Gaming keyboard and related methods
A gaming keyboard and related methods are disclosed that provide features to enhance the computer gaming experience. A keyboard connection pod is disclosed that improves power capabilities of the keyboard thereby allowing for enhanced features that require more power. A panic mechanism is disclosed that can be triggered to cause one or more selected keys to change states. Keycap rim-lighting is disclosed that provides improved visual indication of key positions. A hand registration enhancement is disclosed including a spacebar having a thumb notch and/or WASD and spacebar keys with different tactile response than other keys. Function keys are disclosed that are positioned proximate to allow reduced movement of the left hand. An integrated cord wrap tray is disclosed for a peripheral such as a mouse. Other features and variations are also disclosed.
1. A gaming keyboard having a user initiated key response system, comprising:
a keyboard without a display comprising a plurality of keys; the keyboard being configured to communicate with an external host computer system to provide gaming controls;
a trigger mechanism within the keyboard, the trigger mechanism configured to receive user initiated input and configured to output a signal when a predetermined user input is received during gaming, the trigger mechanism comprising one or more sensors located within the keyboard to detect the user initiated input; and
a key state change mechanism associated with the keyboard, the key state change mechanism being configured to operate in response to the output signal from the trigger mechanism to cause a change in state with respect to a predetermined set of one or more keys, the change in state providing key identification feedback to facilitate registration of a user's hand with respect to the predetermined set of one or more keys, and the change in state comprising a tactile change in state, and the trigger mechanism being separate from the predetermined set of one or more keys;
wherein the predetermined set of keys change state for a period of time before returning to their initial state.
2. The gaming keyboard of claim 1 , wherein the keyboard further comprises a palm rest, and wherein the trigger mechanism comprises a pressure sensor located underneath the palm rest.
3. The gaming keyboard of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined set of keys includes the WASD keys.
4. The gaming keyboard of claim 1 , wherein the change in state further comprises a visual change in state.
5. The gaming keyboard of claim 1 , wherein the trigger mechanism is voice activated.
6. The gaming keyboard of claim 1 ,
wherein the predetermined set of keys change state at least two times before returning to their initial state.
7. The gaming keyboard of claim 1 , wherein the period of time for the keys to remain in a changed state is programmed by the user.
8. The gaming keyboard of claim 1 ,
wherein the predetermined set of keys is made of a different material than other keys.
9. The gaming keyboard of claim 8 , wherein the predetermined set of keys is made of a metal material.
10. The gaming keyboard of claim 9 , wherein the tactile change comprises a temperature change.
11. The gaming keyboard of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined set of one or more keys is programmable by a user.
12. The gaming keyboard of claim 1 , wherein the tactile change in state comprises vibration.
13. The gaming keyboard of claim 1 , wherein the tactile change comprises a temperature change.
14. A method for responsively changing key states, comprising:
communicating gaming controls during gaming from a keyboard without a display to an external host computer system;
receiving a predetermined user trigger input with a trigger mechanism within the keyboard, the trigger mechanism comprising one or more sensors located within the keyboard;
generating an output signal from the trigger mechanism based upon the predetermined user trigger input;
changing a state of a predetermined set of one or more keys in response to the output signal input, the change in state providing key identification feedback to facilitate registration of a user's hand with respect to the predetermined set of one or more keys, the change in state comprising a tactile change in state, and the trigger mechanism being separate from the predetermined set of one or more keys; and
returning the predetermined set of one or more keys to their initial state after a period of time.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the receiving step comprises receiving a signal from a pressure sensor located underneath a palm rest for the keyboard.
16. The method of claim 14 , wherein the receiving step comprises receiving a voice signal.
17. The method of claim 14 , further comprising allowing a user to program the predetermined set of one or more keys.
18. The method of claim 14 , wherein the tactile change in state comprises vibration.
19. The method of claim 14 ,
wherein the predetermined set of keys is made of a different material than other keys.
20. The method of claim 19 , wherein the predetermined set of keys is made of a metal material.
21. The method of claim 20 , wherein the changing step comprises changing temperature of the predetermined set of one or more keys.
22. The method of claim 14 , wherein the changing step further comprises changing a visual state of the predetermined set of one more keys.
23. The method of claim 14 , wherein the changing step comprises changing temperature of the predetermined set of one or more keys.
24. The method of claim 14 , further comprising changing state of the predetermined set of keys at least two times before returning to their initial state.