How did our keyboard layout come to be? Is “QWERTY” a result of long hours of research on the best type of input layout and the fastest means of data entry, or is it simply a fluke of design?

                                             The standard QWERTY keyboard on a Sony Vaio laptop.

Well, as with most things, specific keyboard layouts has their own adherents and opponents, and is usually selected based on availability or on preference. The “Wolf-King” keyboard is a gaming keyboard that uses two semi-qwerty layouts seemingly jumbled together into two circles arranged side by side. The left circle also contains the function and number keys, arranged in the same circle.

                                             The prototype Wolf King keyboard.

No doubt some thought has been put into the design of this big jumble of keys, but I fail to see how I can get used to typing on what essentially is a dual keyboard. Of course, this is where the “preference” part comes in – some people who put in the time can definitely learn how to maximize speed and productivity, and yes, gaming ability on this unique keyboard.

                                             The Wolk King's predecessor, the Wolf Claw II.

Like the Dvorak layout keyboard, key placement differs radically from the “standard” QWERTY, yet a lot of fans claim that the Dvorak keyboard offers huge typing-speed increases, once the user is familiar with the layout. Of course these people were probably touch-typists to begin with – In my case I can’t even take my eyes off the keyboard for more than a few seconds before I become disoriented.

                                             The Dvorak "Simplified" keyboard confuses the heck out of me...

Only time will tell whether this prototype keyboard will have a good reception, but in the meantime, for those who’s not satisfied with the standard, some products such as the Optimus Maximus keyboard gives you ultimate flexibility, but at a huge price.

                                            The Optimus keyboard has individual OLEDS on each key enabling ultimate customization.