UsbKeyboard
Latest
Niyari brings back Atari 400 nostalgia with USB keyboard, brown never looked so good
We never got around to reviewing the Atari 400 back in 1979, but it was probably for the best -- according to Technabob, the game console's membrane keyboard was more of a finger torturing tool. But if you dig this iconic design regardless, then you may consider Niyari's similar-looking chiclet keyboard from Japan. Sure, $148.55 is pretty steep for an otherwise ordinary USB peripheral, but some old schoolers may gladly pay for this much improved typing experience, albeit 32 years too late. Head past the break to compare this device with an actual Atari 400.
Apple compact wired keyboard gets discontinued
AppleInsider notes that Apple has quietly discontinued its compact wired keyboard. The keyboard, which has the part number MB869LL/A, has been removed from Apple's online store, yet is still available (presumably, while supplies last) on Amazon for US$46.99. Apple originally introduced the compact wired keyboard in early 2009 alongside iMac revisions. The wired keyboard was identical to the Apple wireless keyboard with the addition of two USB ports on either side. For now, it appears that Apple is still selling its wired Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad for US$49 in the Apple online store. Apple also offers a compact Apple Wireless Keyboard for US$69 -- the same Bluetooth keyboard ships with existing desktop Mac models.
Stealth's rugged USB keyboard is extremely tough, extremely pricey
There are no hard and fast rules in the gadget game, but there is one bit of wisdom we generally stand by: everything benefits by being ruggedized. Sure, we know this speaks to a deep-seated need to smash things, drown things, run 'em over in a truck or shoot them -- and we're not making any excuses. Housed in vandal resistant stainless steel, the Stealth KYBX-400-DT-BL-TB-USB keyboard feature an optical trackball mouse, and NVIS-compliant red adjustable backlighting (just the thing for when you dig out the night vision goggles). If that weren't enough, the whole thing is environmentally sealed to NEMA 4, 4X, IP65 specifications (whatever that means). Yours now for $695! Get a closer look below. %Gallery-101177%
USB typewriter goes 'clackity clackity clack DING' (video)
You can keep your Optimus and Das Keyboard clickers: nothing compares to the pure, physical, carpal tunnel-inducing feel of a manual typewriter. If you want to bring that feel to your new-age gadget, Jack Zylkin can deliver it, able to convert your Royal Standard to USB standard, and plenty of other brands too. The system works by having the keys strike a board and create a circuit which is then piped out of a ubiquitous A-Type connector. A DIY kit will set you back $75 and at least a couple hours of your time (maybe more), while a ready-to-click pre-assembled model costs between $400 and $500. Given the intricate nature of the install we'd say that's probably the better bet -- unless you're particularly attached to your old manual. Video demonstration after the break.
Peregrine wires you into a keyboard, we go hands-in
Got a game with a lot of commands, but are sick of supporting the Big Keyboard industry? Meet your rebel input replacement, the Peregrine. Demonstrated to us at E3, the Peregrine is basically an elastic glove with some wires sewn into it at various points. Connecting one of those points to conductive patches on the palm and thumb creates an electrical circuit, which the glove's brain converts to a keypress. It's like a glove but with power -- a sort of power glove, if you will. The main application is MMOs, where you could touch your thumb and forefinger together to cast a spell in a role-playing game or touch your middle finger to your palm to heal yourself. Or your character, anyway. More impressions and some spec-ops intrigue after the break.
Smartfish Pro:Motion Keyboard prevents carpal tunnel syndrome, bops 'round your desk
Take it from us, kids. Computer use -- with its carpal tunnel-wrecking input devices, spine-bending office chairs and eye-straining displays -- can wreak havoc on the body of even the healthiest young blogger. And even though there are a million products out there to help us work in a more ergonomically correct fashion, many of them seem just plain silly. If you're looking for something that actually looks like it belongs on a desk, however, be sure to check out the Smartfish Pro:Motion Keyboard. Pretty standard gear, except that it's outfitted with motors that subtly shift the keyboard's angle throughout the day -- ostensibly eliminating the cause of repetitive stress injuries. If this weren't enough, the device can track your typing speed and self-adjusts its angle and separation according to your needs. There have been no clinical trials for the device yet, but if you're desperate for relief -- or feeling daredevilish -- you're not gonna let that stop ya, right?[Via Everything USB]Read: Pro:Motion Peripherals [caution: PDF]
Brando charms with Super Tiny Keyboard
Oh Brando, what will you think of next? On second thought, we're just going to do our best to soak up the awesomeness that's beaming from your latest concoction, the Super Tiny Keyboard. This palm-sized (or so they say) input peripheral measures in at just 6.7- x 2.8- x 0.6-inches and features a mini-USB port and a retractable cable. We'd expect this would only be good for typing emergencies, but for $25, it might not be a bad backup to have around.[Via OhGizmo]
Buffalo's USB keyboard and Skype handset
When technology and design diverge, out slops this USB Skype keyboard from the yawning crevasse of consumer hell. Buffalo went and super-sized a standard 109 key keyboard, shrunk a ma bell handset, and married the two in a fit of craplastic under the beelzebublian monikered BKBU-SKJ109/SV. In addition to the 12 function keys you've never quite figured out how to map, Buffalo throws another 13 hot keys at ya plus volume control for external headphones, not the handset. And while you might assume it includes a speakerphone, it doesn't, at least that capability isn't in the specs, so prepare to be tethered to that keyboard on an apparently short leash. Yours if you must, starting October for ¥6,993 or about $60.[Via Impress]
