OCZ Sabre OLED gaming keyboard announced

OCZ Technology today announced the release of its Sabre multimedia keyboard featuring nine user-programmable OLED hotkeys and includes management software for programming their functionality. Each of the nine keys can convert a digital image or text into icons to uniquely identify individual functions. The main keyboard is backlit with amber LEDs and also features subtle blue sidelights for gaming in darkened environments.

The accompanying management software enables the user to map a set of commands to the hotkeys whether it be simple shortcuts or complex macros. The nine OLED keys' icons and functionality change based on the application being loaded. Launching your favorite first person shooter could trigger a previously programmed series of weapons and tools to be assigned to the hotkeys for example. No drivers are needed as the keyboard comes with its own onboard 128MB flash memory.

Although the obvious application is for gamers, OCZ is also touting the increased productivity possibilities to other users such as CAD professionals and other computer enthusiasts. The ergonomic keyboard is designed to last with keys having a 5-million cycle life and the tilted design and rubber-coated keys are made to give superior tactile feedback without the annoying 'click' sound some keyboards have. OCZ did not disclose availability or pricing.