In 1986, IBM released the now-familiar 101-key keyboard, with its function keys across the top. Other vendors added their own twists such as the 102-key keyboard with function keys down the left side. But the keyboard users still enthuse about today was the Northgate OmniKey.
Creative Vision Technologies’ Avant Stellar keyboard, is the direct descendant. After a brief segue through various forms of ergonomic keyboard such as the Microsoft Natural Keyboard (released in 1999), many users today gravitate towards wireless keyboards. Companies as diverse as ViewSonic, Microsoft, Logitech, and Belkin produce wireless units using radio frequency or Bluetooth to connect to the PC. Layouts have changed surprisingly little, however.