Optimus keyboard info to be released Feb. 1st [Archive]

Guttenaffe

01-29-2006, 09:13 PM

If you haven't heard about the Optimus keyboard by the Russian design house "Art. Lebedev Studio" I would like to know what hole/cave you've been living in. The optimus keyboard (designed not built by them) is due for release this year, recently they put a message on their webpage that more info is to be released on Feb 1st. Since it is getting close to this date I decided to post on here to let the ill-informed know about this one of a kind (sort of TG3 has made similar ones before but not in mass) keyboard that is coming to market. Hope they aren't announcing that they are starting to sell them because I just bought a Deck Legend few months back (best dang keyboard EVER!)

This reminds me I should review it for you guys. I love the full sized Deck board, it freaking SWEET! I can't wait till I can get my hands on something like Optimus to play with!

URL: http://www.artlebedev.com/portfolio/optimus/
News is supposed to be on front page: http://www.artlebedev.com

As for cost wise, they are still saying it will not cost more than a new high-end Cell Phone! ($200USD to $400USD)

snickells

01-29-2006, 10:07 PM

That Kb looks very usefull, But the price may put alot of people off.

Guttenaffe

01-29-2006, 10:48 PM

Well, alot of people are using TG3's Deck keyboards. They are about 1/2 as much as that keyboard and all they have is LED lighting. I use a 105key Legend ToXiC myself. http://www.deckkeyboards.com/products.php

The Optimus uses high quality 20-million switches (not as good as Deck's 50-million cycle Cherry switches though) but the OLED is what makes the Optimus keyboard so sweet.

snickells

01-30-2006, 05:48 PM

Ok, well here's a questions for everyone: How much would you spend on a key-board?

I know my limit would have to be around $150 AU.

OvRiDe

01-31-2006, 03:34 AM

Well I thought it was going to be a bit extravegant when I was considering the Logitech G15 for 79.99 but then again we have all seen my keyboard (http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1709&page=2).

<GRIN>

Guttenaffe

01-31-2006, 05:57 PM

Looks like a lot of hype for announcing the mini for $100
http://www.artlebedev.com/portfolio/optimus-mini/

I want the full-sized one! :D
Guess it is a test to see how it qill fair in the market and to try and get the cost down some. Also will let people test the technology before the big one comes out.

Edit: After I think about it, it isn't much more than a crystal fontz LCD which is sort of cool :)

Guttenaffe

10-03-2006, 09:09 PM

I got my Optimus mini today, I'll post a review of it then prob sell it on ebay.

More info to come... (prob this week end)

gobygoby

10-04-2006, 10:28 AM

I got my Optimus mini today, I'll post a review of it then prob sell it on ebay.

More info to come... (prob this week end)

why are you going to sell it? possibly interested. pm me

public_eyesore

10-04-2006, 11:50 AM

Id pay 150 for the optimus keyboard, but more than that seems a bit rediculous, but I guess if your a big time graphic designer the time saved by the kb could be a significant amount of cash

DaveW

10-04-2006, 12:43 PM

This has been kicking around for a LONG time. It's been reported as a scam repeatedly.

I got my Optimus mini today, I'll post a review of it then prob sell it on ebay.

I am really shocked to hear that! You're the only person I know who's physically seen one of these items, even the mini keyboard. You got to let me know what it's like.

-Dave

gobygoby

10-04-2006, 01:17 PM

This has been kicking around for a LONG time. It's been reported as a scam repeatedly.

I am really shocked to hear that! You're the only person I know who's physically seen one of these items, even the mini keyboard. You got to let me know what it's like.

-Dave

as I have not yet seen it in person either....Many websites have it for sale....

DaJe

10-04-2006, 01:36 PM

From what heard a few months ago, the optimus keyboard isn't going to be sold. I think it's something about copyright infringment.

simon275

10-06-2006, 02:06 AM

I heard it was a scam.

Guttenaffe did you really get one or all you just leading us on?

Durrthock

10-06-2006, 09:05 PM

Yea the optimus keyboard for the amazing people who brought you the
DA DA DA DA
Das keyboard
http://www.cynical-c.com/archives/bloggraphics/face-profile-bigger.jpg
Cause its not an 11 dollar keyboard spray painted black.

Guttenaffe

10-06-2006, 10:13 PM

Yea I got it, here I'll post a pic (sorry I've been busy with work) I was one of the fist to pre-order it and I got my mini from the first shipment.

