Ask Cam: Which is the best and most 'hip' keyboard that a geek can buy?

That is a hard question! Geekdom encompases many tastes and quirks. So one geek's treasure is another geek's refuse (a geek wouldn't use the word trash :-)

The best I can do is give you a rundown of some geeky keyboards...and maybe one will strike your fancy.

TYPE ON!

1. Das Keyboard...the name is even geeky!

$89.95 @ http://www.daskeyboard.com/

This keyboard is a throwback to the early IBM style. The 2 main features are:

a. It Clicks

b. It is totally BLANK!

The keyboard has scooped F and J keys like the old IBM typewriters, gold plated switches, and has a very good tactile response.

The concept behind this keyboard is that a Paino dosen't have notes printed on it's keys...so why should a computer have letters on it's keyboard. The company credits this keyboard with better accuracy ...quote" Within a few short weeks users increase their typing accuracy and find themselves typing up to 100% faster."

2. Optimus Maximus Keyboard

$1564 (you read right) @ http://www.artlebedev.com/everything/optimus/

This very expensive keyboard has one very geeky feature!

Every key of the Optimus Maximus keyboard is a stand-alone electronic display showing the function it is currently associated with. Each OLED can be custom programmed with any 48x48 color graphic you can think of. This keyboard is perfect for any language...even Esperanto!...HOW GEEKY! This wonderful keyboard works with Windows and Mac (better a this price!) and comes with configuration software.

3. I-Tech Virtual Laser Keyboard

$180 @ http://www.virtual-laser-keyboard.com/

Why even have a keyboard at all? This Star Trek like contraption projects a Virtual Keyboard for you to use. This device is the size of a lighter and in a SUPER GEEKY twist of events... this one actually works with many smartphones in addition to traditional laptops and desktops! This is one cool keyboard for tight spaces (and dark spaces.)

4. Ergodex DX1

$130-$150 @ various retailers - http://www.ergodex.com/mainpage.htm

Think of the Ergodex DX1 as the Legos of the keyboard world...a DIY keyboard if you will.

The DX1 is a touchpad like interface and a bunch of loose keys. You program the keys for different functions and arrange them any way you would like on the touchpad. Geeky enough?

5. Roll Up Keyboard

$24 @ ThinkGeek.com

These have actually been around for a while. Dust and Moisture proof...they offer "chicklet" type keys for your typing pleasure. This is a must have while camping or swimming...perhaps the perfect bathroom keyboard? Uses are as many as your geeky mind can think up!

6. The Frogpad

$150-$190 @ Amazon.com and Frogpad.com

This is a tiny keyboard...but the company claims up to 40 words per minute on this baby. This little guy has 20 full size keys and uses the "natural drumming motion" of the hand for easier typing. Hmmmm...Drumming motion...most geeks are in band...right?

7. Maltron 3D Ergonomic Keyboard

£ 375.00 @ Maltron.com

OK... this looks like something out of Battlestar Galactica. Not the new one...the one with Lorne Greene.

What can I say...very utilitarian...split keyboard...very hilly....tilted keys...a bunch of ergonomic stuff. Lets just say if your hands don't thank you for buying this...then it would make a pretty good playgroud for your Star Wars action figures.

8. WristPC Keyboard

$230-$580 (various models) @ http://www.l3sys.com/keybd/keybd.html

You wear this thing on your lower arm...kind of looks like a blood pressure cuff.

Water resistant and 9 ounces...so you can exercise with it.

This is the keyboard for you if.

a. You blog or surf the internet with a backpack computer

b. You have a phobia of others using your keyboard...so you just take it with you.

c. You are a Geek.

Actually this keyboard was designed for people that need to enter data in harsh environments. Available in aluminum, plastic, backlit...many options.

So choosing the perfect geeky keyboard may not be simple...but at least it is possible. Typers Unite!

Click On,

Cam