Walking around old and vintage tech stores is always good for a laugh. Entire afternoons can be whiled away examining the weird, wild, and unique devices that they have on display.
Some of the most perplexing old tech on the shelves happen to be input devices, and keyboards in particular. Maybe that’s because there is a preconception of what’s ‘normal’ based on traditions dating back to old school typewriters. Whatever the case may be, the creators of these oddities thought they would attract enough of a market to go through a complex development process (though in one case, that’s where the fun stopped).
We’ve compiled a list of the five strangest keyboards ever to have existed. In order to be considered for the list, the keyboard must have a verifiable history and not just a (possibly fake) image. So without further ado, and in no particular order, we unapologetically present these oddities to the reader for their consideration.
Strictly speaking, the keyboard layout for the SafeType Vertical Keyboard might be considered quite ergonomic. But it does take some getting used to.
Credit to [ErgoType BV](https://safetype.com/index.php?id\cms=4&controller=cms) for the product image._
Believe it or not, the design was developed in the early 1990s. ErgoType BV, the company who owns the rights to this glorious creation, explains how they came to be the distributor:
“This product was originally developed by Ergonomic-Interface Keyboard Systems Inc. founded in 1993. In 2002 EKS changed their name to SafeType Inc. at about the same time when after a long process of development the keyboard went to market. ErgoType BV handled distribution of the SafeType™ Vertical Keyboard throughout Europe. In May 2013, SafeType Inc. sold their assets to ErgoType BV.”
These days it has a USB connection and it even works in Windows 10.
In a tale both long and tragic, this ergonomic split mechanical keyboard / mouse / joystick device was a prototype built for Solid Art Labs’ Kickstarter campaign. Multiple physical prototypes were created early in the process. After raising 239,000 USD, delivery of this unique input device was supposed to start in mid to late 2014.
Credit to Solid Art Labs for the product image.
It was fitted with Cherry MX mechanical switches, a 2-axis analog joystick for each hand, and teflon pads for sliding. Sadly, design complexity was cited as the reason that the device’s mass production was delayed. The last message on Kickstarter about the project was in December 2017. And then came the long silence.
Sometimes, strange keyboards have a history of nobility and genuine utility behind them. The Maltron Single Handed Keyboard is just such an input device. It allows those who need to type with one hand to achieve speeds of up to 85 words per minute.
Credit to PCD Maltron for the product image.
Like most of the keyboards on this list, it takes a while to get used to typing on such a device. But they are available for both the right and left hand, feature a USB connector, and include Push-On / Push-Off keys for Shift, Control, and Alt functions. Their website even includes dozens of tutorials for those who are new to one handed keyboard usage. Whether used for productivity or accessibility, one has to appreciate the love that was put into designing such a unique device.
At first glance, it might look like more of a game controller than a keyboard. But in the hands of a master, this handheld input device can reach up to 50 words a minute.
Credit to Alpha Grip for the product image.
The iGrip is a keyboard, mouse, and trackball all rolled into one. As of mid 2021, the company reports that it is out of stock on the original model with no immediate plans for another manufacturing run, as design and production resources are deferred to their next generation input device. But the description of the iGrip remains:
“The iGrip Ergonomic Keyboard is a superior alternative for the human-computer interface. It enables high speed computing while sitting, standing, leaning back, or lying down. When holding an iGrip, your hands are positioned in a comfortable vertical orientation while your fingers naturally fall on keys located on the back of the device.”
So sadly, there may never be another factory run for the iGrip. But it will be genuinely interesting to see what AlphaGrip comes up with to top this unique input design.
Anyone who was waiting for something with real sci-fi pedigree needs to wait no longer. The Tap Strap 2 is a device that slips over the fingers and acts as an air keyboard, an air mouse, and a gaming controller.
Credit to Tap for the product image.
Starting in 2018, Tap started selling input devices that took their role from the positioning of the user’s hand. From that posture, the Tap Strap (and later the Tap Strap 2) knew if it was acting as a keyboard, a mouse, or even a VR controller. From there, air or desk typing would allow the user to type, while pointing or gesturing would activate the other input functions.
There are many videos and tutorials on their site to explain how the futuristic device works. And although it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, there is a coolness factor reminiscent of Tom Cruise in Minority Report.
On the slightly more mainstream side of things, a runner up to the list is an ergonomic, lightweight mechanical keyboard with a negative tilt. It’s called the Hakkei Riven.
Discover the joy of typing with Riven.
In the future, Hakkei is planning a split version of the same keyboard. That would put the next generation input device in an ergonomic category all on its own. Their replaceable, low profile keycaps will allow users to express themselves with custom colors and patterns, introducing a level of fashion and personal expression that most of the entries on the main list can’t touch.
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