Something Woody For The Weekend?

Maple neck Guitar (check); Maple PC/Mac Keyboard (check!)   30-Nov-12

This, I like the idea of!

My work, and let's face it, that of *so many* folk these days, revolves around a computer, and my keyboard is a pretty fundamental part of the whole working-on-a-computer shebang.

As one of the primary human/machine interfaces, I try to have some degree of choice over what I use (currently USB wired low-profile Mac keyboards with the numeric keypad, if you were to ask, but I'm sure you're not that interested/bored ;-)
But there's really not much you can do to customise or personalise that interface, given the need for it to still function as an efficient input device. OK, I have been known to prise off the CAPS-lock key to preVENT STUPID ERRORS... but that's about as far as I've gone (no fake-fur or mirrorballs for me).

But I was intrigued to come across an article mentioning these rather beautiful hand-crafted wooden computer keyboards from French company Orée. Their website offers this take from them on the ethos of their efforts...

Orée was born from our observation that modern technology products look very much alike, are highly impersonal, made out of eco-unfriendly materials and are designed for rapid obsolescence.

We set out to do something different: create lasting & personal high performance technology objects primarily made of wood, the most natural, durable and renewable material on earth.

Orée is about reconciling tradition & novelty to create exceptional products through an exclusive combination of timeless woodworking techniques and cutting-edge technologies. All our products are eco-designed, crafted and hand-finished in France.

Can't really fault that.

And I love the idea that my interface with the machine world can become just that bit less sterile and bit more organic.
I reckon the Maple version with Fedra keyboard font... what do you reckon?

More Information

• www.oreedesign.com

Andy McCreeth