# Stretchable Rubber Keyboards This Rubber Keyboard is Perfect For Wearable Technology By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2015-12-02 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rubber-keyboard References: [timesofindia.indiatimes](http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/A-flexible-stretchable-rubber-keyboard/articleshow/49990072.cms) & [stretchsense](http://stretchsense.com/) A group of researchers and engineers at the [University of Aucklad](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uchicago-stretchable-display) in New Zealand have developed an incredible runner keyboard that can be stretched and bent. This keyboard is programmable and fully streamlined, and is constructed with dielectric elastomer, a kind of extremely soft, flexible and stretchable rubber. The keyboard consists of two sensing layers that sit within a laminated structure.The layout as well as the quantity of keys can be modified by reprogramming the keyboard, allowing for numerous possibilities. This rubber keyboard will surely be of use in the world of wearable technology. When you think of [wearable gaming gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/onehanded-keyboard-concept) for example, the rubber keyboard would slot in nicely as it wouldn't interfere with players' experience of the virtual world they inhabit. Wearable technology requires wearable peripherals, and this rubber keyboard is perfect for the job. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.0/10 - Popularity: 78% | Activity: 93% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Stretchable Rubber Keyboards:** This stretchable rubber keyboard has the potential to disrupt the wearable technology industry by providing a flexible and customizable input solution. - **Programmable Keyboards:** The development of programmable keyboards opens up opportunities for customizable and adaptable user experiences in various industries, such as gaming and virtual reality. - **Dielectric Elastomer Technology:** The use of dielectric elastomers in keyboard construction showcases the potential for soft, flexible materials to revolutionize input devices in wearable technology and beyond. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Wearable Technology:** The stretchable rubber keyboard has disruptive potential in the wearable technology industry by offering a flexible and user-friendly input solution for wearable devices. - **Gaming:** The introduction of a rubber keyboard allows for a seamless integration of input devices into wearable gaming gadgets, enhancing the overall gaming experience and potentially disrupting the gaming industry. - **Virtual Reality:** The stretchable rubber keyboard can potentially revolutionize the virtual reality industry by providing a soft and adaptable input solution that does not hinder users' immersion in the virtual world. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Inflated Key Cap Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-type-keyboard.md) - [Precision Rubber Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/seaboard-rise-2.md) - [Electronic Ink Keyboard Peripherals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gauge-keyboard.md) - [Glove-Like Keyboard Peripherals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glove80-keyboard.md) - [Multifunctional Hidden Display Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scroom-keyboard.md) - [Compact Cushioned Keyboard Peripherals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hue-bluetooth-keyboard.md) - [Rollable Bamboo Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bamboo-slips-keyboard.md) - [Adaptable Keyboard Peripherals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keyboard-concept.md) - [Screen-Accented Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/touchscreen-mechanical-keyboard.md)