Those who have invested last in a Bluetooth enabled keyboard, the portable version, can now upgrade to something lighter and with upgraded technology. This is the latest genre, keyboards that work with virtual projection. If you are wondering when the products of this latest technology would arrive, they are already here, an example of which is the Celluon EPIC.
This virtual keyboard, priced at $150, offers different features but what is interesting is the technology on which it works. Laser light projects an image of a keyboard on any flat surface in front. It then detects a key as and when you press it and translate the same as a keystroke which is understood by the computer. The keyboard is fancy and has futuristic looks as well as includes certain other functions.
- Specifications
The keyboard includes a key pitch of 19 mm, 240 mm width and height of 100 mm. German QWERTZ and QWERTY English outputs are available. The recognition rate is 70 words in a minute. It used a red diode laser light source and can be used for 2 hours on the battery of 660 mAh. It connects by Bluetooth technology and works with operating systems like Android 4.0+, iOS 4+, Mac OS X, Windows XP+ and Blackberry 10. When you unbox the product you get a projection device paired with USB charger cable. Information guide is also provided.
- Design and Setup
The keyboard is a projection device that is small and can be carried around in a pocket. It is lightweight and weighs about 100 to 150 grams. There is a laser emitter on top along with camera-like sensor in middle and illumination flashlight in the bottom. Power switch and MicroUSB charging port are on the back. Setup is also easy; all that one needs to do is turn on the device and it starts to emit a Bluetooth signal. It can then be paired with any other device, a computer, tablet or smartphone with Bluetooth pairing. Once the pairing is done, it is ready to be used.
- Typing Experience
The keyboard is projected on a surface with the layout of the standard keys, akin to what you find in a keyboard of full size. F1 to F12 keys are present along with quotation marks, apostrophes and other signs. If you are using it in an area which is well lit the projection would be faint whereas in darker areas it is better defined.
In order to get the right accuracy in typing, the surface should be flat and opaque. If the surface is right, recognition of the keys is good and one can type at a comfortable speed. However, those who are accustomed to typing fast would have to go slower but speed is okay.
- Feedback
When it comes to virtual keyboards the feedback is not felt on the fingertips but the same is compensated here by beeps that are emitted every time a key is pressed. It is sensory feedback and hence, one would be able to get the feedback and continue to type even without the physical feel of a key below their fingertips.
Conclusion
The keyboard technology is definitely a novelty and probably high priced for many. However, the portability and versatility of it makes it workable with any device and most flat, opaque surfaces.