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/9844/mini3ne2.jpg

actually the DAS keyboard uses good switches and has a PCB (SHOCK!) same reason my Deck Legend in Toxic Green was $160+shipping (cept the Deck has 1 LED per key backlighting)

as I have not yet seen it in person either....Many websites have it for sale....
I wouldn't buy one from anywhere but from http://store.artlebedev.com or maybe ebay(for the mini3 only)

The full keyboard isn't out yet, they are trying to get the cost of the oLED keys down and upgrade the technology before selling the full size. If you see it being sold elsewhere good chance that it is "pre-order" if that webpage, non-artlebedev, ever sells them.

Omega

10-08-2006, 04:24 PM

Yea I got it, here I'll post a pic (sorry I've been busy with work) I was one of the fist to pre-order it and I got my mini from the first shipment.

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/9844/mini3ne2.jpg

actually the DAS keyboard uses good switches and has a PCB (SHOCK!) same reason my Deck Legend in Toxic Green was $160+shipping (cept the Deck has 1 LED per key backlighting)

It's actually been proven that the Das Keyboard is just a Keytronic, which are cheap and amazingly good keyboards. The Das is actually just a all-black model of a specific Keytronic keyboard, however, i forgot which one.

DaveW

10-08-2006, 06:44 PM

Thanks Guttenaffe, that's all the proof i ever needed. Pretty cool.

-Dave

chedabob

10-10-2006, 12:33 PM

it would make a sweet case mod. it would be cool to have say "power on linux", "power on windows", "Power on media centre" on each button before it boots.

and have context sensitive buttons, so say like you turned off your monitor, it might ask say like "hibernate", "shutdown", "standby". and say you were playing counter strike, it might have "primary weapon", "secondary weapon", and "grenade". it would be neat. hard to implement, but very cool.

beglobal

10-18-2006, 05:30 PM

onelegout

10-18-2006, 07:09 PM

Id pay 150 for the optimus keyboard, but more than that seems a bit rediculous, but I guess if your a big time graphic designer the time saved by the kb could be a significant amount of cash

If you're a big time graphic designer then you know all the keyboard shortcuts to PS anyway! :P

podpet24

10-19-2006, 10:54 AM

To me, it seems like the price of just about everything would have to go uber-cheap before they went to manufacture this thing. I mean, seperate screens for each individual key?

Although, if you wanted to, you could probably modify the drivers it uses to display an actual screen. You know, like displaying your monitor from the keyboard. That'd be pretty awesome.

nil8

10-19-2006, 06:20 PM

I refuse to pay more than 50 bucks for a keyboard.
I don't see a point to paying 100+ dollars because your keyboard glows. El wire is under 15 bucks and does the exact same thing. Besides, most people don't look at the keys when they type, so it's a waste of money.

As for the Optimus keyboard, I still have my reservations.
Neat technology, but I don't see a purposeful benefit outweighing the cost.

crazybillybob

10-25-2006, 01:24 PM

If you look at things like the Zboards and the custom assult pads (fang etc) this is just the next logical step. I'd be really interested in one of these, depending on the price, I also think that programers and tweekers alike would be interested in this, It allows them to customize the keys and display them for the user..... No more fumbling for the manual, or esc to the otions screen to remind you what keys you had maped where (my big problem when bounceing between BF series...I moved a default or Dice moves them on me!) Granted for the masses to embrace this it's going to have to come out at less then $100us, and drop to $75 mark with in the fist year, to get it to $50 or less you'll need other companies to make similar keyboards and start driving a price war (Microsoft and Logitech style!), but coming up from the day when all you had was an AT style keyboard (every mfg, looked the same), this makes me very excited!!! GO Progress!!!

Your humble local member of the old fart club,
CrazyBillyBob

klingelton

10-25-2006, 03:24 PM

i have a Zboard, and i have to say that it has been a total waste of money. i hardly ever use the extra keysets as it's a pain learning to type all over again on the other keysets (they seem kinda off skew, enough to put you off anyways!) The best asset of the keyboard is the amount of keys you can press at the same time being upped from the 3 on a basic keyboard (sometimes less depending how much you spend) to the 7 that you can press on the Zboard. this makes climb maps on CS alot easier as you can duckjump/strafe all at the same time and still be typing a message at the same time!!

the other benefits are the same as most of the middle to decent keyboards on the market. as soon as funds permit, i'll be investing in a logitech G15 to complement my G5 mouse!

beglobal

10-27-2006, 05:36 PM

That Kb looks very usefull, But the price may put alot of people off.

mhm... I agree with u!!!

a.Bird

10-28-2006, 10:28 AM

I like the idea that instead of cluttering my OS's interface with icons for all of the programs I use all the time, I could just throw them on my keyboard and have my favorite program open at the slightest movement of my finger.

