Would you spend $1200 on a keyboard? Lets just hope not. Find that and more in our top 10 strangest keyboards of all-time list. Disagree? Then please leave us a comment with anything we missed.
Steampunk Keyboard
This keyboard is cool yet strange at the same time. Here’s a word from its creator:
My goal with this project was to build a retro keyboard that was fully functional and of a sufficient quality that it could be used everyday by a touch typist. In order to achieve this I chose a high quality (though widely available) keyboard as my starting point
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Wolfking’s FPS Keyboard
The Wolfking NV Green Warrior features your “standard keys that the left hand usually has access to on a standard keyboard, plus all the function (F1-F12) keys arranged in a circle” — ideal for FPS games.
It doesn’t have the extra customizable keys that some other gaming pads we’ve seen do, but the addition of the O, B and K keys (which is in a strange place, we might add) does add a little something extra over the standard QWERTY keyboard
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L3 WristPC Keyboard
This strange keyboard by L3 Systems fits like a glove and slightly resembles a Nintendo accessory from the 80’s. That’s not all, it features illuminated keys (optional) for use in poor lighting conditions.
Completely sealed, it can operate in the rain and other harsh environments. A curved back provides a secure and comfortable placement on the wrist. The keyboard layout is optimized to provide alphanumeric entry. Carefully positioned arrow keys ease menu-oriented tasks. The WristPC keyboard comes with an optional wrist strap to provide the capability of attaching it to your wrist
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Optimus Keyboard
One look at the Optimus and you know you’re dealing with something different. This innovative keyboard has customizable OLED keys — program them to launch applications or as hot keys and use your own icons/animations/pictures for a personal touch. [Source]
French Maid Keyboard
At $140, this strange “French Maid Keyboard” by Angel Kitty is actually a costume with a keyboard attached. No word yet on availability.
It’s a little maid’s costume with an 85-key USB keyboard top, and it’s made to order in sizes that will accommodate even the most voluminously endowed office mate
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Maltron Keyboard
Created by Lilian Malt and Stephen Hobday, the Maltron is an ergonomic keyboard designed “to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome”. Unfortunately, comfort doesn’t come cheap, the Maltron costs a whopping $490.
Cherry MX key switches activate HALF WAY thru the key stroke. This means that the user does not have to pound the keys into the base of the keyboard. This significantly reduced the stress to the human body
Keyboard Tablecloth
Tonia Welter has a solution for those who want to keep their keyboard tidy. Introducing the “Keyboard Tablecloth”, a fully functional keybard with its electronics woven directly into the fabric which lay in between layers of water resistant felt.
“The marriage of eating and tipping: the decorative tablecloth, made of felt, contains a textile keyboard.”
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$1200 Keyboard
Yes, this rather plain looking keyboard costs a whopping $1,200. Why? It features a stainless steel design and removable trackball. Aside from that, you’re better off just buying a new computer or 30-inch LCD. Order here.
Well, let’s see… the trackball is removable for easy cleaning. That’s gotta be worth something, right? And did I mention it’s stainless steel? That’s really all I can see as for features. It’s nice looking, I guess. Go ahead moneybags, you know you want it
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CombiMouse
The Combimouse combines the functionality of a QWERTY keyboard and a full-fledged optical mouse into one device. Basically, when users touch a “Contact Switch” found in the right unit, it switches to mouse mode — I, O, J, K, L are used as mouse buttons. It’s powered by four AA batteries (two for each side) and features USB connectivity.[Source]
Virtual Laser Keyboard
This “Virtual Laser Keyboard” projects a full QWERTY layout with 63-keys onto any flat surface — similar to the virtual piano. It’s compatible with any Bluetooth-enabled device, including PDAs, laptops, and Smartphones.
Allows the convinence of regular keyboard typing in a tiny form factor. Rechargeable battery lasts for 120 minutes of continuous typing. Tiny size only 3.5 inches high
