What we’re going to cover today is laser keyboards and how they work.
Laser keyboards function just like mechanical keyboards by relaying information from the keystrokes to the computer.
Instead of physical keys, however, laser keyboards project a virtual keyboard on to a flat surface.
Let’s dig into this topic in a bit more detail.
How do laser keyboards work?
A laser keyboard is equipped with an infrared red laser diode that spreads a plane of light parallel to the virtual keys. When your fingers disturb the laser field, the information about which key was pressed is sent to the computer to display that letter on your screen.
How does a laser keyboard communicate with a computer?
The laser keyboard is equipped with a diffractive optical element -a small red laser- that projects and expands the image of a QWERTY keyboard onto a flat surface.
As your fingers break the plane of the laser field for each key that you type two different systems within the computer metrics of the keyboard work in conjunction with each other.
First, a Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) optical sensor takes note of where your fingers are placed within the confines of the projected keyboard image.
This then works together with a virtual interface processing core to interpret the keys you intend to type.
This information is sent back to the PC or Mac you have hooked up to the laser keyboard and allows the keys you have typed to appear on the screen.
How do you use a laser keyboard?
To use a laser keyboard, you need to find a suitable flat surface on which to project the keyboard.
If you tried using an uneven or bumpy surface such as your lap, the laser diode field would not function properly. You also need to make sure the surface is non-reflective and opaque. Mirrors are a definite “no” for obvious reasons – the light will be reflected all over the place.
And any surface with complex patterns is also out because the surface will confuse the processing system.
The keyboard projector itself is usually about 4 inches tall and 1 inch deep, stands upright and is facing you.
It then projects the keyboard onto the surface in front of you.
Most laser keyboards are compatible with tablets, desktop computers, smart phones, and PDAs.
Connections can be established via USB cords but are more commonly connected wirelessly with Bluetooth technology.
Once the connection to your computer is established, you are all set to start typing.
Just be aware that getting used to typing on a smooth surface rather than feeling the give of mechanical keystrokes can take time.
How do you connect a laser keyboard to your device?
You need to turn on the laser keyboard and when the indicator light turns blue, you are ready to connect.
If you are using a tablet, PDA, or smart phone, go to your wireless Bluetooth connections and select the laser keyboard from the available devices.
It will need to be paired with your smartphone or tablet to work correctly.
Desktop computers will need to be connected with a USB cord.
Most laser keyboards will come with a USB cable so plug one end into the keyboard and the other into your computer.
Check that you install any required driver software, but apart from that it should be a simple case of plug and type.
What are the advantages of a laser keyboard?
Laser keyboards have many advantages over the conventional mechanical keyboard.
The biggest benefit is the laser keyboard’s portability. Since the entire device is the size of a few packs of gum, it is easy to carry around in a purse or even a pocket.
So that’s a big win for portability.
Laser keyboards are also potentially a more ergonomic option and might prevent finger and wrist strain when compared to what a conventional keyboard would produce.
There is also no mechanical noise associated with a laser keyboard and the maintenance is much simpler without the need to clean in and underneath keys.
Finally, a laser keyboard is waterproof so if you spill your coffee or your dog decides to shake his fur dry right where you are typing, there is no harm done to the keyboard itself since there are no hardwired circuits to damage.
Laser keyboards are also fairly inexpensive, ranging in price from around $40 to $100 depending on the features you need.
Wrapping things up
Laser keyboards are a great alternative to conventional mechanical keyboards.
With the laser projection of a virtual keyboard on to a flat opaque surface, you can use your laser keyboard with a multitude of devices such as PDAs, laptops, desktop computers, and smartphones.
And your next working location is literally anywhere with a flat surface.
There’s also the added cool factor of owning one.
And being able to use a laser keyboard does also make you feel like the future is finally here.
