The Optimus wireless keyboard-designed by Art. Lebedev Studio, one of the biggest design firms in Russia-is a technological as well as an aesthetic marvel. It can be configured according to individual need, has small OLED (organic light emitting diode) screens for keys, and is made of brushed aluminium-very chic.
What totally sets this keyboard apart is the fact that the OLED screens-the keys!-light up to show their function. The keyboard can be customised for languages and layouts: you can, for example, easily switch between the QWERTY and Dvorak layouts. Commands such as Save or Print will show up when the Optimus is configured under Windows, and “hot keys” will show up when it’s set for games such as Quake.
When you reconfigure the settings, the keys will display their function, so you don’t have to remember what function you assigned to what key.
The Optimus is still in the developmental phase; don’t expect it to hit the market any sooner than end of 2006. As a teaser, Art. Lebedev has come out with a three-key version of the keyboard-the Optimus Mini, which is expected to retail at around $100 (Rs 4,500).
Art. Lebedev promises that the keyboard is for real (it’s not just a concept!). They say it will cost less than a “good mobile phone,” and that it will be OS-independent. We’re waiting!