This is one area that's much harder for hobbyists to work in, though, due to the manufacturing tolerances required and the amount of injection molded parts. Switches… I don’t see much innovation per se, but Matias has done a damn good job of resurrecting the Alps switches with their own clone (they weren't the only clone, though). Let’s just say that readily available low-volume PCB manufacturing, as well as high-quality custom keycaps, have made a lot possible here. (For those unaware, a 60% layout has roughly 60% of the keys of a standard keyboard – basically, the simplest 60% is just the main typing area, no function keys, no navigation keys, no numpad, and then a Fn key and the missing keys hidden under the Fn key.) Also, ergonomic layouts are being experimented with. Layouts are one area where people are playing with things – the “60%” and similar layouts are a hotbed of experimentation. There’s certainly still innovation left in keyboards, other than das blinkenlichten. The NovaTouch TKL will be available for less than $200 in the early part of the second quarter. Given the wealth of custom Cherry MX keycaps out there, it’s easy to see the appeal. In other words, the switches should have Topre-like response, but you should be able to stick key caps from Cherry MX keyboards on them.

That model features electrostatic switches- à la Topre-with the same type of stem as Cherry’s MX switches. Search only database of 8 mil and more summaries. Can be used as content for research and analysis. The effect sure looks cool, though, and it may turn heads at LAN parties.Ĭooler Master had another keyboard on display: the NovaTouch TKL. Collected from the entire web and summarized to include only the most important parts of it. I don’t see much of a practical use for the dynamic backlighting, except perhaps if the keyboard is outfitted with Cherry MX red or black switches, which don’t normally provide feedback upon actuation. Presumably, both gamer- and typist-friendly switches will be available. Check out Scott’s video:Īccording to Scott’s notes from the show floor, Cooler Master calls this keyboard the QuickFire Rapid I and plans to offer it with multiple Cherry MX switch types.

At CES this week, Cooler Master showed another novel backlight design, which dynamically lights up keys as you type.

That Cherry MX RGB keyboard from Corsair isn’t the only one to put a new twist on backlighting.

Keyboard with light up keys