15 Strangest Keyboards

Washable Keyboard

Just look at the state of your keyboard. Anyone would think you’d been munching biscuits over it, slopping tea on it, spluttering into it and splurging unidentified gloop across its greasy keys. What’s that? You have? Oh dear, sounds like you need a Silver Seal Washable Keyboard. Completely waterproof, this plug ‘n’ play keyboard works just like any other desktop keyboard, but thanks to a waterproofing process known as "Seal Shield" it is spill proof and fully washable. And it’s even dishwasher safe.

USB Keyboard Bra

In case you are a big time geek and you cannot take your eyes off that computer of yours, then this one seems to be a perfect gift for your girlfriend, which will indirectly satiate your techie-cravings. Designed by a company called Angel Kitty, the USB Keyboard Bra is available only in Japan.

Virtual Laser Keyboard

This laser gadget projects a virtual keyboard on a table or other suitable material, and then interpret your finger movement and pass them on to your PDA or whatever you have it connected to. The I-Tech laser keyboard acts exactly like any other "ordinary" keyboard: A direction technology based on an optical recognition mechanism enables the user to tap on the projected key images, while producing real tapping sounds.

Senseboard

One step better than the laser projection keyboards, the Senseboard actually registers finger movements directly. Although this is an old idea, and was shown as a prototype at Comdex in 2001, the idea of virtual keyboards is now a reality and this blue tooth device may actually work.

Gold Plated Keyboard

It is insanely strange taste to cover a keyboard with a pure gold, but that’s exactly what Wazakura Koubou has made. While it might look expensive, you can actually get one for only 28.875 Yen, about US$271.

Bendi Light Up Keyboard

Not only is this keyboard waterproof and quite flexible, as you can roll it up and stuff it in your pocket, but it also lights up as you type!

Scrabble Keyboard

Blogger Richard Nagy was commissioned to build a computer keyboard for some friends who are Scrabble fans. Most of the keys are actual Scrabble tiles, and the ones that had to be custom-made look just like the real thing.

myKey0 Keyboard/Organizer

You may have a limited desk space for your organizer or your computer keyboard, and it is many times difficult to keep all your things organized on your desk. The myKeyO can be a big help as this computer keyboard is also a productive organizer if you open it up. You can store all your CDs in the cases, desk accessories, and much more in the storage compartment located underneath the keyboard itself. Besides that, the myKeyO keyboard also features backlit keys, a scroll wheel, volume control, and an integrated palm rest area.

Wrist Keyboard

L3 Systems developed the WristPC Keyboard for portable and wearable computer applications. Completely sealed, it can operate in the rain and other harsh environments. A curved back provides a secure and comfortable placement on the wrist.

Maltron’s Single-handed Keyboard

This bizarre keyboard was created to meet the needs of those who must perform keyboard operations with one hand. The special shape and letter layout have been very carefully planned, taking into account the limited number of keys that can be accessed quickly and comfortably. Word-processing input speeds of 85 words per minute have been demonstrated by operators using Maltron single handed keyboards. Left-hand or right-hand keyboards are available.

Rainbow Keyboard

The Luxeed keyboard borrows the natural decoration, rainbow, from heaven: all its keys are made up of changing colored LEDs. You can program the keys to carry one color or add different colors to different keys. Well, doing so, simply because of your days are too boring or you wanna show off and impress your boss (But, if your boss is a serious guy who always wears a stiff face, this would probably get you fired!)

Rounded Keyboard

Designed by Wolf King, this unique round-type keyboard was presented at Computex 2007 in Taipei. Created for FPS (First-Person Shooter) gaming in mind, users will easily able to eliminate the enemy and clear the level.

Orbitouch Keyboard

This keyboard could be a leftover from Area 51, or a prop from the set of any science fiction movie. Wonder how it works? The orbiTouch creates a keystroke when you slide the two domes into one of their eight respective positions. You type the different characters by sliding the domes to create letters and numbers. The orbiTouch also has an integrated mouse, so moving the domes gives you full mouse and keyboard capability.

The target group for this keyboard is of course people who have limited or no motion in their fingers or hands. I can see that this one can aid many who may not even necessarily have difficulties, but its looks may be too odd for some.

Keyboard Doily

Meet Tonia Welter’s Keyboard Tablecloth, a fully functional keyboard with electronics woven into a water-resistant fabric shaped like a large doily.

Customizable Keyboard

Tired of the QWERTY layout on your keyboard? Have a keyboard layout that may make typing even more convenient? This customizable keyboard guarantees that you can layout your keyboard any which way you want–perfect for programmers and gamers. This is keyboard, called DX1 System, can be used for gaming, software, photoshop, and preferences are fully customized for each button.