The most expensive keyboard in the world

Author: Ksunxen

21 August 2015 20:10

Tags: expensive things keyboards

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Have you ever thought that something as trivial as a computer keyboard can practically become a work of art? If you work on the computer a lot or just love beautiful keyboards, this post is for you! Just remember that, in addition to beauty, these keyboards are also the most luxurious and expensive.

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Happy Hacking Keyboard HP

This is not just a peripheral device, but a real work of art. It is created by PFU Ltd.

This particular model is the most expensive keyboard in the world - it costs 440 000$.

The design of the product is laconic - white base and red buttons. In fact, it takes several weeks to make. Under sterile conditions, the panel is coated several times with urushi varnish, which was used in Japan 6,000 years ago, and then finely sprinkled with gold powder. The nail polish brush deserves special attention - it is made from the hair of a Japanese virgin.

The Happy Hacking Keyboard HP has 60 buttons, but there are no labels on them - the device is blind. They usually buy it not for work, but as a piece of art.

The most expensive keyboards in the world

We present the top 15 most expensive and original keyboards in the world.

Happy Hacking Keyboard HP - $4400

Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional

In first place is the Happy Hacking Keyboard Professional HP Japan - $4,400, manufactured by the Japanese company PFU Ltd. Technically, this is a good, small-sized mechanical keyboard with a modified key layout compared to the classic one, of which there are only 60. It is based on the ADM-3A terminal layout of the Faculty of Computer Science at the University of California.

Keyboard layout

The rear panel is equipped with a DIP switch, a mini-USB port and two USB ports. But the reason for this cost was not the technical characteristics, but the manufacturing method.

Each keyboard is made to order, the keys are covered with natural Urushi varnish. Each key is covered separately, in several layers, with strict adherence to temperature conditions.

Optimus Popularis – $2554

Optimus Popularis

This compact keyboard was developed at Lebedev's studio. The key pressing mechanism is specific: TFT screen with a diagonal of 11 inches 1366 × 768 pixels. The top of the screen is covered with a sheet of iron with holes for the keys. These holes are covered with a transparent polymer.

Using the Configurator program developed by Lebedev, you can assign any purpose to the keys. You can install any layout or language, configure the keys for any operating program. You can assign up to 32 assignments to one key, and use five at a time. The model has only 60 keys.

Optimus Maximus – $2400

Optimus Maximus

Optimus Maximus was also developed by Artemy Lebedev's studio. The developer's idea is to give users the ability to assign a separate command to each key, depending on the program you are working with.

The keyboard, 537 mm long and 173 mm wide, contains 113 buttons, each of which is an OLED screen with a resolution of 48x48 in a transparent polymer shell. Using the same “Configurator” you can set commands to the keys.

The kit also includes instructions, a charger, a USB cable, a 512 megabyte flash card, two spare standard buttons, and a device for removing them.

2000-IS-DT - $2200

200-IS-DT

The 2000-IS-DT industrial keyboard is the brainchild of iKey. The keyboard is designed for use in extreme conditions. The case is made of stainless steel with optical insulation, 114 keys are built into it, of which 24 are functional, with a resource of 10 million keystrokes.

Can operate in a temperature range from -40 ºС to +90 ºС and at 100% humidity. Size length - 514 mm, width - 200 mm.

Fingerworks Keyboard Touchstream - $1,500

Fingerworks Keyboard Touchstream

This keyboard was released by Fingerworks in 2003. The body consists of two parts that can be folded. The keys are placed flush with the body and do not interfere with hand movement. There are wrist rests.

The initial cost was $339, but after the keyboard was discontinued, the price rose to $1,500. You can purchase a rare model on eBay.

Datamancer Custom Keyboards – $1500

Datamancer Custom Keyboards

Datamancer Custom Keyboards is a custom mechanical keyboard from Datamancer. The keys are made of transparent polymer and imitate the layout and appearance of a typewriter.

The main feature of the model is its individuality. The manufacturer produces a custom keyboard. The buyer can choose the body material - brass, aluminum, chrome, color and font style, and much more.

Maltron - $920

Maltron

This is a mechanical ergonomic keyboard produced by the company of the same name Maltron. Unusual curves are created to reduce the load on the hands.

When arranging the keys, not only the comfortable position of the hands is taken into account, but also the length of the fingers. The company also produces keyboards for one hand, both right and left.

