. We'll keep and eye and you update as more details become available. So, don't forget to subscribe to our RSS feed.
Aero Inspired Keyboard From Microsoft
Microsoft has just launched a new cool keyboard specially designed for Microsoft Vista. The wireless keyboard, inspired by the Aero design, comes coupled with a wireless mouse.
The keyboard is ultra thin and is implemented in a curved shape, which encourages a more natural typing position with a slight 6-degree curve. The translucent design is inspired by the Aero interface. The duo is named Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 and represents a perfect companion for your Windows Vista desktop.
The Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 operates in the 2.4GHz frequency and due to the wireless-hopping technology works perfectly even in crowded wireless environments with multiple computers. Effective working range is approximately 30 feet. According to Microsoft, the Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 will deliver an 80% economy in battery usage.
The Wireless Laser Desktop 7000 will be available in April and will retail for about $129.
Keyboard Layout Customization Made Easy
Did you know that you could quickly and easily define your own keyboard layout for a language Microsoft doesn't support? It is possible to customize layout of a keyboard by remapping the keys. There are two ways to do so either at a driver-level or as add-on to the existing programs.
Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator makes this task extremely easy. The application works on Windows 2000, XP, Windows Server 2003 and Vista and extends the international functionality of the operating system.
You can create new keyboard layouts from scratch or define a new keyboard layout based on an existing one.
The newly created layouts can be packaged as DLLs and can be easily used for subsequent delivery and installation.
You can download the application from the Microsoft website.
There are two alternative applications for accomplishing the same task: SharpKeys and KeyTweak. Both applications are free to download and use.
All three applications help you achieve the same goal. So, use whichever you like the most.
Retro Keyboard by Steampunk
In adroit hands an ordinary keyboard can become a masterpiece. The beautiful brass keyboard shown on the picture, was originally created by the talented Mr. Jake von Slatt over at the Steampunk Workshop. Jake builds his wonderful devices merely for relaxation after work.
Jake's mod is based on an IBM Model M "Clicky" keyboard. This is a high quality, but widely available keyboard, which was first made in mid 1980's.
Jake's website features a lot photos of the process of making this keyboard and there are a couple of videos available as well.
We highly recommend to check out his website.