Aself-labelling keyboard?

What is it?

We’re all used to typing on a qwerty keyboard, but we also use the same keys to operate audio- or video-editing software, games and so on, using shortcuts unrelated to the characters written on the keys. A self-labelling keyboard would change to reflect different purposes.

What does it do?

One example appeared in 2007 as part of electronic music company Fairlight’s Xynergi production desk (pictured). Every key on its keyboard was a mini LCD screen showing its function in the current mode. PKT Technologies, a company connected to Fairlight, is currently seeking a manufacturer for a PC keyboard that works in a similar way.

What’s the catch?

The Xynergi cost $20,000 (then just over £10,000), and PKT’S Picture Keyboard won’t be cheap, if it gets made. Simpler ideas include the Sonder E-ink keyboard, with editable black-and-white key caps: priced at a reasonable $199 (£157) without VAT, it’s been “available soon” for a couple of years now.

So can I do without it?

Probably. A more practical alternative is to fit an LED backlight under each key and control their colours from software. ‘Per-key RGB’ is available on USB keyboards like the Logitech G Pro X (£130 from www.snipca.com/35107) and Steelseries Apex 7 (£140 from Amazon www.snipca.com/35109) and a few laptops, including the £2,199 Gigabyte Aorus 15G. The alphanumeric labels don’t change, but with commands typically arranged in patterns across the keyboard, the colour coding may be enough to remind you what’s where. After all, the point of shortcuts is to work quickly using muscle memory, not peer at tiny LCD icons.