Professional II Datahand - $675

Professional II Datahand

Professional II DataHand was released by DataHand Systems in 1995. The device consists of two parts, each of which follows the shape of the brush. Each platform can be customized to fit your individual hand size. Each finger is placed on the corresponding field. A slight movement is enough for the device to respond.

The keyboard uses the QWERTY layout. The high printing speed on this machine is due to the absence of the need to move your fingers. When working on such a keyboard, your hands do not get tired. This device is also suitable for people with problem joints.

orbiTouch Keyless Keyboard - $400

orbiTouch Keyless Keyboard

The Keybowl company offered an original keyboard without keys. Its main difference is ergonomics. Instead of buttons, the body has two joysticks with anatomical handles. The keyboard can operate in both typing mode and mouse mode.

On the field of the left joystick there are zones of different colors, on the right field there are groups of letters divided into zones and colors. When typing text, you need to move the right joystick to the desired group of letters, and the left joystick to the color corresponding to the letter. In mouse mode, the cursor movement is set with the right joystick, and the direction is confirmed with the left one.

Comfort Keyboard - $350

Comfort Keyboard

The Microsoft Comfort Keyboard is a full-size mechanical keyboard. Has 105 keys with duplicate spacebar. The main feature is the ability to divide the keyboard into three parts that can be swapped. This allows the key blocks to be arranged in different ways, which is convenient for left-handers.

Kirameki Pure Gold Keyboard – $315-360

Kirameki Pure Gold Keyboard

Kirameki Pure Gold Keyboard is developed by Wazakura Studios. Part of the body and all 86 keys are plated with a layer of pure gold in the traditional jewelry technique of the 80s.

The keyboard is compatible with all Windows operating systems. Keyboard layout and instructions are in Japanese only.

Corsair Gaming Keyboard K95 RGB PLATINUM Rapidfire - $280

Corsair Gaming Keyboard K95 RGB PLATINUM Rapidfire

This is a gaming mechanical keyboard from Corsair. The body is made of aircraft-grade aluminum and has the standard 104 keys plus 14 additional keys for navigation and multimedia control. Six of them can be programmed based on the functions the user needs.

The keyboard is equipped with built-in memory, which is managed by the Corsair Utility Engine. The utility can be downloaded from the manufacturer's official website. The keyboard is also equipped with a backlight, a removable double-sided palm rest, and two sets of removable keycaps.

Smart Keyboard Folio for 12.9 iPad Pro - $250

Smart Keyboard Folio for 12.9 iPad Pro

Keyboard case from Apple. Flexible membrane full-size wireless keyboard in a compact size. Compatible with Apple iPad Pro 12.9. Connect to the tablet via the Smart Connector. The keyboard can also be used as a case for the iPad.

HyperX Alloy Elite RGB Gaming – $200

HyperX Alloy Elite RGB Gaming

This is a gaming mechanical keyboard with advanced functionality. HyperX's steel frame houses 111 keys with dedicated buttons for media controls and quick access.

For each key you can separately select the backlight color. There is a removable wrist rest and removable keycaps.

Optimus Popularis

This compact keyboard is a true technical marvel. It was created in Lebedev's studio. This is an improved mini version of another keyboard, which is also among the most expensive in the world.

The characteristics of Optimus Popularis are as follows:

TFT screen diagonal almost 11 inches, resolution 1366x768 pixels;
protective coating of the screen – sheet of metal with transparent buttons;
There is a standard layout, you can customize any other;
additional display for music player - provides control without leaving the game;
a special area on the screen where you can display important information;
high button sensitivity;
light weight and thinness of the panel.

The Optimus Popularis keyboard is designed for fans of computer games. It is much more compact than its predecessor, its dimensions are 293x186x19 mm. Such a device will cost approximately 2 500$.

Best Gaming Keyboards of 2021

Which keyboard is better? Although each of the models we have selected has its own characteristics, there are general characteristics that must be met in order for the new proposal to be defined as a good keyboard for gamers.

Such a device should have a durable design, thanks to which it will not begin to deform during intense gaming. Affects response time and ergonomic key placement. The backlight is handy after dark, and the ability to program keys or record macros allows you to customize the peripheral to suit your needs. The keyboard stand also plays an important role, as it will give your wrist endless pleasure.

