Nowadays, anyone looking for keyboards is met with RGB, media keys, and special switches. However, this interesting model here is supposed to be super ergonomic. Even if the look still leaves much to be desired.
What is it about? The lalboard is based on the “DataHand.” This is a keyboard from the 90s that was very focused on ergonomics. With the new lalboard, this concept is supposed to bloom again.
And the cool thing is: If you want, you can build the part yourself with the help of a 3D printer. However, it is not that easy.
This is how the lalboard works
What makes it special: The lalboard is designed to provide the user with an ergonomic experience. The hands rest in a neutral position on the designated supports. When typing, you don’t even have to move your fingers from their spots; you only need to make minimal movements on the corresponding keys.
The movements are only a few millimeters up, down, left, or right, depending on the letter or character you want to type. In the YouTube video, you can see how easily typing is done.
The so-called lalboard consists of two parts and is manufactured with a 3D printer. In this work-in-progress version, it looks like a torture device from the Middle Ages, into which the fingertips are clamped. However, the design shown in the video is not final yet.
Anyone familiar with the history of keyboards might already know the design. The lalboard is based on a device called DataHand. It also consisted of two parts. However, production of the DataHand was discontinued in 2008 (via PCGamer).
Source: Ben Gruver (via Github) 
Source: Ben Gruver (via Github) 
Source: Ben Gruver (via Github) 
Source: Ben Gruver (via Github)
The hype behind the keyboard: After the discontinuation of the DataHand, a thread was started in 2013 on the Geekhack forum (via Geekhack.org) that revolves around recreating the DataHand. The tinkerer Ben Gruver has now moved the project to the Hackaday website (via Hackaday.io). There he shows his progress and log posts.
More than 2100 people have already viewed the project on the new website (via hackaday.io).
You can build it yourself: If you are handy and have access to a 3D printer and certain electronic parts, you can also build the keyboard yourself. Ben Gruver explains on his Github page (via github.com) that he designed all parts so that they could be printed with a standard hobby-level 3D printer. On the linked Github page, you will find a detailed guide as well as all parts that you will need to buy yourself.
In the comments of the embedded YouTube video, Ben Gruver explains that building this keyboard is time-consuming. One should not underestimate the work involved.
What do you think of this special design? Is it interesting to you, or do you prefer RGB and current trends? Let us know here on MeinMMO in the comments.
Do you like it extraordinary? Then take a look at this crazy device. A gamepad in hand form wants to be the better gaming keyboard. With 26 programmable keys and an analog stick on the side.
Check out the Azeron gamepad in detail here and see if it’s a purchase for you.
