There has been a lot of buzz around the new Optimus Keyboard. It’s been mentioned on many blogs and more than one podcast in the last month. Looking at the pictures has really sparked my imagination of what might be possible.
When new technologies (such as this keyboard) come out how do you know if they will start a new trend or only be a fad? Always keep in mind that using the right (and most efficient) tools for the job is a must. If the keyboard dramatically increases productivity and makes it easier to interface with your computer then I would predict this product and others like it will be commonplace in the future. Look at how quickly the mouse wheel became a must have feature, once you became reliant on the wheel there was no going back. Shortly thereafter you found them from every vendor in every consumer electronics store.
At this early date I am not convinced that the Optimus Keyboard is that sort of “must have” technology. It does have great potential for helping people in light 
of the growing complexity of support documentation. Many tutorials could take advantage of this technology by lighting up the keys that the student should be pressing next.
The software developer is no longer restricted to a single keyboard configuration. Look at the quake example, this is only one of many applications that can now use the keyboard in very proprietary ways. Gamers will have custom layouts making the experience more seamless and therefore more engaging. In the end this should drive more sales of both gaming hardware and software.
As for me, I would like to see a keyboard set up to remind me what all the vi commands are. Modern IDEs have many refactoring and other features that are hidden away under various key stroke combinations. As a regular user you can not depend on marked keys and remain highly productive but as a new user they would be a great help.
For now I will wait and see.
of the growing complexity of support documentation. Many tutorials could take advantage of this technology by lighting up the keys that the student should be pressing next.
The software developer is no longer restricted to a single keyboard configuration. Look at the quake example, this is only one of many applications that can now use the keyboard in very proprietary ways. Gamers will have custom layouts making the experience more seamless and therefore more engaging. In the end this should drive more sales of both gaming hardware and software.
As for me, I would like to see a keyboard set up to remind me what all the vi commands are. Modern IDEs have many refactoring and other features that are hidden away under various key stroke combinations. As a regular user you can not depend on marked keys and remain highly productive but as a new user they would be a great help.
For now I will wait and see. 