Omega

10-28-2006, 05:50 PM

If you're a big time graphic designer then you know all the keyboard shortcuts to PS anyway! :P

I'm not even big-time and i know quite a bit of the shortcuts and all the ones I use, it's second nature by now.

klingelton

10-30-2006, 07:31 AM

hmm, i don't use icons on my work machine for regularly used things. instead i knocked together a little office-esque shortcut bar which is permanenly glued to the top of my screen. saves time and money!

a.Bird

10-30-2006, 01:56 PM

I'm not even big-time and i know quite a bit of the shortcuts and all the ones I use, it's second nature by now.

I've used Photoshop for years and have even taken classes in which we used the program extensively and I still only know half of them.

isunktheship

11-12-2006, 04:45 PM

i have a Zboard, and i have to say that it has been a total waste of money. i hardly ever use the extra keysets as it's a pain learning to type all over again on the other keysets...

Haha, yeah, I have a ZBoard too, and I kinda feel the same. I mean, I spent 50 bucks for this keyboard, and then an extra 20 for the warcraft keyset. The only cool thing about it was either a: showing up to a LAN and ripping out the keyset, or b: pressing every emotion in wow withing .5 seconds. (it's also not the quietest board out there.)

I'm starting a website dedicated to reviewing computer parts, and I would be interested in getting a review for the mini 3 and then the optimus. The website is up, but still getting worked on. Just PM me for details.

I think I might get one of those optimus boards if it is $200, although I imagine it's going to be $400(USD). It would really be the last keyboard you will need, it can do anything!

I guess I better start saving now.:banana:

Vertigo

11-12-2006, 06:32 PM

If you're a big time graphic designer then you know all the keyboard shortcuts to PS anyway! :P

Keyboard shortcuts are one thing, but macro'd commands are an entirely different animal. This keyboard reminds me of one I use on campus for video editing and graphics work, that and sound editing seems to be where it would get the most use. Or if you're supremely hardcore about your gaming. If the cost managed to come down to $100ish I would consider buying one myself, but at that price, I don't think I could do it.

jdbnsn

11-12-2006, 08:18 PM

On a slightly unrelated matter, does anyone know how much of a pain in the ass it would be to build your own LED lit keyboard? (not talking about this new Optimus or whatever) but just putting LED's in each key ti light up the letters (after you carve them out that is). I would love to have a keyboard that I could read better at night but don't really want to shell out that kind of dough, but then again, I also don't want to spend six years with a micro dremel bit cursing at my keyboard project. Know of any worklogs?

podpet24

11-13-2006, 12:57 PM

xmastree

11-29-2006, 06:03 PM

I would love to have a keyboard that I could read better at night
http://www.saitek.com/uk/prod/eclipse.htm 8)

AKA_RA

11-29-2006, 06:20 PM

if you want a DIY solution at a reasonable difficulty level, theres always black lights and clear-florescent paint, right? you just might want a clear coat on those keys

jdbnsn

11-29-2006, 06:25 PM

Thanks xmastree and AKA RA. I have seen that keyboard before but there is just something about it that I don't like. I would really like one with white leds in each key, and who knows I may build one someday when time is more on my side.

xmastree

11-30-2006, 05:17 PM

Thanks xmastree and AKA RA. I have seen that keyboard before but there is just something about it that I don't like. I would really like one with white leds in each key,That may well be too bright. Imagine over 100 white LEDs... 8)

OTOH, I'm sure I saw somewhere in this forum, a mod involving replacing the LEDs in an Eclipse. Can't remember what the mod was, but I think it was car related. Anyway, it didn't look too difficult so you could replace the original blue with white ones. I think they are the chip type, like you get in cellphones. If you don't fancy soldering it, take the boards (they come out IIRC) to a cellphone repair shop, they should be able to do it for you.

Edit: found a link:
http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2843
then follow the link in that thread, but I think the pictures are no more...
http://thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showpost.php?p=27995&postcount=124

jdbnsn

11-30-2006, 05:41 PM

xmastree-

Thanks! I think you are right about the brightness unless I used some very dim LED's. It would also be much easier your way.

cbelmo159

12-01-2006, 01:11 AM

my max would be 200 USD

chedabob

12-01-2006, 10:16 AM

The optimus guys said it would cost $1200. It was on Engadget the other day :P

isunktheship

12-05-2006, 06:18 PM

Just check out my updated thread.

http://www.thebestcasescenario.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5193

It's a rip. In Soviet Russia keyboard types you!

beglobal

02-27-2007, 01:03 PM

I think it will be very useful for all of us.
I hope this information help us to improve.