We tested each gaming keyboard from this rating for at least a week, checking for ease of use in various genres of games, including FPS, strategy and MOBA. The software for each model was also tested and analyzed to see how easy it was to set up.

Therefore, in this TOP 10 we have collected the best gaming keyboards of 2021, according to TehnObzor.

Logitech G Pro is the best mechanical gaming keyboard

The Logitech G Pro is a great, compact mechanical keyboard for gamers that replaces MX Cherry switches with Logitech GX switches.

Optimus Maximus

This keyboard is the predecessor of the previous record holder and practically does not lag behind in price - it will cost approximately $2,400 . For this price, the user receives the following benefits:

separate section of buttons for social networks;
the ability to customize the keyboard thanks to the configurator program;
each button is a separate mini-display with organic LEDs, there are 113 of them in total;
the ability to install any keyboard layout, all layouts can be stored on a CD card;
The kit includes a device for removing keys and 2 additional keys.

Optimus Maximus has impressive dimensions. The keyboard weighs almost 1.8 kg and dimensions are 537x173x38 mm.

What is a mechanical keyboard and Cherry switches?

The mechanical switches installed under the buttons are very different from those you find on cheap keyboards. They have much better feedback, and the clicks are more pleasant, but they are not suitable for everyone.

One of the most confusing aspects when choosing a mechanical keyboard is the Cherry switches with different colors in the name, which are used by most keyboard manufacturers. There are exceptions - Razer or Logitech, for example, create mechanical switches themselves.

Cherry produces six types of MX switches, and uses a specific color to classify them. Cherry MX Blue and Green are very similar to each other. Blue has a noticeable click when pressed - you get immediate feedback, which is very convenient. The Cherry MX Greens require a lot of pressure to press and print incredibly well, but are very loud. If you do not live alone, it is better not to take peripherals with Green switches.

Cherry MX Red has almost no tactile feedback - the key movement is as smooth as possible, from start to finish. These are the most commonly used switches on gaming keyboards due to their high usability. However, Red is not so good for long typing sessions, where the lack of feedback reduces the comfort of use.

Cherry MX Black is almost the same as Red, but requires slightly stronger pressure. Cherry MX Brown are reminiscent of Blue, but have a much weaker click when pressed, and they are much quieter than Blue and Green. The Cherry MX Clear has an even less pronounced click than the Brown, although these switches are noticeably easier to press. This option is suitable for gamers who also need to type text frequently.

Finally, there are also new Cherry MX Speed switches, they have a very small actuation stroke - only 1.2 mm.

Of course, it’s difficult to convey all the differences in text - you have to try each option and decide which one suits you best. Since Cherry MX switches are interchangeable, this 2021 gaming keyboard rankings includes models with multiple switch types. But Logitech and Razer increasingly prefer to install switches of their own production.

2000-IS-DT

The idea belongs to Stealth Computer. This is the most durable and hardy keyboard. It has the following characteristics:

the case is made of a single sheet of steel - the electronic filling is not afraid of either frost or water;
the buttons are a solid rubber sheet - they are not afraid of various liquids and corrosion;
there is a trackball, it has a spherical shape and 3 buttons - a mouse with such a keyboard is not needed;
no interference during operation - high overloads on the keyboard are not dangerous;
resistance to extreme temperatures - the device is not afraid of 90-degree heat and 40-degree frost.

Standard users do not need such a keyboard. It is more suitable for real extreme sports enthusiasts, polar explorers, astronauts, if they can afford such a device - its cost is 2 200$.

How to choose a keyboard for your computer

For advice, we turned to Maria Vikulova , a specialist who works a lot at the keyboard. She will talk about the difference between the keyboards she uses at home and those she uses at work.

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Datamancer Custom Keyboard

At first glance, this keyboard looks like a museum piece. The design was based on old typewriters. In fact, the keyboard does not have a single type - it is made to order, only the idea is common.

The functionality of the device is standard, but the user can choose its external characteristics:

shape and size of buttons;
main panel shape;
color of the main panel and buttons, additional effects (gilding, artificial aging);
additional lighting;
keyboard sizes.

For individuality you will have to pay from $1,500 .
Typically, such a keyboard is purchased to match the interior.

Is the difference between mechanics and membrane so important?

