While the idea of a touch-based keyboard isn't completely new, the Glass Multitouch Keyboard demoed at CES was quite stunning. What started out as a very successful Kickstarter project back in November quickly turned into an awesome prototype unveiled at CES 2012. Although we aren't too sure how many people would prefer a touch-based keyboard over a tactile one, the Glass Multitouch Keyboard looks undeniably awesome.
Created by Jason Giddings of Giddings Product Development, the keyboard utilizes frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR) technology to recognize key touches across its Gorilla Glass 2 surface area. Although the demo at CES was a non-working prototype, the product is definitely promising. The keyboard will come with Windows and Mac support, the ability to register multitouch gestures, and both wireless and USB connectivity. Giddings also hopes to integrate speakers to produce haptic feedback like the kind found in many smartphones today.
These photos snapped by the folks over at The Verge show the prototype with a laser etched QWERTY setup, but when the product ships it'll come with a variety of custom layouts. The first batch of production models will be given to the Kickstarter backers who funded $250 or more and is expected sometime in May. After that, the product will start shipping throughout Europe for medical use so it may not be available commercially until later on this year.
