Worth Reading?
There’s something undeniably cool about alternative keyboards. Even if they don’t work well (I’m looking at you, hateful-finger-feedback laser keyboard!) it’s still good to see that manufacturers aren’t resting on their laurels. So how about a fabric keyboard that can be made into a carrying case? That’s what Steve over at The Carrypad UMPC Journal has got his touch-typing fingers on: a prototype by ’smart fabric’ manufacturer Eleksen.
Consisting of a network of sensors and wires sewn into a neoprene wallet-case, Steve has been trying out the Eleksen keyboard with - unsurprisingly - his UMPC. Initial feedback is good, with typing speeds of 55% his normal rate (which he claims works out as twice as fast as tapping on the on-screen keyboard), a very light weight of 89g and reasonable key feel (once you get used to the lack of travel).
Sadly it isn’t for sale; Eleksen are waiting for someone to either license the technology or place a big manufacturing order, neither of which has proved forthcoming so far. But with practically endless possibilities in terms of layout, material and size, there’s sure to be a taker soon.
Eleksen ‘Smart-Fabric’ keyboard feels good [The Carrypad UMPC Journal]
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