In modern models the difference is not so great. A good membrane keyboard, especially one with a scissor mechanism, will be as responsive as an average mechanical keyboard. Most likely, you simply won’t notice the difference, unless you’re a professional, of course. The mechanics are old-school, tube-based, many compare it to a modern typewriter. The membrane one is, on average, cheaper and quieter, so if you don’t need to hear clicks, and there are no special requirements, you should pay attention to the latter - and you’ll save money and won’t notice much of a difference. Naturally, when buying a high-quality keyboard.

TouchStream LP

The manufacturer of the device was Fingerworks. Today, this keyboard can only be bought on the Internet - in 2005, Apple bought the right to it and immediately stopped production. The cost of the device was initially $340, but due to exclusivity after the release closed, it increased to 1 500$.

The keyboard was designed specifically for people who experience constant strain on their limbs. The device is a sensor divided into 2 halves. The keys are drawn on it; a mouse with such a keyboard is not needed. One of the advantages is that the halves of the device are movable, you can change the angle of their inclination and rotation.

Wolfking Warrior Xxtreme

We doubt that the Wolfking Warrior Xxtreme

will attract the attention of those who type a lot - the device was developed exclusively for game lovers. The button blocks here are divided into two parts, grouped in the shape of a circle and equipped with backlight - for people with perpetually red eyes. The left circle contains the WASD key block and the most common “game” letters like R (recharge) or E (activation, use). The remaining buttons can be used to perform any action, be it buying a weapon or turning on a car's headlights. At first glance, it seems that the gaming layout of the left circle is quite well thought out and it will be convenient to use the buttons in games. Things are much worse with the right bloc. The second circle is intended for entering letters (what if you need to write something in a chat?), but the QWERTY layout has undergone significant changes. All that was left of it was the top row - and even then it was incomplete. All other letters are scattered in disarray, with some duplicating the keys from the left block. It seems that few people will relearn how to type on Wolfking Warrior Xxtreme; for everyone else, there are classic keyboards.

DataHand

DataHand System released this keyboard in 1995. The device looks completely unusual and creates the feeling of a science fiction film.

The keyboard is represented by two separate panels; each finger has a separate button module with stops. The user places each palm on a special panel, and the buttons are pressed with a light finger movement - optical sensors and magnets are built-in. This device allows you to significantly reduce the load on your fingers and avoid moving your wrist. The layout differs slightly from the standard version (QWERTY).

Such a keyboard will cost approximately 675$.

Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard

A bright future will not come - cars still do not fly, telephones are not built into the brain, warlike cyborgs do not run through the streets. All that remains for ardent fans of cyberpunk is to buy a Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard

, which came to us straight from the future. This keyboard does not just have the usual keys, but even the usual shell: a full QWERTY layout is projected onto any surface. The small black projector box connects to any portable device via the Bluetooth interface (the built-in battery lasts for 120 minutes of continuous typing). Just imagine the amazed looks of others when you take out the Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard and start typing - on a table, on a wall, on a windowsill, on a book!

The same projector box is responsible for detecting clicks. Moreover, when you press a “key,” the Laser Virtual Keyboard even makes a characteristic click—thanks to the built-in speakers. True, it is still not possible to use the device as a full-fledged replacement for a hardware keyboard - we have already talked about sensor diseases in the chapter about No-Key Keyboard.

Ergonomic 3D

This is another ergonomic representative of peripheral devices manufactured by Maltron. The design is thought out to make life as easy as possible for people who have to work a lot on the computer.

The appearance of the keyboard is unusual - the panel is curved in several places. This was done due to the different lengths of the fingers - when printing on Ergonomic 3D, the hand strains minimally, since each finger experiences the same load. The numeric part of the keyboard is located in the middle, the remaining keys are divided into 4 blocks - 2 on each side.

The rest of the functionality of the device is standard. The cost of increased comfort will cost the user approximately 600$.

Luxeed Dynamic Pixel LED Keyboard

Lovers of all things luminous will appreciate the Luxeed Dynamic Pixel LED Keyboard

— the child of an unknown Korean designer shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow and gives a good mood to even the most notorious bores.
The developers installed under each button many multi-colored LEDs that play blue, red, gold, emerald, cyan, orange light, making the device shine like a diamond in the light (words cannot describe this - better type the name of the keyboard on YouTube
, there are many videos there).

