A few years back there was news of a fancy keyboard that had configurable keys using OLED display screens that were built into each and every key. Those keyboards were designed by a Russian design studio called Art Lebedev and the keyboard dubbed ‘Optimus Maximus’ would have a great hit were it not for the ridiculous price tag of $2068.
Now however, Microsoft has filed for a patent that could offer similar functions for a lot less money. The company’s “interactive keyboard with a viewable display” was submitted as a patent 2 years ago in September. The patent was then published this year on the 22nd of March. The patent came along with a second supporting patent which would offer the option of “multiple different key arrangements”.
The difference between this prospective device and the ‘Optimus Maximus’ is that the Microsoft version uses just one screen which will be below the partially transparent keyboard. This however, poses another problem in the viewing angle of the keys since they will be placed underneath the mechanical buttons, we can only assume that in order to have a clear view of what button you are pressing, you would have to look directly at it from the top. On the contrary, if Microsoft already does have a solution for that particular problem, this amazing device might be just what we need to tide us over until latency issues for haptic touch screen keyboards have been resolved.