These days, there’s a lot of focus on input options for tablets and smartphones, but there’s still an awful lot of typing happening on PCs. In fact, it’s the tool most professionals turn to when people need to do there most intensive data entry.
And for keyboard users such as developers, gamers and writers, the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard (UHK, it could really use a better name) is a new spin on a long line of curved, so-called “ergonomic” keyboards attempted in the past by Apple and in several iterations by Microsoft. While it looks — save for the phone cord above its number row — like a traditional keyboard when being transported, the halves of the UHK split apart from their magnetic bond to allow exceptional flexibility in the typing angle for the hands and it’s one of the few split keyboards that can be readjusted at any time.
Once so positioned, the typist can take advantage of its mechanical keys and a wide range of special modes and features. For example, hitting the Mode key and using certain keyboard keys allows one to move the cursor on Android and Windows devices without touching the mouse, reducing movement. A three-character LED display also can indicate what keymap is in use for a particular app. The UHK is available in a range of layouts, keycap printing and key switches for $200, a $50 discount from the expected retail price. The campaign seeks $200,000 by December 14th
Those who would ask why one would need the UHK are not the target customer. The UHK offer exceptional flexibility and ergonomics for the experienced user focused on input productivity, but its high price and bulky looks will limit its appeal. A Bluetooth version would also boost interest and be a real standout in a market that’s paid little attention to typing experience quality.