The Optimus Maximus keyboard, previously just "Optimus keyboard", is a keyboard developed by the Art. Lebedev Studio, a Russian design studio headed by Artemy Lebedev. Each of its keys is a display which can dynamically change to adapt to the keyboard layout in use or to show the function of the key. Pre-orders began on 20 May 2007 for a limited production run from December 2007 to January 2008, with a second batch expected to arrive in February 2008. It first started shipping the week of February 21, 2008.
Overview
The design featured on the studio's website received attention on the web when it was featured on Slashdot on 14 July 2005, and afterwards for a few weeks on other technology websites. The original release date was "end of 2006", however production issues caused the Optimus mini three to be developed first, with the full keyboard delayed until the end of 2007. The keyboard was number 10 in the Wired Magazine 2006 Vaporware Awards and number 4 on the list in 2007 due to its numerous delays and feature reductions.
The Optimus allows for greater user interaction, by dynamically displaying the current function of the keys. For example, when the user presses the shift key, the pictures would change to
upper-case versions. It would also make switching between different keyboard layouts (such as English and Cyrillic) rapid, and could make the switch to alternative layouts such as Dvorak easier for people who only have a QWERTY keyboard with no possibility of rearranging the keys. To demonstrate this concept, there are computer renderings showing example layouts for Quake III Arena and Adobe Photoshop.A newly-revealed (as of January 3, 2008) patent application filed on March 13, 2007 suggests that Apple Inc. may be working on a similar dynamically changeable OLED keyboard
Optimus mini three
Art. Lebedev Studio has released a smaller three-key version of their keyboard, named Optimus mini three. Each of the keys is larger than a standard key. The mini three can be adjusted, through the configuration software, to either a horizontal or vertical orientation.
Initial reviews have been mixed. The keyboard functions as advertised, but it has been criticized for inordinately high CPU usage, slow response time, and buggy configuration software
Optimus Aux
On July 21, 2008, Engadget posted about a new version of the keyboard, named Optimus Pultius. It features 15 OLED keys in a three-by-five arrangement and a USB port. It is expected to be released in late 2008 or early 2009.[6][7] On September 19, 2008, Engadget also reported that the Pultius had been renamed to the Aux[8] and included a new rendering of the rear side showing that there would be two USB ports instead of one.
Variations
Variations with fewer OLED keys will also be available, each upgradeable by replacing static keys with OLED keys after purchase. For keyboards with less than a full complement of OLED "active keys", additional keys can be purchased and installed.
Special Features
Art. Lebedev Studio is expecting to manufacture the keyboard with these features:[3]
* A plastic body (width: 537 mm, depth: 173 mm, height: 38 mm)
* Extra-durable polymer plastic keys (20.2×20.2 mm, visible area 10.1×10.1 mm)
* 48×48 pixel screens, Highcolor mode (65 536 colors, 10 FPS)
* OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) screen for keys
* USB 2.0 (or 1.1) connectivity
* 4-5 year lifetime
* A key-saver mode
* Support for animation on keys at 10 FPS minimum
* Ability to form a mosaic using a combination of key images
* Compatibility with Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac OS X 10.5.1 (and higher).
* An SDK for complete display customization
* Swappable keys and support for keys without displays
* 32 MB SD card for storing basic layouts
* Non-stop glow time at nominal brightness of 20,000 hours, after which display quality will diminish
* An ambient light sensor which can be used to automatically adjust display brightness
* A viewing angle of 160°
