If you need a portable, but full-size PC keyboard, then this roll-up model could be just the thing. Imported from China by online gadget vendor Gizoo, this flexible, 101-key, USB keyboard can be rolled into a cylinder roughly 85mm in diameter.

The vast majority of PC keyboards on the market use a rubber sheet with moulded dimples (these provide the key return spring action) laid over a sheet of simple, plastic membrane switches. On a conventional keyboard these two elements are enclosed in a rigid plastic case and fitted with plastic keycaps.

This Flexible Keyboard from Gizoo does away with these inessential parts by enlarging the tops of the dimples in the rubber sheet and printing the key legends directly onto the rubber surface. This top sheet is laminated onto a lower rubber sheet to form a thin flexible keyboard.

Despite already having a wireless keyboard and mouse system installed we simply set the wireless keyboard to one side and plugged this rubber keyboard into a spare port on our test system's USB hub.

Windows XP recognised and auto-installed the keyboard and it worked flawlessly straight away. At first it feels a little odd under the fingers because, of necessity, the typing surface isn’t inclined like a normal keyboard. Also, without the mechanical guidance of a plastic keycap, the rubber keys tend to tilt a little about their central contact point.

The key legends are clearly printed in white, making them very visible against the matte black rubber background. On most conventional keyboards printed key legends frequently wear off. However, the manufacturer says that a wear-resistant process has been used to print the legends on this keyboard.

One advantage is that this keyboard is quieter than most, so it would certainly lend itself to use in public environments like libraries. Being completely sealed it’s also very resistant to dirt and moisture and can be easily cleaned.

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