Through the efforts of modern designers, keyboards are becoming glass and wood, touch and laser, folding and sliding, miniature and giant... In this review - several of the most amazing devices, not only conceptual, but also in the form of working prototypes and “in the flesh”, which can make any workplace unique by adding a little variety to the workflow...

Wooden keyboards

Environmentally friendly, made of natural wood, such keyboards not only look stylish and solid on the desktop next to the monitor. They are also warm and pleasant to the touch, like any other wooden product, so working with such a device will certainly bring a lot of pleasure even to those who believe that push-button keyboards are already outdated, and the palm in this category should be given to touch or laser gadgets.

Laser keyboards

Laser keyboards look conceptual and futuristic, like a prop from the movie Tron. However, thanks to these concepts, in the near future we will be able to type “on the table” in the literal sense of the word, eliminating the need to clutter the work surface with a three-dimensional keyboard, which is often quite voluminous.

Fabric keyboards

Made from normal fabric, into which the designers managed to weave electronics, such a keyboard can easily be rolled up into a tube and hidden in a pocket, bag or bedside table. Not only does it not take up much space: it is extremely comfortable to type on a perfectly flat surface, and the feeling of touching your fingers on a soft, slightly fleecy fabric should be no worse than working on a wooden keyboard.

And if you sew a case for a tablet from such fabric, you can kill two birds with one stone, eliminating the need to wear a wireless keyboard, which is much more convenient and familiar than a touch keyboard, and protect the “tablet” from external damage and dirt by hiding it in a soft and comfortable case - fabric keyboard.

Steampunk keyboards

Fans of unique exclusive design will certainly pay attention to the original keyboards designed in steampunk style. Such a gadget may cost as much as a brand new iPhone, but this is the price of designer items released in limited editions or even in one-piece copies.

Miniature keyboards

The desire to simplify, reduce and minimize is increasingly permeating the realm of industrial design, as evidenced by the number of miniature wireless keyboards designed for smartphones and tablets. By sacrificing the size of the buttons and their number, designers manage to place function keys on tiny pieces of plastic, which as a result can easily get lost in a handbag, because their dimensions often do not exceed the size of a human palm

Folding keyboards

And for those who do not want to look at the buttons of a miniature keyboard under a microscope, but still want a compact device that would not take up much space in their bag, a whole collection of folding keyboards has been developed. It’s just not possible yet to see how convenient they are, because these gadgets are only conceptual devices that are not yet on sale, but are in the plans of many developers and industrial companies.

Keyboard with unusual input

Against the background of the above concepts, the keyboard from this section looks like a very unexpected rarity. It attracts attention not only with its strange appearance, but also with its input method, which will seem no less outlandish. The Mouth Head Stick Keyboard was developed by Maltron specifically for those who are uncomfortable typing with their hands or who are unable to do so due to limited mobility or missing limbs. Such people can fully work on a computer equipped with this unusual keyboard, holding a stylus, pointer or regular pencil in their teeth.

Puzzle keyboard

The DIY keyboard concept called Puzzle Keyboard was developed by young Chinese designer Wan Fu Chun. A puzzle keyboard, also known as a keyboard with keys, allows you not only to place letters and numbers in the desired order and sequence. It also makes it possible to create a keyboard with only those elements that a person actively uses, and simply leave all the “unnecessary” ones in the box.

Keyboards for kids

Well, for children who are just starting to master the computer, designers offer a fun keyboard with multi-colored buttons. It has fewer buttons than its “adult” counterpart, since the developers are confident that children will not need either the F-buttons from the top row, or the additional digital layout, or other service keys, the purpose of which even some adults sometimes do not know.

“Sounds like an acoustic piano” is the best compliment one can give to a digital instrument. Today we will talk about choice, or rather, about the main selection criterion - the keyboard.

Mechanism of operation

Metal strings are stretched onto a cast iron base inside the body. Each key has a hammer mechanism, which comes into action when you press the key: the hammer hits the string, it begins to vibrate, and we hear the sound. Its volume depends on the force of striking the string, that is, on the force of pressing the key.