In total, the Luxeed Dynamic Pixel LED uses 430 LEDs - not an individual screen for each key, as in the Optimus Maximus

, of course, but it also costs significantly less - $200 versus $2400. The keyboard does not require drivers; you can choose the colors and order of key backlighting yourself. Presumably, Luxeed Dynamic Pixel LED is suitable for those who often work in the evening. However, we advise you not to overdo it - your eyes won’t last long in such conditions.

Otherwise, we have a completely ordinary keyboard with a QWERTY layout, only without a number pad (it is sold separately), but with a number of additional buttons for quick access to frequently used applications.

Comfort Keyboard

Externally, this keyboard looks quite standard. Its peculiarity is that the device can be disassembled into 3 parts, each functioning independently. This ensures the ergonomics of the keyboard - you can remake it for a left-handed person by rearranging the digital part, or completely remove the latter, making the device compact.

Another feature of the Comfort Keyboard is a special “Rest indicator” option - the device will remind the user of the need to rest if he sits at the computer for a long time.

This keyboard is worth it 350$.

Is the NUM block important?

When working, it will almost certainly come in handy; working with numbers is much more convenient and faster. For home use - to taste. Without a digital keypad, models are more compact and lighter, so if you plan to move the device or have little free space, this is an opportunity to save space. In addition, if you do not understand why this block is needed and it is not used, then you should choose keyboards without it - why do you need extra parts?

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Kirameki Pure Gold Keyboard

This is a device from the Japanese manufacturer Wazakura Studios. The keyboard includes 86 buttons and has standard functionality. Its peculiarity lies in the material used – the buttons are covered with real gold leaf.

Kirameki Pure Gold Keyboard is not available to everyone, since the layout is Japanese. The keyboard costs approximately 350$.

The list of the most expensive keyboards in the world is represented by very diverse specimens. Some manufacturers strive to make the user’s life as easy as possible through ergonomics and additional functionality, while others focus on design and the materials used. The result is the same – record prices.

What is important to consider when choosing

Before buying a keyboard, it is useful to take it in your hands and check how convenient it will be to use the device. When ordering online, you should study the photo, compare the dimensions and layout of the model with your old device.

Sometimes you may need to connect to an Android phone or tablet. In this case, you need to take wireless models that connect via radio or Bluetooth. They can be found both in the premium segment and among inexpensive models.

For a full-fledged game, it is not necessary to buy the most expensive gaming keyboard in the world, costing hundreds of thousands of rubles. It is enough to choose a device with suitable functions.

Vioguard UVKB50

One day, a small group of British scientists examined 33 keyboards and one toilet in their office and found that some keyboards contained more crap than the toilet. And although the experiment is not very representative, the results are thought-provoking. Due to the fact that we eat at the computer, one hundred and fifty times more bacteria accumulate on the keyboard than epidemiological standards allow. Microbiologists say your keyboard is a reflection of what's in your nose and stomach. And shared keyboards in offices, schools and Internet cafes generally provoke the development of epidemics.

Fortunately, Vioguard

came up with an elegant solution to the problem - the self-cleaning keyboard
UVKB50
. The device cannot be called compact, but is this really so important when we are talking about millions of bacteria?

The keyboard is stored in a metal box with built-in ultraviolet lamps - they disinfect the surface of the buttons and kill germs while the device is idle. In addition to the main QWERTY block, the keyboard has a touch panel for controlling the cursor (otherwise, what’s the point of disinfecting the keyboard if the mouse remains full of germs?). To be completely frank, you have to admit that the device is intended for hospitals and other places with an increased risk of infection - the UVKB50 costs about $900, and it won’t fit on a desktop. You'll have to use a good old damp cloth.

Keyboard pants

Tired of your usual gray life? Do you want people to point fingers at you? Then the keyboard pants are just for you. What’s even nicer is that you don’t have to spend thousands to order an original device - just buy a rubber keyboard at the nearest Chinese bazaar, cut it into two parts and sew it into your favorite jeans. Experience from a resourceful researcher from the Hackaday.com

shows that only the left half will work, but what can’t you do for the sake of fashion! Moreover, for most games the left side of the keyboard is sufficient - fortunately, the WASD keys are located there.

Handmade opponents can order similar but factory-produced Keyboard Pants

. Of course, the quality of workmanship in this case will be noticeably higher - in the factory model, even the USB cable is routed through the belt.