Optimus (keyboard)
Optimus Maximus is a Russian- style keyboard . Lebedev Studios , where each key is equipped with a color display . Any letters, images and animations can be displayed on this.
layout
Optimus uses an extended layout. On the left-hand side below the Escape key, there are also ten small keys that can be assigned program links, for example, and on which colored icons can be displayed.
Next to it is a main block with the letter keys and function keys. The function keys are divided into six groups of two. The normal letter and number block is located below in the same width.
The third field consists of three parts. At the bottom are the four arrow keys and above them a block with six control keys. Above are pressure, rolling and pause.
The fourth and last part consists of a normal number block.
Technical specifications
- Aluminum housing (537 × 173 × 38 mm)
- Plastic keys (20.2 × 20.2 mm; 50% of the area as display)
- Color displays made of OLEDs with 48 × 48 pixels ( high color )
- Connection via USB 2.0
- Ergonomic special version
- Lifetime 4–5 years
- Animated display possible (max. 10 FPS )
- Splitting of images for multi-key assignment
- SDK and software to control the keyboard
- 32 MB memory card (SD) for storing basic layouts
- 160 ° viewing angle
- Automatic brightness adjustment via a sensor
- Works with all major operating systems
- Interchangeable buttons
- Integrated USB 2.0 hub with 2 ports.
use
Any symbol can be displayed on each key under software control. For example, it would be conceivable to design the keyboard in multiple languages or to display the letters in uppercase instead of lowercase by pressing the shift key.
Another use is in computer games. So the layout can be used game-specific. In a first person shooter, for example, the line with the digits, which is often used to select the weapon, could be replaced by the images of the weapon. The layout of the WASD keys could be replaced by arrows, etc.
criticism
The keyboard is particularly criticized because the product is very expensive. The price in mid-2008 was € 1,250 (adjusted for purchasing power: € 1,431) and rose to € 1,670 (€ 1,885) by April 2010. In July 2019, the keyboard was still offered for a high € 1799. In addition, only limited numbers are produced, which leads to longer waiting times.
Other models
In addition to the large keyboard, the manufacturer also offers other models.
The mini three model is a small, three-button edition. Connection and configuration are identical. The only differences are that the keys have an area of 2 cm² and the resolution is 96 × 96 pixels. The button bar is able to display up to three images per second. Any information can be displayed on the buttons. For example, you could use the buttons for volume control (+ mute) or display the weather, CPU load or incoming emails.
Web links
- Optimus Family Homepage (English)
- Interactive demo of the Optimus Maximus (English)