Sound formation occurs inside a closed space and depends on many factors: type of wood, varnish, complex design features, key mechanics, etc.

At the same time, you get completely natural sound. This is where the advantages of an acoustic piano probably end. But the disadvantages include large weight and size, the need for constant adjustment and exposure to the influence of the external environment.

The mechanism of sound formation in a piano

Digital pianos do not have complex mechanics, and sound production occurs due to a digital circuit that generates sound.

A good digital piano provides the most realistic sound of an acoustic instrument and the real physical sensation of playing the keys. The keyboard of such instruments has a hammer mechanism (weighted keys). At the same time, the keys have the same shape as those of an acoustic piano, and when playing, the feeling of recoil from the hammer hitting the string is preserved, thanks to the competent design of the keys that imitate this feature.

Playing the digital piano

History of the instrument

The path to the modern hammer mechanism took many decades. At first the keys were light, and thanks to the springs, after pressing they immediately returned to their original position. Nowadays such keys are used in synthesizers. Later, they began to make each key heavier in order to achieve a more natural feeling when playing, while the spring mechanism was preserved. And only then special hammer mechanisms appeared that imitate the keyboard of an acoustic piano. They repeat the entire chain of impact - from the key to the hammer, which in the case of a digital piano strikes not on a string, but on special sensors. Their number can vary from 1 to 3, which also indirectly affects the nuances of the game. For example, pressing a key halfway should produce a corresponding sound, while pressing a key super-slowly should produce no sounds at all.

How sensors work in a piano

Main types of electronic instrument keyboards

Hammer action

It is divided into two types: graduated hammer action and balanced hammer action.

Most digital pianos have a graduated keyboard, which is designed to provide the same touch feel as an acoustic piano. The word “graded” means that the keys in the lower register are pressed a little harder, and in the upper register - lighter, as in acoustic pianos, where the thickness and length of the strings are different and the forces on pressing the keys are distributed accordingly. Such a keyboard helps reproduce all the nuances of timbres with a deep gradation of sound coloring, depending on the strength of the blow.

A balanced hammer-action keyboard also provides the feel of playing on an acoustic piano, but without the pressure distribution from the lower octave to the upper octave. Most often it can be found in synthesizers and MIDI keyboards.

Synth action or organ keyboard

Its keys are slightly smaller in width than piano keys and are very easy to press. A synthesizer keyboard, in turn, can be dynamic or non-dynamic. On dynamic volume depends on the speed of pressing, that is, on the force of impact. The device is suitable for beginner performers, as well as for those who have a good command of specific techniques for playing all kinds of synthesizer, organ, and other tones of various acoustic instruments.

Synthesizer keyboard

Semi-weighted keyboard

The keys of such a keyboard can be the size and shape of either a synthesizer or a piano. However, they do not have a hammer mechanics, but simply press noticeably harder than in a synthesizer. After an acoustic piano, this keyboard is easier to use than a synthesizer keyboard.

So, the hammer keyboard of a digital piano is distinguished by:

88 full-size keys, different in weight (light in the upper register, heavy in the lower register), which fully corresponds to the acoustic analogue.

Semi-weighted keyboard

Key sensitivity to pressing force. The force with which you press a key determines the volume of the note. The sensitivity of the entire keyboard is set by certain presets; most often, separate “Touch” buttons are allocated for this function (“Hard” - for expressive play, “Medium” - standard, “Soft” - for children with weak fingers, and others). In practice, the standard Medium mode is always used.

Sampling of touch sensitivity for each specific key. For example, in some CASIO models there are 128 variations in the strength (or intensity) of pressing a key. This means that the volume levels of the extracted note will also be 128. Manufacturers pay great attention to this important nuance, since the ability of the instrument to convey all the colors of the work, its expressiveness or expression depends on this.

