Just over 2 months ago my keyboard decided to pack up (might have something to do with the drink I tipped onto it) and I urgently needed a replacement. After all without a keyboard how could I use my computer properly?

So I went looking around for a new keyboard I could buy. At the time I didn’t have much money and to be honest I wasnt that bothered on what keyboard I got - as long as it was comfortable to use and not too big I’m happy. I ended up getting a Logitech keyboard but whilst I was shopping around I also came across a bunch of other really cool ones.

Here are just 5 keyboards which are different from the rest.

1. Optimus Maximus
- This is without a doubt the coolest keyboard I have come across. Every single one of its 113 keys is its own little display which can dynamically change to show whatever is needed. An example of this is when caps-lock is on. By doing this all of the letters on the keyboards will turn to capitals. If caps-lock is off then they will all return to lower case. The same applies with the shift key keys - when you hold down shift you get the keys alternatives shown. On top of that the keyboard comes with software which allows you to configure the keys colors, fonts and various other settings to customize it to your liking.

2. Projector
- I had a chance of using something similar to this about a year ago at a college visit to a museum. The one I used though was much more idiot friendly as its projected buttons were the size of a credit card for easy use. This keyboard works completely different to how an ordinary keyboard does. It consists of a projection box which projects the image of a keyboard onto your desk or whatever surface your using. You then simply touch your desk wherever the keys are being projected. The box then knows what keys you are pressing by the position of your fingers. I think this is a great idea however I couldn’t use it - I like to actually have a key to push instead of just tapping my desk.

3. Fabric
- This keyboard again is quite a unique idea. It is made out of a 3 layer fabric, the middle layer being partially conductive to connect the other two layers when the key is under pressure. The great thing about this keyboard is that it is very compact and easy to move around. Because it is made out of a fabric like material you can twist it, bend it or roll it in anyway you like which means it will fit nicely into a pocket or a laptop bag. It is wireless and when fully spread is 306×114mm in size. To power the keyboard uses dual AAA batteries which are housed in a small plastic box on the left of the keyboard.

4. MS Desktop Elite
- Unlike the other keyboards mentioned here this one doesnt necessarily have any ‘amazing’ features which stand out from the crowd. One thing it does have though is bluetooth capabilities. Now I know this isnt the world first keyboard to make use of bluetooth technology but since there are quite a few out there now I had to pick one of them to show you. This ketyboard connects via bluetooth to your computer so theres no longer the need to have that big receiver on your desk. You will of course need to have a bluetooth received on your PC however these are generally very small and tuck away quite nicely. The main advantage of of this keyboard is that it can be used in conjunction with other bluetooth devices. The receives it comes with supports up to five more bluetooth enabled devices to be connected - Pocket PC, mobile phone, pinter ,other PC’s or virtually anything else. The down side to this keyboard though is that it is rather on the large side.

5. Foldaway
- This beautifully designed keyboard is great for people on the move. It is already quite small and compact but what makes it that extra bit special is that it folds up and becomes even smaller. It features a small, detachable rack which you can place your mobile device on and use this to extend its keyboard functionality. Unlike most keyboards of this type they require infrared to communicate with the device. This one however makes use of bluetooth which means the user can use it in a more comfortable position out of the ‘line of sight’ which infrared would require.

And that’s it for now. Maybe I will add some more when I come across them.