By Andrew Liszewski

This Crayola EZ Type keyboard is a great solution for those of you who have kids at home who like to play on the computer, but would prefer that they kept their sticky fingers off your clean keyboard. The blindingly colored keys are big and easy to read, and while the top row of function keys have been completely removed, the escape key still exists and is considerably larger and easier to find. It’s available from Crayola for just $29.99 and would be great for any kid, unless you happen to be a graphic designer and don’t want your children exposed to the Comic Sans font at such a young age.

[ Crayola USB EZ Type Keyboard ] VIA [ The Red Ferret Journal ]

By Andrew Liszewski

These days I rarely have the need for a scanner, which is good since traditional flatbed models take up a lot of desktop space. But for those rare times when I do need to digitize a document or a photograph, a sheet-fed model would probably suffice which is why this KeyScan keyboard isn’t such a terrible idea. It’s a “high quality Windows keyboard” that incorporates a bi-directional 600dpi color scanner capable of scanning a full page document in about 14-15 seconds. (Or about 5 seconds in gray scale mode.) At $159 (black or beige) from the KeyScan website it’s a bit more expensive than a cheap flatbed + regular keyboard combined, but again, you’re paying for convenience and an extra 3 square feet of space on your desk.

[ KeyScan Keyboard ] VIA [ Wired Gadget Lab ]

This post is syndicated with permission from Gadgetoholic.com

When the diNovo Edge first launched for Windows PCs, I grabbed one up and really liked using it for my day-to-day computer needs. It wasn’t quite up to gaming so I ended up changing between the Edge and my gaming keyboard frequently. After several months that got old and I ended up just leaving my gaming keyboard connected all the time. You gotta have priorities, right?

With all the time I used the Edge, I can say that it was the best general use keyboard that I have owned. Mac users can now enjoy the diNovo Edge as well with Logitech’s new diNovo Edge Mac Edition. The Mac version of the Edge shares the same looks and design of the original Edge. You get the thin 0.5-inch profile, black semi-translucent Plexiglas frame, and orange backlighting.

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By Luke Anderson

Remember that colorful keyboard that we showed you last year? The one that promised that each key could change between one of 512 different colors? Well it seems that they have finally gotten around to mass-producing it for public purchase. Sure, it’s been a year and a half, but at least we didn’t have to wait as long as we did for the Optimus Maximus.

I’m definitely torn on my opinion of this keyboard. On one hand, it just has keys that light up, which seems a bit cheesy. However, since you can individually control the light on each key, it does make it a little more useful for gaming, or other applications that rely heavily on keyboard shortcuts. It can also do some fancy tricks like flash rainbow colors at you, or only light up keys when they are hit. I think that it does have some practical applications, but for $199, I’ll pass.

[ ThinkGeek ] VIA [ Technabob ]

By Andrew Liszewski

And continuing with today’s trend of staying cool (I’m of course referring to that stylish Journey-themed MP3 player) Thanko continues their pursuit of creating the world’s finest USB-powered gadgets with questionable usefulness with this Cooler Keyboard that features 3 fans located on the wrist rest. I’m not sure what conditions would actually lead to sweaty palms that need drying while working away on a keyboard, but I will admit there were some tense times playing Half-Life 2 where I can remember losing my cool. The keyboard actually connects to your PC with 2 USB cables, one for the keyboard functions and the other to provide power to the 3 fans, and not surprisingly it only appears to be available in Japan for about $62.

[ Thanko Cooler USB keyboard with three built in fans ] VIA [ Newlaunches ]

By Luke Anderson

Keyboards are gross and disgusting. Just think about the number of things your hands come into contact with every day. Now imagine how long you spend with your fingers on that keyboard in front of your computer. Finally, think back to the last time you actually cleaned your keyboard. Yea, that’s pretty freaking gross, and unless you have a dishwasher-safe keyboard, they aren’t very easy to clean. However, this Cyber Clean could really come in handy.

This stuff looks like a cross between Silly Putty and that Nickelodeon Gak stuff that they used to sell. Apparently you need do little more than roll this gunk around on your keyboard for a little bit, and your keys will be squeaky clean. You can get a pot that contains a little over a pound of this stuff for right around $16.

[ ExpertVerdict ] VIA [ BoingBoing ]

By Luke Anderson

I don’t know how to speak or write Japanese. I took a class in high school, but honestly I can’t do much more than say hello and count to 5. I’ve always been a bit baffled by kanji, and how it’s even possible to write it on a computer, with all of the detailed markings in it. Well if you just happen to be looking for an easy way to input such characters on your PC, or many other devices, this TagType may be what you’re looking for.

Apparently this device was originally created as an input method for handicapped, but has spawned into something more. The company behind it seems to think that it could become a universal input for all kinds of devices, such as PCs, TVs, video games and more.

[ Takram ] VIA [ Dvice ]

By Luke Anderson

How many of you can type without looking at the keyboard? I’d guess that many of you rarely need to stare at your fingers while typing, however, I’d be willing to bet that most of you do still glance at the keys from time to time. Heck, I type for a living and I still glance down every now and then. This is why most people wouldn’t be interested in the Das keyboard.

The Das keyboard came out back in 2005, and was designed with the 1337 in mind. It featured an all-black design, with no key markings whatsoever. It also featured M-style mechanical key switches, which had a more “clacky” feel than most modern keyboards. Well, Das has updated their keyboard with Pro and Ultimate versions.

They’ve updated the look and feel (which is good, as the original already looked dated when it was introduced), while still keeping the same key switches, and N-key roll-over functions (allows you to press up to 12 keys simultaneously). The difference is that the Pro will feature key markings, while the Ultimate holds true to its roots. Both will go on sale for $129 sometime in the future.

[ Das ] VIA [ Crave ]

By Luke Anderson

I really think that it must be fun to be a concept designer. You get to spend your days coming up with products that look really cool, but could either never be physically created, or would serve no real purpose if it was. Take this No-key Keyboard for example.

This keyboard looks totally awesome. It’s made from glass with keys etched into it and uses a motion capture camera mounted on the top to track your keystrokes. Unfortunately since it’s a completely flat surface with no tactile feedback, no one would be able to type on it. At least is looks cool.

VIA [ Yanko Design ]