Crazy keyboards: from quirky to downright nuts

Kevin Hofer

29-12-2021

Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson

Normally, a keyboard looks like, well, a keyboard. Number keypad on the right, letters and other numbers on the left. Here come ten keyboards that challenge the concept of what a keyboard should look like.

I like keyboards without numeric keypads. For this preference, I got a lot of stick. Not only from my colleagues but also from the Digitec Galaxus Community. However, small-form factor keyboards are only the tip of the iceberg of unusual keyboards.

Viendi 8L

Let’s start with a model that won’t completely deconstruct your idea of a keyboard. In essence, the Viendi 8L is 60-per cent keyboard with an additional numeric keypad on the left side. Although this looks a little strange, it still roughly looks like a regular keyboard.

Foldable keyboards

When unfolded, even foldable keyboards pretty much look like a standard keyboard. However, they’re anything but standard. In addition to the foldable keyboards, there are also roll-up keyboards.

Laser keyboards

Before we get to the really crazy keyboards, here’s another one that looks like a «normal» keyboard, but isn’t actually there. Virtual data keyboards use lasers to project keys onto surfaces. An infrared sensor determines the position of the fingers and triggers the keystroke.

Wrist keyboards

I know I promised to show you a keyboard that doesn’t look like one. But hey, as the name suggests, you can strap the WristPC keyboard to your wrist! And you always have a minimal keyboard with you. What’s more, this keyboard is said to be rain- and weatherproof. Sounds like Bear Grylls might like it.

Maltron L90

The Maltron L90 is special in several ways: it’s an ortholinear keyboard that comes with its own key mapping and looks like a shrunken skatepark. These features are said to make it particularly ergonomic. Personally, I wonder who has room for this monstrosity?

SafeType ergonomic keyboard

While the Maltron L90 was only slightly curved, SafeType makes the keyboard a vertical affair. With this split keyboard, you vertically hold your fingers to the left and right of the keyboard and type away. The number pad horizontally lies between the two vertical elements. The keyboard has side mirrors so that you can see the keys from the outside without having to contort yourself.

AKE0CTF241/2

After these two highly unusual keyboard models, let’s turn our attention to something a little more standard. Having said that, the key layout of the AKE0CTF241/2 is also highly unusual. Everything’s kind of in the wrong place. And then there’s a tiny trackpad that seems a bit useless.

OrbiTouch Keyless Keyboard

The OrbiTouch doesn’t feature any keys. It’s an input device for people who cannot use a keyboard. The sliders on the left and right can be moved in any direction. This allows users to make keystrokes without having to press a key as such.

Optimus Popularis Keyboard

Every key is a display with the Optimus Popularis. The keyboard corresponds to a 60 per cent form factor, but has kept the F and arrow keys. Here’s what’s special about it: you can assign the keys as you like and the display will show you the function. in other words, it’s possible to develop your own keyboard layout and walk in Dvorak’s footsteps of Dvorak.

Keyboard Plate

Say what? This keyboard doubles up as a plate. Is this really what the world needs? Absolutely not. Is it funny? Meh. Unsurprisingly, this keyboard never got out of the render phase.

Bonus: Azeron Cyborg

Strictly speaking, this isn’t a keyboard, but a gaming keypad. I’m talking about Azeron Cybord my colleague Philipp Rüegg recently tested. However, as it features 29 programmable keys, I included it in my list of crazy keyboards. It looks so insane, I had to include it in this list. Find out how it works in the following review.

The sky’s the limit

Some keyboards advertise their ergonomics, but are, in fact, extremely unergonomic. Other input devices are made for people who can’t use a keyboard. And then there are those that are just silly. Have you come across any weird or special keyboards? Thanks for letting me know in the comments!

Kevin Hofer

Senior Editor

kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.ch

From big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.

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