Ivancin

mellojoe

03-06-2007, 01:26 PM

You know, instead of a bunch of individual screens on individual keys, it seems more logical to implement a programmable, touch-screen LCD.

Much more functionality, much more personalization.

Zephik

03-06-2007, 04:58 PM

We should have something like what Digg has for their threads. Like the Dig-it and the Bury-it option.

I would Bury this thread if I could right now. At the least, it should be closed. I mean c'mon, we've only been talking about a product that everyone despises and that no one (at least our regulars) has any interest in for months now.

Necro of a good thread = good

Necro of a bad thread = bad

Makes sense to me.

d_stilgar

03-06-2007, 06:52 PM

Well, I agree and disagree. I would like this keyboard if for some reason it had color keys and the price was under $400. If someone has any news like that then they should revive the thread.

Redundant

03-06-2007, 07:25 PM

Well here are some recent news articles off of Engadget:
http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/05/optimus-103-to-be-renamed/
http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/05/optimus-103-to-be-shown-at-cebit/
http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/02/optimus-103-configurator-looking-good-still-without-its-hardwar/
http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/22/optimus-103-keys-to-be-swappable/

Mellojoe, here's your link of the day:
http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/19/here-comes-the-upravlator/
It's one screen but with buttons on top as seen here:
http://www.engadget.com/2006/10/18/art-lebedev-explains-upravlator-to-five-year-olds-no-one-else/

And, yes, I'm an avid Engadget reader. ;)

mellojoe

03-07-2007, 04:04 PM

Even budget PDA's have touch-sensitive LCD screens. I don't understand the problems with implementing a new input device.

My 2-year old PDA (less than $400 brand spanking new after release) can do handwriting recognition and has a customizable and re-programmable keyboard built into the touch-screen LCD.

I'm sure a 10" wide, 4" tall touch screen LCD could be mounted flat on feet with an additional 1" strip for handwriting recognition across the bottom.

If you follow digital tablets at all, I'm sure a digital keyboard would work in the same vein. And you would only need a low-resolution, low-sensitivity for this kind of application. Budget ditial tablets can be found in the sub-$100 category.

The technology exists.... It is just a matter of re-allocating it.

luciusad2004

03-07-2007, 04:52 PM

I'm sure a 10" wide, 4" tall touch screen LCD could be mounted flat on feet with an additional 1" strip for handwriting recognition across the bottom.

I don't think touchscreen keyboards would be as cool as people think. I think that it would probably be harder to type on. I cant really explain it. It would be harder to type without the force of the keys pushing back. I'm sure people would adjust but i think i would prefer a standard keyboard.

That being said, i think the optimus keyboard would be a better option than an touchscreen.

Edit: While thinking about it, touch screens would have some cool possibilities. You could work in a world beyond buttons and keys. You could for instance:

Resize your keyboard

Have sliders (volume control) and menu navigation.

Program specific applications, Imagine opening your favorite music player and having part of your keyboard turn in to an equalizer.

Dynamic key layouts, Imagine your playing a game and you need to access a set of commands fast. you strike the one key and your keyboard shifts to all of the commands you associated with the 1 key. This could also be implemented by using drop down menus.

The possibilities really are endless, but i still stand by what i said above. I don't think many people would really enjoy typing on an touch screen.

xRyokenx

03-07-2007, 10:51 PM

The whole game idea is sweet, I thought of something like that, because games are a major focus of mine, potential career-wise and as a hobby, right before I read all your post luciusad2004... it would be sweet...

mellojoe

03-08-2007, 04:10 PM

The possibilities really are endless, but i still stand by what i said above. I don't think many people would really enjoy typing on an touch screen.

I've been doing some thinking....... Don't you normally rest your fingers on your keys? That wouldn't work with a touchscreen, unless you really engineered the screens properly. Not something that is impossible, but would require a lot more work.

A combination of semi-standard keys + touch-screen technology would probably be best. The keys that aren't used as often (Function Keys, Keypad, Home/PageUp/PrtScreen, etc) would work as a programmable LCD. But you would probably end up leaving the QWERTY standard alone.