Kensington's USB Keyboard: Sleek Design and Integrated USB Hub

Kensington has just released an unusually designed USB-based keyboard, that takes typing out of the routine. The Ci70 Keyboard comes with a sleek design, that integrates two full USB ports for peripherals, conveniently placed at the top of the keyboard.

There are plenty of keyboard models that add extra USB ports, but their placement is at least discouraging, given the fact that they are located in less accessible parts of the device, such as the back or sides. The keyboard also packs a third mini USB port with cable, that lets users rapidly hook up a digital camera without its original USB cable.

In order to keep the workspace clean, the mini-USB cable can be retracted inside the keyboard, then masked by a plastic sliding panel. The keyboard functions as a central hub that lets the user to synchronize their work.

Using two USB 2.0 ports, consumers can enjoy hassle-free content uploading from the flash drive to the computer's hard-drive, without having to crawl under the desk in order to reach a computer port.

The keyboard's design is the result of company's research that unveiled users' preferences when it comes to USB 2.0 devices. For instance, the most common USB 2.0 gadgets carried around during the day are a digital camera, a flash drive, a mobile phone and an MP3 player.

According to Juan Rodriguez, Senior Global Product Manager at Kensington, users expect to be able to download photos, work files as well as to transfer data to and from the home computer in the shortest time possible.

The new Ci70 comes with a third less footprint than an average keyboard, and sports notebook-style keycaps for faster and more comfortable typing than full-height desktop models. The new offering from Kensington also includes a set of multimedia keys on top of the device.

The company did not announce a launch date for the product, but it is expected to arrive soon at about $50.