The Great Geek Manual

1. Optimus keyboard – The Optimus keyboard is a completely customizable keyboard with lcd displays built into every key. Users can assign different languages or symbols to show exactly what it is controlling at any moment. Like a video screen, there are no constraints on what images are shown. The function of the keyboard is designed so users can switch from HTML codes, to Quake – to the Latin alphabet, within a few strokes, taking just a matter of seconds.

It’s not on the market yet, but Art Lebedev Studios will be taking pre-orders for the Optimus-103 beginning December 12, just in time for Christmas. The Optimus-103 will not feature the double column of function keys shown on the left of the keyboard in the site’s photos, but the later release, called the Optimus-103 will. The price hasn’t been set yet, but Art Lebedev has said the keyboard will cost ‘less than a good mobile phone.’ Early reports estimate that the price will land north of $200. After you’ve finished drooling over the product shots, you can check out the blog which documents their year and a half of public development at their blog: http://community.livejournal.com/optimus_project/

2. Das Keyboard – Das Keyboard’s claim to fame is that it is entirely blank. There are no labels on its keys whatsoever. The theory is that if you aren’t looking at you fingers all the time, you’re going learn to type faster. In addition, Das Keyboard II features mechanical key switches with “sonore feedback,” which is a fancy name for “clicking.” Das Keyboard is based on IBM’s old model M keyboards, which are what anyone who lived through the eighties pictures whenever the word “keyboard” is mentioned. Supposidly, model M’s have better tactile feedback than modern membrane keyboards. (Seriously, Google “model M keyboards,” people are fanatical about them.) The Das Keyboard II, which is marketed to Ubergeeks, retails for $89.95.

3. Unicomp’s Oldschool Keyboards – Number seven in CNet’s recent “Top 10 tech we miss” list was “Good keyboards.” According to CNet:

Once upon a time, using a computer was a loud, tactile affair. The keyboards on early IBM PCs were heavy, had a great feel, and made a satisfying clacking noise when you typed, thanks to the expensive “buckling spring” design for the switches. They could also take a beating, which was important for people who were making the transition from pounding on manual typewriters. Nobody ships a PC with a good keyboard anymore…

Well here is the solution. Unicomp sells a range of oldschool keyboard for between $59 to $200.

4. The I-Tech Virtual Laser Keyboard – Any time the conversation turns to keyboards, I always have to ask myself if I even need a keyboard at all. If it weren’t for blogging, I think I could go all week without touching a keyboard at home. I mean, read my rss feeds, surf the net, watch movies, and occationally go on an MMORPG binge – none which require a keyboard. So is time to chuck the clunker and make room on my desk for more useful items (such as a d20 to aide me in deciding which fandub I want to vegout on tonight)? Maybe not, but here’s the compromise. The Virtual Laser Keyboard uses both infrared and laser technology to generate an invisible field and project a full-size virtual QWERTY keyboard on any surface. According to the sales pitch, it let’s you type at speeds comparable to a standard board, but takes up about as much room as a matchbox when deactivated. Retail price: $179.99.

5.The Ergodex – Of course, if you can’t make up your keyboard with the ergodex. This device allows you to arrange a set of numbered keys on top of a key tray like magnetic poetry. At $149.95, it’s the perfect gift for that special Lizard man in your life who can’t seem to operate a normal keyboard. And, if you find out that you don’t like the Ergodex once you’re bought it, you can always use those loose keys to make really geek jewelery.