Electronic piano with semi-weighted keyboard

Types of mechanisms

The keyboard is the most important part of a digital piano, so global manufacturers are constantly improving the mechanics of the keyboards of their instruments, patenting and giving them names. Let's look at the most popular of them.

ROLAND

The ROLAND PHA-4 (Progressive Hummer Action) keyboard delivers the natural feel of playing a large concert grand piano. There are no springs of any kind, only a hammer mechanism, which contributes to realistic key resistance. Also, some instrument models have an Escapement function (aftertouch or release), which allows you to convey all the nuances of Pianissimo and Fortissimo playing. Special soft damping allows for less mechanical noise when playing hard.

Keyboard mechanism ROLAND PHA-4

The key covering can be of two types: “plastic” or “ivory” (Ivory Feel). In the latter case, the keyboard is more comfortable to play on, since even slightly damp fingers do not slip on the surface.

The PHA-4 keyboard is available in three modifications: the older CONCERT, the middle PREMIUM and the younger STANDARD.

YAMAHA

Yamaha has long and successfully used the GH-3 (Graded Hummer 3) keyboard mechanism in its instruments, in which the number “3” indicates the presence of three sensors on one key, which allows you to more accurately reproduce the intensity of pressing it. It was YAMAHA that became the pioneer in this matter. Now three sensors are also installed in devices from other manufacturers.

GH-3 Keyboard Mechanism

KAWAI

This is not the most famous in ordinary circles, but one of the best manufacturers of Japanese digital pianos. If you are a classical lover, then KAWAI digital pianos are your choice.

KAWAI piano keyboard

The CA (Concert Artist) series of digital pianos feature the RM3 keyboard, which features full-length key action that is ideal for classical players. The real piano-type keyboard combined with the excellent classical piano sound has made this brand very popular in many countries.

Keyboard RM3

The KAWAI CN series uses a keyboard with plastic keys, which is called RH II (Responsive Hammer II). Each key of this mechanism has at least three touch sensors to fully convey the features of any musical work.

Keyboard with plastic keys RH II

CASIO

With over thirty years of experience in manufacturing electronic musical instruments, CASIO releases newer series of instruments every year, improving their keyboards. Despite their relatively low price, digital pianos, especially the Celviano and Privia series, have very decent mechanics that satisfy the requirements of a music school teacher. The latest versions of CASIO digital pianos also have multiple sensors on each key. Additionally, the “gradation of sensitivity” to touch speed (velocity) is divided into 128 parts, which allows you to convey the slightest nuances and character of any work.

CASIO keyboards

Now you know that the mechanics of all types of electronic piano keyboards are very complex. Manufacturers pay special attention to it, perfecting the keyboard mechanism in their design workshops.

Personal computers are constantly evolving. Not only thanks to technological progress, but also thanks to the individual approach of users to their computers and accessories. It is this last fact that is the cornerstone for the progress and modernization of the PC industry.

Here is a list of the 25 most unusual keyboards. Some of them were developed directly by manufacturers to make working with a computer more convenient and productive. And some models are people who want to make their PC different from others.

1. Virtual Laser Keyboard - Virtual laser keyboard

In fact, it is a laser emitter that creates a light matrix of the keyboard, and then determines the sequence of entered characters.

2. TechieTrends Wireless Flexible Keyboard – Wireless Flexible Keyboard from TechieTrends™

The model has dust- and water-repellent properties and a compact design: it folds up and can be taken with you anywhere. Produced in 7 color variations. The keyboard is made of latex, thanks to which it is not afraid of being flooded with liquids (tea, coffee, soda or juice).

There are similar keyboards made of fabric!

3. Apple Wireless Keyboard - Wireless keyboard from Apple

This distinctive keyboard features a sleek, ultra-thin design made from aluminum with responsive, low-profile keys and Bluetooth connectivity. This expands the capabilities of the gadget! There is also a wired keyboard option.

4. Optimus Maximus Keyboard - Keyboard by Artemy Lebedev

It is an exclusive model from Artemy Lebedev’s studio with full-color organic LEDs for programmable keys. In the Optimus keyboard, each key is a separate display, displaying exactly what it controls at the moment.

