Keen Toetsenbord by Sho Okura is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award in Zilver in Computers en Randapparatuur Ontwerp Competition Category.

ZilverComputer· 2026

Keen Toetsenbord

by Sho Okura

Client: Sho Okura

A' Design Award in Zilver Winner in Computer Category

20,284
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #174654

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Keen Toetsenbord

Keen is een computertoetsenbord ontworpen voor kantoortaken waarbij regelmatig moet worden gewisseld tussen cijferinvoer en muisbediening. Het numerieke toetsenblok is aan de linkerkant geplaatst, en het linkergedeelte volgt de invoerlogica van de linkerhand. Deze indeling zorgt ervoor dat de rechterhand op de muis kan blijven en vermindert handbewegingen. Bolvormig concave toetskappen sluiten aan op de vingertoppen, terwijl vlakke toetskappen geselecteerde toetsen markeren zodat er blind kan worden getypt. Vier functietoetsen kunnen naar wens worden aangepast. Het aanslaggeluid blijft tussen de 25 en 30 decibel.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in Zilver

Keen Toetsenbord is winnaar van de A' Design Award in Zilver, een buitengewoon prestigieuze erkenning die wordt toegekend aan topontwerpen die prachtig en indrukwekkend zijn. Winnaars in Zilver zijn enorm briljante en uiterst creatieve werken die de uitmuntende expertise, het talent en de scherpzinnigheid van hun ontwerpers illustreren. Keen Toetsenbord wordt verwacht een prachtig paradepaardje te zijn dat opmerkelijk professioneel en diepgaand innovatief is. Dit ontwerp dat de A' Design Award in Zilver heeft gewonnen, is een hoogst opmerkelijke, bewonderde uitvinding die baat en de grenzen van kunst, wetenschap, ontwerp en technologie verlegt. Keen Toetsenbord is een zeer benijde creatie die verlangens oproept, positieve gevoelens brengt en verbazing en verwondering doet ontvlammen.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The keyboard, by redefining traditional keyboard layouts, offers a more efficient solution for office users who require frequent switches between number input and mouse control. It relocates the numeric keypad to the left side, and fully optimizes the layout and functionality of the left hand side, facilitating easy switches among keys so that the right hand can focus on mouse control. Differentiated keycaps, a low noise design, and an antibacterial material further ensure comfort and health.
Dimensions & Packaging: 25*388*96mm
Tags: Layout Optimization of Left Hand Side, Innovative Left Side Numeric Keypad, Customized Function Keys, Differentiated Keycaps , Low Noise
Production Technology: The spherical keycaps with a concave surface closely fit the fingertips to offer a more comfortable and natural typing experience. Certain keys boast a flat keycap to set them apart from those with a spherical one, assisting users in blind operation for improved efficiency. Moreover, the keycaps are specially added with antibacterial silver ions to effectively inhibit bacterial growth, hygienic and safe.
Design Challenge: The challenge was how to better serve efficient office workers like programmers and financial personnel. This product, taking into account the operating habits and input logic of the left hand, fully optimizes the left hand side and cleverly relocates the numeric keypad to the left side so that the right hand can focus on mouse control, ensuring the coordinated work of two hands. The frequently used symbol keys are ingeniously rearranged, potentially doubling working efficiency.
Research: Traditional keyboards are not friendly for users who require frequent switches between the numeric keypad and the mouse with the right hand, often causing wrist fatigue and shoulder or neck stiffness. The left hand side with scattered function keys leads to low switching efficiency. This product, prioritizing ergonomics and efficiency, enables the left hand for number input and the right hand for mouse control. This minimizes unnecessary movements and ensures smooth operation for efficient work.
Inspiration: With a user centered approach, the keyboard relocates the numeric keypad to the left side, and adopts an innovative layout based on the operating habits and input logic of the left hand. This allows the right hand to focus on mouse control, and reduces hand movements and key switches, thus enhancing working efficiency. Considering user health, the product minimizes keystroke noise while ensuring typing comfort, eliminating noise interference to create a quiet, comfortable working environment.
Project Duration: The project started in Japan in May 2023. The product was launched in Japan in June 2025.
Operation Flow: The keyboard features four customized function keys for common shortcuts, contributing to convenient office work and meeting individual needs of users.
The product, with an inclination of minus 6 degrees, perfectly fits the natural curve of the wrists of the user during operation, enhancing comfort of use.
The optimized switch structure reduces keystroke noise to a range from 25 dB to 30 dB while ensuring typing comfort, greatly eliminating noise interference.
Team Members: Okura sho