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So you've just laid down almost £1k on a new Art Lebedev Optimus Maximus keyboard and then the sods do this...

Dubbed the 'Optimus Tactus', it is a prototyped touch screen keyboard with unlimited customisability that leaves the Maximus looking a little Minimus.

Despite revealing virtually no hard facts whatsoever, Lebedev simply states the Tactus "does not have physical keys, which means there are no restrictions on their shape and size. Any part of the keyboard surface can be programmed to perform any function or to display any images."

Strangely, Lebedev neglects to mention video is also within its remit too as the design studio demonstrates this feat with a classic snippet from Russiantastic faux-lesbian-brief-supergroup Tatu's schoolgirl-alicious "All the things she said" music video. Less titillating, but arguably more useful however are the top right shortcuts to quickly change language layouts and formatting.

Of course success will all depend on how well Lebedev manages to replicate the tactility of a traditional keyboard but with vibration feedback systems commonplace these days a solution may already be at hand.

Personally I would love to see these in laptops where keyboard space can be restrictive. Quick access to the number pad would be a boon for starters, while the ability to effortlessly switch language would save manufacturers the trouble / cost of allocating country-specific keys and - presumably - the whole caboodle would be sealed (and therefore waterproof) and save space and weight too.

Now there's a thought Apple, Dell, Samsung, Sony, Lenovo...

Link:
Optimus Tactus Protype Page

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