The clumsy plastic keyboard may be only a few strokes from the dustbin of history. Virtual keyboards, clip-on keyboards, magnetic keyboards and laser keyboards have all made debuts in recent years, but the last of these may be one of the most practical solutions for portable office fans right now.
Shenzhen Uni-smart Technology is at the forefront of this wave. The six-year old company specializes in Bluetooth-controlled products, including headsets, power banks, and smartwatches. Its hottest, most recent seller, however, is the multi-function virtual laser projection keyboard.
The pocket-sized 76x36x35mm 60g unit operates by virtue of a low watt, red diode laser that projects a virtual, 240x100mm sized QWERTY keyboard on any firm, flat surface. The unit is manipulated by a downloadable Bluetooth 3.0 app, and can run on a mini USB connection or its own rechargeable Lithium-polymer battery for up to two hours, and includes a mouse mode function, energy-saving sleep mode, as well as a rudimentary speaker. The machine sports a fast character 'recognition rate' of 350 characters per minute.
"Laser keyboards are a good solution for so-called 'fat finger' typists who can appreciate a little extra key area," says Micheal Wu, a Uni-smart sales exec at a recent Hong Kong trade expo. "It's also a good option for people who use Android and iPhone cell phones or iPads to get work done, and want to lug as little extra baggage as possible."
Once hooked up, the virtual keyboard is reactive to the slightest touch, and responds with high accuracy. The mouse function is intuitive; one finger controls basic movement, while two fingers allow for scrolling up and down. A beeper notifies the user if the surface conditions aren't up to par with providing adequate sensitivity for typing. It also has a built-in range of adjustable brightness control.
The unit can be found at most online retailers under a range of brand names for under $40, half as much as more expensive models. The company has been offering the product for the last 12 months.
"The technology has come a long way in just a few years, and cheaper models don't sacrifice much in terms of functionality any more," says Mr. Wu.
Customer reviews at major online retailers have been largely positive, crediting ease of out-of-the-box use, compatibility with the latest iPhones and other portable devices, price, and general keystroke accuracy.
Drawbacks include the device's need for a flat, non-reflective area (bedsheet creases, etc. may pose problems), and reasonably dim ambient lighting in order to establish enough visual contrast.
Lastly, some users complained that, like most virtual keyboards, the processor cannot distinguish between finger 'resting' and typing, which can lead to some hand fatigue. Looking directly into the laser may also cause damage to the eyes.
