Image via Finalmouse
Finalmouse, a brand that specializes in computer mice, has a new product that’s next level: The Finalmouse Centerpiece keyboard.
It’s a keyboard that literally has an interactive screen underneath a layer of transparent keys and switches. It’s probably one of the coolest keyboards ever made.
The Finalmouse Centerpiece keyboard allows for customization via an animated screen. This screen can display things like animations, moving cityscapes at sunset, and more. The announcement video shows off that skins can be swapped at any time. Some are interactive as well. For example, the koi fish skin can cause on-screen water effects whenever a key is pressed.
The Centerpiece is powered by Unreal Engine 5 for its animations. Finalmouse states that artists will actually be able to create and upload their own skins to the display or submit them to the Freenthinker Portal app on Steam once it launches. Up to three skins can be downloaded to the keyboard at one time and can be switched between by using the buttons on the side.
The video also explains that artists can monetize their creations. There was no indication yet as to how that would work, but it looks like there will be an in-app store for skins.
What’s Inside?
Internally, it’s not just a regular keyboard. In fact, the Finalmouse Centerpiece keyboard requires its own CPU and GPU so that it won’t take up resources from your computer. It also looks like there will be a way to play games on the keyboard itself.
The keys are not made from plastic. Instead, they’re made with a type of tempered glass called Laminated DisplayCircuit Glass Stack (LDGS) and are encased in an aluminum chassis.
Finalmouse did confirm that LDGS is “able to withstand intense abuse.” I guess that’s okay for those gamers out there that are a little angrier than the rest.
In regards to competitive gaming, the Centerpiece switches are mechanical. They were developed alongside Gateron to ensure that the response times are fast.
There will be a second Centerpiece model that comes with hall-effect sensors in its switches for people who want even more speed.
Thoughts on the Finalmouse Centerpiece
It sounds like a very cool concept that I’m not sure many people thought about before. Customization has always been a pretty big thing with keyboard enthusiasts. Making a keyboard that is effective and fits your style is a central part of customization.
The Finalmouse Centerpiece keybaord will launch in 2023 and starts at $349.
Until then, check out our other tech reviews for more products to get this holiday season.
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Zainah Yousef
Zainah Yousef is the author of The Fallen Age Saga and specializes in gaming, social media advice, and reviews. She's been writing all her life and she probably won't stop anytime soon.
