An all emoji physical keyboard is being offered by EmojiWorks. The company just started to accept pre-orders at $80 regardless of the model. However, during regular sale, the three-tier pricing applies.
There are three keyboard models, according to NBC. The Basic keyboard has one emoji for each key. The Plus, which costs $90, has two emojis per key and the $100 Pro keyboard has three emojis per key. However, it is unsure if the new versions of the keyboards would include the 2016 emoji candidates.
According to Engadget, the Basic model has 47 emojis, the Plus has 94 and the Pro 120. It supports Mac, Windows and iOS using Bluetooth. But the tech website notes the keyboard is targeted for Apple device users as it points to its similarity to the Apple wireless keyboard and it used the Apple-designed emojis rather than other interpretations of the emoticons.
Engadget even hinted that it could lead to a patent lawsuit, pointing out that "the icons were paid for and designed by the company, and it has every right to protect its investment."
EmojiWorks will start shipments of pre-ordered keyboards by December in time for the yearend holiday.
For users of the Plus or Pro keyboards, they can select the specific emoji by holding down a special key that corresponds to the position of the emoji. That means using the unicorn or sparkle emoji is as easy as typing the dollar sign or capitalizing a letter in a regular keyboard.
Users of the special Emoji keyboard could choose the skin tone first and then post a face or body part. It functions like a standard Bluetooth keyboard, which means the user could occasionally type a peace sign instead of a "W," or a hot dog rather than the ampersand (*).