Art Lebedev has released a mock-up for the cheaper second version of the Optimus Maximus keyboard, optimistically named the Optimus Popularis. There's no word on the exact price (they probably haven't even started firing up the molds), but if it's true popularis they seek, they must come down to Logitech-level pricing.
The Optimus Maximus keyboard made the leap from a super-hyped product that took more than two years to be released, to a super-hyped product loved by the few lucky few who can afford it. Most other people (i.e.
the rational majority, plus a few dedicated haters) have not only been put off by the price, but by the fact that it doesn't discernibly improve the keyboarding experience that much. Just check out out the livid public response when we mentioned its released last month in a post right here.
So unless you're a well-trained media professional, you probably won't get your money's worth.
But we say that customization of basic computing tools like keyboards are an important part of the irrepressible love of gadgetry (see the last two posts below). The Optimus Maximus keyboard, its junior version, and its future copycats will likely stay around.
See also:
The Optimus Maximus Keyboard Is Now Available For Purchase, If You're Filthy Rich