Price: RUR 44,000; $1692.31

5. Das Keyboard - Keyboard

The most ordinary keyboard, with one interesting feature: all the keys without the usual stickers. A keyboard for true computer fans and keyboard layout connoisseurs.

6. Wrist-mounted Keyboard - Keyboard on your wrist

This keyboard model is attached to the wrist using straps. You can master a new typing style – with one hand! Now you can understand how to use such a keyboard Predator.

7. Combimouse - Keyboard

This is a keyboard and mouse, two in one. It is divided into two parts, the left part is stationary. And the right one includes the functions of a mouse and keyboard.

Price: unknown

8. Comfort Keyboard - Comfortable keyboard

This is a whole series of comfortable keyboards that can be ergonomically modified to the angle of your wrists and hands to relieve muscle tension and lasting comfortable work.

Price: unknown

9. Apple Adjustable Keyboard - Adjustable keyboard from Apple

This series is the progenitor of comfortable keyboards, produced in the early 90s. The keyboard is adjustable and has an ergonomic design.

10. Saitek Eclipse II Keyboard - Saitek Eclipse II Keyboard

Keyboard with a slim, modern design and backlit keys. There are three backlight options: blue, red, purple.

11. Frogpad Keyboard – Frog Keyboard

It is a small wireless keyboard with an unusual design that can be used for one-handed typing, so you can use both the keyboard and mouse at the same time.

12. SafeType Keyboard – SafeType Keyboard

The model is more convenient and ergonomic than standard keyboards.

13. Maltron Ergonomic Keyboard - Maltron ergonomic keyboard

This keyboard best suits the ergonomics of your hand and fingers. Reduces fatigue during long-term work.

14. TypeMatrix – TypeMatrix Keyboard

The keyboard layout corresponds to the usual one, but has a slightly different layout - modular and perhaps more logical. All this restyling was done to optimize the printing process.

It is stylized as a joystick for video games with various buttons. This truly extraordinary keyboard can handle over 50 words per minute and is not just used for toys.

The name fully reflects the meaning: heated keyboard. It has a built-in heating element to keep your hands warm as you type.

Thanko's Silent Keyboard is a standard keyboard with keys that completely isolate typing sounds. No “typewriter” sounds.

18.Stowaway Ultra Slim Bluetooth Keyboard - Stowaway Ultra Slim Keyboard with Bluetooth

The model is a compact, portable version of the keyboard that can be connected to a PDA for full information input.

19. Luxeed Dynamic Pixel LED Keyboard - Luxeed Dynamic Pixel LED Keyboard

Not only does the keyboard have a built-in backlight. It is also possible to program the color and frequency at which the backlight lights up.

Twiddler2 is another keyboard model for one-handed typing.

The MyKeyo keyboard is a full keyboard with a removable top. Inside the “container” there is a compartment for storing small items and personal items.

The gadget is a secondary panel that attaches to any keyboard, and gives the input system features similar to a laptop trackpad. The only difference is that the trackpad is controlled by a joystick like a hockey puck.

This keyboard allows you to “customize” an individual working layout - for this there are special keys and stickers for them. The keyboard uses the DX1 principle; in short, you can set a specific sequence of commands for 1 key. You can use not only simple sequences, but also macros.

Here is an ergonomic keyboard made of brass in the Steampunk style. In addition to a truly outstanding design, it has a trackpad.

Price: unknown

The size of this “baby” is approximately 25% larger than the size of the well-known iPhone. It can fit in your pocket! The baby also has a built-in light.

Bonus 26. Functioning “Textile” keyboard

Although this keyboard is not a commercially available product, it nevertheless deserves an honorable mention in the list due to its unique and unusual design, size and design. The “textile keyboard” is in some way a work of art; it contains more than 22 thousand keys. The first few rows of keys are functional and can be used to type, displaying information on the screen.

Bonus 27. “Monument to the Keyboard”