PKT Technologies Pty Ltd (PKT Tech), a leader in user interface technology, has unveiled an innovative QWERTY keyboard equipped with keys that dynamically change to match the activity of the user. The Picture Key Board (PKB 5000) leverages PKT Tech's patented Picture Key Technology (PKT) to deliver an interface that combines the advantages of a touch screen with the benefits of tactile "haptic" feedback.

Each of the keyboard's 110 keys can be programmed to display any required image and enact a predetermined action. This allows the keyboard to be customized for specific workflows and changed as often as required. Keys can be configured for different languages or linked to specific functions within software applications.

Attending CES is a mixed bag even before you arrive there, and it comes in the form of about a billion marketing emails invading your inbox. Amidst all these, however, was one from this US-based startup company that interested me in more ways than one. Perhaps because I handle keyboard duties here on TechPowerUp, among other things, but I have always been fascinated with products aiming to enable a more ergonomic and efficient typing experience. These products tend to take the form of smaller form factor, split or otherwise, keyboards that still adopt the staggered columns of keys. Layers are the name of the game here, with customization in the form of key mapping enabling people to position keyboards with a combination of tent, tilt, and height adjustments- especially for split keyboards. But all these still rely on the end user typing on, say, a QWERTY layout with 2-4 fingers simultaneously nearly every single time. CharaChorder wants to rethink the keyboard, and offer a product that helps you type with all 10 fingers.

The company sought inspiration from the humble stenograph, as well as arguably more efficient typing layouts such as Dvorak over QWERTY, and had a prototype for demo at CES that showcased their "3-dimensional" typing via sticks that can be assigned to a different function for each axis. I admittedly was skeptical with the emails, as well as the rough plastic casing they initially showed, but then they pulled out the working PCBs as part of the two connected halves, and typed my name and affiliation on a connected laptop at ~200 WPM. There were also only two errors throughout, which is impressive given these were words and sentences they had no way to practice before, and the speed comes in the form of them having practiced ~30-60 min a day for a month in "chorded" mode which allows simultaneous presses instead of one character at a time, which is the recommended training schedule for new users. The CharaChorder is also ambidextrous enabling users to quickly use this alongside a mouse, or even a joystick, with applications ranging from typing, to gaming via macros, and more. The company has the product up for pre-order already for $199.99 with expected delivery in December 2020 provided they hit their funding goals. Check out their website, as well as this demo video, to get a better idea of how the product works.

Wekey Pocket 2 is a full 64 key Bluetooth keyboard that can be folded to fit in any pocket. With a standard QWERTY layout and typing feedback, the Wekey Pocket 2 allows for a more intuitive and efficient typing experience, especially for users who prefer a physical keyboard. It's compatible with all portable smart devices including smartphones & tablets. The keyboard measures just 3 mm thick, when opened, and weighs only 95 grams. With a foldable design, Wekey Pocket 2 is 176 mm in length when folded making it no longer than the palm of the hand. With one full charge, it can be used for over a month (average 1 hour continuous usage per day).

Wekey Pocket 2's core specifications are made possible by Woorin's patented wearable PCB technology. Wearable PCB technology allows for intricate circuit patterns to be printed on flexible films or fabrics without risk of structural damage. Beyond circuitry, Woorin also developed a Force Sensing Register (FSR) sensor to allow for tactile type-feel feedback to the fingers. This FSR technology is also applied to Wekey Pocket 2's new 3D touch pad. Control without ever touching the screen, with remote control capability up to 10 meters.