We're in the process of finalizing our 5th generation prototype and thrilled about a new feature: threaded inserts! According to our knowledge this makes the Ultimate Hacking Keyboard the first keyboard ever that is mountable to external objects. "What external objects?" - you may ask. Think about things like a tilt stand, a kiosk or the arms of a chair. As usual, we have some pictures to show you the gory details.
It's easy to spot the 4 threaded inserts per keyboard half:
Same deal with the bottom part of the keyboard halves removed:
This makes the shape of the PCBs crazier than ever before:
We're super excited about this feature and the possibilities it'll bring. We expect the 5th generation prototype to be the last one before the campaign because we have to kickstart this project eventually. Regardless, we'll keep you posted so let's stay in touch!
4 Responses
Looks like a great way to get palmrests to tilt the keyboard back like the MS Natural 4000. Been thinking about 3d printing something like that if I get my hands on this keyboard and this would make something like that much easier. Great innovation!
Reference: http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/_base_v1//products/natural-ergonomic-keyboard-4000/mk_nek4000v2_otherviews01.jpg
I was hoping to see makers like you to create such accessories so I'm really happy for you comment, Jerry! In any case, we're planning to design a tilt stand and make it a stretch goal of our campaign.
Actually, the Kinesis Evolution keyboards were not merely mountable, but even actually sold as either track-mounted or chair-mounted as well as stand-alone. Unfortunately, Kinesis stopped making them more than 15 years ago. So, perhaps the keyboard you are designing will be the first mountable keyboard of the 21st century. :-)
http://www.micwil.com/images/blurb/kinesis_corporation_evolution_chair_mount_keyboard_200x200.jpg
http://www.micwil.com/images/blurb/kinesis_corporation_evolution_track_mount_keyboard_200x200.jpg
Great find, Dave! This keyboard does look familiar to me so I'm sure I've seen pictures of it but I wasn't aware that it's mountable. It's surely a kind of its own. Well, I guess we're still happy with the "first mountable keyboard of the 21st century" title. :) Thanks for the clarification!