In my ever-present search for the best keyboards (yes, I have a problem) I was pleasantly surprised to find one in my email the other day that no only looks great, but is environmentally-conscious as well. The company is called iZen Bamboo, and its latest project is a keyboard that closely mimics Apple’s nearly-iconic Bluetooth device.



But the company has done some things that even Apple hasn’t, and that’s what made it special enough to bring to you on TNW. First off, it’s made of 92% bamboo, and it’ fully recyclable. Of course, none of that matters if the keyboard itself sucks, but this one appears to be pretty great. It’s Bluetooth, like Apple’s version, but goes the extra distance of including a rechargable Lithium ion battery. Charging happens via a USB 2.0 30-pin cable, identical to the ones that you are already using for your iPhone or iPad.

Now here’s the kicker – you can’t buy it just yet. The team tells me that they have a couple that are fully functional and have been used for testing, but there’s a Kickstarter campaign to bring the iZen Bamboo keyboard to market. The company does make other products, such as a couple of iPad stands and an iPhone case, but the keyboard is its biggest challenge to date. With 21 days left in the campaign, the iZen Bamboo team is about 1/4th of its way to its $18,000 project goal.

So for now, adding the iZen Bamboo keyboard to my daily use is just a pipe dream. But it’s one that you and I can both help make into a reality. If you’re as addicted to chiclet-style keyboards as I am, and wouldn’t mind throwing mother nature a bit of respect while you’re at it, head over to Kickstarter and help out the iZen Bamboo team. If I get one in my hands, we’ll do a full review and find out if it’s really as good as it looks.

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Logitech has always been the go-to brand when it comes to keyboards and mice. They always have great products and products geared towards both gamers and casual users. The keyboard we are checking out today is more for casual users, but still has some great features. It has laser-etched backlit keys with adjustable backlighting, Logitech’s Incurve keys, hand proximity detection and did we mention it is wireless?






Information: With automatic backlighting and hand proximity detection this sleek, comfortable keyboard delivers a brilliant typing experience—day or night.


Laser-etched, backlit keys
You can type easily—even in the dark—with brightly backlit keys that provide precise illumination. Only the characters are illuminated, so you can see just what you need to see without distraction.


Adjustable backlighting
The keyboard automatically adjusts the backlighting to suit the lighting conditions. Or you can adjust it the way you like it with the press of a button.


Hand proximity detection
Sensors detect your hands as they approach the keyboard to turn the backlight on and off.


PerfectStroke™ key system
The PerfectStroke key system distributes typing force evenly across key surfaces, making every keystroke comfortable, fluid, and whisper-quiet.


Logitech® Incurve keys™
Durable concave keys position your fingers properly, and their softly rounded edges invite your fingertips to glide from key to key, hour after hour.


Fast, easy recharging
You simply plug in the universal micro-USB cable for three to six hours for up to 10 days of battery life.* You can even type while it’s recharging.


Sleek, streamlined design
With sleek lines, a clear edge, and low-profile keys, the keyboard adds style to your workspace—whether you’ve got a laptop or desktop.


Logitech® Unifying receiver
The tiny receiver stays in your laptop. Plus, you can easily add a compatible wireless mouse or keyboard—without the hassle of multiple USB receivers.


Logitech Advanced 2.4 GHz wireless
So you can work or play in more places—like your comfy couch—the long-range wireless connection virtually eliminates delays, dropouts, and interference.


Easy storage
You can store your keyboard standing up to free up space on your desk.


Power management
An on/off switch helps you go longer between charges, while power indicator lights eliminate surprises.


Easy wireless setup
You simply plug the wireless receiver into a USB port on your desktop PC or laptop for a fast, reliable connection right out of the box.


Full-size layout
All the keys are right where you’re used to so you can type quickly and comfortably.

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