The Laser Keyboard Is Coming

A Korean based company named Cellulon is specializing in computer peripheral innovations and their latest product is a keyboard like no other. Forget big keyboards, slim keyboards, forget just about everything about classical keyboards and welcome the laser based optical and virtual keyboard.

The virtual keyboard from Cellulon is an ultra portable setup which uses a proprietary technology called the 3D Electronic Sensor Technology which is used to recognizes locations and movements of fingers and transmit them as data streams to a traditional computer. The new keyboard called Laserkey is the continuation of the first product launched back in 2005 and the manufacturing company added several new features like Bluetooth compatibility and USB connectivity, making the virtual keyboard work on just any flat and solid surface and be compatible with more computer systems.

The light source of the virtual keyboard is provided by a red laser diode that draws the layout of a keyboard on a flat surface and because there are no layout limitations the same unit can use several popular layouts like QWERTY, AZERTY and QWERTZ. A nice feature recently integrated into the Laserkey setup is the possibility to emit a key clicking sound which lets users experience almost the same interaction level that is expected from a traditional keyboard. The system is compatible with multiple operating systems like Microsoft's Windows 2000, XP and higher, Windows Mobile Pocket PC and Smart Phone edition, Palm OS, Blackberry and Symbian.

Supporting interfaces with the host computer include USB versions 1.1 and 2.0 for PCs and Bluetooth version 1.1 class 2 for mobile devices and the Bluetooth mode is also equipped with an active/standby switch. The Laserkey also supports several powering modes such as through the USB bus, another one based on a lithium ion battery or directly from the main power grid via a DC input adapter.