Every once in a while, companies like Logitech or Microsoft would come up with a new keyboard that has some features that makes life easier, such as dedicated buttons for web browsing or media keys, or rechargeable cordless keyboard/mouse sets. However, these ‘enhancements’ are rarely used, and nothing really innovative has come up for the keyboard, until now. Introducing the Optimus Maximus Keyboard (OMK) by Art Lebedev Studios.
The OMK concept has been one of the world’s greatest vaporware until recently when Art Lebedev finally manufactured it and shipped out to early birds. Now what’s so special about this keyboard? Well the coolest thing about it is that each key is actually an OLED display! Yes people, a fully customizable keyboard that you can custom yourself for any language or any application. You can design your own icons and macros for every key, and best of all, there are 10 extra keys to put your shortcuts in, be it IE or Photoshop or even media control keys, the OMK can do it all. The OMK’s customizable layout allows convenient use of any language; from Ancient Greek, to Hiragana text, as well as of any other character set: notes, numerals, special symbols, HTML codes, math functions and so on to infinity.
The only downfall to the OMK is that the OLEDs are actually in a fixed position, and is covered by a transparent plastic cover (which you press) to prolong the life of the OLED displays which makes it a bit ‘different’ from your normal keyboard (some will find it hard to use, but others might not). Also pricing for the fully specced keyboard comes with a hefty price of USD$ 1500 so be sure to have a deep pocket if you’re willing to get this uber keyboard.
